Booking thru Disney (& AAA & AP Q's)

[StephAus]

Ok, firstly hi all! I've been reading the forums for a while, but this is my first post.

My sister & I (22, 21) are planning a trip to include Disneyland, oddly enough! (& DCA), but it'll still be over a year away, hoping for very early Jan 2010. And we'll prob get a 3 day park hopper, but will be in Anaheim for about 5 or 6 nights.

We (well more so I) want to stay at the PPH, for a 100% Disney experience, seeing as neither of us has been before. I have been looking at $$ for early Jan 2009 to get an idea and they are around $300 a night (room only)- eeek! So here come the Q's,

I was thinking about getting an AP to save on the hotel (and then on food as well). Does anyone know what the AP rates for the PPH are for early Jan? Or are there any other ways to get a better rate? I have the Aus equivalent of AAA, but have not seen it mentioned on the Disney site.

I really doubt I'd get a cheaper rate thru a travel agent here in Aus, but what about the Disney specialists, like Small World Vacations? Are they able to offer cheaper rates for Disney-owned hotels, or is that mainly for the good-neighbour hotels?

If we end up booking a package thru Disney would they require the total payment up front, or just a deposit and the balance to be paid by day of travel or something?

Wow, that's alot of Q's! Any insight would be much appreciated!

[jenpace]

You can call 714-956-6425 and select the option for Annual Passholders. Ask what the "AP 7" rate is for the days you're interested in. You don't have to have an AP to make a reservation at the special AP rate, just when you're checking in. You can even purchase the AP at the hotel.

The current policy is that you need to pay for the 1st night at the time you make your reservation. The balance can be gradually paid off or you can pay it off upon check-in.

Have a great trip :)

Jenn

[Malcon10t]

AP rates usually only come about 2-3 months early. You can't book rooms until about 9 mos out. AP rates for PPH for Jan 09 are in the $215 range. They just came out. So, in about a year, you should be able to find the rate for your dates.

[StephAus]

Thanks for your replies!


AP rates usually only come about 2-3 months early. You can't book rooms until about 9 mos out. AP rates for PPH for Jan 09 are in the $215 range. They just came out. So, in about a year, you should be able to find the rate for your dates.

Am I right in thinking that around the 2nd week of Jan is the beginning of the "off season", so there shouldn't be a problem getting a room?

[Malcon10t]

Am I right in thinking that around the 2nd week of Jan is the beginning of the "off season", so there shouldn't be a problem getting a room?Off season will probably start around Jan 4th. Shouldn't be big problems getting rooms then.