[rlb]

Do annual pass holders get special rates at Disney resorts?

[Metalfan]

Yes we do. It varies by the season, but in value season it's a good discount. Apparently there is word now of a flate discount rate for the whole year, but who knows.

[mickaholic4077]

I wouldn't stay at a Disney resort without them!!!(7 times last year for a total of 11 nights in all).

[Captgoodguy]

We just returned from All Star Movies last night and our daily rate for the room was $49. You can't find that price at a cheap hotel outside the parks. It definitely pays for itself in more ways than just the admission price.

We also get a 10% discount at the World of Disney store at DTD. I usually wait and buy all my merchandise there during each trip.

[rlb]

Does everyone in your party have to be an annual pass holder or if I have an annual pass can those going with me get tickets with a package and will we still get the room discount. The room will be booked in my name.

[Metalfan]

Originally Posted by rlb

Does everyone in your party have to be an annual pass holder or if I have an annual pass can those going with me get tickets with a package and will we still get the room discount. The room will be booked in my name.

The person who makes the reservations I believe is the only one who has to be. But I would call them, because I still haven't figured out how everything works with the new packages and stuff.

[Captgoodguy]

One person can book multiple rooms at the discounted rate but I'm not sure how many you are allowed. The last time I checked with Disney, the rooms had to be in the passholders name.

[aubriee]

The Codes for APs have been great. I just got back Jan 15th and was offered a values for $49.00/night and a moderate for $79.00/night, but went with a courtyard view at WL for $149.00 and a savanna view at AKL for $151.00/night. I got the Disney Dining Experience card for $50.00 (elegible because of my AP) and saved an average of $12.00-$14.00 per meal at the partcipating restaurants. I also got 10% off at the store in Rainforest cafe and at the downtown Disney store. I also got the Richard Petty Driving Experience at a discount (didn't get to do it because of rain, but that's another story). There are alot of other perks for AP holders, but I can't think of them right now. An AP holder can book up to three rooms using their discount, but must be present at the time of registration. When CRO made my ressis they sent the one for WL in my son's name and the one for AKL in my name. I called them and they said no problem as long as I was present when we registered. When we checked in at the WL, all I had was the voucher. I told the CM and she said no problem and didn't even ask to see it. A few days later when we checked into the AKL however, the CM asked to see my AP. My AP more than paid for itself with just the room discounts.

[MissDisney]

Wow! aubriee! your post is VERY informative and has helped me make the decision to get the passes! And one other note: because you now have to pay a little extra for the "no-expiration" option on new PH passes, it seems like the AP might be an even better deal, anyway!

[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!! :)

[aubriee]

Originally Posted by bali

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.

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

When I made my ressies and told them I wanted to use an AP Code, the CM was very specific in saying that you must be 18 y/o to book a room and some 'adult' in the party must have an AP. He said that in the past people had tried to book using a child's AP and that would not work. He said frequently at check-in they will not ask to see the pass, but then again frequently they do and if an adult in your party does not have an AP you WILL be charged full rack rate. When I was down there Jan 9th-Jan 15th the WL did not ask to see my AP, but the AKL did. Be careful!!

As far as the AP tempting you to make more frequent trips, you are SO right! I gave both my sons trips to WDW for Christmas. The youngest and his wife couldn't go in Jan because she's 8 months pregnant. So they chose to go in Sept around their anniversary and when the baby's older. I took my elder son and GD two weeks ago. Even though the AP more than paid for itself in the first trip, I felt like I need to get as much out of it as I can, so am making solo trips down there in May and Dec. Four trips in one year and this from someone who had never been until two weeks ago. I was home two days before I made ressies at POP Century for May 14th-May 21st. Am I turning into a Disney freak?

[bali]

Originally Posted by aubriee

When I made my ressies and told them I wanted to use an AP Code, the CM was very specific in saying that you must be 18 y/o to book a room and some 'adult' in the party must have an AP. He said that in the past people had tried to book using a child's AP and that would not work.

Four trips in one year and this from someone who had never been until two weeks ago. I was home two days before I made ressies at POP Century for May 14th-May 21st. Am I turning into a Disney freak?

Thanks, Aubriee, for posting this. I didn't think the child's AP would work, but I was contradicted on another board by a travel agent who said her clients always got away with it. Ethically, I don't think this should be an option, so it's good to hear that CMs are cracking down and insisting that an adult have an AP to get the discount.

And there's nothing bad about being a Disney freak! We're going down the 14th-21st, too!! Have a great time!! I definitely think I've gotten my money's worth from this AP... now I just have to decide whether I want to renew it or not... .

[MagicalMoments]

Originally Posted by Captgoodguy

One person can book multiple rooms at the discounted rate but I'm not sure how many you are allowed. The last time I checked with Disney, the rooms had to be in the passholders name.

In March we are going with another family. Since I am an annual passholder, can I reserve our friend's room and get an AP rate for them? We are staying at AS Sports and they are staying at Port Orleans. Would the rooms have to be in my name and I pay for them?

[MagicalMoments]

Originally Posted by MissDisney

And one other note: because you now have to pay a little extra for the "no-expiration" option on new PH passes, it seems like the AP might be an even better deal, anyway!

What does no expiration option mean? Haven't heard of this.

[missyfoo]

Can you use the AP discount together with a florida resident discount?