Just hung up with AAA, & more confused/frustrated now, than I was before!!

[weHEARTmickey]

We already have our 10 day trip w/DDP booked for June (ASMo.) I've been waiting around for a June discount code (& calling every couple of days w/ no luck.) So, I decided to take matters into my own hands & join AAA. Well, over an hour and 9 transfers later (disconnected somewhere in the middle of all that) I'm a new member of AAA.

I explained that I was basically ONLY joining for a WDW discount, & any other benefit would be gravy. Lydia from AAA told me she could "take over" my existing ressie, and it would only save me $113. (So, after the cost of AAA, it would only save $62.) She explained I would need to do this pretty quickly--like w/in the next week, or it probably wouldn't be available anymore.

I asked her if I switched to AAA, and then Disney offered a June discount code--could I take back my ressie. She said "no, you'll have to try to book directly through WDW if you decide to do that." Well, of course there won't be anything at ASMo by then!!

What should I do? I need to hurry up & make a decision, but I'm torn. I can see the benefits of AAA (since we're taking our 2000 model mini van 3,000 miles roundtrip to WDW), but I don't want to miss out on a June code. Any feedback is SOOOO appreciated!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I had this same thing happen to me. I actually posetd over on the Code forum and asked for help with AAA.

I, too, got disconnected, transferred, etc. when calling AAA. I, too, told them that I was joining strictly for the travel benefits.

Before calling AAA, I looked on their website to get a travel quote. The quote that I was given was a little over $1,000.00 for room only. Imagine my surprise when I finally got through to a AAA representative and they gave me a quote which was over $100.00 more than their website showed. I told the AAA representative all about what I saw online and she said she couldn't really tell me why there was a difference. I confirmed that she didn't book a preferred room location and that wasn't the problem.

So, I told her that I would call her back.

I went back over to the Code forum and asked somebody with a AAA membership to plug in my dates and see what they came up with. Guess what....the same thing I got.

So, I went back to AAA's website and asked for a vacation quote. Still quoted the price which was more than $100.00 than shown on the website.

By the time I got through talking with AAA, I just said forget it! By the time I paid the membership fee, I really wasn't saving that much anyway. I also didn't feel as if they were competent enough to handle my Disney vacation so I booked my vacation myself through Disney.

But.....I am still waiting for a June code!

 

[Lovetherodent]

I'm going in early August. I really wanted Yacht or Beach club because of SAB. When I did the online estimates, standard view rooms at the BC were no longer available. So, I went with AAA, figuring a small savings was better than none at all, and I know, for sure, I get to go the YC.

What I would want to know from all these experienced folks is the liklihood of a summer code since there's already a great sale (free dining) that's been released for fall.

 

[Ishy]

As a member - you can make a ressie thru the AAA travel agent - complimentry --- get the full quote -- have them do a tentative hold (you will send in you deposit within 2 week or loose the ressie.

See what the bottom line is (you get storytime in the magic kingdom and that diamond parking pass and card (10% discount) - usually pretty luggage tags, maybe even a pin.

Then call WDWTravel - where you have your existing ressie and tell them you have AAA and an existing ressie - get the bottom line from them.

I would keep the AAA membership for the peace of mind while driving, get them to make you up triptix and send the travel books so you have a list of hotels and gas stations in case you need to detour.

Then keep the cheaper of the two.
60$ is still 60$ -- so enjoy - YOU DID GOOD!

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I have booked directly through Disney using my AAA discount. I then switched my ressie by calling Disney when a code came out. I didn't have any problems.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

As a member - you can make a ressie thru the AAA travel agent - complimentry --- get the full quote -- have them do a tentative hold (you will send in you deposit within 2 week or loose the ressie.

See what the bottom line is (you get storytime in the magic kingdom and that diamond parking pass and card (10% discount) - usually pretty luggage tags, maybe even a pin.

Then call WDWTravel - where you have your existing ressie and tell them you have AAA and an existing ressie - get the bottom line from them.

I would keep the AAA membership for the peace of mind while driving, get them to make you up triptix and send the travel books so you have a list of hotels and gas stations in case you need to detour.

Then keep the cheaper of the two.
60$ is still 60$ -- so enjoy - YOU DID GOOD!

I agree, $60 is still $60, plus we get the benefits of AAA. Can you give me some details about the storytime? I'd read it on another thread & asked AAA about it along with retail discounts, and Lydia told me to go online to view all the Disney benefits. Well, the only thing I see is DisneyLAND, not WDW!!

I have booked directly through Disney using my AAA discount. I then switched my ressie by calling Disney when a code came out. I didn't have any problems.

