[bali]

My AP has saved us lots of money on hotel discounts this past. I got a great rate at POR in the Spring, and when my parents and I went last year, we had two rooms at the Coronado Springs and saved about $700 per room! The room discounts have definitely already paid for the AP.

FYI, I believe you can take advantage of AP discounts with just a child's AP; this is a somewhat evasive way to do it, but it's a possible budgeting tip.

Also, remember that AP discounted rooms are never guaranteed. There are some months when they don't even come out, and some months when very few discounts are offered. You need to be flexible in your hotel plans, because discounts usually don't come out until 30 days before the discount begins, and at that point most folks already have their resort booked. Book room-only, and when the discounts come out, call Disney Reservations right away (only a few rooms at the discounted rate are available) and have your reservation transferred to the discounted room. Be prepared for the possibility of having to switch resorts to get a discounted rate.

Check Mousesavers.com for some past AP discount room rates and availibilities. Mary also has a great historical chart showing dates that AP discounts have become available throughout the past few years so you can plan accordingly.

I must warn, though, having an AP in your pocket makes a very tempting reason to schedule MORE TRIPS TO WDW!! :)