I think we've decided NOT to get AP's, so I have a few questions....

[jfranklyn]

It looks like AP's are going not going to be very helpful to us in 2006 - there is no way we can get more than 2 trips in this year (maybe 16 park days total) - and it doesn't look like we'd save that much over a package, unfortunately, because we'd be doing value season and value resorts.

So, now I'm thinking about AAA discounts. Are they worth it? We used them once years ago and it worked out fine - are there still discounts to be had through AAA? If a general code comes out after that or a special package deal, can I still get it if I book through AAA?

Any help would be aprpeciated! Thanks!

 

[grimley1968]

Typically, AAA discounts cannot be combined with other discounts. You can probably keep your AAA booking, but you wouldn't receive their discount AND any other ones you'd find. For instance, the free dining plan package deal cannot be combined with a AAA discount (or AP discount for that matter), although you could probably book the free dining plan through a AAA agent. But that wouldn't save you any more than it would me.

My advice is to try a travel agent like ours, Magical Journeys (MJ). MJ can apply AAA discounts or whatever other discounts exist when you book. Also, if other discounts come out between booking time and when you go on your trip, they can apply them as well, if that ends up saving you more money. I booked our October trip in March, paying for the dining plan. When the free dining plan deal came out, MJ applied it to my ressie. It was like having $603 thrown in my lap!

 

[momimouse27]

This actually happened to me. Back before the Best Rate plan came out, I got an AP rate at Boardwalk, which was $235/nite. I had planned to get an AP upon arrival at Disney. Well, after doing some math, I realized I needed to cut somewhere and it would have to be the AP and the room.

So, I called and had the CM change my rate to a AAA rate, and then we switched the first three nights (also at a AAA rate) to POFQ. I was happy because I had never stayed there before and I saved $200 on my ticket and $200 or so on my room. We ended up with a $250/nite rate for 4 nights at BI and the first three nights at $125/nite for POFQ. They just switched it right over. It was very easy.

If you get an uncooperative CM, then just call back and you'll get someone different, maybe nicer!

 

[EthansMom]

So, now I'm thinking about AAA discounts. Are they worth it? We used them once years ago and it worked out fine - are there still discounts to be had through AAA? If a general code comes out after that or a special package deal, can I still get it if I book through AAA?

Any help would be aprpeciated! Thanks!

I think the AAA discount is worthwhile -- saving 20% off a Moderate during value season is great. I've never had a problem getting the AAA discount at WDW. Unless you're booking a package, you can book the room directly through CRO and ask for the AAA discount. You only have to book with AAA if you book a package. As long as you book room-only, you can cancel your reservation more than 5 days out (if a better deal comes along, etc.).

You may want to consider getting the 10 day Non-Expiring MYW tix and splitting them over more than one trip -- costs less than getting separate tix for each trip.