Can you apply a discount AFTER booking ressies?

[Palmetto Chick]

Ex: I make a reservation now. A month from now I join AAA. Can I call Disney back and ask for a discount after obtaining a membership number?

 

[PEANUT1]

Yes you can add a discount later. When are you going? There are some great discounts now through Oct 1st right through disney.

 

[nkereina]

Based on your example, no. In order to get the AAA discount, you have to book your package through AAA and it's based on availability. There's only a certain number of rooms at each resort at any given time that are allotted for the AAA discount so even if you do book with them, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll receive the discount. However, if a public promotion comes out (ex: free dining) and your trip meets the requirements of the promo, you can call and add on the discount.

 

[Palmetto Chick]

We're not going until Jan 2012, but I'm a planner, so I'm trying to think ahead! Since the '12 packages won't be out until August, I was thinking of booking a room-only reservation now with a AAA discount, if possible. I'm also hoping they'll run a free dining promotion, but I don't know which discount will save us more money - the AAA room discount, or the free dining.

 

[nkereina]

We're not going until Jan 2012, but I'm a planner, so I'm trying to think ahead! Since the '12 packages won't be out until August, I was thinking of booking a room-only reservation now with a AAA discount, if possible. I'm also hoping they'll run a free dining promotion, but I don't know which discount will save us more money - the AAA room discount, or the free dining.

Absoultely the free dining would save you more. The AAA discount is always on the room so whatever your discount is with room only will be the extent of your savings with the package if no other promos come out for your travel dates. However, you'll want to add the package to get the little perks that AAA members get booking their packages there. Honestly the AAA discount isn't very significant (10%-15% off maybe?) and I only use it as a last resort, because usually Disney offers are a better savings. Regardless, you can book any offer Disney has out too at AAA. You can't get both discounts but you'll still get the little extras that AAA throws into the package.

 

[Palmetto Chick]

What kinds of "extras" does AAA throw in? I'm still contemplating a membership.

 

[nkereina]

Free story time telling experience exclusive to members, 200 disney dollars if you're staying 7 nights or longer, diamond preferred parking pass, discount card to use at select restaurants/stores, Hertz car rental discounts. You also have the luxury of the agent doing the legwork, making dining reservations for you if you want, and (at least at the agents I worked with) they will apply promos for you as they come out so you don't have to keep up with it all.

A membership, depending on your club, ranges from about $50-$80 for the year for a basic. In addition to Disney stuff, you also get all the savings at local stores and restaurants and road service for the year. I think it's a good value but certainly not for everyone!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

One thing to remember is just because you would have already made a reservation the answer depends on how many discounted rooms the resort has. On each discount only a specifc number of room categories at each WDW Resort are made availavble so once they are sold out then there is nothing you can do, which is why having a reservation without a discount doesn't mean anything. So basically reservations on rack rates and discounted rates fall into different categories, which is why one might show being available and the other might be sold out for the exact same dates and room category. For example during our Beach Club stay this August/September for our dates without a discount a Garden View - Club Level room was available. However using our dates with the 35% room only discount that exact room category is sold out.

 

[Palmetto Chick]

Thanks for all the info! It really helps!