AAA Diamond Parking

[Brer Brett]

I am not an AAA member, but here's my situation.

DW, DS (3), DD (1), and DW's parents and I will be at WDW in Oct. 28 - Nov. 4. We are staying offsite at Marriott Grande Vista, so we have a rental mini-van lined up. We plan on hitting the parks at opening and then back to the resort for a mid-day nap for the kids, cool down, etc. Then back to the parks. So, I'm looking at all potential time-saving strategies for getting in and out of the parks quickly.

I've read some positive things about the AAA Diamond pass. Given our traveling company (young ones and my mother-in-law might have some walking difficulty), do you think the Diamond Pass is worth it?

If so, next question becomes: if I obtain an AAA membership today, is the Diamond Pass automatically available to me? We've already purchased our park tickets from Undercover Tourist if that makes a difference. I can't tell from looking at the AAA website whether you have to buy a Disney Package through AAA in order to receive the Diamond Pass.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[smitch425]

I am not an AAA member, but here's my situation.

DW, DS (3), DD (1), and DW's parents and I will be at WDW in Oct. 28 - Nov. 4. We are staying offsite at Marriott Grande Vista, so we have a rental mini-van lined up. We plan on hitting the parks at opening and then back to the resort for a mid-day nap for the kids, cool down, etc. Then back to the parks. So, I'm looking at all potential time-saving strategies for getting in and out of the parks quickly.

I've read some positive things about the AAA Diamond pass. Given our traveling company (young ones and my mother-in-law might have some walking difficulty), do you think the Diamond Pass is worth it?

If so, next question becomes: if I obtain an AAA membership today, is the Diamond Pass automatically available to me? We've already purchased our park tickets from Undercover Tourist if that makes a difference. I can't tell from looking at the AAA website whether you have to buy a Disney Package through AAA in order to receive the Diamond Pass.

Thanks for any insight.

You have to purchase a AAA Disney vacation package. Sorry, but the parking is not that much closer that it is worth joining AAA for just that anyway. You'll be fine without it.

 

[Diegosmom]

This is not true...I have read on here from a number of different people that they have gone into there local office and been given the pass (without buying anything)...my advise is to find a local office and go there and let them know what you want and find out if they will give you one. Knowing that you are considering joining AAA they might give you one as kind of an incentive to join...

 

[Brer Brett]

Thanks Diegosmom...I kinda had that in the back of my mind, too, e.g., if AAA starts off by saying you have to buy a package, I can counter by saying that's too bad because I was wanting to join AAA!

I've been meaning to join anyway because I travel a fair amount for business, so this might be a good time to join, especially if I can squeeze a Diamond pass out of it.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

At my AAA the "threat" would probably not matter. They play by the rules.

HOwever, the other downside is that when you return, the AAA "row" is likely to be full. So don't count on being able to use it.

 

[smitch425]

At my AAA the "threat" would probably not matter. They play by the rules.

HOwever, the other downside is that when you return, the AAA "row" is likely to be full. So don't count on being able to use it.

Our offices around here are very strict on the policy. There's not a ton of spaces, so good luck to you, OP.

 

[Brer Brett]

Who said anything about a "threat"?!

I've read different AAA offices have different policies with respect to this. There's nothing wrong with trying to negotiate for one of these passes without buying a Disney package.

I would think AAA might want a new member, so what's wrong with asking for a parking pass as an incentive to join?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Other than it sounds as if you're trying to shake them down for a Diamond Pass? Well, how do they know you're going to stick with your end of the deal? They give you the pass and then 'oops, you forgot your wallet' or you dispute the charge with your bank or you call Member Services the next day and tell them you changed your mind...

Join first! Join anyway. Membership can be as low as $35 per year. Then find out what the perks are. Do you drive? You know it's the American Automobile Association, right? Your membership pays for itself the first time you lock your keys in the car, or your battery dies, or a tire goes flat...

 

[goofy4tink]

Who said anything about a "threat"?!

I've read different AAA offices have different policies with respect to this. There's nothing wrong with trying to negotiate for one of these passes without buying a Disney package.

I would think AAA might want a new member, so what's wrong with asking for a parking pass as an incentive to join?

First of all....AAA doesn't need members badly enough to just hand out perks that others are entitled to. And 'threat'?? That's pretty much what you're doing...'Oh, too bad because I was wanting to join AAA'???
The vast majority of AAA offices, mine included, do not just hand out those parking permits. They are part of a pkg of some sort...either buying tickets or an entire resort pkg. Very few offices hand them to anyone who wants one. Those that do are shooting themselves in the foot....why should I pay for a pkg or passes through that office if I can still get the 'free' parking permit while getting discount tickets elsewhere and booking my own room?? Doesn't make sense.

