Annoyed by the Doorway to Dreams Promo!

[tomandrobin]

I was reading about the extra incentive being given at the Doorway to Dreams event. It really annoys me that I cant take advantage of the deal. I have been thinking about doing an add-on, and the free annual passes would have been great. Why couldn't Disney extend it to everyone else for those 3 days?

[TisBit]

I understand your frustration. I know they are trying to promote their sales center there and are probably trying to keep it up and running....but it can be a little disheartening to all of the members that are not close to this center. It is like special promotions for 3 days only.....only at the WDW sales center. If you don't make a special trip your out of luck. We will never be able to take advantage of these promotions being as far away as we are.

I can tolerate the incentives (gift cards, etc) for people taking tours in Anaheim, etc where DVC is not so popular....but to create significant purchase/add on incentives to such a small area seems a little unfair.

[becca-becca]

What exactly was the incentive? Was it in Chicago? How often do they have these? Do you have to be invited or can you just show up (as a DVC member)? I would drive (6 hours) for a really great incentive!!!

[disneynutz]

If you ask me, their marketing strategy is out of whack. It says to me, we care about the people in Chicago, but we don't value people buying or adding on elsewhere.

I am sure that their Chicago, sales center cost them a pretty penny, and I can understand that they want to increase their number of visitors. Their cost overhead is already high so they offer $500 or 2 free annual passes?

At WDW anyone who buys or adds on in person gets a ice cream cone.

Anyone who buys or adds on over the phone, which saves Disney a lot of money, gets nothing.

This is wrong, just wrong. :sad2: :sad2: :sad2:

[disney dumbo]

If you ask me, their marketing strategy is out of whack. It says to me, we care about the people in Chicago, but we don't value people buying or adding on elsewhere.

I am sure that their Chicago, sales center cost them a pretty penny, and I can understand that they want to increase their number of visitors. Their cost overhead is already high so they offer $500 or 2 free annual passes?

At WDW anyone who buys or adds on in person gets a ice cream cone.

Anyone who buys or adds on over the phone, which saves Disney a lot of money, gets nothing.

This is wrong, just wrong. :sad2: :sad2: :sad2:
Agree!!! And to think all the money goes into the same pot! If they increased sales anywhere... they could still use that money to offset Chicago expenses! I've always appreciated their "standard" process across the board. Making the playing field equal. It gave me a sense of trust. I think it's important especially in this business. Hope they correct their ways on this one!

[TisBit]

I can see even doing Chicago specific incentives, such as free give aways....sneak peak promos (like they did with the restaurant samplings).....but yeah $500 is a lot!

[delmar411]

hmm, so if I drove the 3hrs to Chicago I could of gotten 2 free APs?????

We bought over the phone and didn't even get ice cream! :sad1:

[eliza61]

Ok, I'm going to be the devils advocate on this one. I absolutely hate when Disney does any type of "freebie" promotion. Mainly because some one always gets their knickers in a knot if they don't win. Have you checked out the "dreams" thread over at the trip planning? I can't tell you how many post I see from people ticked that they didn't win a dream (I mean seriously P.O)

Disney probably has some sort of marketing goal for folks in that area. sure it would be nice to have a couple of AP's but hey, all I got was a very nice tote bag.
Would that have changed your decision to buy? Of course not. It's all good

[WoodysRoundup]

If you ask me, their marketing strategy is out of whack. It says to me, we care about the people in Chicago, but we don't value people buying or adding on elsewhere.

I am sure that their Chicago, sales center cost them a pretty penny, and I can understand that they want to increase their number of visitors. Their cost overhead is already high so they offer $500 or 2 free annual passes?

At WDW anyone who buys or adds on in person gets a ice cream cone.

Anyone who buys or adds on over the phone, which saves Disney a lot of money, gets nothing.

