AAA is horrible

[GuardMusic]

OK folks - anyone who's had a good experience, I'd love to hear from you.

I seemingly never use AAA, because I can usually find a better deal myself. However, I'm trying to book WL on a Friday night (I know) before our cruise.

First I called, gave the trip information, and was told they'd get back to me the next day with a quote. Hello? Next day? So I waited & was given a rediculously high price.

Second, I next tried their website. The price was better, but they cannot tell me the total price with taxes & fees. What? AND they wanted my credit card info without telling me the total price. WHAT?! I emailed a fine complaint to them and was again quoted an outragously high price.

Third, today I gave in and reserved online through AAA - or so I thought. (I figured I could always cancel it later.) I was given an online "reservation" confirmation, but again did not list a TOTAL price. THEN I received the email confirmation saying my REQUEST was being forwarded to "staff" where it would be "processed". HUH? So do I have a reservation or not? And for the millionth time, what is my TOTAL cost???

Are you kidding me?! Is this how AAA always is???
Gayle

 

[birkner]

OK folks - anyone who's had a good experience, I'd love to hear from you.

I seemingly never use AAA, because I can usually find a better deal myself. However, I'm trying to book WL on a Friday night (I know) before our cruise.

First I called, gave the trip information, and was told they'd get back to me the next day with a quote. Hello? Next day? So I waited & was given a ridiculously high price.

Second, I next tried their website. The price was better, but they cannot tell me the total price with taxes & fees. What? AND they wanted my credit card info without telling me the total price. WHAT?! I emailed a fine complaint to them and was again quoted an outrageously high price.

Third, today I gave in and reserved online through AAA - or so I thought. (I figured I could always cancel it later.) I was given an online "reservation" confirmation, but again did not list a TOTAL price. THEN I received the email confirmation saying my REQUEST was being forwarded to "staff" where it would be "processed". HUH? So do I have a reservation or not? And for the millionth time, what is my TOTAL cost???

Are you kidding me?! Is this how AAA always is???
Gayle

Personally would not use AAA because the website is so difficult to use. If it were me, I would find a food TA like DU who sponsors this board. My TA (not DU)always gets back to me either by phone or email within a hour or two with all the info, including the TOTAL costs.

 

[KATHINOWA]

This is not going to be much help, but we always book with AAA. My husband goes there in person to book though. We haven't had any problems. Good luck booking your trip!

 

[sjlupin]

I would also suggpest using a good Disney TA (like Dreams Unlimited or Small World Vacations). I used Small World and was able to get a room with my AAA discount through her. She has been awesome and very responsive and timely.

Good luck, I hope you can finally get all of your information!

 

[MickeyCrazedMom]

I have always had good experiences with AAA. Last year I booked room only & had no problem. THis year did a package and they quoted the price while I was on the line. When the price went down a few weeks after I booked they lowered the price! I agree however that the website is a pain! I always deal directly with my local office. Good luck!

 

[Anjelica]

I think it depends on the AAA agent you are dealing with. In the past, when I used them, the agents I have worked with are quite a bit "flighty" but I needed their discount - therefore I would come to them with xx information just to get the discount.

 

[Minniemouse07]

I think it depends on the AAA agent you are dealing with. In the past, when I used them, the agents I have worked with are quite a bit "flighty" but I needed their discount - therefore I would come to them with xx information just to get the discount.

Flighty is definitely the adjective that I would describe BOTH of our AAA TAs (we are on our second because the first one left AAA). All I have them do is actually book our package, I do everything else. We did get a great discount for our December trip but the quote I got for my trip w/ just dd and myself for July came in only $50 less than WDW's price... so I'm going w/ a specialized disney TA for this trip and have someone help w/ all the REST of the planning!

If you are only doing a room only reservation for the one night... you can go to any TA, or directly to disney, and still get the AAA discount. You only have to go to AAA if you are doing a package.

 

[VAN]

I don't use AAA to book my trips. For WDW I call their reservation # and ask to have the discount applied (if available). It is my understanding that their agent rates would be the same ... just a discount on the room - so I think it is much simplier to call Disney directly.

I also do the same when I need to book non-Disney hotels, cars, etc.

I love AAA - but don't use their travel services except for Traveler's Checks, maps and tour books.

 

[Perrier]

I've used AAA for a Hawaii trip & for our upcoming DCL trip. BUT, my agent is a Disney fanatic so he was ever so eager to help me out w/this cruise. And when I was working on the Hawaii trip, I had already done all the research & had it narrowed to a few resorts, & AAA offered me an awesome pkg.