Besides...the hard cold truth is that while you do get to park a bit closer, it's just not 'all that and a bag of chips'. I've done the AAA Diamond parking....it cut maybe 1 min of walking. You still have to pay to park..so I just can't understand the feeding frenzy that is 'how can I get a AAA parking pass?'. Just boggles the mind. Join AAA, and if that office will just hand you a parking permit, terrific. But, if they don't, don't go off in a huff. Rules are rules.

 

[Brer Brett]

So the answer to my rhetorical question, "what's wrong with asking for a parking pass as an incentive to join?" would be "Nothing".

Goofy - do you work for AAA? How do you know that AAA is not in need of additional members? They're a business, right? Don't businesses that sell memberships always want more members?

While I appreciate your opinion that the vast majority of the offices don't hand out the passes, I guess that also means that its a possibility that they might if someone politely inquired about a membership and, in the process, said - and oh by the way, I'm planning on going to WDW this fall, might it be possible for you to throw in a Diamond pass?

In case I wasn't clear, I'm not talking about going into my local AAA office and saying "Hey, where's my free pass?" like you would at the mall food court. And I'm not shaking down the AAA! I'm willing to become a member, and I'm hoping they might be willing to throw in a Diamond Pass if I join.

My original post explained that I have two little ones and a mother-in-law that might enjoy a closer walk. The Diamond Pass would seem to help in that regard, as we also wouldn't have to load/unload our stroller onto a tram.

Bottom line: nothing shady going on here, folks! Just trying to get a Diamond Pass in the free market!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Well, I've been a member of AAA for 28 yr's. My parents paid for me until I was out of collage. Shouldn't I get a pass for being such long time loyal member?

If you want to ask them for a pass when you go in to join, fine. That is very different from "If you don't give me a pass, I'm not joining."

I have booked packages from AAA and while all the little perks are nice, we've got mugs, luggage tags, mini-golf etc. I wouldn't go in and ask for them just because I'm a member. They are part of the perks of booking through AAA.

 

[ThreeBeans]

Our AAA office requires that you buy a travel package, even if it's just the park tickets, through them to use the Diamond pass.

That being said, I think AAA is worth it without even considering the Diamond Pass. It's ridiculously cheap and as someone mentioned, it pays for itself with one problem.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Some AAA/CAA offices will give them out if you ask and some will only give them to you if you buy tickets/a package. Our local office, will only give one out when you book a package through them.

 

[goofy4tink]

So the answer to my rhetorical question, "what's wrong with asking for a parking pass as an incentive to join?" would be "Nothing".

Goofy - do you work for AAA? How do you know that AAA is not in need of additional members? They're a business, right? Don't businesses that sell memberships always want more members?

While I appreciate your opinion that the vast majority of the offices don't hand out the passes, I guess that also means that its a possibility that they might if someone politely inquired about a membership and, in the process, said - and oh by the way, I'm planning on going to WDW this fall, might it be possible for you to throw in a Diamond pass?

In case I wasn't clear, I'm not talking about going into my local AAA office and saying "Hey, where's my free pass?" like you would at the mall food court. And I'm not shaking down the AAA! I'm willing to become a member, and I'm hoping they might be willing to throw in a Diamond Pass if I join.

My original post explained that I have two little ones and a mother-in-law that might enjoy a closer walk. The Diamond Pass would seem to help in that regard, as we also wouldn't have to load/unload our stroller onto a tram.

Bottom line: nothing shady going on here, folks! Just trying to get a Diamond Pass in the free market!

Ah no...I don't work for AAA. But, I've been around long enough to pretty much know what the deal is. Do what you want. You asked a question, you got the answer......the vast majority of AAA offices do NOT give out the parking permit without another purchase, be it passes or a regular package.
You were very clear. I'm also pretty clear. AAA doesn't need to entice people to join by giving them something that others get as a perk for buying something. When they do that, it diminishes the worth of the perk....why would anyone bother buying passes from AAA then??? Believe me...their rates aren't all that terrific, and their packages aren't any huge bargain either.

But, really...you do what you want.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So the answer to my rhetorical question, "what's wrong with asking for a parking pass as an incentive to join?" would be "Nothing".

It's unethical
You're trying to bribe them into getting you to join
As I said above, what guarantee do they have that you will actually join and remain a member for the full year?

If AAA were running a promotion, "Come into our office, get a Diamond Parking Pass, and learn what AAA is all about", that would be fine. They're not. JOIN. Then benefit from all the perks of membership.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

By the way, don't be surprised if Epcot and/or Animal Kingdom's AAA rows are closed then. When Disney does "races" they often take over part of the parking lots. There are races at both AK and Epcot during the OP's visit period and at Epcot it's generally closed for a few days before and after the 10/1 race date.

