Rack rates, AAA, etc.

[zachnlucy]

I admit I have no idea what I'm talking about here.

But I've been reading this board for several days now, and am confused regarding rates. I've read that no TA can offer a better rate than WDW other than AAA. So does that mean everybody pays rack rate unless WDW is offering a discount or you go through AAA?

 

[Tink10]

The rates that you can book with a travel agent are......AAA, Best Rate, Rack Rate & any package specials that are being offered.

If you call Disney, you can book AAA room-only, rack rates, package specials & pin code rooms/packages (if you're lucky enough to get one)

Online you can book Best Rate, rack rate & some can book AAA room-only from their local AAA site.

It's all too confusing & I hope this helps!

 

[Disney_1derland]

and to add more confusion... (okay, really I hope it doesn't, but I know when I was starting out this all made my head spin!)

"Best Rates" are for annual passholders only.

There are 'florida resident' rates which only apply if your primary residence is in FL.

Rack rates are the full undiscounted rate offered by WDWTC (walt disney world travel company) which can also be booked through any travel agent including AAA Travel. Most people here will recommend a 'Disney Specialist' travel agent because they are likely to be the most well informed.

Disney has two types of reservations: Room Only (which is just a hotel room reservation) and packages which include a room and tickets. To add to that there are many different types of packages you will hear talked about and beyond that so many ways to customize them it will make you insane!


For the most part the 'deals' you hear talked about here will be something offered by disney that can be reserved directly through disney or through any travel agent.

AAA is given a certain number of reservations by disney (for example, I think AAA rates for 2006 are already available) and when they are gone, they are gone.

The best place to learn about discounts is between here and mousesavers. Read that site over and over and you will have it down in no time, she is very helpful.

 

[Joan1]

If you call Disney, you can book AAA room-only, rack rates, package specials & pin code rooms/packages (if you're lucky enough to get one)

Pin codes on rooms/packages can also be booked through travel agents you just need to provide them the pin number

Basically, any travel agent can book any discount except for packages with AAA discount. Those can only be booked through a AAA office.

 

[zachnlucy]

...and pin codes are ...?

 

[Tink10]

Like I said....totally confusing

 

[Disney_1derland]

...and pin codes are ...?

Special offer codes that are coded to your name in disney's computer system. you would receive an offer via snail mail or email after signing up on their website to receive special offers. They are few and far between.

 

[Joan1]

...and pin codes are ...?

Disney sometimes sends postcard offers and/or email offers directly to people's home. How they are chosen is the million dollar question, no one knows.