Ready to book our trip-help!!!!

[tonysgal34]

We are meeting with a AAA travel agent on Wednesday. We want to get our trip booked. Need to know if anyone has any last minute tips-and also, this service(I have been told)is included in our AAA membership-has anyone ever been charged a fee for booking with AAA?? Also, if we find a better discount, can we get our money back or once we book is it set in stone?? Thanks-we are really nervous about this.............

 

[tar heel]

You should be nervous . . . I priced AAA before we started going so frequently and thought the prices were AWFUL. In general, buying a package means paying EXTRA -- that agent is on commission. I don't know the specific terms of AAA packages, but I'm sure you'll be charged a fee if you find something cheaper and want to change.

Have you studied the many sections on this site and wdwig.com? Have you tried calling 1-407-W-DISNEY and seeing what they offer you?

 

[tonysgal34]

Well, I have checked lots of sites and lots of discounts and saw that the best prices on hoppers so far were through ticketmania and that the best discount on lodging was AAA with 20% off rack rates. I thought that we would sit down and see what they can offer and if it's more than what I've found on my own, I'll just do it myself. Does that seem like a good plan? What have you done??

 

[dgaston]

Don't book the trip until you've read www.mousesavers.com Mary Waring's site has superb info on how to save money. If you still want to do it AAA go ahead, but I would learn about codes first.

 

[Gillian]

While AAA can sometimes get you 20% off room rates (depends on the season & the resort, plus availability), I have found that their agents are reluctant to book room only. The packages are easier for them, plus the commissions are bigger.

AAA doesn't charge a fee for booking your trip. They, like all travel agents, get paid by Disney. It would be a good idea to ask them about cancellation or change fees, and when they kick in.

If all you want is the room, no tickets or meals, you can book AAA discounted rooms yourself through CRO. Then you can buy the park hoppers at AAA later. I've done this, and then transferred the reservation over to Dreams Unlimited, because they have great service (but can't book AAA rates)!

 

[kilee]

If you can do it yourself, then really try. You'll have more flexibility to book what and how you want. Also, it will be easier to change. AAA will not charge you extra for doing this, at least I have never expierenced a fee. I have booked trips on my own and through them. The only time I use them is for extreme last minute trips. Like when we want to leave in 48 hours.

 

[toystorymom]

I would also suggest booking on your own instead of through AAA. If you want the room discount, they can apply that right through CRO. Just tell them you have AAA and they can tell you if the discount is available for your dates & resort. We did this recently and got a 20% discount. And I know if a better code comes out later, I can just call CRO myself and have it applied. Plus, CRO gives you a 5 day out cancellation policy and your balance isn't due until you check in. Not sure what AAA offers but I don't think you can beat that.

Good luck and have fun with your planning!

 

[Earstou]

I was told AAA charges for booking a flight through them. I've booked various vacations through them for years and had never been charged. But in January I was told by AAA I would be charged $25 per person for airline tickets (that was all I was booking).
I decided I'd do it myself!!!
I believe if you use their website to book, there is no fee.