Why hasn't a AAA travel agent called yet? (A Rant)

[DeterminedOne]

Yesterday I signed up for AAA online and there was a link for Disney vacations. I entered all our travel information (dates, times, etc.) because I thought it would give me an online quote. But when I hit the submit button I got a message stating an agent would contact me. This was yesterday morning and no one has called yet. That doesn't seem like good service to me. We're already booked through WDTC but I'm trying to save a little bit of money. But if this is what I can expect from AAA forget it! One of my coworkers called last Friday and no one has called her back either. What's up with that? Is that their normal level of service? I haven't used a travel agent in years because I can't stand waiting on information from someone else. I'm a control freak that way.

Okay, all better now.

 

[Tinkwantabe]

Dont hold your breath - I did that about 2 weeks ago and they never called or emailed anything - I finally gave up and called a different travel agency.

Maybe check your phone book under the travel section and see if anyone does AAA travel bookings.

 

[dixiedizfan]

They e-mailed me back around a week and a half later. They said Disney didn't have their rates for 2007 out yet, and to contact them again in SEPTEMBER! Uh, no thanks

 

[johnvree]

I used them to tow my car when it breaks down and I take advantage of the free travelers checks for our vacation. I would not use them to plan a WDW vacation. That's not their specialty. But I agree with the OP, very disappointing that they don't try a little harder.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

I was pleased with our AAA agent. I filled out the online form and got an e-mail the next day saying she was working on our quote. I believe we got it the next day. Is there a number you could call instead? Maybe you'd have better luck talking directly with a representative.

I hope you get your answers soon. I know it's hard to wait to start planning something so magical.

 

[SnackyStacky]

They e-mailed me back around a week and a half later. They said Disney didn't have their rates for 2007 out yet, and to contact them again in SEPTEMBER! Uh, no thanks

This is true. If you wanted a package, there's nothing that any travel agent can do. Room only reservations can be booked no more than 500 days in advance of the check out date. Which means from today (February 28) you can hold up a room as long as you're checking out by July 13, 2007. The rates aren't guaranteed for 2007. When the rates are released you'd be responsible for paying any difference.

But, Disney won't book packages if the rates haven't been released yet.

So, the only thing AAA would be able to do is to keep you on file and call you back when the rates are released.

Also - if you want to book a package with the AAA discount on the room, you HAVE to go through AAA.

Just some stuff to keep in mind.

 

[laginog001]

It's been over 4 weeks and I haven't heard back from them. I finally gave up and called a name I received from someone on the board here. So...don't hold your breath!!! The rooms you want might not be there!!

 

[Marseeya]

That happened to me with Dreams Unlimited last year. I ended up booking through AAA, but I didn't have the patience to wait for a phone call. I just went into my local office and took care of it right there. I told her I was just interested in a rate quote, but she did it all while I was there. I ended up booking right then and there.

 

[minniedisney1]

I think it may depend on what part of the country you live in & how much disney business the AAA office does. I have used AAA for the last 8 years to plan all my disney trips & honeymoon. Each Charlotte office has a disney specialist. I have asked about why some offices seem to be more disney than others & was told that the Charlotte area offices do a huge percentage of disney business. I think they are in the top 5 on the east coast for WDW travel. If anyone is interested, the office # is 704-541-7409. Ask for Colleen or Henry. They are both great!!!

 

[DisneyaholicRaquel]

When you book a package through AAA does it show in the Disney System? I booked a package with AAA and also room only direct with Disney. I am going to cancel the room only but, was curious about the reservation thru AAA.

BTW - I live in Michigan and used a AAA agent in Texas (Kathleen). So, far she has been great. We stayed on the phone about an hour and 1/2. She answered any questions I had and if she didn't know she called Disney right then.

Also, with the AAA package you get a few extra perks...

 

[pezpam]

I found our AAA office to be great about Disney bookings. It seems they do a lot of WDW, DL, and Cruise trips, though, so they're used to the system. Like any other travel agency, the agent themself makes a huge difference. I booked our DL trip through them and the perks alone were worth it.

I have also had excellent results with Small World Vacations. I can't personally vouch for every agent, but Stephanie has been helping us for a few years now and I'd recommend her in a heartbeat.

I've also booked directly with Disney, but that seems to work best when I have my ducks in a row and know *exactly* what I want, which specials or discounts I should be able to get, etc. Some CMs know everything, some... well.... don't.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I know sometimes it is hard that the agents don't call you back as quickly as you would like, but from January through the end of April it is a very busy time for Travel Agencies. It starts to slow down once May rolls around.

I would see if you could contact the Travel Agency directly to see why it is taking so long for at least someone to let you know that they are "working on something"

BUT if you are looking for something in 2007 they won't have solid rates for you yet.

Good Luck!!

 

[turnlisa]

I had a similar problem with the agents here in MI. I filled out the form, heard something about 2 months later. I finally decided to just call a AAA agent that I got from someone on the boards. You don't have to book with someone local. As long as you have AAA, you can book with any travel agent. The one I used is from the Mid-Atlantic region. I have referred others from my office to her.

 

[mouseplanner]

Be careful with AAA. I had a similar experience with getting a travel agent to call me back. Eventually someone contacted me but by then I had done alot of research on my own. If you don't mind doing the leg work you can get as good a deal or better on your own. A AAA package is simply a AAA discount on the room, which you can get by yourself by calling Disney directly and asking for the AAA discount rate. The park ticket portion of the AAA package is not discounted at all- same price as if you would purchase direct from Disney. As for airfare, my AAA agent told me that there was a 10% surcharge AAA adds to all airfares. Needless to say, I purchased tickets, room and airfare separately and got a better deal then they were offering me. If money is an object, it's worth it to price everything out on your own. Hope this helps.

 

[heatherlynn444]

i am going through AAA and the guy i am dealing with has been great. I filled out that online form and got a response the next day, and we ahve probably sent 25 emails back and forth in the last 3 weeks. He also mailed me a packet of disney info. about all the AAA/dinsey stuff, and also contacted dis. to get prices for me for the room i wanted during that season, with the discount. i am about to reserve my room at the GF and am so excited!

 

[Msslaydbug]

Our AAA agent is great. i called and gave her all of our information and she called me back in less than 10 minutes. Maybe try calling your AAA office and speak to someone in person.

 

[DeterminedOne]

Just an update ... AAA never did call! I did get a few PM's from some AAA agents that are Dis members offering to help me out. What terrible service! I want to cancel the membership now.

 

[DisneyMim]

I've been an AAA member for years and give them very high marks for the times that I have had to call them for car problems over the years. That being said, I don't use them for travel (only for road maps) and would not use them to book a vacation. Months ago my husband and I were in our local AAA office for something and overheard one of their travel agents giving really wrong info about Disney. It was all I could do to not speak up. My husband practically had his hand over my mouth. I tried to look for the people after we left the office, but could not find them. I felt so bad for them. You are much better off doing what you can yourself. These boards are a wonderful place to ask for info. Just my 2 cents.

 

[java]

I am still wating for my call back for my trip last July. I called twice and was told she would get back to me with all the info. When I called to see where the info was..I was told still gathering....So boy I can't wait to see what kind of info this will be
BUT I LOVE AAA for everything else. They just don't have great travel agents in some of their locations.

 

[CarolA]

I know sometimes it is hard that the agents don't call you back as quickly as you would like, but from January through the end of April it is a very busy time for Travel Agencies. It starts to slow down once May rolls around.

Sorry, but this is not a good excuse.... If you want my money, you have to provide service when I need it. What if my vacation is in January? Are they too busy to help?