[tinkerbell]

Ok I just about have DH ready for AP's .. but can anyone tell me if there is always a resort discount or only at certian times do they give discounts to AP holders? and besides reduced rates on rooms what are the other discounts for AP holders?

[disneydana]

We were going to buy AP's before our last trip to utilize the discounts. The discounts came out very last minute and I'm not sure that there were any the month prior to us going. When I tried to book the rooms, they were all gone. They only reserve a certain number of rooms on AP discount. Needless to say we didn't get AP's (at least I was able to get AAA rate).

I don't know if this happens often or not. Our trip was in Oct. when the Fairy Tale Package was going on. I kept reading how unusual this was and that it seems Disney is going to be offering less discount rates. I hope this is not the case because I would like to consider AP's again for our next trip.

[tinkerbell]

So there isnt a regular AP discount for rooms? I thought that like the Disney club membership there was at least a regular 10% discount all the time if you had AP's

[disneydana]

Unfortunately they don't have a guaranteed discount on rooms. (I do think you get a discount at some restaurants, though). I'm certainly no expert on AP's so hopefully someone knows how often they come out with AP rates or has some other info. I'd love to explore them again for our next trip.

[roncss]

Tink:
From what I have been able to put together, AP room discounts are about like airline ticket prices; highly variable. If a given resort is lagging in advance reservations, then a deeper discount and/or more rooms set aside.
Our plan for next spring is to get the AP voucher in March and then watch like a hawk for the discount announcement and grab the best value from our "hit-list" of resorts. We shall see how that works.
Ron

[iluvwdw]

Hey Tink! I have some info on the AP's for ya. You need to go for at least 8 days in a given year in order to break even for the AP's. Discounts are USUALLY given in Value seasons, and the discounts are usually GREAT...up to 45% off of regular rates, which is amazing! There are all sorts of other perks with the APs...check out this link from Deb's All Ears website...it will give you ALL the info you ever want to know about APs! ;)

All Ears Annual Pass Info

[tinkerbell]

thanks ya'll ..since we normaly stay at least 7 nights / 8 days I need proof for DH that getting the AP's would be worth it. I have been pushing that we go twice in 2004 and that with the AP's it would be much cheaper for us to go more then just once. I have a friend in S.Ca. who wants to go in April/May and then Dixie and her family can only go in August.. so in order to be there both times .. its gotta be an AP right? mm April / May might be value season so there might be a deep discount then.. and maybe August too .. I remember the FTP was for last August.
I am rambling. I just have been craving a trip to WDW sooooo very bad and need a date and count down to look forward to *grin*

[MickeyMac]

April is peak season, decidedly NOT a discount month. I want to say there were no AP discounts for most of the month last year (on rooms) That's always subject to change, however.

If you do plan on it, and DO have the Disney Club, RUN to the Disney Store and get them before the end of the year and the Disney Club goes away - you'll loose that discount on them.

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by MickeyMac

If you do plan on it, and DO have the Disney Club, RUN to the Disney Store and get them before the end of the year and the Disney Club goes away - you'll loose that discount on them.

lol dont think I could run that far .. the nearest disney store is I think in Dallas .. which is nearly 250 miles west, not worth the drive all the way over there for the discount really

[roncss]

Originally posted by MickeyMac
April is peak season, decidedly NOT a discount month. I want to say there were no AP discounts for most of the month last year (on rooms) That's always subject to change, however.

Last year (2003) the break from Peak to Regular Season was 4/26-4/27. In 2004, the break is 4/17-4/18. I understand that there were few if any AP discounts during the Peak Season. I do understand that there were AP discounts available for the start of the Regular Season. Perhaps Mickey has a bit more detail on the discounts and dates. At any rate, the Regular Season will start earlier this next year.
Ron

[tinkerbell]

what about august ..thats off season isnt it?

[roncss]

Originally posted by tinkerbell
what about august ..thats off season isnt it?

Tink, it gets just a tad more confusing on that end. Here goes:

For Value and Moderate Resorts: Regular Season 4/18 to 8/28 and Value Season 8/29 to 9/29.

For Deluxe Resorts: Regular Season 4/18 to 7/4 and Value Season 7/5 to 9/29.

Hope that helps.
Ron :)

[tinkerbell]

thanks roncss
lol I dont know ..maybe we will forget it and get a package after all .. or wait and get the AP's later if we end up staying 2 or 3 weeks like we want to

[crystalrp]

Someone on another board was saying there should be new rates out on the 9th. Keep your fingers crossed that they are right!!! (I need a good AP rate to stay at AKL)

[tinkerbell]

Originally posted by crystalrp
Someone on another board was saying there should be new rates out on the 9th. Keep your fingers crossed that they are right!!! (I need a good AP rate to stay at AKL)

my fingers are crossed .. I loved the AKL .. and want to stay there again ..but if we can get some really good AP rates for August, I would like to split our stay between the Contemp. and a value resort. I have my youngest granddaughter in my corner when it goes to family vote *grin* :) so the worse it can be is a 2 way tie.
If the rates are out on the 9th .. I can book our trip for August as soon as I get home and not suffer too bad from PDD !