Need to call Disney for AAA discount, right?

[lamb616]

and they will do the reservation for you. But then I'll be able to access my reservation on the disney site, correct? And if any discounts come along they will cancel the AAA discount and recalculate with the new (better) discount, right? I want to make sure I understand how it works before I call tomorrow. thanks

 

[disneylovinfamily]

you would need to go through your local AAA office to get the discount. I believe that each office only has so many room discounts to give. YOu would still get the other beenfits they offer though if a discount is not available. We have used AAA before but never was able to get thier discount through our office. Additionally if a better discount comes out you would need to call your "agent" at AAA to get them to calll and have the new discount applied. Disney does not do this for you. Mnay times if you work with a Disney specialized travel agency, they will automatically apply the discount for you. If you want more info on one, send me a PM. AAA does not automatically apply---you would need to call them and tell them to do it.

 

[jlstwinmommy]

You can get the AAA rate through Disney directly. My mom has her current December vacation planned through Disney with the AAA rate. (She is hoping to switch to the AP rates when they come out). You won't get the additional perks that you get by booking through AAA. I booked my vacation through AAA and they give you a little coupon book for things like the arcade and some other stuff. There is also a AAA Diamond Parking pass if you end up booking a package through AAA - useful if you have a car. If you just care about the discount, just call Disney and tell them you have AAA. If a better rate comes along, you do have to call to have your rate changed. I found that to be true with my AAA agent as well as with my mom's reservation directly with Disney.

 

[Matt'sMom]

Just to clarify...

'Room only' at AAA rate can be booked through any TA, be that Disney travel, AAA, or another travel agency. Only a set number of rooms are made available at the AAA rate -- once that pool of rooms have all been booked, then the discounted rate may not be applied to the remaining 'rack rate' rooms.

AAA Package deals can be booked directly through AAA only. Other travel agents can book packages at rack rate, or using a current code/offer (such as the Free Dining, or Kids Stay n Play Free). Again, availability may be limited for any discounted or special offer.

If a better deal does come along between when you originally book, and when you travel... you typically need to contact your TA to check availability for the resort and dates you want, and then to adjust your reservations if applicable.

 

[lamb616]

Just to clarify...

'Room only' at AAA rate can be booked through any TA, be that Disney travel, AAA, or another travel agency. Only a set number of rooms are made available at the AAA rate -- once that pool of rooms have all been booked, then the discounted rate may not be applied to the remaining 'rack rate' rooms.

so if I book room-only with AAA rate THROUGH Disney - I won't be able to add dining and passes later? Or i would, but I'd have to........... go thru AAA??? (but they didn't book the original room-only res, so that doesn't make sense.) Sorry, the more questions I ask, the more confused I end up, lol

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

so if I book room-only with AAA rate THROUGH Disney - I won't be able to add dining and passes later? Or i would, but I'd have to........... go thru AAA??? (but they didn't book the original room-only res, so that doesn't make sense.) Sorry, the more questions I ask, the more confused I end up, lol

No, you won't be able to add dining and tickets to the AAA room only reservation you made, you would have to cancel that room only reservation and have a AAA agent book the whole package for you, assuming that a AAA discounted package is available.

Just because you cancel that room only reservation with the AAA rate doesn't even guarantee a package with a discounted room is available.

Personally, all the other discounts are better than AAA anyway, unless there isn't one available for your dates. I have always found something better directly with Disney and I prefer to be in charge of my reservation anyway.

From my experience most AAA agents don't really know about most of the other specials and they won't automatically find you the best deal that you can do for yourself.

Suzanne

 

[catne]

No, you won't be able to add dining and tickets to the AAA room only reservation you made, you would have to cancel that room only reservation and have a AAA agent book the whole package for you, assuming that a AAA discounted package is available.

Just because you cancel that room only reservation with the AAA rate doesn't even guarantee a package with a discounted room is available.

Personally, all the other discounts are better than AAA anyway, unless there isn't one available for your dates. I have always found something better directly with Disney and I prefer to be in charge of my reservation anyway.

From my experience most AAA agents don't really know about most of the other specials and they won't automatically find you the best deal that you can do for yourself.

Suzanne

Agree 100% with this post. We've booked through AAA and through Disney. Really liked the flexibility you get booking directly with Disney. Prior to the last couple of years, there were times of the year when the AAA discount, low as it is, was still the only discount available...and that day may return at some point. But for now, there's usually far better discounts available directly through Disney.

 

[lamb616]

yes, you guys are correct, I just got off the phone with Disney. She said they don't have the AAA discount rates at this point anyways. I am HOPING to get a good promo or PIN that would be better than the AAA but then if nothing comes out, I end up with no discount at all.

What a PITA. So I can use the AAA discount and (presumably) save 10% ($280), BUT not be able to add dining & passes. And then if a better deal comes out or if I decide to add dining or passes, they have to cancel that ressie and switch to a Disney 'package'. OR I can go with the Disney rack rate, wait for a good promo or PIN BUT, if nothing comes by a certain date (which would be..... ????), I could cancel it and book with the AAA rate (assuming a room is available with that rate)....... why can't this be more simple, lol????

 

[Sandisw]

so if I book room-only with AAA rate THROUGH Disney - I won't be able to add dining and passes later? Or i would, but I'd have to........... go thru AAA??? (but they didn't book the original room-only res, so that doesn't make sense.) Sorry, the more questions I ask, the more confused I end up, lol

The only way to get a AAA discounted room rate as part of a package is to book the package through a AAA travel agent.

The only AAA discount that can be applied when dealing directly with Disney is for room only reservations.

So, if you want the AAA rate as part of your package, then you must deal with the travel agent (which means you won't be able to access it via the Disney site).

 

[Luv2Roam]

As posted -- AAA discount through Disney can only be a room only booking.
For a AAA package, you need to book through AAA. But as someone posted, they do have a few of their own little perks exclusive to a AAA package, such as the Diamond parking pass and a Storytime voucher for packages with dining. You would not get those with a package booked through WDTC.
Room only is CRO (Disney).
Packages (such as those with dining) are WDTC.
Just look at it as AAA and WDTC being separate travel agents.
I am sure a lot of this boils down to AAA wanting a commission and control of the booking, among other things.
However you are correct, it is confusing at first.