My Thoughts on AP Rates

[fjm777]

<b>The Florida Res Rates were released but no AP Rates? </b>

<b>The last few years haven't they come out at around the same time?</b>

Last Year AP Rate came out on 8/25 Fla Res Rate on 8/26.
In 2003 AP Rate came out on 8/28 Fla Res Rate also 8/28.


<b><h4>Could it be that the Passholder Best Rate Program changing to 60 days from 120 days was <u>IT</u>?</h4></b>
<b> It did happen at about the same time.
And it would make no since to change the Passholder Best Rate Program to 60 days and then offer phone rates for the same time frame. Why not just leave it alone and then offer the phone rate?

Any Thoughts?</b>

Hope I'm Wrong.
Thanks

 

[Chris_TX]

I couldnt disagree more with the whole thinning the herd kind of thing for AP holders.

Then I'll go by what you think, Belle. You always seem "in the know".

I agree, I normally only go to WDW once every 2 years or so. But I'm thinking of buying an AP, so I know I'll go several times a year. I do have a CM cousin, but I can't bug him about getting me a room all of the time...plus they only have a set number of nights they can get room discounts on each year. I definitely need some sort of AP discount. Without a room discount, I might be forced to stay off-property -- and I think the beancounters know this, too.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Not only off property but maybe not in the area of Disney at all!!! THAT is what they would be worried about the most. If I am recalling correctly, the Parks are the number one moneymaker in Disney's empire. If people start determining that Disney doesnt want the business anymore, some people may choose to stay off property using frequent flyer miles for resorts that have the programs to allow for a decreased or free rates for the family vacations. Also some may decide for the same amount of money they can go to someplace else such as the Islands, Europe etc. Disney is well aware that they are in competition for vacation dollars as surely as any other vacation destination. They are quite different than a beach trip but I dont think that will allow the market to bear a full priced Disney trip every two to three months which is what I have been averaging. I know I couldnt do it. I wish I could afford that!!! I dont think that Disney made theinvestment with the BRP to look to cut out AP holders from the discounts nor to try to eliminate us. I think that Disney is looking for new and better ways to make whatever discounts it can available to us, in a more timely manner and in a format that is easier to use. It also frees up a CM in CRO to sell a trip to someone who might be a newbie and may need some more guidance than someone like me!! I look foward to many happy years or AP renewals in my future!!
As far as being in the know, I do try. Hey everyone needs a hobby right??? Belle

 

[mhead]

I couldnt disagree more with the whole thinning the herd kind of thing for AP holders. I honestly think that with the BRP Disney is showing the AP holders that it wants to make it EASIER for us to book trips long term and not make us wait for codes and have to call that day at 7 am to get the rooms we want!!! As far as people who want to call in a bit closer, I think that just remains to be seen. I think this is a learning process for Disney as well and if the BRP doesnt get the numbers that they had hoped, call in rates may continue to be offered so as to get those last minute weekend trips!!! Belle

I think you are most likely correct, but they really should eases the non-refundable thing. That is what makes many apprehensive to book.

 

[wannabeBelle]

I think you are most likely correct, but they really should eases the non-refundable thing. That is what makes many apprehensive to book.

I completely understand your point. I booked a hotel room for my trip to Indy to go see the Off Kilter Boys and if I have to cancel I have up till I think it was 24 hours prior to arrival to do so!!! So in that area Disney is far stricter even at 5 days, than the industry average. That having been said, I have heard tales of AP holders who will book a number of rooms at different resorts and then just cancel out the ones that they dont need 6 days out from their arrival!!! I think this is being done at least in part to discourage that practice. Just as a thought, how would you ( everyone feel free to chime in) Feel about this being more like the packages that are offered now?? Namely you put down a certain amount of money at or very close to the booking date and everything has to be paid and finalized at 45 days prior to your trip? This might accomplish both goals of giving people a bit more flexibility while still eliminating the book and ditch practices. A thought for Marketing to consider............ belle

 

[shoppingnut]

I think that the thining of the herd is not what they want because we are a built in audience that they can count on making trips several times a year and generally in off times. The AP's will make trips no matter what, I made a trip in december right after 9/11 when lots of folks weren't flying and half the plane was empty. So don't think the bean counters don't realize that, which is very important because we support them during their "lean times." So this year they are having a good year, will that last, they don't know and don't want to anger the regulars. I could understand the thining of the herd in California where things are very very different then Florida.

