AP or Package

[instidude]

I am looking for some advice from anyone who visits more than once a year and stays on site. I am planning two week long visits in May 2003 and Feb 2004. Since they are within 12 months of each other, I am pretty sure that an Annual Pass would be a better deal for me than a package using a Disney Club discount. But, since they usually don't publish AP room rates, I was wondering about how much discount off rack rates have occurred in recent years.

With two small kids (they'll be 5 & 3), I like to stay at the Contemporary for convenience. My guess is that I can get some very good discounts in February, but I am not so sure about May.

I would appreciate any advice from anyone with experience on this.

Thanks.

 

[disneydentist]

If you go over to www.mousesavers.com you will find all the various discounts that have been available since early 2001. She also has the rack rates for the rooms. With a little work you can see when and how much you can save. As a rule of thumb the AP have been running up to 45% depending on season and resort. If I recall other discussions correctly, you break even on an AP after eight days. We always book our components separately.

 

[hadleybarth]

My guess is That you will be better of with the APs (we alawys have been). However, I have seen very few discoutns for the Contemp lately. I think this is becuase all of the Shades of Green people are being placed there while Shades is renovated.

We usually have better luck with the AP discoutn than others, but are actually using a Disney Club discount in November (same rates and better availability). You can still get Disney Club room rates without a full package. It is always officially a package, but they just tack on some little something (usauuly entrance to the Wide World of Sports) to make that happen (at no extra charge).

 

[Donald_Quackers]

From what I understand, you should also be able to call and get AP rates for rooms. You don't need an AP to make the reservation, but you do need it when you check in. I'm not sure if you need to activate your AP or if you can just use an AP voucher at the resort, though.

 

[Jimmy]

Definitely buy the AP and use your AP discounts. Up to 45% off will save you tons of money. Even if you did not buy an AP, it is always cheaper to forgo the package and book things separately.