New Passholder Best Rate Program

[Jekyll Baker]

Just saw this topic on another site/forum and didn't know if anyone here knew about it yet.

This is from the Passholder page:

Planning a vacation in a few months? Then it's time to try our Passholder Best Rate Program! Now Passholders booking a Disney Resort room online under the Passholder Best Rate Program at disneyworld.com/passholders can rest easy knowing they have received our best room rate offered to the general public* at that time for the room and nights booked. And, if we subsequently reduce our room rate to the general public for the same room and nights you booked online under this Program, we will automatically reduce your room rate to match that lower rate.

Rooms must be booked at least 120 days in advance and, unlike our normal cancellation policy, a non-refundable deposit of 1-night's room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. Currently this program is only available for arrivals through 12/19/05. The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited and rooms are not available every night. This Program is subject to change or discontinuance at any time and without notice.

* Does not include group rates, auction rates or rates conditioned on group/club memberships or other specified eligibility requirements.



It's access through the passholder section of disneyworld.com, and let's you book through what looks like the regular booking engine. I looked at it briefly, but since AP rates for 120 days away haven't really been announced, it gives rack rates. So you'd be leaving it up to Disney what price you end up paying.

I dunno 'bout 'dis. What ya'll think?

 

[wannabeBelle]

This is completely correct. The only catch is that if you are rooming with someone EVEYONE in the room must have all the same components of the package going in. You can upgrade on an individual basis once you are on property. Belle

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey Mousemerf, I agree with you about the value in a product thing. I do think Disney is worth rack rate and I am grateful for the discounts that I do get. But I can tell you that without these discounts I know I wouldnt be able to afford to go to Disney as much as I currently do. If I dont go as much as I currently do, I may not need my AP hence the non renewal thing. Well if going to Disney is not as easy as it once was, lets look at some other options that are available etc. Do you see my line of thinking?
Hey Rob, Welcome to the boards!!! I thought about the number of WDWMagic People as quoted. Please remember this only represents usually one person per household!!! Im sure if you counted the total number of family & friends that accompany us on our trips it would be probably much higher!!!! Belle

 

[TeeCeeFitz]

Thank you everyone!!

I have some thinking to do on this subject. This new AP discount policy has me rethinking my plans, as probably everyone else is!
I don't mind reserving 120 days out if I know that I will get some sort of discount at booking. I normally travel "Solo", so I am more flexible with my plans.
Now I also must weigh, weather to get the AP & DDE up front & book when I get my voucher.

Boy does this get more confusing every day!! :hammer:

 

[tecowdw]

OK folks some of the discounts have hit the system!!!! I ran a moderate resort for Oct 18th-22nd. The regular room rate I got for a standard view room was $664.56 with no discount, $486.16 with the Passholder Best Rate discount. I also ran a waterview for the same dates and got $735.92 without a discount and $557.52 with the Passholder Best Rate discount. Near as I can tell this would represent a savings of 26-28% give or take ( If anyone is better at Math than me please double check me!!!) Please remember some of our concerns over non refundable deposits and change fees stil have not been addressed but it is nice to see that Disney seems inclined to at least let us book at a discount to begin with!!! Belle

Has anyone heard if any AP rates (less of a discount obviously) for this time frame are available from CRO?

 

[mom_rules]

Does anyone else think the rates under this programs aren't too bad?

Currently AP rates get you a flat $ off-say $75 for a deluxe per night right?

Aren't you getting a better deal under the new plan already?

What am I missing?

 

[sleepybear]

I don't think the rates are bad at all. I looked at the rates for Wilderness Lodge expecting the worst, and found they were quite good.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Does anyone else think the rates under this programs aren't too bad?

Currently AP rates get you a flat $ off-say $75 for a deluxe per night right?

Aren't you getting a better deal under the new plan already?

What am I missing?

For most people the following points
1) Booking 120 days out is prohibitive for some
2) the non-refundable deposit, if your trip gets cancelled for ANY reason the one night's deposit is forfeit
3) The modification fee of $50.00 for any changes to your ressie, including adding on people, adding nights onto your stay, upgrading resort etc. We have been told that these changes would not have the modification fee of $50.00 but I would prefer to have that in writing. With my luck Id get the one CM who didnt get that particular memo!!!

