Please, using small words explain my AAA to me

[marshallandcartersmo]

I know there have been 10,000 AAA questions, just chalk mine up to question 10,001.

I am not a AAA member, but it looks like it would be around $50 for me to join.
We're thinking of going to ASMo for 6 nights in the middle of February-according to WDW website I'm looking at $637.++ for the hotel (no tickets, etc.). I read somewhere on these boards AAA gives 20% off value resorts during Value season (when we're going)...........so I'm I calculating right that I'd save $127.++ (20% of $637) if I join AAA? And they also give park ticket discounts???

Also, what happens if Disney decides to give a better deal than AAA through some sort of code (I've never understood these either by the way). Or free dining?? Do I then have to cancel my AAA reservation and book through Disney (can I do that w/AAA)?

 

[spiceycat]

Sometimes AAA has a cancelation fee.

Disney generally doesn't (CRO doesn't - WDTC - does).

So I would make the reservation with Disney using your AAA discount. I don't know if Disney will charge you a cancelation fee or not.

remember you must have the AAA card or you will charged full rack rate price when you check in.

 

[Trip2Disney]

If you want to book a room-only reservation with a AAA discount, the easiest way to do this IMHO is to call CRO. Explain that you want to do just that, and as long as there are still rooms available at the AAA rate, you should have no problems. (They will probably ask for your AAA membership #, so have it handy.) You are correct ... the AAA rate for a Value resort during Value season is 20% off the rack rate.

If a better room-only code comes out later for your dates of travel, you can call CRO back and have that code applied to your ressie instead of the AAA discount. Again, as long as there are still rooms available for that code, this isn't a problem.

If you are looking to purchase park tickets separately (not part of a package), then, yes, you can purchase those from AAA for a discount. Every AAA branch seems to offer different tickets & the selection is pretty limited, but if they have the ones you want, then AAA is a great way to purchase your tickets. The last time I compared, their prices were even a little lower than TicketMania & UndercoverTourist with the Mousesaver discount.

Packages are a little trickier. If you decide later that you want a package with a AAA discount, that must be booked through AAA. (They discount the room only -- not tickets or dining.) If Free Dining is offered again next year, so you decide to switch to a package, that package could be booked through Disney or AAA, and there would be no discount on the room. Either way, the room-only ressie would be cancelled, the 1 night deposit credited back to you, & a new ressie made for the package with a $200 deposit.

Unless you are close to your dates of travel, Disney doesn't charge you a fee for cancellations. (Packages 45 days out, Room-only 5 days out). I have heard that some AAA TAs do charge a fee.

HTH & someone please correct me if any of my info is wrong. (I'm kind of new to the package thing, so I'm still learning!)

 

[TJ's Mom]

I am not a member of AAA. I called yesterday and asked about their rates at Pop in March. It was $121 cheaper than the online rate. I asked if I had to be a member to get their price and the TA told me no, that anyone could use their travel agency. If that is the case, then it would save you the $50 of joining. Also, this is my first post! I have been lurking for a year. This is such a great site!

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

thank you both!! I think I got it!

 

[the Fidge]

You just have to have your membership by the time you depart, is what I am aware of.

 

[the Fidge]

Now last year I booked with AAA , I did receive the bump up on my tickets that were base tickets without hopper or water parks. AAA TA automatically gave me the upgrade. That was in addition to the discounted room rate during regualr season. Also the added benefit for my family isnce we took our own vehicle was the prefered parking at all the parks, right up front by the handicapped parking an added bonus. They were also offering a free disney clock and ran out so they sent me a free Micket beach towel which DS is getting more use of!

 

[PottersMom]

I am not a member of AAA- but we may join for the discount. however-what's this about getting the AAA price w/o membership? Who do I call with questions? How do I find a AAA TA?

 

[the Fidge]

You can do a search with your computer and it will redirect to your areas local offices. You can get the rate but before traveling you will ned to have a paid membership by your dpearture date, that is at least what my TA informed me. They are also in your local telephone book. AAA or Automoblie club of america. Good luck and happy planning!