Question on AAA packages-confused!

[mom2twinz3]

Hi,

I am majorly confused. What is the difference between buying a package through AAA or buying a package through CRO with AAA discount? Which gives you the most bang for the buck, so to speak?

Also, if you go through AAA do you have to pay for the entire package at the time you book, or can you pay some at a time like you can going through Disney directly?

I am interested in camping packages as I have 5 kids and the only affordable way to stay onsite is to tent camp.

Thanks so much!

Mary

 

[poohj80]

After consulting a Disney "expert" at AAA for package info, I'd recommend using one of the true Disney specialist travel agents if you don't want to just book through CRO directly. The AAA agent quoted me a price of $500 more than booking through Disney directly and told me no flights were available on my dates (I got tickets on my own using frequent flyer miles with no problem).

 

[DznyDreams]

Hi,

I am majorly confused. What is the difference between buying a package through AAA or buying a package through CRO with AAA discount? Which gives you the most bang for the buck, so to speak?

Also, if you go through AAA do you have to pay for the entire package at the time you book, or can you pay some at a time like you can going through Disney directly?

I am interested in camping packages as I have 5 kids and the only affordable way to stay onsite is to tent camp.

Thanks so much!

Mary

I'll take a stab at this, but I don't claim to know it all!

The packages you can book through AAA are the same as the packages you book directly through Disney, except they have discounted rooms. I priced a MYW package + dining through Disney and it was going to cost $5309.60. I called AAA and priced the exact same package, and I saved $466.00. I still payed the same $200 deposit, everything is exactly like booking through Disney, but I just saved a little on the rooms.

You cannot book a "package" with a AAA discount through Disney. You CAN, however, book a room-only reservation with a AAA discount (if available) and purchase your tickets separately. Believe me, I tried every way in the world to book the Magic Your Way (+ dining) through Disney and still receive my AAA discount on the room, but I was always shot down.

I honestly don't know what to tell you about packages and camping....not sure how this works since I've never done it. Maybe someone else can help you with this.

 

[DznyDreams]

After consulting a Disney "expert" at AAA for package info, I'd recommend using one of the true Disney specialist travel agents if you don't want to just book through CRO directly. The AAA agent quoted me a price of $500 more than booking through Disney directly and told me no flights were available on my dates (I got tickets on my own using frequent flyer miles with no problem).

Wow! That was some "expert" there, eh? I'm sure there are AAA TAs with more knowledge than others. When I told my AAA TA exactly what I wanted, he came back with a good offer for me. I'm sorry this didn't work out for you.

I still wish that I could get my AAA discount by booking directly through Disney though. I am over 80-miles away from my nearest AAA office, so this part will be a hassle since they want me to come in to pick up my package information just prior to my departure date. They don't send anything via snail mail. This part really stinks for me...only because of the distance and the fact that I rarely, if ever, go to Dallas.

 

[poohj80]

Wow! That was some "expert" there, eh? I'm sure there are AAA TAs with more knowledge than others. When I told my AAA TA exactly what I wanted, he came back with a good offer for me. I'm sorry this didn't work out for you.

It's nice to know there are some good AAA travel agents out there. Mine was the Disney expert for our local office so now you know why I make my own travel arrangements.

 

[WDWBetsy]

After consulting a Disney "expert" at AAA for package info, I'd recommend using one of the true Disney specialist travel agents if you don't want to just book through CRO directly. The AAA agent quoted me a price of $500 more than booking through Disney directly and told me no flights were available on my dates (I got tickets on my own using frequent flyer miles with no problem).

I had the same problem. Couldn't book the package w/room discount + dining with CRO, and I kept getting higher quotes from my local AAA agent (due to the discount not being applied by Disney when she called them). She told me that maybe I should just book the cheaper online Disney package. Not!

So one night I was frustrated (and the other local AAA agencies were closed), so I called a AAA travel agency in southern California since they were still open, and had a great agent (Patrice!) who was willing to question the rates that Disney's special AAA package department was giving her as well. She was extremely helpful and I am saving $268 and also getting the dining plan.

So if you don't succeed the first time and want both the discount and dining, call another agency! I probably would have booked through DU if I hadn't wanted the dining though.