Those seem to be the big points at the moment. Originally when this plan we introduced the rates that were coming up were no different than rack rates. Now they are certainly in line with the normal passholder discounts given previously and MAY have the option to go lower. THAT I can deal with!!!! Belle

 

[wannabeBelle]

I am enclosing this quote from an E mail a member of the DisBoards received in response to his written E mail to Disney. I just dont know what to make of this one and it appears to be completely legit!!! Any thoughts?? Belle

"I am just going off of what I was told in the email response I got from WDW Guest Mail regarding my question "Will they automatically match any AP Code Rates that may be released?" which is this:
Dear MAGICX2,
Thank you for contacting the Walt Disney World® Resort.

If you make a reservation on the passholders website, they will not adjust the rate to match a passholders rate when it is released.
Reduced rate are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to availability.

If you have questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.
Please include your full name, E-Mail address, and reservation number if
applicable on all
correspondence.

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Gail Williams
WDW Online Communications

To me this says that they WILL NOT match AP Codes that are released. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is exactly what she says.
This little asterick is found in the description of the plan:
* Does not include group rates, auction rates or rates conditioned on group/club memberships or other specified eligibility requirements.
Are they telling me this because technically AP Holders are a group rate/group membership?"

 

[gullyf]

To me this says that they WILL NOT match AP Codes that are released. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is exactly what she says.
This little asterick is found in the description of the plan:
* Does not include group rates, auction rates or rates conditioned on group/club memberships or other specified eligibility requirements.
Are they telling me this because technically AP Holders are a group rate/group membership?"

I think they are telling you that the only people who know the whole story are the bean counters sitting on their treasure chests high above the Magic Kingdom in Cinderella's Castle... and they aren't ready to divulge anything to the masses below just yet...

 

[JPVonDrake]

NEW INFO on Passholder Best Rate Program

First and foremost the Official word from WDW Marketing…

“The Passholder Best Rate program is an enhancement to the current Passholder program. This is not a replacement.”

(waits for everyone to sigh in relief… :lol: )

Next, if you notice all the disclaimers on this Program state:

“The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited and rooms are not available every night.”

If you click “Book Now”, and enter your dates, etc. an offer comes up with one of two different disclaimers.

If when your rate offer comes up and it states above the quote:

“Passholder Best Rate Program – Rooms must be booked at least 120 days in advance and a non-refundable deposit of 1-night’s room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. Currently this Program is only available for arrivals through 12/19/05. The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited and rooms are not available every night. This Program is subject to change or discontinuance at any time and without notice. Passholder must present valid Pass at check-in. Please check our Terms and Conditions for important information.”

This means you are booked with the Passholder Best Rate Program, are subject to the non-refundable deposit policy, modification fees, and cancellations policies and penalties, and if a general public offer is released that is lower then the rate you booked at, your rate will be reduced to match.

If when your offer comes up and it states above the quote:

“A Passholder rate is not available for the date and resort you selected and we have returned a standard rate below. To search for the Passholder rate, please modify your date or resort.”

You are NOT booked with the Passholder Best Rate Program, and your rate will NOT change. So the letter that wanabeBelle posted is correct. Payment, modification, and cancellations are the same as any other online offer, note that this is still different from a phone offer. Per Terms and Conditions for a Rack Rate Online offers required:

A deposit of 1-night’s room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. In order to receive a full refund of your deposit, notification of cancellation must be received at least 46 days prior to your arrival date. To cancel or modify an existing reservation, call (407) 939-7429. The cancellation and refund policy is subject to change.


Hope this helps! :sohappy:

 

[JPVonDrake]

....To me this says that they WILL NOT match AP Codes that are released. Correct me if I am wrong, but that is exactly what she says.
This little asterick is found in the description of the plan:
* Does not include group rates, auction rates or rates conditioned on group/club memberships or other specified eligibility requirements.

