Overwhelmed trying to understand codes and discounts

[juliebee]

I can't figure out these codes and discount possiblities and would LOVE some help!

Basically, I want to go during spring break March 2009 to the Poly. And I know I want the deluxe dining plan. I don't want to pay the rack rate, of course, but I don't understand how to do that.

I have a Disney Visa and would be willing to get a AAA membership. I'm on Disney's email and recieved a pin code a while back (but it's not good for 2009). So, I'm trying to make my odds as good as possible to get a discount and that is causing me to wonder how I should book this trip.

Currently I have a reservation through an online travel agent but wonder if I should cancel it so I can rebook via AAA. Because then at least I have the AAA discount right? How much is the AAA discount typically for March? Is there just a flat rate off? And why doesn't everyone book through AAA if it's cheaper than the rack rates?

So let's say I buy AAA and book through them. If they offer a Disney Visa discount, can I add that to a AAA reservation? Is a Visa discount better than the AAA discount if I can't combine them?

Am I right in thinking that it is unlikely there will be a pin code valid during Spring Break?

I think that is everything LOL... I just don't want to stay confused and end up missing a discount because I can't act quickly. Thanks for any help!

 

[Aliceacc]

For starters, you want that AAA membership.

Membership costs approximately $60 per year, depending on where you live. Aside from all the roadside benefits and other discounts, you can get anywhere from 10-20% off your room rates by using that discount.

To get the meal plan, you need to book through an AAA agent.

The bad news is that Disney won't allow you to "stack" codes; it's one or the other.

But we had our trip booked through AAA using their discount when I received a 40% off PIN code. (No one is sure how or why they decide who gets a PIN.) My AAA agent was able to transfer our reservation to one using the code. For us it meant switching resorts: we had booked at the Contemporary, but there were no coded rooms left for our dates. So we switched to the Poly and still saved $500.

I say book soon with AAA. Then keep your eyes open here and on mousesavers.com for other discounts.

Once you have your dates, start looking at airfares as soon as possible. I'm no expert, but I don't see them going down anytime soon, especially for spring break. So get a feel for what the prices are day to day; that way you'll recognize a bargain when you see one. I followed that approach and got our tickets shortly before New Years; they're now $100 more per person for our family of five.

 

[brentalex]

Because then at least I have the AAA discount right? How much is the AAA discount typically for March? Is there just a flat rate off? And why doesn't everyone book through AAA if it's cheaper than the rack rates?

So let's say I buy AAA and book through them. If they offer a Disney Visa discount, can I add that to a AAA reservation? Is a Visa discount better than the AAA discount if I can't combine them?

The AAA discount is going to be about 10% for a room at the Poly.

And although you can't have a AAA discount and a Disney Visa discount, you can book through AAA and use your Disney Visa card and get no interest on the reservation for 6 months. I am not sure how that works if you book the room now, since packages for next year are not out yet, you can only book room only reservations.

 

[disneyfan55]

The AAA discount is going to be about 10% for a room at the Poly.

And although you can't have a AAA discount and a Disney Visa discount, you can book through AAA and use your Disney Visa card and get no interest on the reservation for 6 months. I am not sure how that works if you book the room now, since packages for next year are not out yet, you can only book room only reservations.

To receive the zero % on Disney Visa, it has to be a package. If it's room only no 6 months no interest. I just went through this and that is the case.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

The AAA discount is going to be about 10% for a room at the Poly.

Depends on the season - we defintely had more than a 10% discount on our Poly room and more than that for an August stay at FQ. Spring Break will be high season though.

AAA is great to have handy - it can save a nice amount.

As Aliceacc said, if you want to use a AAA discount then the package must be booked thru AAA. If doing that, I would recommend asking around for a good AAA TA. Room only AAA can be booked directly with Disney or any TA (a good Disney Specialist TA).

Good luck and have fun planning!!

 

[planningcrazymom]

First I know there is a possibility that free dining may not happen in 2009, but just in case it does here is my question: planning our second trip to WDW and want to take advantage of free dining { if it happens}, my grandaughter starts kindergarten in August. Lets say free dining is from Aug. 24 thru Sept. 20 and my stay is from Aug. 18 thru Aug. 25, can I get the free dining for my stay?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

First I know there is a possibility that free dining may not happen in 2009, but just in case it does here is my question: planning our second trip to WDW and want to take advantage of free dining { if it happens}, my grandaughter starts kindergarten in August. Lets say free dining is from Aug. 24 thru Sept. 20 and my stay is from Aug. 18 thru Aug. 25, can I get the free dining for my stay?

You would need to check-in on or after August 24 to be
eligible for the free dining, should it be offered.

 

[juliebee]

Thanks everyone So, it totally sounds like I want to book through AAA because even 10% is a significant amount when your talking 9 nights at the Poly.

So, for AAA do you just pay a deposit and the rest due at check-in or is it all due at booking? And which forum would I use to ask for a good AAA TA?

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Julie, I'd probably just post a thread on the resorts board - or here. Then if it's not the right place a moderator will move it for you.

You could ask that the info be sent by pm, so a name would not be made public on the boards.

With dining, it would be booked as a pkg - $200 dep and balance due 45 days out.

Hope everything turns out great!
p.s. Should you receive a pin code after you've booked (be sure to register on www.disneyworld.com order a DVD anc check the box to receive offers), ask your TA to see if that code can be used in place of the AAA rate. That's when a great TA is of help - they do not mind ...or you can simply cancel that reservation and book a new one with your pin code - if dining can be added. Clear as mud?? Sorry!