Originally Posted By Dabob2 I believe I've read that you don't actually have to live in SoCal to get the SoCal AP, yes? If that's true, I have some questions about the value of possibly getting an AP that I hope some kind person(s) in the know will answer. We're hoping to be at DLR in late Feb. or early March of '06. Perhaps 3 nights/4 days at the GCH. Seeing how a SoCal AP is less expensive than a 3 or 4-day hopper (yes??) and we would probably go Wed-Fri (i.e. no blackout dates, yes???), then that seems like a good enough deal on its own. So 1). any disatvantage to an AP vs. a park hopper on a Wed-Fri? The only one I can think of is no unlimited fastpasses (if we booked through AAA) - any others? 2). How far in advance do they typically release GCH rooms at the AP rate? And what could we expect those rates to be? Looking at the Disney, AAA, and expedia sites, they're all at pretty much full rack rates now for early March, but I know that's typical this far in advance. Would, say the first Wed-Fri. in March be likely to have rooms at AP rates eventually? 3). Could we book the room now to be sure we got it, then call back later to try to get the better AP rate? If so, when should we call back? Thanks for all your help.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe Well, I have had APs for years now, and to be honest, I have never been lucky enough to get an AP rate! Kind of frustrating at times!!
Originally Posted By raer I believe that you have to show proof that you live in cetain zip-code areas to get the So. CA AP. As far as ap hotel rates, they usually release them at the first of the month for that specific month.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <I believe that you have to show proof that you live in cetain zip-code areas to get the So. CA AP.> You'd think so, but I thought I remembered reading that they'd sell one to anybody. I could be wrong. At any rate, the lowest-priced non-SoCal AP might work anyway. <As far as ap hotel rates, they usually release them at the first of the month for that specific month.> Shoot. Our most probable dates would be March 1-3 (!). When might they release those?
Originally Posted By raer You could book your hotel for your dates & they will offer you the standard ap 10%. Then you could keep calling back to see if they lower the rates & change your reservation then. I have done that several times just to insure my dates & get the best rates.
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy I have used AP night rates so far this year in: January (MLK weekend) at the DLH, March at DLH, June at PPH, and September (Labor Day weekend)at PPH. In May I used the AP 10% off discount for a suite at DLH, and in November I have the Grand booked thru Expedia using their buy 3 nights, get the 4th free. If a better AP night rate comes up for my nights, I will switch over. So, yeah, without the great AP rates, I wouldn't go as often.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe Wow...lucky you for getting such great rates! I'm going to have to start calling on the 1st of the month...no wonder I never get the rates....I always wait for the flyer and then they are all GONE! Thanks for the heads up everyone!
Originally Posted By Dabob2 <You could book your hotel for your dates & they will offer you the standard ap 10%. Then you could keep calling back to see if they lower the rates & change your reservation then. I have done that several times just to insure my dates & get the best rates.> When you do that, do you call as if you're making a new ressie and then if you find out the rates have changed you tell them at that point you want that rate on your previous ressie; or are you upfront right from the get-go and tell them you already have a ressie and are checking to see if you can get a better rate?
Originally Posted By raer No, I usually ask to check the rates for the dates that I am going. If the rates come up less, then I ask them to switch over my reservation rates.
Originally Posted By ploeb909 If you call now, they are offering $89.00 during the week at the PPH. Good luck! I am interested to find out about expedia! Can they ever beat the AP night rates?
Originally Posted By mickeynewe Expedia doesn't beat the AP rates. The lowest I've ever gotten off Expedia was $108.00 a night, and you still have to pay the "resort" fee once you check in like you normally would with a direct reservation.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe They won't offer those rates until February 2006. If you need specific dates, its best to make a reservation now to hold the dates and then check back later for AP rates.
Originally Posted By Dabob2 So I guess my questions now are down to: So 1). any disatvantage to an AP vs. a park hopper on a Wed-Fri? The only one I can think of is no unlimited fastpasses (if we booked through AAA) - any others? 2). What might be a reasonable expectation for an AP rate at the GC if in fact I can get AP rate for the first week (Wed-Fri) in March? If I had a rough price I could reasonably expect to pay, it might tell me if getting an AP would be worth it. Thanks!
Originally Posted By ploeb909 Did you say "Reasonable"? Not at the GC. Just kidding! I think the cheapest rate I have ever seen at the GC is like $179.00 a night, I could be wrong.
Originally Posted By iDisney72 <<o 1). any disatvantage to an AP vs. a park hopper on a Wed-Fri? The only one I can think of is no unlimited fastpasses (if we booked through AAA) - any others?>> Early Entry might be going on if you are staying at a DLR hotel. Other than that, the discounts you get on dining may be more worth upgrading at the begining of your trip. <<2). What might be a reasonable expectation for an AP rate at the GC if in fact I can get AP rate for the first week (Wed-Fri) in March? If I had a rough price I could reasonably expect to pay, it might tell me if getting an AP would be worth it. Thanks!>> We got GCH in May for $169 a night. I believe some LPers like SuzieQ have never paid more than that, booking last minute through Expedia, but if you are planning a trip in advance it may be harder to get rates like that, also depending on when you go.
