Bad Experience getting quotes thru AAA

[rosiegmendez]

I just had the worst experience getting quotes thru AAA. January is their "Disney Month" so I thought I would give it a shot.

Let me first say, if this type of thread is not allowed, please dont flame me, I will happily delete. Just thought I'd vent to a group that would certainly understand my frustration.

I was provided email quotes for Boardwalk Inn from a travel rep and the rates were outstanding! For the price of room only, they included 6 day base tickets plus an Amex $50 card! As soon as I got the emai lyesterday I jumped on it and replied to book it. I even had her confirm via email that this included tickets and she replied yes. We were so excited and were making plans for our trip upgraded to a deluxe resort.

Well the agent didnt respond today, even after my many emails and calls not wanting to miss the January specials (since it is 1/31 today).

Well I finally got a hold of another agent at 4:30 today and she reviewed the email and apologized profusely. She immediately told me the numbers were too low to include the park tickets. Sure enough the rates were room only.

I know people outside of this forum will not think much of it but for 24 hours I thought we had a great deal and upgraded to deluxe only to find out the agent was incompetent. The worst part, when I asked the supervisor what he would do in the name of customer service he said since it was 5:00 and the AAA January promo was about to end, I could pay a "deposit" now and then they could help me tomorrow to finalize my reservation but they could NOT honor the prices quoted by their rep.

I told him I was under no circumstances giving him any of my money after the service I received.

Several people have said on here to deal direct with disney and did I learn my lesson.

Vent over.

At least we still have our current reservations for AoA/POR...

 

[allthingsmickey]

Sorry you got a bad agent through AAA. The one thing about AAA is that their agents are not always Disney experts. i understand that many other travel agents can book the AAA packages. I know it's too late this time, but you might go through one of the agencies that specialize in Disney and ask if they can do the AAA price if that is the best package for you.

I wouldn't have expected that they could honor the price, but I would have thought they would offer a little extra -- a little bit larger gift card or something for the mistake.

The truth is, even when you book directly with Disney, the Disney CM's make mistakes too. I trust my travel agent more than many of the Disney CM's to make sure I am getting the best deal and actually booking what I am asking for.

 

[minnie mum]

I can definitely empathise. My one and only experience with AAA booking a Disney vacation was a nightmare. The agent really didn't have a clue about Disney vacations. I had to tell her about a new discount the day after it came out. And she managed to mix up a bunch of details on our package that took multiple phone calls to iron out. Lesson learned and I've booked all of our Disney trips myself ever since. I really don't get how they can call themselves Disney specialists when they are so ill informed.

However, I know that there are a lot of people who book through TAs who work for agencies that ARE real Disney Specialists, and are happy to use their services year after year.

 

[rosiegmendez]

Well, thanks to this forum and all the experts on here I certainly knew more than the AAA agent (she didnt know off the top of her head which rooms can accomodate 5, etc).

 

[karly05]

Someone please jump in and correct this if I'm wrong, but...

I do believe you can only book a AAA package through AAA.

I know you can book room only with a AAA discount on the room through other travel agents or with Disney directly. That's what I've been doing, then I buy park tix through Undercover Tourist via the MouseSavers newsletter (something I learned on the Dis!). I don't do the dining plan.

Our first two family trips, we went through AAA and were very lucky to have a really great agent who actually did know and love WDW. She left after we booked but before we took our 2004 trip, and the guy who replaced her did not impress me. When I talked to them again in more recent years the (different) guy I spoke with definitely didn't know as much as I did. They're just really hit and miss, depending on the individual.

 

[DisneyMim]

We've been AAA members forever and love them for their car services, etc. They are wonderful and have helped us out over the years, BUT their travel services I have found to be very lacking especially Disney. My husband and I were in our AAA office a few years ago for something and I overheard an agent talking to a couple about a Disney vacation. They were telling them all wrong info and I was getting more frustrated by the minute. The couple left and as soon as we were through talking to the person who was "supposed" to be helping us (concerning cell phones, we left because we knew more than they did!) I went our into the parking lot to see if I could catch the couple but could not. IMHO AAA should stick to auto stuff or at least bring in real experts who know what they are talking about. I think you will get all the info you need for a Disney vacation right here in the Dis. Do it yourself. You will be in control of your vacation.

Enjoy The MaGIC!!

 

[quietgirl]

I think there are some people who work for different AAA branches who really are experts on Disney and then there are branches where someone has been appointed the disney agent or expert (but honestly I think there are a lot of things in life that work that way). If you go back 15 or 20 years you probably would find that the experts were more experts because they had access to information that the average person would not...now that isn't the case. They probably really need CEU/CEC like some other professions get..every year you need to take a certain number of credits so that you are really staying up to date on what's happening at Disney so you can truly call yourself an expert.

 

[merina888]

We've booked our last 2 Disney vacations through AAA and were very satisfied. However we chose someone who was a Disney expert. Not all AAA travel agents are. So when you arrive, ask for someone who is.