I believe with the BRP, they are trying to come up with a system that we can have access to making our ressie's without having to call and annoy CRO with the same question every morning "are the rates out yet." This way they can save money by reducing the amount of CRO employees answering the phones because the AP folks aren't calling constantly. Universal offers a specific hotel discount for their AP folks which is set at the beginning of the year, but they have far less rooms to fill. Disney has many more rooms to fill and to do it they have to work their discount plan differently.

I would like to see the removal of the non-refundable deposit as I believe it scares people off. I also think that they went to the 60-day because people weren't booking at 120 days which I think is way too far in advance for many people. I also would like to the see the BRP website work better, I always have problems when I go on the site and it rarely works for me and I am not alone in that I know others who have problems with it. The site needs to be fixed.

 

[tigger1968]

My family is coming in October for a Grand Gathering, and we are part of that bunch that is trapped in the black hole in early October. We couldn't use BRP when it came out, and still can't now, since we are staying the 7th thru 15th. I think that the lack of any rates so far to fill in that gap has been the most frustrating thing for us. Everyone else seems to have access to some rate or another, but not anyone coming down the 5th to the 19th. On that note, I saw a "black hole" thread on DisBoards that was two pages long already with people stuck in that same position.

I seem to remember reading that there was word that AP rates would always exist in some fashion thru CRO, because not everyone may have internet access. Any thoughts on this anyone?

Finally, I have to agree, the thought of a non refundable deposit on my trip is very off-putting. Do they still charge for modifications though?

 

[SusanAnne]

Discounted rates?

Not sure what the discounted rates are called, but does anyone know if Disney will be offering them for the beginning of 2006. The one they had last year really saved us alot of money and we were able to stay at the AKL.Thanks

 

[wannabeBelle]

The only rates that are available for that time frame right now are the AP Best Rate Program. As far as if any other rate programs are coming out, that no one here would be aware of. The Catch22 here is that if you wait and see you may not be within the time frame to book the Best Rate Program for AP holders online!! Hope this helps!! Belle

 

[wannabeBelle]

Please read this!!! Very Important!!:
http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?threadid=62092
Belle

 

[Jackobark]

this is so frustrating. I posted on the other 2 threads about a call I made. Well, all this talk has gotten me wound up so I called again. I talked to a guy this time and he told me the same thing the lady did. " We were told today that AP rates have not been discontinued, codes for the latter part of the year will be released soon." I told them I heard the AP rates were being done away with and the response was "We have had alot of calls about this because the rates are normaly out by now but not to worry they will be out soon" This is the only info I have to offer but it is from the mouth of Disney Reservations.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Still taking our chanes and holding out for a good rate Jan 4th to 11th. We are DVC, but would love a good rate to save DVC points. We need more and are always in a constant state of borrowing, would like to fix that.

However if we can't get a good AP rate I think we just get what ever DVC is avilable. They all are great.

I am hoping for good rates though. :sohappy:

 

[AEfx]

Bottom line discounted rates are not guaranteed.

That statement really should end the discussion, but I guess some people have different AP's than we do that say otherwise, judging by the huge negative response the topic gets.

Do I like discounts? Sure, but Disney doesn't promise them, and I'd never book a trip that I couldn't afford on the gamble that they would be released.

I'm sorry some people gambled and lost, but no more sorry than someone who puts a quarter in a slot machine and loses - it's the risk you take.

AEfx

 

[fjm777]

Do I like discounts? Sure, but Disney doesn't promise them, and I'd never book a trip that I couldn't afford on the gamble that they would be released.

I agree! I bought my AP because I was planning on being at WDW two times during the 12 months. I have already been twice and have the thrid one booked. Without AP rates I still saved lots of money but I have gotten some great room discounts as well.

Of course I spent a lot of money at WDW. I would say we both came out ahead.