This is very interesting! So, instead of having to book through AAA, I can just keep my ressie, and apply the AAA discount directly through Disney? Thanks to both of you for this advice! I think I bought the "cheapie" Texas plan (two adults for $51.) Is that what you all get, or do you go more expensive? Thanks again for all the advice! Angela

 

[SunnieRN]

I've been a AAA member in CA and in CO. I now live in Tx. Thank you for this thread. I decided to call AAA and see if it would save me money for my Sept trip.
I have a membership offer and didn't have to pay any fees etc...just the standard 1 year cost of $51. Imagine my surprise when they told me they could save me OVER $300.
Needless to say, I joined, and all I have to do to transfer my existing ressie is fax a letter to the AAA travel agent!!
I'm super stoked!!
Thanks!!!!!!!

 

[jodeeluvsdisney]

We only booked directly through AAA because we wanted to add the dining...so we had to have a package...can't do a AAA room only discount and then add the dining.

We were sad, because we had originally booked through a Great TA with a room-only AAA discount.

Bummer too because we have AP's so we didn't need the park tickets and will probably never use them.

 

[Allison]

Don't expect any other discount for June. That timeframe has pretty much been skipped over the last few years. The best I have done is AAA discount.

 

[Seahunt]

I've been waiting around for a June discount code (& calling every couple of days w/ no luck

If it might help you make your mind up, just be aware that last year the only codes offered for June were for AP holders and FL Res and only for Deluxe and DVC resorts
THESE ARE EXPIRED

For check ins between 6/3/07-8/4/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates for Deluxe/DVC resorts became available on 5/16/07, exp 8/4/07

For check ins between 6/3/07-8/4/07 Florida resident room-only rates for Deluxe/DVC resorts became available on 5/17/07, exp 8/4/07

Disney has released discounted room rates for passholders and Florida residents through most of the summer. Discounts are available for select Disney Vacation Club and deluxe resorts from June 3 through August 4, 2007.

For passholders, the DVC rates start at $164 per night plus tax in a studio at the Old Key West or Saratoga Springs Resorts. Prices go up from there depending on the resort and accommodations. In addition to those two DVC resorts, discounts are also available at the Yacht Club, Beach Club and BoardWalk Resorts. Rates at the moderates start at $139 per night. For Florida residents, the DVC rates start at $169 per night and the moderates start at $145 per night. Minimum stay requirements apply for Friday and Saturday arrivals.

All rates can be booked up until the date of arrival. Passholders and Florida residents can book via your respective web sites, by calling your travel agent or by calling 407-560-7277 for passholders or 407-560-7722 for Florida residents.

Passholder discount codes are FDL (DVC/Deluxe) and FDJ (Moderates). Florida resident discount codes are FDP (DVC/Deluxe) and FDN (Moderates).

Travel dates: 6/3/07-8/4/07 for select Deluxe and DVC resorts only: Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs Resort. Note that this date range includes both Regular and Value Season at these resorts, so prices will vary depending on the dates you choose. Discounts are $90-$126 off per night at the Epcot resorts; $115-$145 at the DVC resorts (see below for specific prices). Book by 8/4/07. Use code FDK for Deluxe and DVC resorts.

Epcot resorts
Regular season rates $269 plus tax Standard view / $350 plus tax Water view
Value season rates $194 plus tax Standard view / $264 plus tax Water view

DVC Resorts
Regular season rates $164 plus tax Studio / $275 plus tax 1 Bedroom / $465 plus tax 2 Bedroom
Value season rates $164 plus tax Studio / $239 plus tax 1 Bedroom / $400 plus tax 2 Bedroom

SSR/OKW studio $164.00 per night plus tax
SSR/OKW 1 Bedroom Villa $275.00 per night
SSR/OKW 2 Bedroom Villa $465.00 per night


Of course it might be totally different this year!

 

[lillykat]

As a member - you can make a ressie thru the AAA travel agent - complimentry --- get the full quote -- have them do a tentative hold (you will send in you deposit within 2 week or loose the ressie.

See what the bottom line is (you get storytime in the magic kingdom and that diamond parking pass and card (10% discount) - usually pretty luggage tags, maybe even a pin.

Then call WDWTravel - where you have your existing ressie and tell them you have AAA and an existing ressie - get the bottom line from them.

I would keep the AAA membership for the peace of mind while driving, get them to make you up triptix and send the travel books so you have a list of hotels and gas stations in case you need to detour.

Then keep the cheaper of the two.
60$ is still 60$ -- so enjoy - YOU DID GOOD!

You only get the storytime if you book the MYW w/ the dining package thru AAA - not the regular MYW package.

 

[EnnEss]

You can book directly with WDW and get the AAA disc, but you wont get the other benefits, like the diamond parking and the discount card for a very few places there. When you book with disney its room only, not a package. You won't be able to get the DDP because you have to be on a package to do that. You can call disney though and book the room now. Then transfer it to AAA and they can make it a package.

So, you have to go with AAA. They can be horrific to deal with though, as you're finding out. Go to an office, don't bother with the phone if you can help it. Tell them what you want, they will phone for it, make sure you are getting an AAA discounted room, chances are your TA will have no idea what this is, the rooms have a pretty limited availability, they could be gone for june already. The person on the phone that the TA calls will know if its available. AAA is also often pretty clueless about the tickets, so see which ones they are selling you, often they just pick one it seems without asking.

