Starting to understand the frustration with AAA

[jdd]

I just got off the phone, again, with my AAA TA. I was so excited to book this package through them in January, but it has really been a hassle ever since!

First, I called about the package deal that came out for Spring - I think it would only have saved me about $50 - but she had no idea what I was talking about (she was still thinking the free park hopper and water parks). After a 30-minute phone call, and getting nowhere, I just dropped it (not worth the $50 to me!)

Now, she's telling me Disney won't honor the $25 gift card deal! There was an ad back in January, saying if you booked your vacation by 1/31/07 through AAA, you would receive a $25 Disney World gift card. She said, and I quote "Disney doesn't have to honor anything if they don't want to". So, I'm supposed to believe that they run these ads, and then don't come through on them!! Maybe I'm naive, but I really can't believe Disney would do that. I think she dropped the ball somewhere.

Anyway, just wanted to vent. I know none of this is a whole lot of cash, it just leaves a really sour taste in my mouth.

This was the first time I booked through AAA, and definitely will be my last!

Still looking forward to a great vacation- only 3 weeks to go

 

[nbodyhome]

That is really odd! Can you talk to her supervisor?

 

[jdd]

That is really odd! Can you talk to her supervisor?

You know, I didn't think of that while I was on the phone! I was getting really frustated - we weren't communicating well As we left it, she said she was going to continue to "work on Disney" to get this gift card but she said not to count on it as "Disney doesn't care if you never go there on vacation again - they'll still make plenty of money". Just didn't seem very customer friendly to me - I know I'm not paying them, but I assume they get something for the trips they book

 

[Mickey & Minnie Mom]

That isn't what I call customer-friendly -- just plain Nasty!

I remember the promotion you are talking about -- with the $25 gift card. It looks like you booked when you had to (during January) & are taking the trip in the designated time frame (I think before some time end of May/early June). That qualifies you...and I do think it would be the AAA office that was offering the deal. I don't think Disney has anything to do with it. It is a promotion that AAA runs to get THEIR bookings up.

I would call back to the office & speak to the supervisor. Explain you have had a bad experience & would like to work with a different travel agent from now on. I would also ask about how they are going to honor the offer their office made.

Good luck. Sorry to hear of your frustrations...

 

[MTstitch]

Sorry to hear that. My AAA office is awesome with Disney vacations. My agent is always on top of codes etc. I guess I got lucky because I do see alot of complaints on the boards about some offices. I would do as the other poster suggested, speak with a supervisor!

 

[derekw]

My AAA agent while nice is just mediocre as far as handling my trip. I've done most of the legwork. I also booked in Jan...and my AAA intinerary (they day I booked) has always noted the $25 gift card as part of the package. The card is picked up at the resort upon arrival. We're also leaving in just under 3 weeks.

 

[jdd]

and I do think it would be the AAA office that was offering the deal. I don't think Disney has anything to do with it. It is a promotion that AAA runs to get THEIR bookings up.

Well, that's interesting...if it's a AAA deal, then why is she telling me Disney won't honor the promotion??? Maybe she's more confused than I thought... I think I'll call the main office (I'm working with a branch).

 

[Briar_Rose]

It sounds like she screwed up and is trying to cover her ***. I would talk to the manager. I also would not have skipped the $50 savings and would have spoken to a manager at that point. Our AAA TA has been great so far, but I am only going through them for the package discount in case a great code does not come out.

 

[Nanb]

I have an office in Utah my sister went through and I don't think they know anything about Disneyworld. One question. Does anyone know if we have to go through them for our ADR's.

I asked my agent when I wrote her for the third time on changing a date and she completely skipped over that part. I strongly suspect she doesn't even know what advanced reservations are (I did write it out also). Before I bang my head against the wall trying to explain why this is important could someone tell me if I can make my own reservations when I finally get the itinerary confirmation number.

Thanks
Nan

 

[jdd]

My AAA agent while nice is just mediocre as far as handling my trip. I've done most of the legwork. I also booked in Jan...and my AAA intinerary (they day I booked) has always noted the $25 gift card as part of the package. The card is picked up at the resort upon arrival. We're also leaving in just under 3 weeks.

