Difference b/w booking AAA or @Disney?
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| Mon, 03-12-2007 - 8:01am |
We have down the package we want, and got a quote from the Disney site. Then dh mentioned his company has a corporate ticket deal, so we had to run the numbers to see if it saved any money...
Question 1 - If I buy just a room from Disney, and the tickets from somewhere else at a discount, can we still do the dining plan? Or am I correct in my thinking that you need to book a 'package' to get the dining?
We then noticed that AAA had some discounts that were done through the disney site. I ended up emailing AAA for a quote for the exact thing we want.
Question 2 - Will the AAA quote come back less than the Disney site quote? And if so, what are the problems or disadvantages of buying through them?
I believe I remember learning here that if I book a AAA package with a discount, later if a promotion comes up, (ie free dining in August when we are planning to go) that we are not eligible for it because we have a discounted AAA package. So...
Question 3 - What do we do? Book the AAA if it is lower and be done with it? Book with Disney so we can apply future promotions?
Our gut reaction is keep it easy and simple all together with Disney. Dh said that is worth some of the savings. But I am so afraid to commit to somethign. I am nervous because I put in our first choice of check-in date and the room we wanted wasn't available. Dh and I said we are booking by tomorrow no matter what.
This is what we want... 2 adults, 3 kids... at the Music Family Suites with dining plan from Aug 14-21... 7 nights hotel... with a 6 day ticket with park hopper. The Disney site gives a quote of $3408.
Any thoughts on the AAA/Disney booking dilemma?
Thanks.
Laura

Question 1 - If I buy just a room from Disney, and the tickets from somewhere else at a discount, can we still do the dining plan? No. Or am I correct in my thinking that you need to book a 'package' to get the dining? Correct. A package consists of your room, a min 1 day ticket and whatever options you want.
Question 2 - Will the AAA quote come back less than the Disney site quote? More than likely. AAA offers discounts on room only and packages, but they are limited in availability though not as limited as the specials Disney runs. You can call up Disney and book a room only with your AAA discount, but only a AAA agent can do a package with the AAA disocunt. And if so, what are the problems or disadvantages of buying through them? When you book with a travel agent, the agent 'owns' your reservation. the agent has to make any and all changes, apply payments etc. The level of service you get depends soley on the agent. Not all AAA agents are Disney Specialists, so there is the possibility of getting someone who knows less about Disney than the next random person to walk down the street. In which case your vacation is tied to someone who knows nothing and will not work for you after the trip is booked. Some AAA agents are Disney Specialists. They have completed the College of Disney Knowledge and will know as much or more than a great guide book and have personal experiance as well. They will stay in contact with you and continue to look for a better price and make your vacation all that it can be. It's your vacation do NOT be afraid to ask if the agent you are working with is a Disney Specialist and say 'no thank you' to one who is not.
I believe I remember learning here that if I book a AAA package with a discount, later if a promotion comes up, (ie free dining in August when we are planning to go) that we are not eligible for it because we have a discounted AAA package. So... sort of. You can use the promotion, you just lose your AAA discount. Discounts can't be stacked, but if you have a AAA package your AAA agent (if a Disney Specialist) should contact you about any promotion, discuss options if the discount would require a change in plans and take care of things for you. This very thing is one problem that can arise when you don't use a Disney Specialist. You may hear of a discount here or mousesavers or another board and then by the time you get ahold of your agent the discount is gone.
I am nervous because I put in our first choice of check-in date and the room we wanted wasn't available. This is because you want the AS Music Family Suites. They are EXTREMELY popular and there aren't a lot of them so they stay booked. The Family Suites also have not been included in any of the past promotions since they opened as Disney does not typically discount 'suites'.
This is what we want... 2 adults, 3 kids... at the Music Family Suites with dining plan from Aug 14-21... 7 nights hotel... with a 6 day ticket with park hopper. The Disney site gives a quote of $3408. how old are the kids?
Any thoughts on the AAA/Disney booking dilemma? if AAA comes back with a discounted price on the package ask for a Disney Specialist to work on your reservation. If one is not available in your are (hard to believe but possible) decide how bad you want the discount because you will not be able to do ANYTHING to your reservation once it's booked with a TA.
THanks Sonya for your complete response to my questions. My kids will be 9,6 and 5 when we travel.
When you said the Family Suites and other suites don't get discounted, does that just mean room price, or does that include other promotions like dining and tickets?
I haven't heard back from AAA yet. I will definitely ask if it is a disney specialist. My gut tells me I think I'll be more comfortable dealing directly with Disney in case there are any changes, etc. Will have to see if there is any savings with AAA to make it worth going that route.
Thanks.
Laura
Laura
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We've booked through AAA and did receive a discount over the price quoted at the Disney site. We were also told that if a promotion should come up that would save us money, they would honor that.
I also have to echo getting a TA who knows about Disney World. The first one we talked to in our local office was horrible. In just talking to her for a few minutes, I knew she was a dud. She had no idea when the value season was for deluxe hotels, and even gave us mis-information about a few things. We booked with another agent whom a friend had used for her WDW trip. She has been fantastic and really worked with us.
Good luck with your planning! I've booked through Disney before and a few different travel agents, and I've had great experiences!
Claudia
visiting WDW in July 2007!