Discount Package Question . . .

[ILuvWDWorld]

I just called CRO about booking a package. We're AAA members and were told that we can only book room only through CRO - I understand that part. Does AAA offer any package discounts?

My husband and I are considering booking our package for September with the new dining option hoping for a cheaper-than-AAA code. The CM told me that if a room only code comes out that it can not be applied to the package - only a room-only reservation. He said in order to have the discount, we would have to book room only and skip the package stuff (i.e. dining). Is that true? Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[WDWBetsy]

If you're wanting to add on the dining to a package with tickets and the AAA room discount, you have to book through a AAA travel agency.

Room-only AAA discounts can be booked through Disney or any travel agent.

Hope this helps!

 

[Toadman99]

I pored over this forum for definitive answers to just those questions. What I found out was:

- AAA does offer packages. If you want a package at a AAA rate, you have to book it through a AAA TA. They are discounted, and it sounds like they may throw in some AAA perks that aren't available elsewhere. Just this week I got quotes on a AAA package, and also a room-only reservation using my AAA number thru another TA. The package priced out almost identically to my room-only quote plus tickets. It sounds like other people's mileage has varied. Perhaps dependent on the season and resort? And of course, with the package I can add on the dining plan if I want.

- Right - you have to get a package to get the MYM dining plan. If you want to go room-only, you are out of luck on dining.

- If you get a package thru AAA, you cannot apply any other codes to it. In general, codes only apply for room-only. I think that applies to package reservations thru CRO too.

- One strategy that I am thinking of adopting is to go ahead and book a AAA package, then keep an eye out for codes (or have your TA do it for you). Might even book a room-only reservation at the same time with the intent of applying codes. If no codes have appeared before the 45th day before your arrival, commit to your package deal (or cancel it and gamble on the room-only rate - the only thing at stake most likely would be your dining plan). I get the feeling that pros at this have dual reservations going all the time

- If you didn't already know, packages are more restrictive regarding cancellation. You pay a penalty if you don't cancel at least 45 days before arrival for a package. With a room-only it's 5 days. With package you pay it all up front (by the 45-day mark). Room-only requires only a deposit, the rest is due at check-in.

This is all old news to board regulars, I'm sure. But it seems there are always a lot of people asking these same questions. Hope this helps a few people out.

So I think your assumptions are all pretty much correct. Old hands at this can correct me if I'm wrong on any of this. Would be interested in opinions on my strategy and what strategies other folks use.

 

[CrazedDisFan]

We were able to book a AAA package with a discount on the room portion only. In order to do so, you must book with a AAA agent.

We were able to save just about $200 at a moderate with MYW 7 day hoppers and dining by using the AAA agent.

 

[G00fyDad]

Here's a variation...
Can I get a AAA code on an existing WDW booked reservation? In any way?

 

[Toadman99]

I think you can. Of course they may not have any room left at the AAA rate.

 

[ILuvWDWorld]

Thanks for all the replies. We also have Disney Reward Dollars from our Disney Visa card that we would like to apply to that vacation. When we pay the balance of the package 45 days prior to arrival, do we pay to AAA or to Disney directly so that we can use our reward dollars?

 

[DznyDreams]

I have a Magic Your Way with dining package booked through my local AAA Travel Agent. I was able to save $466.00 by doing this. The discount is on the room portion of the package only. However, this combined with the lower ticket prices and the good value of the dining plan, it IS a great deal to me. Even more especially since we're checking in on the last day of value season and staying through the day after Christmas, which is normally a VERY expensive time of year to visit.

We have 4 adults, and 1 child with 7-day park hoppers (the ones that expire), 2 standard WL rooms for 7 nights, and dining for a total of $4843.60. The same package priced out at $5309.68 through the Walt Disney Travel Company.

I'm like you, I still have many questions. I've never booked a package before, muchless worked with a AAA TA. I've always booked each and every detail of my WDW vacation on my own. I can tell you that I provided my CC info to my AAA TA and signed an authorization form giving them permission to use my CC in order for Disney to charge the $200 deposit. The charge to my credit card came from the Disney Resort and NOT AAA. So, maybe you can still use your Visa rewards with AAA. I bet they'll find a way to make it work....just call and include this with all of the information you give the agent. They won't book right away. Initially, they just collect all your information, then they call Disney and ask them all of your questions and find out availability. Then, the AAA TA will call you back and ask if you'd like to book what he/she has found. At least this is the way it worked with my TA.