AAA Packages - Anyone had any problems?

[AllNamesTaken]

I currently have a room only resv. thru Disney at the AAA rate. I would like to add on tickets and Dining Plan. If I do that thru Disney I lose the lower AAA room rate. If I do it thru AAA I can keep the low room rate and pay what amounts to the same thing for tickets and Dining. We save about $200 per family.

My question is this - If I reserve a AAA package will I be able to take advantage of any codes or free dining that may come out later? Has anyone ever been sorry they went thru AAA? For some reason it makes me a little nervous to have the resv with someone other that Disney. Is this worry unfounded?

We aren't travelling until November. We are two families staying in two rooms at POR.

Thanks ahead for your opinions.

 

[AllNamesTaken]

I'm bumping in hopes of getting someone's opinion.

 

[pooch]

if you book thru AAA and a code comes out for your dates, your TA can check whether the AAA discount or the new code is a better value for you and change your ressie as needed. People use AAA all the time without issue. They're just like any other travel agent.

Pooch

 

[Ilovestitch]

Yes, you can have your agent apply a discount code. The aaa discount is actually a discount code, so they would just be switching it to a different code.

 

[TLP127]

This is my 2nd trip through AAA, and I haven't had any major problems. We are going 6/13 - 6/22, and the only discounts so far for those dates is the AAA one. Since I want dining I went through them. There are actually some perks to going through AAA. If you have a car, you can use the preferred AAA diamond parking. You get a AAA member only story and character meet and greet. This time, I also got a free meal at Planet Hollywood, but I'm not sure if that is a Disney thing or AAA. I just noticed it on my AAA itinerary today.

The down side to AAA for me is that their customer service is way out of Disney's league (but then whose isn't?). While they will check on new rates for you, it has been my experience that they are not looking to save you any more money, so you need to be on top of any new deals that may come out. They also don't seem to happy if you request any changes. After I booked my trip this time, I was considering going in May instead of June, so I called my agent and asked her to check the rates for May and also for a mod for my dates in June. She actually told me I was a nightmare!! I wanted to say "Excuse me for giving you any business!", but alas, I want the only discount that is available to me, so I will deal with her non-Disneylike attitude, while making her do her job.

Again, this was my experience. I'm sure not all agents are like the few I've encountered, but after dealing with Disney, which was all I did before the dining plan came along, no one can compare.

Good luck!

 

[Fionasmommy]

Yes, you can, you just have to pick one discount (can't stack). The trick is finding a good agent!

 

[Servants of Evan]

And though it's been said many times before -- you don't need to use the AAA office in your area. I was very unimpressed with our local AAA agents so I booked with someone several states away. No problems and very efficient.

 

[Fionasmommy]

And though it's been said many times before -- you don't need to use the AAA office in your area. I was very unimpressed with our local AAA agents so I booked with someone several states away. No problems and very efficient.

That's what we did too! And actually, for us it's much easier just booking by phone and getting the docs through the mail. Saves me the hassle of driving down to the local AAA office, keeping an eye on my DD while we wait, dealing with an agent who doesn't seem to know or care about Disney... I've had a great experience dealing with an out of state agent.

 

[magicmom99]

I attempted to get info before cmas for a trip from one of the aaa offices. When I inquired about hotels for 5 persons, she handed me the Fl tourbook - yuk. then pawned me off to the next agent for tickets. That agent gave me an example sheet for 4 day prices. I will not be going back to that place!
I'm lucky that there are several offices in our town, so I went to another one and guess what - they have a beautiful brochure on all of the disney hotels- be sure to ask for it. The agent was EXTREMELY helpful and I've called her several times and have already changed packages within one week, She's been great.
I would call another AAA office and see what they can do for you.

 

[Milobaby]

In May I will be using AAA for the 4th time, each time with a package. If a discount or a deal comes out my agent figures out if it's worth taking and contacts me. The free upgrade of ticket deal wasn't worth it because you can't use AAA discount and free upgrade. Last time they did the free upgrade (2/06) it was worth it because they also gave some discount off the package.
I LOVE having AAA do all the work for me and I have never had any problems.Make sure you get an agent that specializes in Disney travel.

 

[MAGGIED]

I feel that we got a good deal thru the AAA travel agency but I think that the agent was not great - rarely returned calls, I had to ask for things that were sitting right on her desk (like our ME tags), no one else would help if she was out of the office...not the kind of service I expect... the SOG was booked solid or I wouldn't even have looked into AAA - NOTE TO SELF - BOOK EARLIER NEXT TIME!!!!!

 

[Atchley]

I don't like that you cannot check your reservations with Disney if booked through AAA. You must check through AAA. We went in July 2003 and our AAA agent booked our room for June instead of July! All of our paperwork through AAA said July. I had the paperwork and of course Disney made it right but it was very frustrating at check-in. It all depends on your AAA rep. Make sure you feel comfortable talking to your rep. I hope it works better this time around.

If anyone knows how to check a AAA reservation with Disney please post and let me know! THANKS!!!

Disney here we come!! July 2006

 

[Servants of Evan]

If anyone knows how to check a AAA reservation with Disney please post and let me know! THANKS!!!

Well, Disney knows the reservations are there but they aren't very helpful. My circumstance was I had used my agent to book our package and I booked our airfare seperately (i have a "thing" about picking my own seats). I called Disney to update them on our anticipated arrival for M.E. purposes. The CM at Disney wouldn't input my flight info but did confirm they had record of our vacation. Instead, I had to have my agent call Disney to have that information added.

I completely understand Disney not allowing you to change something a travel agent books -- the agent's commision is based upon the booking and it would cause nothing but problems allowing people to modify reservations without the agent's knowledge. In my circumstance at least, it just added another step for me, another step for my agent, and another step for Disney. Efficient it wasn't. Fortunately Michelle, my agent, was wonderful and didn't seem to mind a bit.

So in short, Disney was able to "see" my reservation and confirm it was there. I wouldn't imagine it would be to difficult to also have them confirm your dates for your own peace of mind.

 

[chr1972]

Can anyone suggest a AAA agent that they have been pleased with?

 

[flechette]

You have a pm Chr1972

 

[Terk-1]

I use Colleen Cuddahy at AAA in Leominster, MA. Her number is 978-537-4000. She's great!!