AAA discounts in the parks

[SeaShelley]

We aren't going to Orlando until October 2004, but this question just occured to me....is a AAA membership worth it for the amount of discounts you get in the parks/restaurants? I've been reading a lot trip reports lately and have seen that 10% seems to be the average discount at a lot of places.

Anyone have any recommendations?

 

[ducklite]

Sorry, there's no AAA discount in the parks or resturants.

AAA members can buy tickets in advance from AAA, although they aren't any cheaper than buying from your local Disney Store. (CAA members can sometimtes get better deals though!)

To my knowledge there's no dining discounts with AAA, maybe at Rainforest or some of the DtD restaurants, but nothing in the parks.

You can sometimes get a AAA discount on rooms if booked through AAA, but codes are generally better.

That said, I've been a AAA member for about 25 years, and I have found them very useful--free travelers checks, free maps, lots of advice.

Anne

 

[SeaShelley]

Thanks Anne,

I went back to look at more trip reports and realized that most of the discounts discussed on the boards were from restaurants in City Walk by US. As time gets closer, maybe I can find a list of places that take the AAA card.

Thanks again for your help!
SS

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by SeaShelley
Thanks Anne,

I went back to look at more trip reports and realized that most of the discounts discussed on the boards were from restaurants in City Walk by US. As time gets closer, maybe I can find a list of places that take the AAA card.

Thanks again for your help!
SS

I would bet your AAA office could supply that. I know there is usually a list in our monthly newsletter.

 

[safetymom]

AAA gets you lots of discounts at Universal. You should be able to find this out on your clubs AAA website.

There are also many discount outlets across the country that give AAA discounts so you might want to check that out if you plan to do any outlet shopping while you are in Orlando.

On a Florida trip you should get enough discounts that it will pay for your membership in that trip.

 

[KIS]

I would try checking this question out with your local AAA chapter. I learned that there is a diamond card which AAA members can get if they book a package through AAA for WDW. There is also a rest area that is air-conditioned in MK for AAA members who book this way. I believe they dole out beverages there for free.

There was one AAA rep who mentioned that some AAA reps might be talked into passing along a diamond card to AAA member who booked a room or something without a package. But, I had no such luck so far.

The chapters vary in terms of what sort of park passes are available and the discounts offered. There is also a room-only AAA discount.

This is all from my initial research. I'm a newcomer. I would check it out with your local chapter.

KIS

 

[Snowlet24]

Anyone who is an AAA can stop at the lounge in MK. You don't need to have booked a package through them for that. It sounds like you get 1 drink from our AAA newsletter.

If you need a rental car Hertz and AAA have some great deals.

 

[KIS]

Snowlet24,

That's news to me. My AAA travel agent told me otherwise. May be she is misinformed. I think it's worth a try. I'd love to have a little oasis if necessary while in MK.

KIS

 

[safetymom]

KIS, I replied to you but my daughter was signed in. My AAA newsletter mentioned this perk and it didn't say that I had to have booked a package.

Why not just try going in? I am sure if there is something else you and I missed they would tell you. I plan on doing this my next trip.

 

[KIS]

Safetymom,

That's my plan, too. I wish I could get that diamond card, but the same travel agent said you must have the package booked with them to get it.

I tried calling cold to get another agent and inquired. They said the same thing.

Do you know anything about that?

KIS

 

[safetymom]

KIS, I heard that too about the diamond card but I know in the past if you asked nicely at the counter of your AAA office they would give you one.

I think that is one of those things they have to say on the phone but do differently in person. If you are close to your office why not try to get one in person?

 

[KIS]

The offices are not near, unforunately. But, what I can do is find out which offices carry those passes. (In the NYC area there are a few different office locations) If I am ever nearby for work or some other reason, I could piggyback the errand and give it a try. Why not.... Thanks for the suggestion.

KIS

 

[Teri1]

I have booked room only at AAA the last two trips and the Diamond card was in my packet both times. I used it at the big Disney store at DD.

This year I booked the FTP and my agent said I would not get the Diamond card. But I am holding out hope she may be wrong.

 

[Myrtle]

Good luck! I tried for three years to schedule various trips (at least four - two Disney, one Universal, and a cruise) through AAA in Memphis. The ONLY time I could even get anyone to call me back was when I complained and DEMANDED a return call - then I received one - and only one!

I no longer have a membership as I finally became so disgruntled with the lack of attention or efforts on their behalf.

I tried to speak to someone at other offices; however, they always told me I had to deal with the Memphis branch. It would have been easier for me to grow wings and fly myself to Orlando than to deal with them!!!! (AND I'M ACTUALLY VERY EASILY PLEASED!)

 

[starwood]

AAA discount is available only at USO and US Hollywood. You get a discount on certain park admission tickets and 10% of on all food and merchandise in the park.

 

[SeaShelley]

Thanks for the info everyone? Just where is this lounge in MK?

 

[Teri1]

With the AAA diamond card you get 10% off at the World of Disney store , Planet Hollywood, House of Blues,and Bongos,Fultons, Wolfgang Puck Express in DD.(some of the restaurants that includes merchandise) 10% off at Rainforest Cafe at AK. 20% off food only at Swan and Dolphin Hotel. (except Shula's) 15% off recreation and spa services. 15%off tours. 10% off souvenier Photos.

We got a 10% AAA discount on anything we purchased at Universal.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

We joined AAA in May and haven't received any newsletter. We ordered a trip-tic for a trip in July and it took more than a month to arrive...it was in our mail box when we returned from the trip that it was intended for. Too bad, we tried two different routes and wound up taking the longer route home!

But where is the AAA lounge? I haven't heard of one. I know AK has AAA parking next to the ADA parking, but hadn't heard of the lounge at MK. Is there one at any other park?

 

[KIS]

The 20% off of the S/D resort restaurants is what I'm after. I just don't have a package with AAA. I inquired about purchasing my park tickets from them in order to get that card and they said it was impossible. I asked about whether a simple membership would suffice. You know, just showing my membership card and they claimed that would not be accepted in lieu of this diamond card.

Does any one have any ideas how I could get one?

KIS

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by KIS
The 20% off of the S/D resort restaurants is what I'm after. I just don't have a package with AAA. I inquired about purchasing my park tickets from them in order to get that card and they said it was impossible. I asked about whether a simple membership would suffice. You know, just showing my membership card and they claimed that would not be accepted in lieu of this diamond card.

Does any one have any ideas how I could get one?

KIS

Yes, book a package through AAA travel. Some people have gotten the parking pass by asking but the discount card is only given to people who book through AAA. I believe it has your name and dates of your stay on it.

You might try DC. If you had a membership in the last year you MIGHT be able to talk them into a late renewal. Check mousesavers for AP and DC discounts. One of them might to the trick.