How do room only annual pass discounts work at WDW? From what I am seeing current discounts only go through the end of September. Are there always discounts and I just have to wait for the next batch to be released or do they only do them at certain times of the year?
I am asking because DVC isn't able to give us out last couple of nights on our November trip and we are discussing our options. We are most interested in one of the princess rooms at Riverside.
Thanks so much for any assistance!
They don't always have AP room only discounts, and they sometimes don't offer them at every resort.
I usually book with the AAA discount and then cross fingers that an AP or general public room only discount will come out.
Is the free dining discount available for your dates? If its not, there is a lower chance that a room only discount will include the dates. (based purely on logic, I haven't gone back and evaluated the overlap/gaps since they started with the free dining discounts.
This is the only resource that I know of that lists historical information for discounts: http://www.mousesavers.com/historica...ort-discounts/
Do read carefully the website disclaimers regarding the historical discount information.
“When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” - Roy Disney
Ive been in this same situation myself. I would book your DVC room and then book another room somewhere else, within your price range, for the last few nights. After that, wait till AP discounts are announced and then see what you can find then.
You might also ask DVC about discounted cash rooms through them as well.
Also, I have had times where I wanted an AP discounted room. Checked DVC, Disney Online, Disney via Phone, and a TA directly. Going through DVC got me the discount that I wanted. Then again, sometimes going through the TA got me what I wanted.
But the main thing is at least getting a room to complete your trip. Consider any discounts just extra pixie dust.
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
Thanks so much for the information. We have booked rooms at the Dolphin. We've stayed there a couple of times before for quick trips. We love the location and like the hotel, so we are not too sad about Plan B already, we are just hoping to do a bit better. Calling DVC is a great idea too. I tried them once for discounted cash rooms and it was a little silly. We'll give you a $500 a night Deluxe resort room for $450! Yes, it's a savings, but not really what I was looking for. This situation is a little different though, so that could really make a lot of sense.
I don't want to say that others are wrong, but my personal experience with AP discounts differs a bit. Every time I've needed an AP discount it's been available. Sometimes it's kinda last minute, but I don't think I've ever paid rack rate for a room at WDW. As GusMan said, book the best room you can get, and then wait for the discounts. Disney is excellent at changing over to newer discounted rates.
Good luck!
Dan
The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.
- James Taylor
And even if there isn't an AP rate advertised, it never hurts to ask... and keep asking every week till you leave for your trip...
The search function is like the Force. It may take practice, but the more you use it, the more control you will have over it!
Usually it's been AP discounts are released last. Keep your eyes open. For instance a late summer promo the royal rooms are $176 and the same time frame for AP is $162. So book what comes out and keep trying.
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