This is wrong, just wrong. :sad2: :sad2: :sad2:



I certainly appreciate what you are saying. However, from what I have heard, the Doorway To Dreams store in Chicago is a test for Disney.....the ultimate plan is to open more of these types of stores in other locations across the country. They had to start somewhere. Chicago is a HUGE market for WDW and they wanted to test market the area . They're offering the bigger incentives (b/c they have the "vehicle" to do it - the store) in order to grab a larger audience outside of Orlando. They want to move those AKV and SSR sales as far along as they can. If they're happy with the sales progress they're making in Chgo., I'm sure these stores will pop up in other parts of the US. I really don't think it says "Disney cares more about the people in Chgo.". Again, they had to start somewhere and I bet the store's success will warrant other store openings in other markets.

[disneynutz]

I certainly appreciate what you are saying. However, from what I have heard, the Doorway To Dreams store in Chicago is a test for Disney.....the ultimate plan is to open more of these types of stores in other locations across the country. They had to start somewhere. Chicago is a HUGE market for WDW and they wanted to test market the area . They're offering the bigger incentives (b/c they have the "vehicle" to do it - the store) in order to grab a larger audience outside of Orlando. They want to move those AKV and SSR sales as far along as they can. If they're happy with the sales progress they're making in Chgo., I'm sure these stores will pop up in other parts of the US. I really don't think it says "Disney cares more about the people in Chgo.". Again, they had to start somewhere and I bet the store's success will warrant other store openings in other markets.

I didn't mean to talk poorly of the people of Chicago. What I should have said is that Disney apparently values the customer in the store more than the customer at WDW or on the telephone.

[WoodysRoundup]

I didn't mean to talk poorly of the people of Chicago. What I should have said is that Disney apparently values the customer in the store more than the customer at WDW or on the telephone.


Oh, I didn't think you were talking poorly of the people in Chgo.! :)
Again, I personally don't think they're putting the value of people in the store higher, they're just trying new marketing strategies. That's what test marketing is all about.

[TisBit]

Oh, I didn't think you were talking poorly of the people in Chgo.! :)
Again, I personally don't think they're putting the value of people in the store higher, they're just trying new marketing strategies. That's what test marketing is all about.

I agree....and actually was not all that annoyed by the incentives, because I am not in the market to do an add-on. But I think Disney does have to be careful about offering different incentives to different people, especially when they can be somewhat significant in value. If DVC starts offering a different point chart or price off per point at DL than WDW or Chicago...it can undermine the DVC "new way to do timeshares" concept. I bought in last year in betweeen promotions....a couple months earlier I would have gotten more...couple months later....could have gotten more. While it is annoying, I don't complain, I bought when I did, based on the promotions at the time. But I know that everyone else who bought during that time got the same thing as me. I just don't want to start seeing DVC do the timeshare game of if you refuse, they will come back with a better offer...or giving some things to one group over another.

[Crispy21]

I am sure each sales location is given an incentive budget for the year. The Chicago sales location doesn't give 25 dinner certs to people taking the tour, while quite often the SSR sales office does.

Each office uses their budget in any fashion they can to stimultate sales.

But I too would want a deal that was the best out there for buying into DVC. I understand the mindset of why it shouldn't matter where I bought, as long as I bought what others did.

[Kurby]

something you guys in the states should remember is that people in Canada and maybe other countries can't even buy their points on the phone.

we can in Ontario but i think that's the only province so if you live in B.C. or somewhere else you have to wait until you physically go to WDW to purchase your DVC

we never get any of the promotions since we are too far away. purchasing stuff through disney is a hit or miss if they'll deliver it to Canada, we can't order those maps (which is really crazy since they are just folded up with a stamp on them - we did have them sent to dh's aunt's and she sent them up to us).

We didn't even get a bag with our points - just the paperwork.

and while i do think if they are doing a promotion for add ons or new contracts they should make it apply to everyone but if they are trying to increase walk in's make a door prize for everyone who comes in the door regardless if they buy or not.

[bnlbebes]

At first I couldn't understand why there would be a promotion specifically geared toward the place at which you purchased your membership or add-on. If the goal is to sell DVC, what difference does it make as to where it is sold?

I understand now that Disney is trying to make their prototype store work, but isn't it like "cheating" to offer incentives there that are available nowhere else? It's definitely not a fair assessment of how this type of store would do elsewhere, unless they always intend on offering incentives that are available nowhere else.

[Crispy21]

Look at it this way.