Are they telling me this because technically AP Holders are a group rate/group membership?"

Yes, this is correct. Passholder offers are restricted to "specified eligibility requirements" meaning you must have an active Annual Pass or Exchange Certificate to book this offer.

If you book a rack rate offer when a Passholder offer was not available for the date and resort you requested, you are not booking with the Passholder Best Rate Program, and your rate WILL NOT change.




To help explain the above disclaimer, some examples of exclusions include:

Group Rates - Guest requires 10 or more sleeping rooms and meeting space, conventions, Fairy Tale Wedding groups, corporate events, etc.
Auction Rates - Expedia, Travelocity, etc.
Rates conditioned on group/club memberships - AAA, etc.
Other specified eligibility requirements - basically a catch all. Includes Travel Agent or Airline Employee offers, Disney Company Employee offers, Florida Resident offers, Passholder offers, PIN offers, etc.

The above is by NO MEANS an all inclusive list. Note this is different from one of my earlier post about General Public Offers.

Hope this helps. :sohappy:

 

[dxwwf3]

“The Passholder Best Rate program is an enhancement to the current Passholder program. This is not a replacement.”

(waits for everyone to sigh in relief… :lol: )

:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

A fell alot better right now that you have confirmed this. Thanks alot.

 

[JPVonDrake]

More Good News!

NEW Official word on the Passholder Best Rate Program Modification fee:

A Modification Penalty of $50 will be charged for any changes to the length of stay, party size, room type, resort, arrival/departure dates, or to change child’s age. If the total package price is the same or higher, the modification fee is waived. All modifications must be made by phone, and can be made up to the day prior to arrival.

 

[dxwwf3]

NEW Official word on the Passholder Best Rate Program Modification fee:

A Modification Penalty of $50 will be charged for any changes to the length of stay, party size, room type, resort, arrival/departure dates, or to change child’s age. If the total package price is the same or higher, the modification fee is waived. All modifications must be made by phone, and can be made up to the day prior to arrival.

The good news just keeps on coming. I still hope that this never fully replaces the old way, but if it does it won't be NEARLY as bad as it originally sounded.

 

[wannabeBelle]

First and foremost the Official word from WDW Marketing…

“The Passholder Best Rate program is an enhancement to the current Passholder program. This is not a replacement.”

(waits for everyone to sigh in relief… :lol: )

Next, if you notice all the disclaimers on this Program state:

“The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited and rooms are not available every night.”

If you click “Book Now”, and enter your dates, etc. an offer comes up with one of two different disclaimers.

If when your rate offer comes up and it states above the quote:

“Passholder Best Rate Program – Rooms must be booked at least 120 days in advance and a non-refundable deposit of 1-night’s room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. Currently this Program is only available for arrivals through 12/19/05. The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited and rooms are not available every night. This Program is subject to change or discontinuance at any time and without notice. Passholder must present valid Pass at check-in. Please check our Terms and Conditions for important information.”

This means you are booked with the Passholder Best Rate Program, are subject to the non-refundable deposit policy, modification fees, and cancellations policies and penalties, and if a general public offer is released that is lower then the rate you booked at, your rate will be reduced to match.

If when your offer comes up and it states above the quote:

“A Passholder rate is not available for the date and resort you selected and we have returned a standard rate below. To search for the Passholder rate, please modify your date or resort.”

You are NOT booked with the Passholder Best Rate Program, and your rate will NOT change. So the letter that wanabeBelle posted is correct. Payment, modification, and cancellations are the same as any other online offer, note that this is still different from a phone offer. Per Terms and Conditions for a Rack Rate Online offers required:

A deposit of 1-night’s room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. In order to receive a full refund of your deposit, notification of cancellation must be received at least 46 days prior to your arrival date. To cancel or modify an existing reservation, call (407) 939-7429. The cancellation and refund policy is subject to change.


Hope this helps! :sohappy:

First of all : :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: that we have JPVonDrake to help us out with the latesty, greatest and most accurate information!!! I understood almost all of your post JP but I had a few points that have confused the heck out of me.

