Annual Pass Room Discounts

[KeithVH]

So how does the AP discount work? Here's the scenario - we're doing the first week of December and another in April 2015. At the least. Technically, 2 trips is break even for the price of 2 passes as opposed to just buying 2 full one week passes.

BUT. If we add in the 25% room discount for the AP, a much better deal.

Sp let's say we complete the transaction online in June or July. Even though I haven't claimed the actual pass and had my picture taken, as soon as I make the online purchase, do I have the ability to reserve a room with the pass? Do I have a number or something that can be referenced to get the discount or must I actually claim the pass before i can take advantage of the benefits?

 

[Californian Elitist]

I would call and ask, unless someone here knows the answer.

 

[KeithVH]

I would call and ask, unless someone here knows the answer.

Yeah, I know, but tomorrow is such a long time away. Honestly. I figured the innertubes had the answer somewheres here. Yes, I need to grow a crop of patience.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Yes, you can book an AP discount room even without an actual AP. My TA was able to do that for me. You just have to show the AP the first day you're there or you'll get charged the difference in rack rate. Also, the AP year begins when you turn in your voucher and get your pass. Also, I've read in several places that if you activate a new AP (not renew an existing one) on a block out day you'll be able to go in the gates that day. Even tho it's supposed to be blocked. We have deluxe AP vouchers. The Saturday we arrive is a deluxe AP block out day. Supposedly if we activate that day we'd still be able to go into both parks that day. We hadn't planned to go in the parks on our arrival day but I may try it before closing just to see if I can.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

As mentioned, my TA booked us. I'm not sure you'd be able to access the AP section online to book yourself. You may have to call to make the reservation.

 

[coachwnh]

As mentioned, my TA booked us. I'm not sure you'd be able to access the AP section online to book yourself. You may have to call to make the reservation.

Im surprised your TA could do that for you. When we got our APs last summer, we could not do a DL AP room only discount because we did not have a DL AP. This is different from WDW. In WDW, you can book the AP room only offer, but we were told not in DL. We booked a room only discount, and bought our APs, once we arrived in DL (we got Premier passes and they are activated the day you purchase them) but only got a AAA discount which was less then the AP offer. Maybe since we did the Premier pass, that didn't allow us to do it. Glad it worked for you.

 

[thomas998]

So how does the AP discount work? Here's the scenario - we're doing the first week of December and another in April 2015. At the least. Technically, 2 trips is break even for the price of 2 passes as opposed to just buying 2 full one week passes.

BUT. If we add in the 25% room discount for the AP, a much better deal.

Sp let's say we complete the transaction online in June or July. Even though I haven't claimed the actual pass and had my picture taken, as soon as I make the online purchase, do I have the ability to reserve a room with the pass? Do I have a number or something that can be referenced to get the discount or must I actually claim the pass before i can take advantage of the benefits?

Only flaw in your logic is that you will get a better deal using an AP than if you don't have one. If you watch for special offers and keep an eye on room on sites like travelocity you can sometimes get better deals than the AP will get you.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Im surprised your TA could do that for you. When we got our APs last summer, we could not do a DL AP room only discount because we did not have a DL AP. This is different from WDW. In WDW, you can book the AP room only offer, but we were told not in DL. We booked a room only discount, and bought our APs, once we arrived in DL (we got Premier passes and they are activated the day you purchase them) but only got a AAA discount which was less then the AP offer. Maybe since we did the Premier pass, that didn't allow us to do it. Glad it worked for you.

I'm not exactly sure how we got the discount initially because I didn't book it. My TA was able to get the AP discount for us & we hadn't even bought our vouchers yet. I know we got it, tho, because at the time she booked it there was no GP discount for our dates. The only discount at the time was 15% for AP. She sent me a confirmation and the total was definitely less than rack rate. When the next round of discounts released they weren't even posted and I received an email from my TA telling me I'd be getting a $400-something to my credit card. I think we ended up with 25% off. I don't know how she does any of it. I'm just grateful! Doesn't cost me anything to have such an awesome chicka looking out for me!

 

[KeithVH]

Thanks everyone for the info. We've sworn off Orlando for quite a while (too much decline after 17 years). And Anaheim is a quick flight for us so DL it is.

Everyone's responses seem in line with what our research shows but it is great to have a confirm from y'all. Special thanks to Sweetpee for that nugget about when the AP year starts. We're now realizing 3 trips may be possible within one year!

 

[BubbaQuest]

I'm pretty sure I needed my AP number when booking the hotel with the discount. Definitely give the reservation folks a call. I have found them to be incredibly helpful and willing to take the time to find answers to all of my questions.

As someone else mentioned, the 25% discount is based on the DL listed price. I've often found the actual discount to only be about 10%-15% better than the standard Expedia price, and the discounts may not be available all the time. However, the in-park food discounts can be a nice perk.