Questions and decisions

[Grand2me]

This is going to be alot so I apologize for the length in advance. Also, if any of these can't be answered here, could you all please PM me? THANKS!!!

The first question: Is AAA really worth it? I am trying to think about this in the long run...not just because I am planning a vacation to Disney in December .

Second Question: We are...well...I am trying to decide if it would be better if we stayed at a Moderate resort like the CBR or CSR with tickets and room only as opposed to staying at a Value hotel(probably POP CENTURY) with the dining package. Any thoughts?

Third Question(S): ****I am not sure if this is the right place to pose this but if it's not I will be sure to delete it.***
I am starting to look at the possibility of renting DVC points for this trip. This will be our last Disney trip for at least two years and I want it to be as really nice experience. Our vacation dates are Dec. 19th - 27th. My question is are the DVC prices the same as the regular resort? We are coming in on the tail end of one season and staying, part of the way, through another. Should I look at the DVC points for both seasons? Are the points calculated weekly or daily? Also, at the DVC resorts, do they also have the same bus transportation to and from the parks like the regular resorts?

 

[midwestdee]

Regarding AAA - I think it is worth it. Also, if you are interested in the dining plan - the only way to get the dining plan AND the AAA room discount is to book through an AAA agent. If you just want a room discount you can get the discount directly through WDW - but not with the dining package. My DD is going in Oct. on her honeymoon and I gave her a AAA membership as an early wedding gift - DH and I are going in Nov. - staying at WL - AAA is saving close to $400 off exactly the same thing compared to the WDW quote. Also, AAA has an amazing list of discounts on all types of things available. Good luck - I'm sure one of our DVC experts will be helping you with the other part of your question.

 

[magsmom]

The going rate for renting points is in the $10 to $11 per point range. Check out the rental page of the DVC boards for more information. I would pay particular attention to guidelines on how to rent points.

If you rent points it is generally much cheaper than going through a CRO reesie for the same room. As far as seasons are concerned, part of the points will be calculated off of value season and the other part will be calculated off of the holiday season. The points are calculated on a daily basis - the cost of a week (in points) would be the sum of the individual days regardless of season - it is not like checking in to a regular disney resort for value season and being able stay with the same rate through peak season (something to be considered in your total cost). I believe a member will need to make the reservation for you.

If you stay DVC, you will be able to add the dining without buying the park tickets. This is because DVC members gets a perk on the annual passes.

Big question to you, however, is availability. December is EXTREMELY popular with members and it is very possible that most resorts are filled.

 

[123SA]

I booked with AAA at the Poly Nov 30-Dec 10. 2 adults, 2 kids, with dining, & park hopper tickets. The price I was given by AAA is $527 less than the price through WDW website. I have not yet purchased AAA, so I'll have to back out the cost of it to determine my true savings.

 

[rantnnravin]

the $45 the AAA membership cost me saved me $65 per night over rack rate(made back the membership fee plus $20 for the 1st nights stay) and gave me the ability to get the dining plan during the non-dvc portion of our stay this august.
considering that the AP discounts weren't that spectacular for the time period (plus can't get dining w/AP---and yes i know all about the DDE card- have one, didn't provide any savings other than the tips we would've left), i'm glad i joined AAA

 

[Grand2me]

Thanks to everybody who responded. I wanted to let y'all know that I got my AAA membeship and I made the reservation for my December trip! The AAA discount was only around $50 but we got 10day non expiration tickets and the dining package. I am so excited!!

 

[hrbib21]

Keep in my mind that, unlike a "real" travel agent, AAA will do nothing for you other than make your reservations and accept your payments. I am currently fighting with them over the fact that they never told me about the free dining that was available from 4/4-6/28/06. It will now cost us over $800 to pay for something that I SHOULD have for free. They have given me the response of "management told us not to offer it...only add it if asked.". Take it for what it's worth, just thought I should mention it.

My discount for a week at CBR for 3 adults was almost $300 under the standard rate so at least I got that.

 

[Grand2me]

Keep in my mind that, unlike a "real" travel agent, AAA will do nothing for you other than make your reservations and accept your payments. I am currently fighting with them over the fact that they never told me about the free dining that was available from 4/4-6/28/06. It will now cost us over $800 to pay for something that I SHOULD have for free. They have given me the response of "management told us not to offer it...only add it if asked.". Take it for what it's worth, just thought I should mention it.

My discount for a week at CBR for 3 adults was almost $300 under the standard rate so at least I got that.

DANG MAN!!! That sucks!! They couldn't do anything about the dining? I would be HIGHLY UPSET!! Have you called Disney? They may add it for you especially since it's free anyway...worth a shot.
The thing about it is that I was going back and forth about the AAA member ship for months. I thought I was going to get a deep discount and I really got one. Tickets cost the same the whole way around. Every little bit helps though. We were able to get the same amount of time and add a non-expiration to our 10 day park hoppers for under $2000. Not too bad.