AAA Discount at the Fort

[TOGA]

I've poked around the threads quite a bit, but can't seem to find a definitive answer to the AAA discount 'policy' at the Fort.

It sounds like there are definitely AAA discounts for the Fort, but are they during only certain times, for certain sites and maybe only a limited quantity?

We tend to like to visit the Fort the last couple of weeks in January {Value Season} and typically either get a Full-Hookup site or a Preferred site. Would AAA discount be applicable to these sites during that time?

I typically make the reservations as soon as I'm able {500 days out}, so would I try to apply my AAA discount then {normally they don't even know the exact rate at the time I book, much less the AAA discount?}? Or would I have to follow-up and try to get the discount afterwards at some point?

It sounds like the AAA discount would more than pay for a years worth of AAA membership, so I'm considering joining.

Thanks.

 

[disney minnie]

Just call and see if the rates are avavilable yet. If they are they will apply the discount and if not they will tell you when they will be available and you can call back and add it to your reservation.

You do not give a number or show the card until you check-in.

 

[becky1960]

They never have told me when they will be available over the years we have have gone, every year for many, many years I just keep calling back. Last year we received a discount about a month before we left. This year so far they just mostly rude and say nothing as soon as I ask. The last two years they have asked me for the AAA number when I asked an they were available, in past years they asked at checkin..

 

[disney minnie]

Interesting. We have never had a problem. There have only been two times that we were not able to get a discount rate. The first time was over New Years' and the second was when we were planning a last minute trip. We are going in October and have a AAA rate.

 

[2goofycampers]

They definitely have AAA discounts. There seems to be no specific time when you can get them. Just keep calling, last visit I didn't get it applied until 2 days before check-in.

 

[UMADDBG]

I got the AAA discount (20%)for my Oct. 2012 trip when I booked in June. I would make my reservation and hope for the discount now...if not keep calling back!

 

[becky1960]

I have never had a problem with Oct either, but Dec. is hard, I mentioned that there were giving discounts for 2012, and was told that doesnt mean you get one in 2011. Most times I have always spoke with friendly CM's and even got reservations that some said were not available. I think that as reservations start to come or not come in they release more.

We have a Preminum site reserved for Dec. and once I called and the CM stated no AAA discounts for Preminum sites during that time..

 

[mikmouse]

They never have told me when they will be available over the years we have have gone, every year for many, many years I just keep calling back. Last year we received a discount about a month before we left. This year so far they just mostly rude and say nothing as soon as I ask. The last two years they have asked me for the AAA number when I asked an they were available, in past years they asked at checkin..

Interesting because this last time I called (again) I was told that the AAA discount is out for the entire year from Jan-Dec. They are not blacked out, only limited quantity. We always book at 499 days, and so far this year NO AAA discount for a full hook up or premium site. They are only showing them available for tent/pop up sites. If this actually happens it will be the first year in over 13 years of Fort Wilderness camping that we WILL NOT get a AAA! I keep calling, and nothing.

 

[TOGA]

Thanks for all the great responses. From what I've been able to tell, it seems to me that Disney will release or add more AAA discount sites during slower seasons or lower booked times to spur business, but won't offer so many during peak times?

Is the discount always the same {20%?}?

I see a basic AAA membership is around $78, so approximate 20% savings on a 2 week trip during Value season would be roughly $160 in savings. Plus I could use it for the many other discounts it offers. It seems like it's worth the 'risk' of getting a membership in the hopes that a reservation I book will at some point be able to have a AAA discount applied.

Seems like many here agree.

Thanks again.

 

[Nature Mom]

I think AAA is worth the membership even if you don't see available discounts for when you are going yet.

We didn't think we would have a discount for our upcoming trip so I booked our trip online. After thinking about it, I decided to call and ask about a discount. The CM pulled up our reservation, said there was no AAA discount attached/available confused3) but then asked if I wanted her to add it on, which of course I did. So I wasn't expecting a discount but got one anyway. Yay!

And if you go to UO/IOA, you can use your AAA there for discounts too plus all the other available discounts.

I've used my AAA membership so many times for so many reasons, I think it is a wise investment every year.

 

[bama_ed]

Here is what you do.

Go ahead and make your ressie early but it will require one night deposit and price at rack rates. Those prices are estimates until prices are are set in the summer for the coming year. In the past those rates were set around august. This year it was june.

When prices are set for the coming year that is when the AAA discounts become available. You can call back in to CRO and ask to see if a discount is available for your reserved dates. You are correct that discounts are fewer in peak times and more plentiful in value and are sometimes only offered for certain types of sites. Discounts have been consistent over the years btween 10 and 20 percent.

I have used this strategy for many years. Early bird gets the worm.

Bama ed

 

[sweet maxine]

So far the AAA discount is saving me ~$35 more than the AP discount (total) for the dates I'm traveling. I thought the AP discount would be better, but the AAA was a much better deal for my dates.

 

[Hapy Camper]

When I made my reservation for January I called Disney and they told me that they had no discounts for 2012 yet. I went to my local AAA cener and the booked the trip for me (from the quote from Disney to the AAA discount it saved me $76). After you sign up, just call the AAA travel agents and they can help you too!

 

[heartsy77]

When I called in June for Oct 14-20 2012 I was told no AAA. I called back 3 weeks later I got AAA rate and extended our trip 2 more days!

 

[loveDmouse]

They have them but they are rare. At least that is what I have found. I have received the AAA discount once out of our last 5 trips. I tried last night when I made my ressie and nothing was available.

 

[burnaroonie]

Booked partial yesterday for Dec. 2012 and received 20% discount on the site. My agent looked at various site selections and the tent/popup sites were the only discounts available at this time.

 

[bama_ed]

That is great burnaroonie!

I guess you will be there before Christmas week. Twenty percent is SWEET!

Bama ed

 

[mikmouse]

Booked partial yesterday for Dec. 2012 and received 20% discount on the site. My agent looked at various site selections and the tent/popup sites were the only discounts available at this time.

Yes, partials only. That's been the story of my life for the past two years. This year and next are first time no full hookup discount

 

[burnaroonie]

That is great burnaroonie!

I guess you will be there before Christmas week. Twenty percent is SWEET!

Bama ed

Early in the month, I hate big crowds. Sweet it is!!!! Went in never even expecting anything so anything was GREAT!!

 

[vossjemi]

I had a room only cabin res for 10/28-11/1 that I booked several months ago with AAA discount of 15%. I think the % discount varies on season and how many have already booked using higher discounts. But, that being said, when free dining came out, I cancelled the room only and did the myw package with free dining.