I'm overwhelmed!

[numberonenole]

Oh what to do - what to do! I had it all planned out but then some kinks got thrown in! I'd love some guidance and advice! Here's what I've got: I live in Florida, am a AAA member, and have a Disney Visa card. I have a husband, 1 year old, and a 2 year old. We are looking to go to Disney December 16th for 4 nights and would like to stay at Poly (I'm so glad it is politically correct to not have to spell out the whole name...my spelling is horrible!!! ) . Anyway, I had planned to get everything seperate. Get the room with AAA discount (and hopefully lower it when AP/FL resident rates come out), get a DDE card, and get FL seasonal resident tickets. This has been the plan for weeks. Further research has led me to decide that we need to drive to AK and MGM instead of trying to lug our double stroller onto the bus. When I called my AAA guy to ask him about the AAA diamond parking pass and storytime (which I learned about from here so THANKS!); he said I can only get these things if I do a package. Then he said the package, including food (DDP) and taxes, would only be $252 more than what I have now (room and ticket rates only)! So now I'm back to the drawing board. Should I switch to the plan? Please someone give me guidance! My husband refuses to participate. Thanks!

 

[tnkr_bell]

I'm a little confused...do you have to pay for the diamond parking pass? Because if you are staying at the Poly you should be able to park at any of the parks for free, so it doesn't make sense to pay for the diamond parking pass.

 

[beth_cam]

With the childern being under 3 and not increasing the cost of the room, you are only adding the cost of dining to what you have 'now'. So that makes sense I guess since ddp only cost and extra 311 I think and your ticket cost would be cheaper (you wouldn't be getting seasonal passes). Then you can upgrade your tickets to seasonal passes when you get there. Remember thought that this covers you and hubbie for 2 meals a day, and the kids can eat off your plate, have their own plate at ayce or buffet but does not specifically provide any food for them....if that matters.

 

[beth_cam]

I'm a little confused...do you have to pay for the diamond parking pass? Because if you are staying at the Poly you should be able to park at any of the parks for free, so it doesn't make sense to pay for the diamond parking pass.

Diamond parking pass is a free bonus with aaa packages that gets you closer parking akin to handicap parking. This lot usually doesn't have tram access so while it may be closer it may mean more walking however we found that better (even at MK where the walk was quite far to the ttc) than having to wait in yet another line for the tram to take us to an area close to where we parked.

 

[wen8jr]

You may already know all this...but if you wanted to you can book "room only" (which you have to specifically ask for through WDW) and get an AAA discount yourself without an AAA TA. This will also give you the option to cancel your trip or ticket purchase for a full refund 6 days before check in. Some say you can't purchase tickets on a room only, it makes it a package...but that is not true as I have done it myself. You just have to pay for 1 night in advance and all the tickets costs upfront.

Packages are 45 day cancellation policy.

Also to me adding AP to your ticket will cost quite a bit more in addition to what you'll be paying for a package for AAA?

If you are only driving to 2 parks, not so sure the parking pass is worth it when you get free parking anyway by staying onsite.

The dining is a good deal with a package. We just don't like to tie ourselves down to TS Reseverations, so it doesn't work for me. Although if I got free dining that would be different!!!

I've also read several posts where people are unhappy with AAA TA's. And some say they have excellent TA's.

I know these things are so hard to decide!!! I'm having a terrible time deciding which night to buy MNSSHP tickets for my trip. Good Luck.

 

[GurGie]

Question for OP:
The package rate quote that AAA gave you:
How many days of tickets does it include? Is it a one day base ticket or is it for your whole stay?

 

[numberonenole]

It was for a 5 day park hopper.

 

[Quinn222]

I'd stay with what you have now. You park free since you are staying on property. With your AP discount on room and DDE you'll do way better than rack rate and dining plan.

 

[GurGie]

It was for a 5 day park hopper.

The 5 day hopper costs more than a seasonal annual pass. You could get a 5 day base ticket and upgrade to a seasonal pass for very little money when you get there. (before you use the tickets) I would go with the package