Disney Story Time, a AAA Member Benefit

Booking a trip to Walt Disney World using a AAA travel specialist has a few perks.  Families receive a booklet listing their reservation and all it entails including coupon for various perks.  One member benefit is Disney Story Time at EPCOT.

Reservations are required and the information regarding times, days that Story Time is offered, and the telephone number to call can be found on the back of the coupon in the booklet.  Moral of the story. . . don’t wait until you are traveling or have arrived at your destination before reading what is inside the booklet. 

Story Time has been offered as member perk for some time and in various locations such as the Magic Kingdom.  It is currently offered at EPCOT and we decided to take advantage of the offering on our most recent trip to Walt Disney World.

I phoned several days in advance, but after receiving my paperwork in the mail, to secure a day and time that would work with our park touring schedule.  Most of the times are morning or early afternoon.  Guests are to arrive 15 minutes prior to Story Time and have their coupon from the booklet with them. 

Since we were at EPCOT on Thursday, we made a reservation for Story Time for that day and picked the 11:30 am time.  This meant we needed to arrive by 11:15 at Innoventions West—just across the breezeway from the exit of EPCOT’s Character Spot—click here to read more.  This time worked with our touring schedule, as we knew we would be at EPCOT at rope drop, ride Soarin’ and Test Track first, hit Story Time, and make our 1:00 pm lunch ADR at Les Chefs de France.  We were able to do even more than we had planned that morning—Character Spot, Journey Into Imagination with Figment, play near the leaping fountains, took time out for a snack, AND rode both Test Track and Soarin’.

Finding Story Time was easy, as it was just inside the Innoventions West entrance off the breezeway and to the left.  There are signs indicating that this is AAA’s Disney Story Time. 

There is a pre-show area where guests are greeted and coupons from the booklet are collected.  We headed right in and found a spot in the small, but well designed theater. 

We were then greeted by the host who invited children to sit on the stage. 

Next, we were introduced to our reader—Princess Jasmine!  Check out the video:

When Jasmine had finished reading, there was an opportunity for photos and autographs.

We were out the door no later than 11:50 am and on our way.  I imagine that if there were more guests that photos and autographs could take longer.  Also, the character reader is subject to change.

Our impressions:  glad we did it, but don’t think we would do it again.  If a guest knew for sure what character would be hosting Story Time and was a significant fan or had a child that was a significant fan, I could see how this experience might be tops for their Disney vacation.  It may also be a nice touring break during warmer seasons—inside, air conditioning, fewer guests, etc. 

There are a variety of AAA member benefits.  Be sure to check your booklet or ask your travel specialist what benefits are available to you.