Better to book with AAA, or thru Disney?

[Tromba]

I am planning to book a May 2005 trip (pre-Memorial Day) tomorrow. I was wondering if anyone could give me pros/cons of booking thru Disney and asking for the AAA discount, as opposed to booking directly thru AAA.

Before I always have booked thru AAA. We have always gone during Value season (before Christmas), and usually only get around $5 off the rack rates. I was wondering what to expect for a May trip. Rates are listed as $64. When I booked with AAA before, I only had to pay for the first nite up front. Rest due at check in (although I always paid earlier just to get that big expense out of the way before the trip). Also with AAA, we were already placed in the loop of our choice (as I recall, we always got the loop of our request).

I was thinking about booking directly thru Disney this time, asking for the AAA discount. Can I expect the same experience as when I booked thru AAA? Discounts the same?

Thanks for the help,
Tromba

 

[TmnsnMD]

When we went in 2001, I booked thru local AAA agent. My problem was that the agent changed 2 times and no one seemed to know as much about the discounts as I did from reading everything here. I did get everthing I wanted (I had to ask for them) and I was happy with what I got. I did have to pay $200 deposit not just 1 night.

This time I booked with WDW campsite only (hoping for a good rate or promo). Only had to pay 1 night deposit. I called a year in advance so when I asked about AAA discount they did not have the info yet, the CM advised me to call back in Jan (Aug trip). Well when I called in Jan they did have AAA discounts so that was taken care of over the phone. I have been very happy with WDW.

The one thing that AAA does that I really did like was they would send me an account statement each time I made a payment in advance (before check-in). I have not really gotten that from WDW. I have had to call a couple of times to check account balance to make sure they did apply the check to the account.

Over all, I did what the AAA agent did while I was sitting in the AAA office. So it would be up to you. I think either way you will be fine!

Have a great trip!

 

[tim5055]

Discounts should be the same. The big issues with using a travel agent is that once it is booked, ONLY the agent can deal with Disney. If your plans change or opther issues arise, you have to work throught the agent.

I book everything diorect with Disney. Othet than agents who specialize in Disney, I have seldom seen the depth of knowlege that you can find right here.

 

[parmtoo]

We also book directly through WDW. This way, if a better discount comes along, we can just call and switch..........it works best for us.