Good luck!

 

[JMADgrad]

OK - so I am only just starting to post and I am not a Dis expert - (although I have read through the Unofficial Guide about 3 times! ) and I would like to know...what is this about storytime? I booked through AAA a few weeks back (we have been members for awhile) - did a package with dining and park hopper, but the AAA rep did not say anything about these other extras that I have seen mentioned, nor did I see anything about them in the mailings (maps, etc.) that were sent to me. Is there anyone out there who might be able to enlighten me? Thanks!

 

[Aliceacc]

I booked through AAA. When I got a 40% PIN code, my AAA agent handled the transfer. Since there were no coded rooms left at the Contemporary, he got my input, then changed the reservation to the Poly, all thanks to a few emails from me to him.

Keep in mind: the AAA discount ranges from 10-20%, depending on the resort and the season. So if you're paying $85 per night for a room, that 10% discount translates to $8.50 per night off. That same 10% off a $350 per night room jumps to $35 per night.

But that AAA discount, in addition to all the road support it provides, is still better than paying rack rate for the room.

 

[REL1203]

I just joined AAA earlier this week to book my trip. I saved $200 over rack rate for my 10day stay at POR. So my wife and I get AAA for a year, all the benifits, and we still saved $140 after the AAA fee... Booked without any incident whats so ever

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I got a Pin code for 20% for a specified time frame or I could use AAA for 15% discount and use it when I wanted. I chose AAA for this trip, it still saved me over $250 on my package on rack rate.

 

[bcuinohio]

I have been a AAA member for over twenty years. I use them mainly for maps and discounts. I used AAA travel for the first time to book my Disney trip this November. I booked through AAA because it is my understanding that you have to book through them to get the discount when booking a package. You can book a room only reservation with a AAA discount without using AAA travel. I was told that I could change my reservation if a discount or promotion became available but I would no loner be able to get the AAA discount on the room portion of my package. In other words, you can only use one discount. You need to figure out which is a better deal. Since I am going Thanksgiving week, I don't expect too many discounts. If one comes up, I will have to figure out which is the better deal.

 

[Ishy]

OK - so I am only just starting to post and I am not a Dis expert - (although I have read through the Unofficial Guide about 3 times! ) and I would like to know...what is this about storytime? I booked through AAA a few weeks back (we have been members for awhile) - did a package with dining and park hopper, but the AAA rep did not say anything about these other extras that I have seen mentioned, nor did I see anything about them in the mailings (maps, etc.) that were sent to me. Is there anyone out there who might be able to enlighten me? Thanks!

AAA storytime replace the AAA breakroom a few years back, in the magic kingdom. AAA members took a break in a private lounge with a cool drink. We got a coupon to get admitted. They then changed it to character storytime - same thing with entertainment - but you needed to specify a time or something. my children are too old, so I dont know. I will take a look on my AAA membership site and see if they say anything about it and post later.
.

 

[jenb1023]

I booked through AAA for our January trip. When the discount code plus water parks and more came out, she switched me to that code from the AAA discount and I saved $100 plus got the water parks and more for free. So I am not sure why you were told you would have to call Disney direct if a code came out.

As for AAA Storytime, it is only available if you book a Magic Your way package through AAA. They will give you vouchers when you pick up the rest of your stuff. I believe you can book it 90 days out. It runs twice a week - Mondays and Thursdays - I think there were four times - 4:30, 5:10, 5:50 and 6:30. It lasts about 20 minutes. It is in Exposition Hall in the Magic Kingdom.

A character comes and reads a story to the kids and then signs autographs, takes pictures, etc. You won't know the character until you arrive but we had the Fairy Godmother. I have read about other people having Aladdin, Wendy from Peter Pan, etc. You get a little more quality time with the character since it is a limited number of people. Plus you get to sit down in a nice cool room and take a break!

 

[mickeyphersons4]

we've always had AAA but until this year, we always booked directly thru disney b/c the prices were exactly the same. the thing with AAA is if you DO get their discounted rate/package and a promotion DOES come out, it's for a room at regular full price (like the free meal plan promotion.) we had our rooms booked with AAA several months ago, at a savings of about $200 per room over disney's price (with the MYW stuff.) then the free meal plan came out and to get it, you had to pay FULL price on the room AND they didn't have our room category anymore (garden wing standard view) so we had to take a garden wing GARDEN view room, which, at full price, was $600 more, to get the free meal plan, and it's actually less to just pay for our meal plan on the discounted room! so it was a wash really. basically, if you're using a promotion code, the people at AAA are just calling disney and booking the room, so i'd rather skip that extra step and just call disney myself. but if you're NOT using a promo code, you do get lower rates from AAA b/c they buy blocks of rooms from disney and then give them to members at slightly lower rates!