AAA Preferred parking

[MICKEEP]

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!

Maybe you should post this on the resort board
but
I don't understand why you are contacting the BBB because AAA rates are higher. Shop around. I have always found that room only rates are better through AAA and package rates are better through Disney

 

[kaytieeldr]

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!

You're serious? AAA is the American AUTOMOBILE Association. Its PRIMARY purpose is to provide roadside assistance to members whose vehicles break down. EVERYTHING else they do is extra, perks, bonuses, whatever.
You can't use the parking (not free, by the way - are you sure you heard correctly?) because you won't have a vehicle? Did AAA prevent you from renting a car? Are they forcing you to use Disney transportation? No? Didn't think so. Discounts on dining? You're positive on that, too? Because while some independent chains may give a small discount to AAA members who "show the card", that would be a chainwide benefit, NOT a Disney one (example: if Planet Hollywood at Downtown Disney gives a 10% discount to AAA members, ALL Planet Hollywoods do). There are NO AAA discounts on food at Walt Disney World. AAA offered you the opportunity to purchase the Dining Plan, or did they MAKE you do it?

As previously mentioned, the AAA parking areas are directly adjacent to the handicapped parking areas (so you know it can't be THAT far).

You'd think so, wouldn't you... but especially if you're disabled, it's a LONG haul - not in time, but in distance and effort. Try propelling yourself in a wheelchair down even a 20º incline, then back up the other side - in a wheelchair. The ENTIRE purpose of handicapped parking is to get the person out of the flow of traffic as efficiently as possible - HP parking does NOT need to be 'close' to the destination, it just has to provide safe access.

 

[SeattleRedBear]

You'd think so, wouldn't you... but especially if you're disabled, it's a LONG haul - not in time, but in distance and effort. Try propelling yourself in a wheelchair down even a 20º incline, then back up the other side - in a wheelchair. The ENTIRE purpose of handicapped parking is to get the person out of the flow of traffic as efficiently as possible - HP parking does NOT need to be 'close' to the destination, it just has to provide safe access.

That's a good point. Like most non-handicapped people, I see the handicapped stalls closest to the entrance and assume it's so that handicapped people don't have to travel as far, but you're right, it's more about safe access than distance. I'll probably still continue to use the AAA spots so that I don't have to rely on a tram and it's easier to remember where I'm parked.

 

[CarolA]

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!

I hate to break this news to you but NO discount is guranteed..... You waited until NOW to book on 12/4 and you want an discount? Sorry, but I think your BBB complaint is a waste of energy. AAA is out of discounted rooms to sell, Disney may not be it's THAT simple. Next time book your discounted package early.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I know we're getting off the transportation topic, but in response to CarolA - just for fun (yeah, I have a wierd sense of fun) I checked disneyworld.com for packages on the dates stated by MarySB.
There is NO availability, PERIOD, for those five consecutive nights at: All Star Music; All Star Movies; All Star Sports; Pop Century; Caribbean Beach; or Coronado Springs. There IS at least one room available at Port Orleans French Quarter, and at least one at Port Orleans Riverside. I didn't bother checking the Deluxe resorts - if the price difference is only $200 for the five nights ($40 a night), I don't think that poster is staying at a Deluxe.
Then I went to AAA's website. Availability for those dates? Saratoga Springs starting at $360 a night; Fort Wilderness (cabins, I'd hope) at $203 a night; and All Star Music at $169 a night. That's IT. That's ALL the availability AAA has for that stay, period.