AAA Packages VS Disney Travel Company

[mpetti]

I am planning a trip for Aug 09. I wanted to stay at CR , but it's just too much money . We have always wanted to try Pop and have decided to book it. I know both DTC and AAA can do a room only rate at a discount price. However DTC told me if I want a package with a discount AAA room rate I should contact AAA. Which I did and the TA from AAA is giving me the same exact price as DTC. Shouldn't AAA price be different? I have emailed AAA back about this, but haven't heard back yet. Because my thinking is then why go with AAA?

Also if I book the package with the "New Quick Service Dining Plan" and Disney later offers it for free will AAA be able to credit me?

Thanks for all your help.

Maryann

 

[skjj2009]

What I do know from booking my own trip is that Disney can only offer you a room only AAA discount. If you want tickets and so forth you won't be able to make it a package. If you want a package with ddp and all I guess going through AAA is the way to go. I have my package through AAA and my TA told me if Disney offers a code or I get a visa code she can apply that instead of AAA if its a better deal. Hope this helps a bit. It sucks that AAA holds the reservation because you are at the mercy of your TA to make any changes but I'm happy to have the package deal and my TA has been very helpful.
Good luck!

 

[luvmikids]

If you do decide to go with AAA and you get a code or pin you need to give this info to AAA. They will not "know" what discount is out there. I bugged my AAATa a couple of times and now she is on vacation, hahaha I guess I made her work for the money . I did save when she thought I would not and was happy to report a saving of $350!! so keep at them it will pay off

 

[brentalex]

Booking a package with AAA should enable you to get the room discount on the room portion of the package. The rest should cost the same. So, I would ask the AAA travel agent if you are getting a discount on the room. It is possible that all the available discounts have been used up for your resort and dates. There is a limit as to how many rooms can get a AAA discount, so it is possible that there are no more available. But if you can be flexible the agent should be able to get you a package with the discount on the room.

If a different package comes out, like free dining, then you would not be able to keep the discount on the room. Disney only allows one discount at a time, so if you wanted free dining, you would have to give up any discount on the room. You could have the agent change it

 

[Pat329]

We made reservations last month with AAA for our Oct trip. The AAA discount happens on the room rate only when you book a package that includes park tickets. Yesterday I had voicemail waiting for me at home from AAA saying that they will be crediting my trip $300 because of a new promo Disney is running on the room rates during my stay. I've always had great service from our local AAA and never miss a discount. Last year was only $12 but at least I know they're watching for me.

 

[mpetti]

I will be saving about $100 going through AAA. However I am watching for any other offers or should I say better offers that might come out. I asked the AAA travel Agent to keep an eye out as well. But I am not sure she'll do it. I have been driving her nuts I am sure. But I just want the most for my money . I am hoping for the free Dining since we are going in Aug 2009. I would really like to move my trip up to early Aug, but am waiting for April to see the dates of the free Dining. Times are tuff and you have to try to save a buck. We (me & both DS) just love WDW and being there. So even if we go value it's better then not going at all. It truly is the happiest place on earth. Thank you all for your help.

Maryann

 

[labsrus1]

Just keep up with everything, last time I booked thru AAA our TA from there missed the free dining in APR and we got stuck having to change resorts and leave a day later. Keep your eyes open and call at the first sign of a discount she is working for you. Learned the hard way.
Chuck

 

[su_A_ve]

There are AAA TAs and there are AAA TAs. For example, if they are out or on vacation, typically no other TA would touch your rez unless the TA authorized it ahead of time. And then, most other TAs would be reluctanct to make any chances.

With AAA, you can book a room-only (with 15%-20% discount from rack) or a package (with the same approx discounts but only towards the room portion of it). The package would be exactly the same as going direct thru Disney.

Now, if you do a room-only rez, you could purchase tix via AAA for a small discount (usually 5%).

As an example, here's what I experienced with last week's GA code. I had a hold rez with AAA. The TA told me she would be out all this week, and last thursday. But she noted on the rez, that any other TA could make changes to the rez. Now, GA came out on Thursday. At 6:45am that morning, I got an email from her that she applied the new promo (note that she was still out that day!).

However, when later I called in to upgrade from ASMu to CBR, a 'reluctant' TA did the change, though she insisted I should talk to my TA when she would be back.

 

[GatorLady]

Sorry for dumb question, but what's a "GA" code?