AAA travel agent - fee for applying codes?

[lesterF]

I just put a deposit down for a room reservation (POFQ) and ticket purchase through my local AAA travel agency. We are going to WDW at the end of January.
I was suprised to hear that there would be a fee associated with applying any discount codes in the future. The agent said it is effectively cancelling and rebooking the reservation. I read here that people have made reservations, and are waiting for codes to apply later. How do you do that without fees?

thanks,
-lesterF

 

[Disneylush]

This is because you did it at the AAA office. You can call 407-w and make ressies stating you have AAA and get the same discounts and no fees. They charge a fee because they do the leg work for you.

 

[mpls_mm]

I had booked a trip through AAA because I like the service and I have had stuff go wrong before and they are more likely to get a resolution than Disney. When the codes came out, I called them and told them I wanted to use the code, they couldn't find it, would cost more etc etc. So I just called and booked my trip with Disney I got a confirmation # and told AAA I was cancelling because I had a better deal. They beat Disneys deal and transferred my ressie. (I made sure I had a confirmation in hand before I let the Disney one go)You can still cancel and book it yourself and they don't want to lose out on a sale, so they can get you a better deal. I still get all of the extra bonuses AAA was offering along with a lower price.

 

[seamour]

I had booked a trip through AAA because I like the service and I have had stuff go wrong before and they are more likely to get a resolution than Disney. When the codes came out, I called them and told them I wanted to use the code, they couldn't find it, would cost more etc etc. So I just called and booked my trip with Disney I got a confirmation # and told AAA I was cancelling because I had a better deal. They beat Disneys deal and transferred my ressie. (I made sure I had a confirmation in hand before I let the Disney one go)You can still cancel and book it yourself and they don't want to lose out on a sale, so they can get you a better deal. I still get all of the extra bonuses AAA was offering along with a lower price.

I am glad that it worked out for you and you were able to get the code applied, but it seems like a big hassle to me, your travel agent is supposed to be working for you and should apply codes as a courtesy like most of the internet agencies that specialize in Disney do.

Mic

 

[Lewisc]

Each AAA office is independent. Rules and policies vary. A few have booking fees, some have cancellation and change fees and others follow Disney policies and don't add any extra fees or terms.

Guests can't get a AAA discounted rate, and add dining, without going through a AAA TA. You don't have to use your local AAA office. Ask and if you don't like the terms try a different office. Last time I booked through the NY AAA the terms were identical to booking directly through Disney.

An internet agency that specializes in Disney, such as Dreams Unlimited, will search for codes and rebook. Most AAA TA won't look once you book. You'll have to call if you want them to try to apply a code.

 

[Mickiethepooh]

Since travel arrangements are part of the services you pay for with AAA membership fee there is NO REASON they should be charging a fee to do anything. I have never been charged any fee by them, and if you are I would complain to the regional office and I would call another AAA agent you can use any one in the country you are not limited to the one in your area.
The thing is the only time that using AAA is worth it is if you don't have a code or special. If you do always book direct with Disney and keep control of the reservation yourself.

 

[lesterF]

Thanks everyone for your responses. My gut feeling told me something was not right, so I was able to cancel before they charged my card. While they did offer the AAA discount, it seemed to me that they would not go much further to help me get a better deal later.
I ended up going with a travel agent who specializes in WDW travel. She is very helpful, and will be monitoring for codes (and applying them without fees!).

 

[CarolA]

I just put a deposit down for a room reservation (POFQ) and ticket purchase through my local AAA travel agency. We are going to WDW at the end of January.
I was suprised to hear that there would be a fee associated with applying any discount codes in the future. The agent said it is effectively cancelling and rebooking the reservation. I read here that people have made reservations, and are waiting for codes to apply later. How do you do that without fees?

thanks,
-lesterF

And we have another piece of proof as to why I will never use AAA.....


AAA should really read these boards to discover how bad thier overall quality is. I know there are some good agents out there and if I were one I would be complaining LOUDLY that "trash" like this is costing ME MONEY!

 

[Ilovestitch]

Well if you are past your 45 day mark and apply a discount code Disney WILL charge you a change fee.

I think there's a miscommunication somewhere along the way. I know AAA Mid Atlantic does not charge any fees like that-- I've never heard of such a thing.

 

[lesterF]

I was very confused when I talked to the AAA agent. She kept repeating that it was Disney's policy, and they were following it. I understand that if you are within a certain number of days that no matter who makes the reservation, there will be fees for cancelling. The major difference between AAA and the travel agent I am using now, is that before that cut off time, the AAA agent would have charged me a fee to apply any discount codes that came out, while the other travel agent would not.

 

[mom2mykids]

Well if you are past your 45 day mark and apply a discount code Disney WILL charge you a change fee.

I think there's a miscommunication somewhere along the way. I know AAA Mid Atlantic does not charge any fees like that-- I've never heard of such a thing.

I'm with AAA mid Atlantic also. I called made my ressie in Jan 07 for Sept 07, with the hope of the free dining coming out. Then in April I called my TA right when I saw on mousesavers when the promo was expected to be released.. She changed my ressie and was able to add 2 days to our trip. All for no fee and no mention of a fee ever. We had a great time, BTW