Booking room only reservation?

[tnd]

We're kicking around the idea of a trip in January, 2009. I understand I can book the room now, and add the package later when the rates come out in August. I am thinking about getting AAA and maybe using them after August if the discount is good. Will that be a problem in any way? Or can I just cancel my room reservation after booking with them? I am planning to book an ASMu Family Suite, and I know they have limited availability, so I want to get one reserved as soon as possible.

Also, does anyone know the cancellation policy for the room reservation if we choose not to do it, or choose to book it through AAA once packages are realeased? Thanks in advance!

 

[auntie]

It's my understanding that you can book a room only with an AAA discount, but not an AAA package through Disney. I would think that if you decide to book a AAA package you will have to do that directly with AAA. You can book a room only through Central Resevations and then change that to a package..at least we have. Howver, there was no AAA discount involved.

 

[tnd]

Thank you! I think that is what I'd have to do. I think if I chose to do a package (which I intend to, because we want the dining plan), I will have to book it through AAA.

I will probably just book the room now to have it held. That way, if there is no advantage for AAA (i.e. no rooms left that get the discount), we can just add on through Disney.

 

[CleveRocks]

An AAA discount isn't automatic ... it's not like having a coupon. They only offer the AAA discount when the occupancy rate for that type of room at that resort on those dates is below whatever target occupancy rate they set internally.

I suspect that the ASMu family suites are pretty popular and sell out quickly. If that's the case, there is very little chance of getting an AAA discount on the room. Whether or not you have a pre-existing reservation has no bearing on getting the discount.

In other words, let's say that almost all of the family suites are already reserved by the time prices come out. WHen the prices come out, Disney won't offer the AAA discount on those suites because they already have a high occupancy rate. The reason to offer something at a reduced price is to increase sales volume. But if volume is already acceptably high then there's no reason to offer incentives, know what I mean?

 

[tnd]

I see - thank you! One of the reasons I want to book the room early is so that we get a suite. Even without the AAA discount, the suite is still worth it to us.

 

[disnut8]

If the Suites are that important, book it now. The cancellation policy is six days out from your arrival date and you have to pay one night's deposit. But that deposit is 100% refundable if you cancel six days out. Get your room now and then figure out everything later. As long as you cancel before those six days, it costs you nothing except giving Disney one night of your money.

 

[tnd]

Thanks Disnut8! I think I will call them this week and book it.

 

[Haley]

The suites do sell out quick with the AAA discount, but it's not impossible to get it. I know someone who just booked one for 10 days over thanksgiving with the AAA discount.