AAA MYW Package Questions

[Terk-1]

I just booked my upcoming vacation using AAA, as this saved me about $250 versus doing it directly with Disney. I'm heading down on Saturday to make the deposit. As I usually do everything in pieces, how do the packages work? I know the balance is due 45 days prior, but can I make monthly payments towards this trip or do I have to wait until 45 days out? If so, who would I make the payment to (Disney or AAA)? Does AAA book trips through WDW Travel? Would I receive WDW Travel Company items (i.e. luggage tags, etc.)? I opted out of the insurance ($45), but she said that I can add it on up to 45 days prior to traveling if I wanted. I usually call and confirm my preferences (non-smoking room, location preference, etc.) with Disney prior to arrival. Would I still be able to do that or do I need to confirm this with AAA? Do I need to present my AAA card at check-in? Is there a charge if I decide to change locations (like Movies to Music or Sports)? What if I figure out that I can get a better deal (prior to 45 days out) doing things in pieces. Is the money I've paid refundable?

 

[princessmomma]

I can only answer a few of your questions.

You have to ask your AAA agent to put requests on your reservations.

Sometimes they ask for your AAA card at check in. I know my agent looked up my number herself because it was on my confirmation and I did not give it to her.

I think there is a charge to make changes to your reservation. Not sure how much.

WE did get luggage tags with our package.

 

[JenetixK]

I actually was wondering all of those things myself. Plus, I have a question for you. How did you save so much with AAA? We booked with them and the way I figure, we only saved about $70. It seems like we got 10% off the hotel cost. Do you know where the discount was?

 

[Wendy31]

I'm so glad you posted those AAA ?'s - I was going to post the same thing!

We are about to switch our current reservation (made through WDW travel) over to AAA. The AAA travel agent is supposed to call me tomorrow (before I switched over, I wanted to make sure it was okay w/ DH).

When I called WDW, the CM w/ whom I spoke was very nice and said to absolutely call AAA, that the AAA agent could pull up my ressie w/ my current confirmation # & switch everything to AAA, & that I would probably save $$.

It turns out we will save $184.00. Of course, we don't have a AAA membership, so we'll have to purchase that (around $60) which will mean we really save about $120.00 - to us that still is a significant enough savings to switch our ressie. Plus, we'll save on the hotel we plan to stay at on our way to WDW & on our way home the following weekend.

However, I also have those same questions - regarding payment (currently, I've only paid $200.00 & the rest is due 4/7/05), regarding check-in at Disney (do we receive our tickets & everything then or do we get our "stuff" before we leave from AAA), & regarding those special things like luggage tags. So, when the AAA agent calls me back tomorrow, I was planning to ask.

 

[maxaroni]

I have to say that we saved about $270-$300 by going through AAA. We've only paid the $200.00 deposit but was told we can pay as we want as long as the final payment is 45 days prior. I do believe all tickets will come prior to the trip but not sure if it's now or once you hit that 45 day mark. I tend to think that it's after we get to the 45 day mark but that's just a guess. We had gone through WDW travel twice and only stumbled on AAA for our travel needs. I never knew that it would cost more going through WDW.

 

[Terk-1]

I went down to my local AAA office and asked some questions regarding the package.

Is there a charge to cancel?: Prior to 45 days out - No, 6-45 days out - $100, Less than 5 days - $200.

Can I make changes to my reservation?: Prior to 45 days out - Yes, Less than 45 days out - $20 for each change made to the reservation.

Can I make monthly payments prior to when total is due (45 days out)?: Yes. You can pay as much as you want prior to 45 days out. Payments are made to AAA, not WDW Travel Company or Disney CRO.

Is this package booked through WDW Travel Company?: It is booked as a AAA package through WDW Travel Company. The luggage tag will be a AAA vacations tag.

When will I receive all my paperwork?: From what I was told, you receive it 2-3 weeks prior to your trip. There will be no tickets or vouchers in this paperwork. Your park passes and MYW meal plan is added onto your room key when you check into your resort.

 

[princessmomma]

Good work Terk!

One thing to add, as we are leaving in 3 days!!!

Our luggage tags are Disney tags with TinkerBell on them, but they also have a AAA Vacations logo on them. Very cute, my DD loves them.

Yes, the actual park tickets will be your room key.

As for payment, I gave my credit card number to my AAA TA, but it said "Disney Vacations" or something to that affect on my credit card statement. It didn't mention anything about AAA.

It doesn't really matter, all that matters is we are paid up and ready to go!

Good luck planning to you all, it has been a great journey so far.

 

[Terk-1]

The total for my trip through AAA for 9 days/8 nights hotel, plus 9 day park hopper pass, plus the MYW dining plan, plus free transportation to and from the airport totaled $1,083. My original package had only a 7 day park hopper pass. When I called to see how much it would cost to add two more days to the passes, it was $6.38.