 

[Kimberle]

Someone please jump in and correct this if I'm wrong, but...

I do believe you can only book a AAA package through AAA.

I know you can book room only with a AAA discount on the room through other travel agents or with Disney directly. That's what I've been doing, then I buy park tix through Undercover Tourist via the MouseSavers newsletter (something I learned on the Dis!). I don't do the dining plan.

Our first two family trips, we went through AAA and were very lucky to have a really great agent who actually did know and love WDW. She left after we booked but before we took our 2004 trip, and the guy who replaced her did not impress me. When I talked to them again in more recent years the (different) guy I spoke with definitely didn't know as much as I did. They're just really hit and miss, depending on the individual.

I booked an AAA discount through Dreams Unlimited Travel.

 

[nkereina]

Someone please jump in and correct this if I'm wrong, but...

I do believe you can only book a AAA package through AAA.

I know you can book room only with a AAA discount on the room through other travel agents or with Disney directly. That's what I've been doing, then I buy park tix through Undercover Tourist via the MouseSavers newsletter (something I learned on the Dis!). I don't do the dining plan.

Our first two family trips, we went through AAA and were very lucky to have a really great agent who actually did know and love WDW. She left after we booked but before we took our 2004 trip, and the guy who replaced her did not impress me. When I talked to them again in more recent years the (different) guy I spoke with definitely didn't know as much as I did. They're just really hit and miss, depending on the individual.

AAA is no different than any other travel agency. If you want room only at Disney, AAA can do that. They are licensed IATA travel agents, no different than Liberty Travel, Dreams Unlimited, or any other. Plus, it doesn't really make sense to offer a AAA room only discount and not be able to book it at AAA, does it?

OP, sorry about your bad experience. Before anyone changes their minds on AAA, remember that AAA is a national company. Experiences and agents vary greatly between clubs and even between branches. I used to work for AAA and we had very knowledgable Disney agents called Travel Generalists. These agents focused solely on Disney, domestic travel, and basic hotel/car/flight reservations. The Travel Specialists focused primarily on cruises, international travel, vacation packages, etc. The Specialists could book Disney but didn't do it as often so weren't as knowledgable, plus they would get a little bitter about booking Disney since Disney commission is considerably lower than other tour companies. So, if you go to AAA, ask for a Generalist, even if you have to wait a few extra minutes. It will be worth it. Also keep in mind that AAA and Disney are preferred partners. Often, AAA agents have a little clout with Disney because neither company wants to lose that distinction. AAA also works with regional Disney Reps who they speak to on a monthly basis, sometimes more frequently. These Reps have been known to pull strings in a pinch too. Something to keep in mind.

 

[karly05]

AAA is no different than any other travel agency. If you want room only at Disney, AAA can do that. They are licensed IATA travel agents, no different than Liberty Travel, Dreams Unlimited, or any other. Plus, it doesn't really make sense to offer a AAA room only discount and not be able to book it at AAA, does it?

I think maybe I didn't phrase that correctly. I didn't mean to say that AAA could only do packages.

What I was trying to say was, if you want a AAA package, you have to book that through AAA.

If you want to book room only with a AAA discount, you can do that through AAA, another travel agency, or directly with Disney. Hope that makes more sense.

 

[happily single]

I have also had bad experiences with AAA Travel Agency-not returning my calls to give me a quote, giving me bad information, not knowing about deals, etc.

OP: If you have the emails between you and the TA where she confirms the price did include tickets I would speak with every possible manager, etc until something was done to rectify this. Imagine if you had immediately paid, thinking you were all set and then arrived for vacation to find out you had no ticket

At the very least I would feel AAA should compensate you in some way....And yes I know I am going to get flamed for that statement.

I will tell you that 4 years ago I dealt with a TA recomended here on Dis. She messed up and booked a different resort than I wanted. When I realized the error it was too late to get the resort I originally wanted. I wasn't upset and didn't demand anything, but she offered to either upgrade up to a deluxe or to provide me with a gc. It was a very nice (and much appreciated gesture), but I didn't demand or request anything from her. But that is great customer service

 

[KrazeeK120]

OP...I'm very sorry that you had a bad experience.

I wanted to mention that I've used the same AAA agent for 4 trips to Disney now and haven't had a problem. She helped us quite a bit with our first trip (before I discovered the Dis, Allears, etc.). On our 2nd trip, Disney introduced a buy 4 nights, get 3 free promotion for our dates after we'd already booked the trip and she was able to get us the promotional rate. We probably wouldn't have even known about the promotion had she not told us.

On our most recent trip, I quoted a trip on the Disney website and then asked her if she could beat it (sometimes Disney's promotions end up better than the AAA discount). She couldn't, but we booked with her anyway. I wanted to get the AAA Diamond Parking Pass (which was amazing, btw). We are considering going next year and I wouldn't hesitate to use her again.

Moral of the story - just like any other job, some travel agents are good and some aren't.

