AAA members: WDW parking question

[CarolynK]

We have noticed there is special parking at AK for AAA(and probably the other parks-AK is the only park we drive to). When we asked a CM, she said you have to buy a vacation package thru AAA to be ablt to park there. Is this true, or do you simply have to be a AAA member, which we are not-but are looking into it to see if it's worth it.

 

[safetymom]

Some AAA offices require you to buy a package, other offices require you to just buy tickets, other offices just give it away.

AAA membership is worth the money. They have a show your card and save program. I more than make back the money every year for membership.

 

[NotUrsula]

Access to those areas require a special pass called a "AAA Diamond Parking Pass". Officially, the only way to get one is to buy a WDW package from a AAA travel agent, but sometimes local AAA offices decide to give them out to members who ask for them. The passes also sometimes come up for sale on eBay.

 

[CarolA]

And before you pay on ebay remember these don't give you "free" parking. If you are staying offsite you still have to pay to park then you can use the "special" spaces. I wouldn't pay much! (Never priced these on ebay. OK NOW I have THIRTY ONE DOLLARS. Sorry, but the spaces aren't THAT nice! LOL!)

 

[I Love Pluto]

You must buy a package through AAA in order to get the Diamond Parking Pass.

 

[MarySB]

Be careful re AAA "Discount Rates". I reserved a room last March for the 20% off rooms from Dec.4-9. I went in yesterday to convert it to a package at the "AAA Discount Rate" and it came out to $200 MORE than on the Disney website. Same date, same tickets, same dining plan. I called them today and got a major runaround. The TA I worked with said she "didn't know why" it was more and that I was the THIRD client who had had that difficulty. If that was the case. you would think THEY would find out WHY. But all they care about is getting their commission. When I really pressed them for the reason, they said I was getting some "perks" like free parking (can't use it because we are using Disney Transportation) and discounts on meals (can't use it because we are on the dining plan---which THEY sold me!) I now have a complaint lodged with the BBB. Don't make the same mistake I did in believing that a AAA Discount Rate means you are actually getting a discount. You're not!

 

[Lewisc]

There is a limited number of AAA discounted hotel rooms that can be part of a package that includes dining. You probably lost your AAA room discount when you changed to a package. Your local AAA office may have added insurance, charged a booking fee or charged a fee to change your reservation.

Your complaint is with the AAA TA and AAA office you booked with.

Be careful re AAA "Discount Rates". I reserved a room last March for the 20% off rooms from Dec.4-9. I went in yesterday to convert it to a package at the "AAA Discount Rate" and it came out to $200 MORE than on the Disney website. Same date, same tickets, same dining plan. I called them today and got a major runaround. The TA I worked with said she "didn't know why" it was more and that I was the THIRD client who had had that difficulty. If that was the case. you would think THEY would find out WHY. But all they care about is getting their commission. When I really pressed them for the reason, they said I was getting some "perks" like free parking (can't use it because we are using Disney Transportation) and discounts on meals (can't use it because we are on the dining plan---which THEY sold me!) I now have a complaint lodged with the BBB. Don't make the same mistake I did in believing that a AAA Discount Rate means you are actually getting a discount. You're not!