Anyone book a package through CAA?

[mommymanda]

We are members and I was thinking of contacting for a quote. Thought I'd check here for info/reviews.

Is there an actual deal if you book through CAA or is it the same as Disney quotes?
Do they offer room/ticket/dining packages?

Tips? Reviews?

 

[minnie mum]

CAA does not have any deals that you can't get by going thru Disney direct. Their previous arrangement with Disney that allowed a small CAA/AAA discount enced over a year ago. But if you just want to use them as a booking site, they can arrange either a vacation package or purchase a room only reservation and tickets separately.

I used them to book a package only once and it was a fiasco. Errors were made on the initial booking, and correcting their mistake took multiple calls over a couple of weeks. The agent lacked any real knowledge of the many variables that go into booking different categories of resorts, dining and tickets. And because the travel agency effectively owns the reservation until you arrive, everything has to go through the agent (except ADRs and FP bookings). You can't call Disney direct to make any changes.

Now I'm sure not all CAA booking agents are as bad as the 2 I dealt with. But if you are going to turn your Disney vacation over to a travel agent, go to one that specializes in Disney.

 

[samsteele]

I've used my local CAA agent for my Disney vacations (except airfare) and have had good luck. I have a good TA. But I make all of my own ADRs and FP+. As minnie mum stated above, the small discount CAA/AAA had for years has now ended so no discount or financial incentive now to book with CAA. Also no points awarded from the booking that could offset purchase of the annual CAA membership. The only plus to booking with CAA is that because of sister AAA's still large number of WDW bookings, if you have a serious problem with your WDW vacation, you have a bigger stick to obtain a decent refund or redress than you would as a single consumer. For example, some years ago I had a poor experience at Wilderness Lodge (multiple serious room issues) and the front desk wouldn't or couldn't assist when I was there. I couldn't get a room change or resort change. This is very unusual for WL but it was what it was. When I returned home, my CAA TA forwarded my concerns on to WDW through AAA's network. Long story short, I received a prompt call from WDW investigating my concerns and I ended up with a decent credit on my Visa. This is now the only value that I see in booking a WDW vacation through a large travel agency like CAA/AAA. It is really in the eyes of the beholder whether it is worthwhile to you personally.

 

[Tinkershelly]

I have booked through CAA in Halifax for years now and have had nothing but good experiences. My travel agent is a certified Disney expert, and I believe she would provide good service for anyone who doesn't have any Disney knowledge. I have no problem recommending her, can't say anything about any other offices though. My advice is to ask for a TA who is Disney certified. If the agency doesn't have one then move on. There are plenty of others to choose from who are.