And yet another ME question

[jaff87]

I know that we are going in August. The only thing I have not yet decided on is whether or not I am making the reservations myself or using a travel agent or using WDW Travel.

I am probably making the reservations within the next month; but am holding off on the airfare portion. My question is: If I use a travel agent like AAA for the initial reservations, etc. do I need to have them make my ME reservations once I know my flights, etc. or can I just do that myself when the time comes by calling the number for Magical Express? I will already have the confirmation number of my package, so I am not really sure why I would need to have AAA call ME for me.

Can someone set me straight?

 

[disneyldwjr]

I know that we are going in August. The only thing I have not yet decided on is whether or not I am making the reservations myself or using a travel agent or using WDW Travel.

I am probably making the reservations within the next month; but am holding off on the airfare portion. My question is: If I use a travel agent like AAA for the initial reservations, etc. do I need to have them make my ME reservations once I know my flights, etc. or can I just do that myself when the time comes by calling the number for Magical Express? I will already have the confirmation number of my package, so I am not really sure why I would need to have AAA call ME for me.

Can someone set me straight?

If you are going to use a TA, I would advise strongly against AAA. Use Dreams Unlimited, they are a sponser here and VERY good.

 

[bdklein]

We went this past May to WDW. I booked the vacation package through AAA. I did not book my airfare with AAA. I then booked the ME reservation myself, but keep in mind that since the trip reservation was made through AAA that AAA (not you) "owns" the reservation. Therefore I gave the ME reservation number to my AAA agent, because she was going to get the ME tags, and all the travel documents as well.

Hope this helps.

 

[bdklein]

I used an AAA agent, and had no issues at all. Plus I got the benefits of AAA (saved money on a package, parking, gift, storytime voucher, plus nice luggage tags).

 

[goofy4tink]

Why not do it yourself? With the help of all of us, here on the DIS boards, you should be fine!! If you use a TA, then they technically 'own' the reservation. So, any changes you want made have to go through the TA, not you. I have used DU before and can heartily recommend them. They will also get you any discounts, AAA included, that you are entitled to.
So...if you use a TA, then they will have to make the DME reservations.

 

[Lewisc]

You can have the TA reserve DME and just supply the flight information later.

A AAA TA is the only TA that can add dining to a AAA discounted room. This year some guests with existing reservations were able to keep their AAA room discount and still get free dining.

 

[jaff87]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I am still mulling over what I am going to do - but its nice to know I can count on everyone here to answer my questions!

 

[bdklein]

How does Dreams Unlimited get the AAA discount, and allow you to get a package? How does DU get you the other AAA benefits that come with a WDW package? Please explain; I'd love to know.

 

[goofy4tink]

How does Dreams Unlimited get the AAA discount, and allow you to get a package? How does DU get you the other AAA benefits that come with a WDW package? Please explain; I'd love to know.

I'm basing my statement on the fact that when you fill out the questionaire for DU, they have a spot where you add whatever types of discounts you may be eligable for. AAA is one of the ones you can check off. I would imagine that you give them your AAA number at some point, and they take it from there. But, again, I'm only basing this on what I've seen, not on what I've experienced myself. I have only gotten my AP discount with them.

I think you will find that those who recommend not using a AAA agent for their trips have experienced some not so great things with their particular AAA agent. I'm sure there are plenty of folks out there, you included, who have had great service with AAA. But, there are many here who have not. AAA hasn't been good about getting things changed, about getting DME packets to the guest, they haven't been 'open' when a guest needed some TA assistence...that kind of thing. I would imagine it would depend on the particular agent.

 

[Lewisc]

Travel Agents and CRO can book an AAA discounted room. Unless something has recently changed only a AAA TA can add dining to a AAA discounted room. AFAIK only a AAA TA can provide the AAA package perks such as the preferred parking pass.

I'll agree some AAA agents probably good and some aren't but that doesn't change the fact that only a AAA TA can combine a AAA room discount with dining.

I'm basing my statement on the fact that when you fill out the questionaire for DU, they have a spot where you add whatever types of discounts you may be eligable for. AAA is one of the ones you can check off. I would imagine that you give them your AAA number at some point, and they take it from there. But, again, I'm only basing this on what I've seen, not on what I've experienced myself. I have only gotten my AP discount with them.

I think you will find that those who recommend not using a AAA agent for their trips have experienced some not so great things with their particular AAA agent. I'm sure there are plenty of folks out there, you included, who have had great service with AAA. But, there are many here who have not. AAA hasn't been good about getting things changed, about getting DME packets to the guest, they haven't been 'open' when a guest needed some TA assistence...that kind of thing. I would imagine it would depend on the particular agent.