Booking Through AAA vs. Travel Agent

[jnshakun]

Hi all. As soon as package prices come out I'd like to book for next spring. I do have a question about using a AAA agent vs. the travel agent we've been using for years.

First, I've already been asking my "normal" agent lots of WDW questions and I feel somewhat disloyal booking with someone else. With that said, I would like to get the best discount possible. We've joined AAA and were told by a AAA agent that they get the best deals and that we'd get lots of perks. Truly, I'm not interested in most of the freebies they throw in (a storytelling session, a coupon for Hard Rock, etc.)--I'm just looking for the best price.

So, the question really is--is it better to book through AAA direct, or can my own travel agent just use my AAA# to get us discounted prices?

Once the packages come out I can do some comparisons, but I'd like to hear what others have experienced since this is our first family trip and I'm obsessed with planning! Thanks.

 

[mommyoftwinfants]

It is my understanding that you can only book a "package" using AAA discount through AAA. If you want room only you can book through disney or AAA

 

[yellowfish78]

Your regular TA can only book AAA room only discounts. Some people find that it's cheaper to build a "package" by adding room only + tickets to get a good price.
AAA Travel Agents are able to offer the AAA discount on packages...so if you want a discounted dining plan for example, you'd have to book with an AAA travel agent.
The voucher for Planet Hollywood is actually something that everyone gets for booking a package.
The extras for AAA include upgrades in car rentals (if one is needed), Diamond parking (which sometimes is closer), the 10-20% discount on the room portion of the package, there's also a AAA Diamond Card which can give you 10-15% off at the World of Disney, spa treatments, Earl of Sandwich, mini golf, regular golf, theme park tours...you kind of have to weigh the pros and cons.
January is also Disney Month with AAA and Disney. Normally extra perks are offered during this time; this year it was a free clock or photo frame box at an $75 value. (For the cruise line, it was a higher stateroom credit than what's normally offered).
You'll hear good things and bad things about AAA, but you'll also hear them about any agent really...the key is to find a good agent and just stick with them. Ask if they are a College of Disney Knowledge graduate. See if they've taking the Disney Master's Program in FL. Do you know more info than them? That's really what you got to ask. If you don't like the one agent, ask for another.
So once rates come out, price compare and go from there!

 

[jnshakun]

Thanks.....I guess I'll just price the trip out multiple ways and see who gives me the best deal!

 

[PrincessMo]

I would definately do whatever you feel comfortable with. It is good to find someone who will give you the best deals but one that is also nice and helpful. Someone who is always looking and trying to get you the best deals because sometimes the best deals aren't available yet. Make sure you are comfortable with who you choose and you can trust them. And as someone posted, they should be a college of disney knowledge graduate.

Have A Magical Day!

 

[jenr812]

Thanks for the "College of Disney" info. We just joined AAA partially to use the discount for our trip next May. Last year, I got a postcard PIN and booked myself with Disney, so it's kinda weird to be using any kind of TA. I liked booking it myself