I also did most of the legwork - I really only went through AAA to get the discount on the package. When I picked up my documents last evening, the TA said I would get the gift card at the resort on arrival (I had to ask her about it of course). Then she called today (talked to my husband first) and said that Disney wouldn't honor the gift card (it's more involved, but I won't bore you with the details )

Anyway, I'm not letting this get me down - we'll be walking up Main Street in just three short weeks

 

[EnchantedPlayroom]

You know, I didn't think of that while I was on the phone! I was getting really frustated - we weren't communicating well As we left it, she said she was going to continue to "work on Disney" to get this gift card but she said not to count on it as "Disney doesn't care if you never go there on vacation again - they'll still make plenty of money". Just didn't seem very customer friendly to me - I know I'm not paying them, but I assume they get something for the trips they book

That sounds like something you should let Disney know about. I'm sure THEY would know how to "handle" her.

 

[jdd]

I have an office in Utah my sister went through and I don't think they know anything about Disneyworld. One question. Does anyone know if we have to go through them for our ADR's.

I asked my agent when I wrote her for the third time on changing a date and she completely skipped over that part. I strongly suspect she doesn't even know what advanced reservations are (I did write it out also). Before I bang my head against the wall trying to explain why this is important could someone tell me if I can make my own reservations when I finally get the itinerary confirmation number.

Thanks
Nan

Yes, I made all of my own ADRs - called Disney directly 1-407-WDW-DINE. I didn't even use my confirmation number, I just used my phone number and it worked fine. I can't imagine having to have the AAA TA do this

 

[Nanb]

Yes, I made all of my own ADRs - called Disney directly 1-407-WDW-DINE. I didn't even use my confirmation number, I just used my phone number and it worked fine. I can't imagine having to have the AAA TA do this

Thank you so much I feel much better, I was beginning to have chills just thinking about

 

[nbodyhome]

I'd definitely suggest calling back and asking for the supervisor. Honestly, I'm not sure that talking to Disney will do any good. Writing to AAA corporate would be my next step. It isn't about the $25, it's about the agent who appears to have messed up and the way she's talked to you.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Ok, I talked to my AAA TA about this today, and she said that it should be noted on your ressie form and confirmation from AAA that you are to receive the gift card. It should be inside your package of information you receive at check in. The CM should have a notation on your ressie when you check in that you are to receive the gift card.

I love my TA, she is on top of all codes, all airline discounts, and has even offered to call in my ADRs from her home at 7:00 am for me, I told her no, but it was nice of her to offer.

I hope it all works out for you, but I agree with the others, you need to talk to her supervisor, it appears as though she messed up somewhere and is trying to cover up.

 

[minijeanie]

I have always found that the people who work at AAA are really clueless when it comes to a wdw vacation.

Book everything yourself and just apply the AAA code.. I learned the hard way.

 

[jdd]

I have always found that the people who work at AAA are really clueless when it comes to a wdw vacation.

Book everything yourself and just apply the AAA code.. I learned the hard way.

Yeah, the only problem is you can only apply the AAA code to a room only ressie through WDW. If you want a package, you have to do it through AAA. At least, that's what I've read on these boards

 

[jdd]

Ok, I talked to my AAA TA about this today, and she said that it should be noted on your ressie form and confirmation from AAA that you are to receive the gift card. It should be inside your package of information you receive at check in. The CM should have a notation on your ressie when you check in that you are to receive the gift card.

I just checked my original reservation form (and the one I picked up last night with all my "official" documents) and the $25 gift card isn't listed on it anywhere. I'm looking at the Reservation Confirmation and it lists our hotel, the tickets, miniature golf voucher, Planet Hollywood voucher, etc, but no gift card

I'm thinking the TA just forgot. I'm calling the supervisor/manager in the morning. I have the original contract which is dated 1/16, so I think they should honor this.

Thanks everyone for listening to me gripe - I'll let you know how it works out!!

 

[mickaholic4077]

Yes, I made all of my own ADRs - called Disney directly 1-407-WDW-DINE. I didn't even use my confirmation number, I just used my phone number and it worked fine. I can't imagine having to have the AAA TA do this

Here's a toll-free number for you: 1-877-939-3732.

 

[imatoad]

Not sure if you're all aware of this, you can book through any AAA ta in the country, you are not limited to your state or town. I have a great ta that I've passed onto many here on the forum with great success, we've used her 5 times and have had flawless trips. If you would like her contact info. just pm me. She books a ton of Disney being here in the southeast, many people go often as it is a relatively short drive or flight, she knows her stuff.