Now they have moved around the race so who knows if they will still close, but I think we are suppose to finish in the Epcot parking lot so....

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

There's a possible flaw in your plan... the AAA diamond parking passes are available from the Travel Agency department. You can't get an appointment with the travel agents unless you're a member and swipe your card at the receptionist's desk. The only people you're likely to get in to see without a membership is an insurance agent who would be happy to sell you a policy.

So the answer to my rhetorical question, "what's wrong with asking for a parking pass as an incentive to join?" would be "Nothing".

Goofy - do you work for AAA? How do you know that AAA is not in need of additional members? They're a business, right? Don't businesses that sell memberships always want more members?

While I appreciate your opinion that the vast majority of the offices don't hand out the passes, I guess that also means that its a possibility that they might if someone politely inquired about a membership and, in the process, said - and oh by the way, I'm planning on going to WDW this fall, might it be possible for you to throw in a Diamond pass?

In case I wasn't clear, I'm not talking about going into my local AAA office and saying "Hey, where's my free pass?" like you would at the mall food court. And I'm not shaking down the AAA! I'm willing to become a member, and I'm hoping they might be willing to throw in a Diamond Pass if I join.

My original post explained that I have two little ones and a mother-in-law that might enjoy a closer walk. The Diamond Pass would seem to help in that regard, as we also wouldn't have to load/unload our stroller onto a tram.

Bottom line: nothing shady going on here, folks! Just trying to get a Diamond Pass in the free market!

 

[Bill and Jen]

It's unethical
You're trying to bribe them into getting you to join
As I said above, what guarantee do they have that you will actually join and remain a member for the full year?

If AAA were running a promotion, "Come into our office, get a Diamond Parking Pass, and learn what AAA is all about", that would be fine. They're not. JOIN. Then benefit from all the perks of membership.

I think you and everyone else making it sound evil to do this are off base.

When you buy a car do you pay sticker no questions asked? Is it unethical to say you will not buy it unless they knock down the price, throw in floor mats, lower the interest rate, or some other condition?

The OP even said they were thinking about joining anyhow and asking if they could throw it in, I don't know about you but every time I rent a car I ask what they can do for me. 9 times out of 10 I get a better car for the same rate.

However even if the OP would buy only with a pass, that not a bribe, that is a condition for purchase, AAA could easily refuse with no negative effect other than not having another customer.

No matter if you would ask for this or not does not make it unethical. It is common business practice. Maybe not overly common for a small purchase like a AAA membership...but take a look at the business world, entertainment world etc.. if you look at those contracts (and that is what a membership at AAA is) there are many conditions.

 

[Wadecool]

There's a possible flaw in your plan... the AAA diamond parking passes are available from the Travel Agency department. You can't get an appointment with the travel agents unless you're a member and swipe your card at the receptionist's desk. The only people you're likely to get in to see without a membership is an insurance agent who would be happy to sell you a policy.

Thats how it works at our office too. Maybe the OP could buy an insurance policy and get a Diamond Pass thrown in that way.

 

[goofy4tink]

I think you and everyone else making it sound evil to do this are off base.

When you buy a car do you pay sticker no questions asked? Is it unethical to say you will not buy it unless they knock down the price, throw in floor mats, lower the interest rate, or some other condition?

The OP even said they were thinking about joining anyhow and asking if they could throw it in, I don't know about you but every time I rent a car I ask what they can do for me. 9 times out of 10 I get a better car for the same rate.

However even if the OP would buy only with a pass, that not a bribe, that is a condition for purchase, AAA could easily refuse with no negative effect other than not having another customer.

No matter if you would ask for this or not does not make it unethical. It is common business practice. Maybe not overly common for a small purchase like a AAA membership...but take a look at the business world, entertainment world etc.. if you look at those contracts (and that is what a membership at AAA is) there are many conditions.

No one has said anything about it's being evil. Bartering for a car is common practice. But...if it weren't, how would you feel if you went into the car dealership, and were told that you had to pay 'x' amount for the car....no wiggle room. Okay, you do. But, the next person comes along and they say..'Well, I'm also looking at xyz cars as well....if you lower your price, I'll buy from you.'' and the dealer says great, we need the customers. How's that working for you?? Evil? No.

So, we have all told the OP what the customary AAA practice is....join AAA, buy passes or a pkg and get the Diamond Parking Pass as a perk. If he can find an office that offers it without buying anything, terrific. We are, as usual, just giving out the correct info.