AAA package for enhanced FP "necessary" in January?

[jenjersnap]

I am still trying to narrow down the exact dates we'll be in DL (we're doing San Diego too), I am guessing 1/7 through 1/11. After 1/4, DL is supposed to be fairly deserted so I am wondering if we can forego a AAA package for its enhanced FP feature and, perhaps, save some money if Disney offers a good discount (and they may have already announced one for all I know, I haven't been keeping on top of the research for this trip! I also do not know if AAA customers qualify for Disney Travel discounts or not so maybe it's possible to get it all, room or ticket discount AND enhanced FP.). Would conscientious touring planning be sufficient?

Also, a 4 day trip will almost certainly include a weekend stay. Is DL *that* bad on non-holiday winter weekends?

Thanks from an excited DL newbie!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I had the same question about October and decided against it since you have to stay at a Disney hotel to get it and not one of the good neighbor hotels

I got a great deal on Costco - their price was the same as AAA and included a character breakfast and $20 gift card!

 

[two-foxes]

I can't answer your question if the EFP is really "needed" during that time, but I would still book with AAA if the price isn't much higher than what you would pay through your other choices. In research I have done with comparing AAA against booking through Disney, there is usually a minor $5 difference (in favor of AAA), and I believe AAA's rates reflect any deals DTC may be offering. Personally, I would stay in a Disney hotel (I know it is not neccessary, but comfortable for us!) and get the EFP and NOT need it than wish we would have after we got there.

Oh, and hello from a fellow Coloradoan!

 

[jenjersnap]

I can't answer your question if the EFP is really "needed" during that time, but I would still book with AAA if the price isn't much higher than what you would pay through your other choices. In research I have done with comparing AAA against booking through Disney, there is usually a minor $5 difference (in favor of AAA), and I believe AAA's rates reflect any deals DTC may be offering. Personally, I would stay in a Disney hotel (I know it is not neccessary, but comfortable for us!) and get the EFP and NOT need it than wish we would have after we got there.

Oh, and hello from a fellow Coloradoan!

Oh, yes, we'd prefer to stay on-site!

We're in FC too. Have you worked with a AAA TA here in town? I have heard that AAA agents are often lacking in Disney knowledge ... if you know of a good one, would you share a name with me via PM? Thanks so much for the advice.

 

[jenjersnap]

I had the same question about October and decided against it since you have to stay at a Disney hotel to get it and not one of the good neighbor hotels

I got a great deal on Costco - their price was the same as AAA and included a character breakfast and $20 gift card!

Wow, that's greatl. I wish we had a Costco around here, for more than just good travel deals ...

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We went the 2nd weekend of February and used AAA. The Enhanced FP was nice becuase it allowed us to do a lot in 2 days. It wouldn't have been necessary if we were staying more days.

That said, there are often very reduced rates in Jan and early Feb if you have an annual pass. So you may not want to commit to a package that has cancellation penalties in case a better deal comes along.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[jenjersnap]

We went the 2nd weekend of February and used AAA. The Enhanced FP was nice becuase it allowed us to do a lot in 2 days. It wouldn't have been necessary if we were staying more days.

That said, there are often very reduced rates in Jan and early Feb if you have an annual pass. So you may not want to commit to a package that has cancellation penalties in case a better deal comes along.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

Thanks, Suzanne. When do AP discounts normally come out. I mean, how much advanced notice is there usually?

 

[MATTERHORN]

We have been in January the last two years in a row, it was complete walk ons. The longest wait was 5 minutes for Space Mountain. Granted we went on weekdays, the 16-19, I think. If it's not a holiday weekend, the lines are non-existent. Have fun!


Andrea