What Would You Do?

[Terk-1]

I'm trying to book a solo trip to WDW via AAA and stay at the Wilderness Lodge in a woods view or standard view room. When I checked with AAA for my first set of dates (end of September to beginning of October), the only thing that is available is Courtyard view. When I tried WDW.com, same thing.

I tried a different set of dates earlier in the month with AAA and got the same thing. However, when I input those same dates in to WDW.com, I get woods view rooms available. When I asked AAA about this, they said that they only have a certain amount of rooms available at each resort for the AAA rate.

1. Would you book a courtyard view room (for more $$) with AAA and hope that a woods view room becomes available (if it becomes available)?

2. Would you book a woods view room directly with Disney, then hope it becomes available through AAA?

3. Would you wait a bit to see if it does become available with AAA before booking anything?

 

[tgropp]

I always phoned Disney direct, and told them that I wanted th CAA discount (Canadian Auto Club) and the applied it to the rate. You do not have to book with AAA to get their discount

 

[HopperFan]

Have you tried calling Disney direct, no website. I have found no availability online or via AAA, but called Disney direct, got my room only reservation and they applied the AAA discount to it. Worth a try first

 

[Terk-1]

The e-mail I got the following e-mail from my AAA agent: "I quoted the standardview, which I equate as courtyard view. Generally, a lead-in category." So now I am back to square one again.

 

[Terk-1]

You do not have to book with AAA to get their discount

I'm sorry. I forgot to mention that I was booking a package and not just a room only.

Do you have to book directly with AAA to get their discount for a package deal (room, passes, etc.) or can I get this directly with Disney?

Is it less expensive to book the room separately with a AAA discount, then buy the park hopper passes separately from either AAA or Disney?

 

[JLKennedy]

Actually, you do need to book w/ AAA to get a package discount....basic AAA discount by phoning disney, will only get you 10% off room rate. I booked a 8 day 7 night Sept. 2008, 8 day park hopper + ticket for 4 and deluxe dining w/ a woods view room at WL for $3800

 

[Terk-1]

I booked a 8 day 7 night Sept. 2008, 8 day park hopper + ticket for 4 and deluxe dining w/ a woods view room at WL for $3800

Wow. That is about $700 more than I was quoted for 1 person, 10 day park hopper pass, no dining, courtyard view. I know I can get the price to drop alot more if I can secure either a standard or woods view room versus a courtyard view.

 

[HopperFan]

Why not call Disney and see if you can get the Standard or Woods view room with the AAA discount ? If so, then see how much to buy just the ticket from AAA, Disney or a broker. If you aren't doing the Dining Plan, why not just get each item piece meal......you get the room/hotel you want that way at a discount. I have used AAA, but never for a WDW package, I can't find any discount in their prices they quote.

 

[NeverlandPixie]

Just to add my two cents, I found it cheaper to book by calling Disney directly, applying my CAA/AAA discount, and buying the tickets separately. The thing with packages is that you get little perks that a family might use, but not necessarily a solo traveller. To quote directly from Mousesavers, "Sometimes your most economical option is to book a "room only" reservation at the resort of your choice and buy the other components of your vacation (i.e. tickets and meals) separately." On my last three trips, I have found this to be true, and am doing it again for March 2008.

 

[Terk-1]

If I book a room only through Disney using a AAA discount, then buy the park hopper pass separately, can I still get the free dining (if offered) or is that just for people with full packages?

Can I book a room only with a AAA discount on wdw.com or do I have to call Disney directly?