I agree w/other posters. I think, even though AAA is a "chain", it still all depends on the TA you get. A few bad seeds makes a bad name for the rest...

And I do agree, their website stinks.

 

[wifeofgrumpy]

I haven't had any problems w/ AAA, I don't notice that I actually save any money and the only reason I used them on this last cruise was to p/u a little extra on the onboard credit.

"Perrier, do you use Darren? I think he is pretty good, alot better than I had a couple of years ago.

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

My AAA TA is not even in the same state as me, I got her name here on the DIS and have been using her ever since, she is a disney nut and a fellow DIS'er if you would like info PM me. She knows all the deals that come out and disney codes, she will even make your ADR's for you, you just have to tell her where you want to eat.

 

[Perrier]

wifeofgrumpy,

Yes, I used Darren for the upcoming cruise. I used Kathy for our Hawaii trip & she is awesome, too! But I've only used them for those 2 trips so I don't have a TON of experience w/them. But what I do have is positive.

 

[DreamCruiser100]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my AAA travel agent.........THE AGENT!!!! I have had NO LUCK with their website, but I have used my AAA TA for over 15 years and she is absolutely amazing!!! I am going to copy your post and let her see it.....maybe she could forward it to some higher ups. It sounds like the service you recieved was HORRIBLE!! They should know that word of mouth is everything!! Good luck

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I know that a lot of people use travel agents like AAA but I don't see the point. I much prefer to plan and do everything myself. That way I know no mistakes will be made. I know that they offer discounts and things but there's usually a way to get them yourself without booking through the travel company.

 

[tinkerone]

im using a du ta for my upcomming wdw stay but i only decided to do this because i wanted to see how well they do. so far, not totally pleased. normally this is something i would book myself and since i did not get any kind of a discount by booking with them i probably will not use them again. by using them i have given up all control of my ressis and can not change anything unless i email them to do it for me. i have not found the turn around time on the emails very quick either.
besides my ress. i have booked a room for my two sisters and another two rooms for my niece and her family, all on my own. wish i would have just done mine but live and learn.

 

[NancyIL]

As others have said, if you're just making a room-only reservation, you can call WDW directly and ask if a AAA discount is available. No need to get a travel agent involved.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

to OP - you are right - AAA is horrible!!! I tried without any satisfaction to get help booking a land/sea package. I ended up doing it all myself in individual parts and saved mucho $$$ over what 3 different AAA agents told me. AAA is only good when I use my membership myself for AAA discounts or when I need a trip-tik or other travel infor. Otherwise not worth it!!!

 

[lg3]

We have used AAA on many trips (DCL and others) and have had nothing short of outstanding service. From reading others' experiences I suppose the individual travel agent must make a big difference. We are lucky enough to live near a major AAA office, so I just go directly there (about 10 min. from our house) and talk with them if I need to, or call. They have been wonderful and we felt we got a great deal, especially after researching on the DIS boards. I have done "surprise" trips and they always keep it a surprise - calling me first on my cell if they need to for updates, etc. so word doesn't get out. I would use them again anytime.

 

[dis2cruise]

Hi I am very disappointed with my aaa ta. she told me (if you read the boards you might remember it) I made 2 payments so far, one of course was to hold the cabin and the 2nd because i had a few extra $$$ to apply to our magic cruise. She told me "no more applying any money until your last payment, disney doesn't want NO MORE THAN A TOTAL OF 3 PAYMENTS" then she tells me "I guess disney cruise line doesn't want all that extra bookkeeping"
Now from the way I see it, disney is getting my money sooner and putting it in the bank, I know dumb on my part.

anyway I was wondering, could I transfer my ressie to another ta through aaa or another company?? if so, how is this done and if you know someone who is really good, would you mind pm'ing me

 

[birkner]

Hi I am very disappointed with my aaa ta. she told me (if you read the boards you might remember it) I made 2 payments so far, one of course was to hold the cabin and the 2nd because i had a few extra $$$ to apply to our magic cruise. She told me "no more applying any money until your last payment, disney doesn't want NO MORE THAN A TOTAL OF 3 PAYMENTS" then she tells me "I guess disney cruise line doesn't want all that extra bookkeeping"
Now from the way I see it, disney is getting my money sooner and putting it in the bank, I know dumb on my part.

anyway I was wondering, could I transfer my ressie to another ta through aaa or another company?? if so, how is this done and if you know someone who is really good, would you mind pm'ing me

I don't think you will be able to transfer the ressie out of AAA. What I would do is talk to the manager of the travel agent at your AAA. Tell he or she of your concerns and ask to have your ressie transfer to a more competent agent.

If you can't make the extra payments, put them in a special account earmarked just for the cruise.