No More AAA benefits?

[mlprahl]

I was emailing with our travel agent at AAA about scheduling our next visit to WDW in January 2015 when she told me that Disney and AAA were severing their relationship and that AAA would no longer have any perks, and they would only be offering the same prices that you can get through Disney directly. This would be effective as of Jan. 1, 2015.

Our last few trips through AAA have been great with the added Diamond Parking, preferred fireworks area at MK (though that was phased out when we went this past February), and some of the other discounts they offered at local stores/restaurants.

Has anyone else heard about this?

 

[jsilvers]

Discussed previously (without a clear answer) - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3206972.

 

[kaybird]

Just to note tho, that in more than 20 years, it has never worked out cheaper for us to book through AAA rather than directly through Disney. And I always knew more than the travel agent. (Admittedly, we have gone for 40+ years)

 

[PoohBearnTigger2]

I was emailing with our travel agent at AAA about scheduling our next visit to WDW in January 2015 when she told me that Disney and AAA were severing their relationship and that AAA would no longer have any perks, and they would only be offering the same prices that you can get through Disney directly. This would be effective as of Jan. 1, 2015. Our last few trips through AAA have been great with the added Diamond Parking, preferred fireworks area at MK (though that was phased out when we went this past February), and some of the other discounts they offered at local stores/restaurants. Has anyone else heard about this?

I seem to remember this very same topic going around last year too. Only the date was starting Jan 1 2014. Last year people had heard from their agents that disney and AAA were parting ways at the end of the year. AAA discounts are still available this year as I have the discount for our upcoming trip in August. I'm hoping they don't part ways cuz the discount alone paid for the membership.

 

[gwynne]

The same thing was said about AAA for 2014. I called CRO when I was ready to book earlier this year and easily got a AAA room only rate for fall 2014.
I did have to have my AAA card in hand. They asked me for the #.
I much prefer being in control of my own reservation. This way I get a discount and still book direct. If WDW offers a better discount down the road, I call. I've done this for several years.

 

[smitch425]

As I understand it, this year they did away with the fireworks viewing and story time perks, and next year there will be nothing at all.

 

[nkereina]

Just to note tho, that in more than 20 years, it has never worked out cheaper for us to book through AAA rather than directly through Disney. And I always knew more than the travel agent. (Admittedly, we have gone for 40+ years)

You can run into that with any travel agent though. Keep that in mind. And as far as the cost, if a AAA rate is not available, you will pay the same as what you would book through Disney. So you DO get the package cheaper with AAA because they are including their package perks which you would not get with Disney. For the same price.

As far as the benefits for next year, this happens pretty frequently. AAA and Disney don't come to contract terms until the 11th hour. Think about free agents or rookies in the NFL - training camp is starting and they are holding out for more money. It would be a huge blow to AAA if they lost the Disney partnership, and a blow to Disney to lose the sponsorship. I bet it works out.

 

[dssdevl]

Sounds like a sales gimmick to me. Telling people who are thinking of holding off till next year that they have to get in now or no benefits.

 

[DemoBri1]

I agree with kaybird. I've always booked stuff myself without going through an agent and have always either come up with the same price as any travel agent or AAA when I was a member. It takes a bit more work, but in the end a bit more satisfying as I know what I want and what I don't want, so I can communicate that to whomever I'm making that particular part of the trip reservation with (e.g. Disney, airline, car rental, etc.)

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

My Disney CM friend told me that AAA will have the same deal as any other TA going forward The only real difference will be the Diamond parking

 

[pumpkin3]

Oh no-they are taking away Diamond Parking? Ugghh...

 

[Micca]

To qualify for diamond parking do you have to book your trip through AAA, or simply have a membership?

 

[josiegracesmom]

I am a TA with AAA, and it is true unless something changes. It is a huge blow to me, as I now work from home (so I can stay home with my 3 yr old) and 80% of my business is Disney. I am hoping for a last minute change, but have heard Disney is partnering with an online company for the exclusive discounts and benefits now. And I totally agree with some of the posts... some of the agents in our office didn't know squat about Disney, and none of the Auto Travel agents did. It was embarrassing. But we were always cheaper than online, except when the free dining was offered, or we were out of the AAA discount.

 

[karly05]

Sorry to be so dense, but I'm still wondering, will there still be AAA room only discounts? Are just the AAA packages going away? Pop Century is looking better and better if the only discount I can get on POFQ is Disney's measly 5% or so.

 

[Delirium]

Diamond Parking was a perk we enjoyed very much. Don't like this at all.

 

[Dan Murphy]

To qualify for diamond parking do you have to book your trip through AAA, or simply have a membership?

Trip has to be booked with AAA, Ron.

Good to see you.

 

[Fire14]

I've heard mutterings of AAA/Disney parting ways and I know I heard nothing about Disney month from AAA in 2014. I look at it as there will still be AAA room discounts just like there is for most hotels out there.

 

[nkereina]

Sounds like a sales gimmick to me. Telling people who are thinking of holding off till next year that they have to get in now or no benefits.

I would agree if it were any other product other than travel. If you're selling someone a car, it's easy to talk them into buying now because "the sale won't be here next week", but it's not quite as easy to talk someone into rearranging all their travel plans for a couple of free mini golf vouchers and closer parking spots.

To qualify for diamond parking do you have to book your trip through AAA, or simply have a membership?

Solely depends on the club. Here in upstate NY, it varied by employee even. Some agents would require their clients to book their package with them in order to include them, some would give them the vouchers even if they just booked a room or bought tickets, and some would give it to them just for being a member if they came in. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[SA mom]

I bet Swan and Dolphin will still offer AAA discounts. Several of their restaurants offer AAA discounts.