AAA question?!

[mommy2aprincess4]

anytime I've gone to AAA to search rates on Disney Hotels I can never *see* the hotels and always have to submit a reservation request to get a quote, and then once they get back to me the price is always the same as it is on the Disney website, and yes I am an AAA member. We got the AAA membership in the first place to save on Disney and have never seen a discounted rate anytime I've asked for a quote, we always end up just booking through Disney. I don't understand this?! How do you all see the hotels on the site and get such discounts?

 

[MariDisney]

I always call a AAA Travel Agent. There is one I work with all the time. Anway, I am saving $400 off this upcoming trip by booking the package through AAA rather than Disney. My advice is to definitely give a call. In the past, I've booked with Disney then gotten a better quote from AAA so I cancel the Disney ressie and book the AAA one.

 

[Lil'Simba]

The same happened to me. I called the 1-800 number and got the same price as disney.com. This a.m., I went to AAA and the agent called someone to get a price for me. My first choice was CSR and the agent said 'they were booked up on the discounted rooms. Do you have a 2nd choice?' So I went with POR and they had rooms available. I got a discounted rate...about $200+ below the disney.com rate.

Definitely call or go to your local AAA.

 

[Bobo912]

I don't know if all AAA websites are the same, but on the site I use, there is a link for "Disney Vacations" under "Fun Vacations & Great Destinations". If I click on that link, it takes me to a page with links for attraction tickets, hotels, AAA Vacations Disney Packages, and Cruises. If I select Vacation Packages, I have to submit a request for a quote. If I select Hotels, it takes me to the regular hotel reservation page, where I can get a quote on any hotel (including the Disney resorts). Or I can just select the Hotel Reservations tab that is on the main page and it takes me to the same place. But the website may be totally different depending on the part of the country you live in.

Edited to add that when I check the website, the hotels are not always discounted. During the peak months, the AAA rates is sometimes the same as the rack rate. Other times of the year it is discounted.

 

[Lil'Simba]

I don't know if all AAA websites are the same, but on the site I use, there is a link for "Disney Vacations" under "Fun Vacations & Great Destinations". If I click on that link, it takes me to a page with links for attraction tickets, hotels, AAA Vacations Disney Packages, and Cruises. If I select Vacation Packages, I have to submit a request for a quote. If I select Hotels, it takes me to the regular hotel reservation page, where I can get a quote on any hotel (including the Disney resorts). Or I can just select the Hotel Reservations tab that is on the main page and it takes me to the same place. But the website may be totally different depending on the part of the country you live in.

Edited to add that when I check the website, the hotels are not always discounted. During the peak months, the AAA rates is sometimes the same as the rack rate. Other times of the year it is discounted.

I tried that too. I got a lower price and then found out that taxes weren't incl. When I added the tax, it was the disney rate again.
I don't know why they do that. You would think they know people check the web first. I would not have found out about the AAA discounts if it weren't four the lovely people on this board and if I hadn't hadn't gone down to the office. I think that is your best bet. Once you're in there, they want you to use them so they will try to find you a great price. While I was there I was eavesdropping (shhhh) on the other travel agent who was talking with clients about booking their Disney trip. He's going down in May and November of this year. He really knew the 'world.

 

[skipperkim]

It really depends on when you go and when you book. The sooner you book the more likely there will be a discount for the resort you want.

This might help:

http://www.disneytravelebrochurewdw...D=159&an=AAA TRAVEL&RFX_Ver=flash&RFX_Res=low

Page 12 will give you dates and percentages.

 

[C-CMom]

Perhaps not all AAA work the same way. Mine is AAAsouth, and it will show the available rate, though it doesn't make a distinction of whether it is rack or discount. I have to compare the rate shown to known Disney rates. The dates for AAA discounts do sell out, though, so if the dates you are searching are close, the discounts may be gone?? My June dates, for example, have some cheaper rates for certain properties, but not all.

 

[scmouse]

We too always go through our AAA TA directly.

 

[catne]

Disney will add the taxes, too! Florida makes a lot of money off hotel taxes!Anyway, we booked our May trip using a AAA agent...we did get it about 10% cheaper than Disney rates (saved about $400 total on a $4100 package.) Our agent did tell us that there are just a certain number of rooms at each resort set aside to be eligible for the AAA discount--and that they will always be standard view rooms. Once those rooms are booked, if you want a specific hotel, or have to have a water view, etc. you'll pay the regular Disney rate. However, if you are paying the full Disney rate, then you are still eligible for any Disney offers (like the current one to get free upgrades on tickets to add Water Park & More, or the free dining if offered again.) Ordinarily, if you get the AAA discount then you cannot get any other discounts or special offers. So sometimes, you have to really shop it to make sure you're taking the discount that offers the best deal for your preferences.

 

[Atchley]

Like many PP, we always book directly through our AAA agent.

 

[DianeV]

For room only you just select hotels from the regular search part (near airfare etc) and then go to advanced search where it lets you choose from a dropdown menu hotel brands. There is Disney hotels listed and your search will only bring up Disney hotels and if there is a AAA discount it gives that rate...

I'm not sure if you are looking for a package or room only sorry

 

[MommyBuzz909]

AAA is great - I like how I can do and sit down with my TA and she call tell me everything, as opposed to calling Disney and getting somebody who "might" know what they're talking about. I love Disney, but some of those CM's are quite "special" if you know what I mean )

 

[Bobo912]

The last time I asked for the AAA from CRO, the CM told me they didn't have any AAA discounts available. I had the AAA website up at the time and told her what the rates were there and she was finally able to come up with the same rates - which were at a 20% discount. Sometimes the CMSs are "confused" and sometimes all the AAA discounted rooms are gone. I've been able to book discounted rooms on the AAA website, but I usually go in the off season.

 

[auntie]

If you are looking for just a "room only" rate with an AAA discount and not a package, you can book that with Disney by calling Central Reservations. They just can't book a package which would include dining for you.

 

[GoofyFairie]

Does that mean a AAA discount would not apply to a woods view room at WL in FEB?

 

[*aryn*n*jon*]

i just held a reservation for a value resort but also got a quote for the WL as well and the AAA discount was 15% the room only (for all accomodations) in mid october.

 

[Candikayne]

Brochure Link

http://www.disneytravelebrochurewdw.com/aaavacations/index.aspx?agencyID=159&an=AAA%20TRAVEL&RFX_Ver=fl ash&RFX_Res=low