AAA versus non-AAA vacation

[marriedmarylander]

I got a quote for a AAA package (hotel and tickets). I was able to get a quote even without being a member at this point. It came up to $1336. I think this included 4 day tickets with the plus pack at a moderate resort for 6 nights. I have already reserved a room through Disney using AAA at $843 / 6 nights (I would join AAA before going on my trip) and I would purchase tickets through ticketmania.com that would come up to about $470. This would make it $1313. Obviously it's cheaper by about $23. The AAA package also includes a visit to a vip lounge and a AAA diamond card and luggage tags. What's a AAA diamond card and the benefits? Is that their normal membership card. Also, what is the VIP lounge (sounds like something not worth spending $23 more on)? I guess I wanted to know is it worth spending $23 more?

 

[Kevin&Randall]

The AAA Diamond Card provides discounts for various things. When we travelled on it back in 1999 there were discounts for restaurants at DTD, theme park tours, merchandise at DTD (I know that one doesn't exist anymore), and some recreation. We saved more that $23 with the card, but most was in merchandise.

The AAA lounge wasn't anything special. Was nice to get out of the heat and get a soda, but didn't have much else to offer

I would say take the AAA package. Even with it being $23 more expensive, you are booked with a Travel Agent who can help you if something goes wrong along the way.

Randall

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

I have our AAA Disney Vacations booklet here and it says your AAA Vacations package includes:

AAA VIP Lounge ~ relax & enjoy a softdrink
AAA Diamond Parking ~ voucher required, black out dates apply
AAA Luggage Tags ~ 1 per person
40 Page How To Guide
Hertz Rental Car Upgrade
AAA Vacations Diamond Card
10% off food & non-alcoholic beverages at Wolfagng Puck Express, Fulton's Crab House, Portobello Yacht Club, Planet Hollywood, Bongos Cuban Cafe, All Star Cafe
15% off food & non-alcoholic beverages at Earl of Sandwich
20% off food & non-alcoholic beverages at House of Blues, Traders Steak and Seafood House at BW LBV resort, Outback Restaurant at the Wyndham, several places at the Swan & Dolphin (Garden Grove, Gulliver's, Kimono's, Palio's, Splash, Fresh and Cabana Bar & Grill)
20% off Richard Petty Driving Experience and Ride-Along Driving Experience
15% off Winter Summerland or Fantasia Gardens mini Golf, Day Visitor rates at all 5 courses (tee times are limited), mini-power boat rentals, water therapy or body treatments at GF or SSR
10% off personal watercraft excursions from CR, spa & salon services at Wyndham
10% off automotive repairs at the AAA Car Care Center
10% off World of Disney purchases (restrictions apply)
15% off select behind the scenes tours

 

[Billysears]

I have been in the same situation this past week and learned that the non-resident AAA 7-day hopper tickets include 5 passs to either BB,TL,DQ or PI. If I remember correctly they were $256 with the other aaa perks as well. Most of their room only revs are 15% off. Can book through Dis and add codes later if changed.

 

[marriedmarylander]

Thanks for the info... now my only concern is paying 45 days in advance in full! Hmmm But I guess this way it's taken care of.