How is the letter I posted correct unless the guy DIDNT book a room?

Also are you saying that this offer CAN Be cancelled with 46 or more days notice with a full refund?

Thanks again as always for all your hard work on our behalf. I know I absolutely appreciate it!!! Belle

 

[wannabeBelle]

NEW Official word on the Passholder Best Rate Program Modification fee:

A Modification Penalty of $50 will be charged for any changes to the length of stay, party size, room type, resort, arrival/departure dates, or to change child’s age. If the total package price is the same or higher, the modification fee is waived. All modifications must be made by phone, and can be made up to the day prior to arrival.

:kiss: :kiss: :kiss: Belle

 

[JPVonDrake]

Please read in your best David Letterman voice....

Top 5 Reasons why this cannot replace the current phone-in options:

5. Not everyone has access to the internet

4. Not everyone has a credit card in their name or trusts to use it over the internet for fear of ID thief.

3. Not every family can fit on one room.

2. Often more passholder rooms are added to availability for the next 30 days or less to help fill empty rooms.

And the number one reason why Disney will not eliminate passholder discounts by phone:

1. Many Passholders make last minute trip bookings. (Every Thursday - Friday, about half my calls are for "do you have any rooms for tonight?" or " this weekend?" :lol: )

:sohappy:

 

[JPVonDrake]

First of all : :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: that we have JPVonDrake to help us out with the latesty, greatest and most accurate information!!! I understood almost all of your post JP but I had a few points that have confused the heck out of me.

How is the letter I posted correct unless the guy DIDNT book a room?

Also are you saying that this offer CAN Be cancelled with 46 or more days notice with a full refund?

Thanks again as always for all your hard work on our behalf. I know I absolutely appreciate it!!! Belle

If when you check availibility and the rate quote comes back with a Passholder discount, the offer will state that you are booked with the "Passholder Best Rate Program" - if you choose to book this discounted offer, your rate is guaranteed to be the best rate offered to the general public, your deposit is non-refundable, and modification fees may apply if you change your reservation.

If when you check availibility and the rate quote comes back and states:

“A Passholder rate is not available for the date and resort you selected and we have returned a standard rate below. To search for the Passholder rate, please modify your date or resort.” - if you choice to book this standard rate offer, you are NOT on the Best Rate Program, you can cancel your standard rate room up to 46 days in advance and get a refund, and most important your standard rate will NOT change automatically, YOU must personally call Disney and try to modify your reservation based on the current availibility of discounted rooms at the time of your call.

I hope this clairifies my previous post! :sohappy:

 

[fjm777]

JPVonDrake,

I have tried to get a rate for weeks in Nov and Dec and am not having any luck it keeps saying...

"A Passholder rate is not available for the date and resort you selected and we have returned a standard rate below. To search for the Passholder rate, please modify your date or resort. "

Do I keep hitting blackout dates or what? Where can I see they dates I <b>CAN</b> select? This is very frustrating.

Thanks

 

[wannabeBelle]

If when you check availibility and the rate quote comes back with a Passholder discount, the offer will state that you are booked with the "Passholder Best Rate Program" - if you choose to book this discounted offer, your rate is guaranteed to be the best rate offered to the general public, your deposit is non-refundable, and modification fees may apply if you change your reservation.

If when you check availibility and the rate quote comes back and states:

“A Passholder rate is not available for the date and resort you selected and we have returned a standard rate below. To search for the Passholder rate, please modify your date or resort.” - if you choice to book this standard rate offer, you are NOT on the Best Rate Program, you can cancel your standard rate room up to 46 days in advance and get a refund, and most important your standard rate will NOT change automatically, YOU must personally call Disney and try to modify your reservation based on the current availibility of discounted rooms at the time of your call.

I hope this clairifies my previous post! :sohappy:

OK Now I think I gotcha, If the passholder rate ISNT available for the dates selected it would become just the same as if you booked the trip online. The booking then is subject to the same limitations ( 46 day cancellation etc) that a regular Non discounted package is correct??
Also the best Rate Passholder rooms are still totally nonrefundable correct?? Belle