AAA discount for packages

[Amyg]

Must I go through AAA to get the package discount? I've read some not so good comments on this board about the TA's there. I'm trying to plan for next July, help!

 

[JerseyJ]

Yes, for a AAA discount on a package you do need to go thru AAA. We have had a great experience with our AAA agent who has helped us & also our friends. If you would like her contact information, PM me.

 

[yellowfish78]

Being a TA myself, not all of us are the same. Be sure to ask for someone who know's Disney! If you walked into our office, you could spot me across the room with my Disney frames, posters, photos and stuffed Goofy's everywhere. If no one seems to please you at your closest office, try the next closest. More than likely the two TA's will know one another and it will help show the other what they missed out on!

 

[Rags]

Is the AAA discount only good for the room rate or the entire package? I am going to book the MYW/dining for Nov 26th - Dec 3rd 2006. Is it worth it to book with my AAA membership?

 

[DW mouser]

I would say to definitely ask for a quote from an AAA agent! I finally did and was shocked when she saved me $606 on a 7 day package with dining. We are 7 people and are getting 3 rooms so the discount may well have just been on the room portion, but hey, it never hurts to ask!! The one I used was Kristin Basnett and I know there are other good TA'S on some of the other posts. I don't think Kristin would mind me giving out her e-mail. It's kbasnett@merrimack-valley.aaa.com She's from MA. I didn't have an agent where I live, but from what I've read, your better off with an agent that knows their Disney stuff and Kristin does!!

 

[Amyg]

I would say to definitely ask for a quote from an AAA agent! I finally did and was shocked when she saved me $606 on a 7 day package with dining. We are 7 people and are getting 3 rooms so the discount may well have just been on the room portion, but hey, it never hurts to ask!! The one I used was Kristin Basnett and I know there are other good TA'S on some of the other posts. I don't think Kristin would mind me giving out her e-mail. It's kbasnett@merrimack-valley.aaa.com She's from MA. I didn't have an agent where I live, but from what I've read, your better off with an agent that knows their Disney stuff and Kristin does!!

Thanks!

 

[lark]

I would say to definitely ask for a quote from an AAA agent! I finally did and was shocked when she saved me $606 on a 7 day package with dining. We are 7 people and are getting 3 rooms so the discount may well have just been on the room portion, but hey, it never hurts to ask!!

That's always been my understanding -- that when you book a discounted package through AAA, what you are getting is the regular AAA discount on the room, and then the other components of the package are priced at their regular price.

However, the one caveat is that sometimes disney releases codes that are only available to AAA travel agents that are for discounted packages that give you an even bigger discount. This happens rarely, though -- although I think some on this board reported getting this in November and December 2005.

Unless disney releases a package code, though, right now AAA is the only game in town. It's the only way to get a package that includes dining, without paying rack for everything.

 

[magnetgirl]

Hello,
Can I get both? I booked a room/ticket package in June 2005. The tickets had both the upgrades on them (park hopper and water park/disney quest/etc.). Now the free upgrade comes out. I call my TA at AAA and only get a partial reimbursement for the upgrades. Not the $86 per person advertised. Is this correct? Will AAA only give one discount at a time? Please help.
Thanks

 

[lark]

Hello,
Can I get both? I booked a room/ticket package in June 2005. The tickets had both the upgrades on them (park hopper and water park/disney quest/etc.). Now the free upgrade comes out. I call my TA at AAA and only get a partial reimbursement for the upgrades. Not the $86 per person advertised. Is this correct? Will AAA only give one discount at a time? Please help.
Thanks

I think I understand the question, and if I do, the answer is no, you can't stack multiple discounts.

Your AAA agent should be able to tell you which deal is better for you -- either the AAA package or the disney package with the code and free ticket upgrades. If it's the disney package, your AAA agent can book that for you, just like any travel agent (or you yourself) could. But unless you're prepared to do a fair amount of math, you should contact your AAA agent to see which is a better deal.

Some here have reported that some AAA agents who don't deal that much with disney won't understand that the code package offered by disney is a better deal than what can be offered through AAA. They will assume that the AAA deal is better. So you may need to educate your agent a little if he or she does not deal with disney bookings that much.

 

[aviva5675]

I booked thru our local AAA office and arranged a package on the phone. The TA was ok, gave me a rate (package w/dining) that includes what seems to be a 15% discount (on the room). She wasn't very enthusiastic however, and being the obsessive planner that I am, I worried that she wouldnt be aggressive checking for codes and discounts. I sent 2 emails to her with questions and she has never answered. I called the office and asked for their "Disney specialist" and she (it was coincidence she answered the phone?) said they were all qualified there, blah blah.

I saw on the boards the name of a different AAA agent who I contacted and she seems enthusiastic and anxious to be helpful. I cancelled my original trip and rebooked with her- same rate at the moment, but I feel more confident she will be on the trail of discounts and codes for me.

I guess its hit or miss on who you get, but I'd at least try asking if they have a Dis specialist next time, and then go from there.