Booking with AAA?

[meloneyb21]

Should I or shouldn't I?

I'm a little apprehensive using a travel agent because I'm just used to doing things myself. I enjoy being hands on. However, I found a great package deal for a moderate with park hopper fun & more tickets. I may also choose the dining plan (that's a big maybe).....Anyway, the AAA price is at least $400 less than if I were to use disneyworld.com and that sounds real good to me. I guess I just wanted to know what the pros and cons were as far as dealing with a travel agent as opposed to doing it yourself. I know price is a pro, but is there anything else I should know when dealing with a TA?

 

[karen l]

Hi,
we've used AAA for our last 3 trips to WDW. We use them for the price, the Diamond discount card (10% off at World of Disney) & preferred viewing for fireworks (& parades). However, I've never found them very helpful with other details such as ADR's, Cirque tix, etc. I usually end up making those arrangements myself. Last year I also had to do some research on flights because the ones they wanted us to book were expensive.
Ask them for a quote, if you like the price book with them & then take care of the other details yourself. Good luck!!

 

[disnan52]

I have always used AAA, since 92, I have never had any problems. If discounts came available I always recieved the new price. My AAA has always scheduled every ADR with no questions. My trips were always magical. My 3rd trip Disney upgraded from Poly to the GF. We have our next trip scheduled from March 4-10, 07, can not wait.

 

[kevin75]

meloney,

would it be too much to ask what your deal is?

 

[meloneyb21]

KEVIN75

It was 7 days 6 nights @ Caribbean Beach Resort w/ park hopper fun & more for $1506. When I quoted it at disneyworld.com it was $2062. I figured that was a good discount...

 

[bab31]

I wouldnt hesitate.

 

[Knuckleball]

I recently visited a AAA agent to inquire about prices for a President's Week trip in February. I asked for 6 nights at a moderate with MYW tickets for 7 days (no park hopper, with the water park & more option, expires after 14 days). AAA gave me a quote of $1985. The official Disney World site gave me a price of $2060 for the same package. Finally, I called Disney to find out what the price would be if I got a room only reservation with the AAA discount and then purchased the park tickets separately - the total was $1820 ($1061 for the hotel & $759 for the tickets). So, it appears that I'm better off booking it myself as a room only and buying the tickets separately than by going through AAA. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

 

[meloneyb21]

When you book room only using AAA, can you do that online or do you have to call to get the discount applied?

 

[Nala56]

I have another question about AAA. We have always gone in January, I always book package throught AAA, when general codes are released I would call my agent and she would apply the difference and send me a lower package price.

If I book room only through disney with the AAA discount will I be able to also get further discount when general codes come out???

 

[mtrak17]

Just be aware - I booked with AAA only because, if you want the entire Disney package (including DDP, which only comes with a package), the only way to get a AAA room discount on a package is with a AAA agent. Room-only AAA discount you can book with anyone, but AAA room discount on a package - only through AAA.

 

[sandymandr]

I decided AAA was the best way for me to go, saved $150 on an 8 night stay at POP in April. My AAA agent seems to know a lot and has been very good so far, but I still plan to make my own ADR's because we really want to make sure we get them and if adjustments need to be made to times, etc. I can make those decisions while on the phone with dis, instead of having to play the phone tag game with my agent. Also, my agent watches for codes too and says she will apply anything that saves me $$!!

 

[meloneyb21]

Is there a way I could add my AAA room only discount at disneyworld.com?

 

[djm99]

Bump - I was about to ask the same question.

 

[djm99]

Just be aware - I booked with AAA only because, if you want the entire Disney package (including DDP, which only comes with a package), the only way to get a AAA room discount on a package is with a AAA agent. Room-only AAA discount you can book with anyone, but AAA room discount on a package - only through AAA.

Is there a discount on the tickets too - or is it - just the room.

 

[bab31]

I would think that you can call CRO and book your room with your AAA number, but will need proof when you check in. AAA rate is limited in number also.

 

[Kitka]

I recently visited a AAA agent to inquire about prices for a President's Week trip in February. I asked for 6 nights at a moderate with MYW tickets for 7 days (no park hopper, with the water park & more option, expires after 14 days). AAA gave me a quote of $1985. The official Disney World site gave me a price of $2060 for the same package. Finally, I called Disney to find out what the price would be if I got a room only reservation with the AAA discount and then purchased the park tickets separately - the total was $1820 ($1061 for the hotel & $759 for the tickets). So, it appears that I'm better off booking it myself as a room only and buying the tickets separately than by going through AAA. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Booking an 8 night stay from Dec. 18 - Dec. 26, 2006 at the Poly, for a garden view, park hoppers for 9 days, and the meal plan, our AAA agent saved us about $350 from the CRO price. FYI.

 

[djm99]

I called AAA a couple days ago and an agent returned my call. This is what she said. First, she told me that January was "Disney month" at AAA. AAA has some kind of special ceremony and everything - the office near me will have a ceremony with a presentation on January 16. January would be the best month to book. Deposits are only $50 and a "special" unknown incentive will be offered. I plan to travel August 5 - 12 (the first week of the new Value Season). She told me that for a basic package in ASMo 7 nights is $1268 for my family of 2 adults and 1 child (age 7). That is a $22 savings. If I book directly with Disney and book a AAA room only and buy my tickets separately at a discount place I would save $156 (total is $1134) - off the standard $1290 via Disney's site. She did give me a quote of $1801 for 7 nights and 8 day tickets and Dining. Thats about a $111 savings over Disneys direct website.

It appears to me, that your big "SAVINGS" come in when you are spending a lot of money. I guess if you package is over $2000 - you will really "see" the savings.

I think I'm just going to stick with the AAA room only rate, buy my tickets separately and hope for something FREE during this Value season. If something free is offered during my travel time, I'll upgrade my package and sell my tickets on ebay.