 

[cjsm&d]

Someone please jump in and correct this if I'm wrong, but...

I do believe you can only book a AAA package through AAA.

I know you can book room only with a AAA discount on the room through other travel agents or with Disney directly. That's what I've been doing, then I buy park tix through Undercover Tourist via the MouseSavers newsletter (something I learned on the Dis!). I don't do the dining plan.

Our first two family trips, we went through AAA and were very lucky to have a really great agent who actually did know and love WDW. She left after we booked but before we took our 2004 trip, and the guy who replaced her did not impress me. When I talked to them again in more recent years the (different) guy I spoke with definitely didn't know as much as I did. They're just really hit and miss, depending on the individual.

We booked our AAA rate straght through WDW. After a conversation with our local AAA agent, a conversation in which I knew much more about WDW then the agent did, I went directly through WDW to make my ressie (It was 10% room only for April at POR preferred). The AAA package price I got offered though the AAA agent did NOT add up to what room ad ticket savings should have bee. And the agent wouldnot go over the numbers to seewhy they did not jibe with mine. I was leery to leave the ressi in teir hands knowing a better WDW offer was most likely coming.

I have since changed to the current discount (25% room only POR rivr view).

 

[nkereina]

I think maybe I didn't phrase that correctly. I didn't mean to say that AAA could only do packages.

What I was trying to say was, if you want a AAA package, you have to book that through AAA.

If you want to book room only with a AAA discount, you can do that through AAA, another travel agency, or directly with Disney. Hope that makes more sense.

Yes! This is correct. I was probably reading too fast and read it wrong

 

[smrand]

We booked our upcoming trip through AAA and were very happy with our travel agent. He knew a lot about the different resorts and rooms. He answered all of my questions and was quick to return emails and return phone calls. I will absolutely book with him again. I'm excited about our special AAA princess storytime. I did make all my own ADR though. I wanted to be in control of that. Sorry you had a bad experience. I know it depends on the agent you speak with.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

So sorry to hear about those of you that have had trouble booking thru AAA.

I have nothing but great things to say about my AAA travel agent.
She is a Disney expert & is the best travel agent I have ever had.

Before I found her, I tried booking Disney trips thru other AAA offices & some of them didn't know their head from a hole in the ground about disney

But I've been booking Disney thru her for the past 4 years. She always manages to find some extra discount or perk. My current trip for next month was booked last Aug, but she was able to discount my trip by another $50 last month and when I check in I'll get a $25 Disney gift card. That was a nice surprise she just told me about!
I guess it goes along with Jan being Disney month at AAA.

She will even make ADR's, but she taught me how and now I like to do them myself at my leisure, online.

 

[Sue M]

Someone please jump in and correct this if I'm wrong, but...

I do believe you can only book a AAA package through AAA.

I know you can book room only with a AAA discount on the room through other travel agents or with Disney directly. That's what I've been doing, then I buy park tix through Undercover Tourist via the MouseSavers newsletter (something I learned on the Dis!). I don't do the dining plan.

Our first two family trips, we went through AAA and were very lucky to have a really great agent who actually did know and love WDW. She left after we booked but before we took our 2004 trip, and the guy who replaced her did not impress me. When I talked to them again in more recent years the (different) guy I spoke with definitely didn't know as much as I did. They're just really hit and miss, depending on the individual.

You are correct, you can only book a AAA package thru them. But can book AAA room only rate directly with Disney or any TA.

We've booked our last 2 Disney vacations through AAA and were very satisfied. However we chose someone who was a Disney expert. Not all AAA travel agents are. So when you arrive, ask for someone who is.

Sadly I did ask for a quote from a so called AAA Disney Expert who was written up in their BCAA magazine Westward. I had done my homework and priced out my vacay on Wdw web site first before calling Bcaa. (Canada AAA). Her quote was sig higher then WDW . When I pointed this out to her, she said, oh, I priced it out on Sun Fun Vacations, a secondary travel company they use. For a so called expert she knew nothing.

I have heard some AAA agents are good, but it is prob the ones that go with their families. And you are lucky if there's one near you.

Personally, I book myself or with a TA that's a Authorized Disney Vacation Planner.

 

[MommaNinja]

I think AAA agents are a crap shoot when it comes to booking Disney. I spoke to an agent before booking our upcoming trip and she left a lot to be desired in the listening department. The couple hundred dollars we would save wasn't worth it to us. However, a friend has used AAA several times and has had wonderful luck.

 

[nickgid]

We booked our upcoming trip through AAA and were very happy with our travel agent. He knew a lot about the different resorts and rooms. He answered all of my questions and was quick to return emails and return phone calls. I will absolutely book with him again. I'm excited about our special AAA princess storytime. I did make all my own ADR though. I wanted to be in control of that. Sorry you had a bad experience. I know it depends on the agent you speak with.

Anyone know if we can use out of state AAA Disney experts and if so anyone have names they can offer?
Also, what is an ADR?
Thanks for your patience with a newbie.