If you were a member of costco or sams, would it upset you if they had a new store in St Louis and sold green beans as part of a grand opening special, cheaper then you could buy them at your local store?

[hellerjw]

Just curios, has anyone called their guide and told them that if they could get the same deal as the one in Chicago then they would add-on right then?

I'm wondering if they have the flexibility to match competing offers for the same resort, as well as, what a wave of these type calls may do to prod management to start offering similar deals to existing members across the board?

[hellerjw]

Look at it this way.

If you were a member of costco or sams, would it upset you if they had a new store in St Louis and sold green beans as part of a grand opening special, cheaper then you could buy them at your local store?

I would be if the green beans cost $15,000+ per can

[Crispy21]

I would be if the green beans cost $15,000+ per can

I'll give ya that one.

[ADP]

Just curios, has anyone called their guide and told them that if they could get the same deal as the one in Chicago then they would add-on right then?

I'm wondering if they have the flexibility to match competing offers for the same resort, as well as, what a wave of these type calls may do to prod management to start offering similar deals to existing members across the board?

I think this is worth investigating. I would also call the Chicago store to see if they would offer you the incentives if purchasing over the phone.

[disney dumbo]

That's what test marketing is all about.

Testing is a two way street... between a business and its customers. So... now that they may have a new strategy... maybe we'd rather fly to Chicago for a mini-vacation... see Oprah... spend a few bucks up there... and take advantage of a Disney promotion. Pretty much becomes another free vacation thanks to their perks.

How 'bout you... when you want to add-on... you might be checking what other Disney sales offices are offering too?

I'm one of those telephone purchasers... but maybe not in the future!:yay:

[disney dumbo]

But I know that everyone else who bought during that time got the same thing as me. I just don't want to start seeing DVC do the timeshare game of if you refuse, they will come back with a better offer...or giving some things to one group over another.
:thumbsup2 Agree!!!
Same here with my earlier purchase too.
I really think all sales offices should offer the exact same promotion. I give Disney more credit than being like one of those slick timeshare companies that keep coming back to the bargaining table with a better offer. I run from those sales tactics. That's why I'm late to DVC. I thought it was the same. But later I learned DVC was different. Now I hope they stay that way... but this certainly shows they are changing their tactics. :sad2:

[LoveMyDisneyCats]

Actually, we just added on while on the cruise because they were offering the same deal as my guide was ($10 off and Dev. Pts), but they also threw in a $500 onboard credit or would apply $500 to the down payment. So- we bought!

I live in Chicago and I went to the DTD grand opening back in the summer and let me tell you- the amount of people who went in the set up contracts after the presentation was amazing! People were waiting in line to talk to a guide that day! I think the main thing for the DVC cruise "parties" and the DTD events is that the people have come out to see what's going on or what the deals are. That's half the battle- getting people to come to these events. Then, if someone feels that they are getting a better deal, there's a more likely chance that they'll buy. And since they already have them there....with a guide readily available in person.....well I'd guess they do pretty well! But, if there's no special incentive at these things, the people will just go home to "think about it" and who knows if they'll ever call back.

I get the frustration and don't necessarily think it's fair but I do think Disney is very smart in doing it! That little extra is pushing people like me into doing it right then and there.....

[LoveMyDisneyCats]

I think this is worth investigating. I would also call the Chicago store to see if they would offer you the incentives if purchasing over the phone.

My dad didn't go to the grand opening, but called his regular guide and told him he wanted to add on with that deal and they gave it to him. Now he does live in the Chicago area so I don't know if that's why they gave it to him. But if you think about it, it can't be because there were people that drove 6-10 hours to come to that so they didn't live in the area.....

I agree to continue investigating- I'd call your regular guide and try to get the same deal and if they won't they call the DTD directly and sign up through them on the phone!

[TisBit]

My dad didn't go to the grand opening, but called his regular guide and told him he wanted to add on with that deal and they gave it to him. Now he does live in the Chicago area so I don't know if that's why they gave it to him. But if you think about it, it can't be because there were people that drove 6-10 hours to come to that so they didn't live in the area.....


This makes sense, especially with the Disney business/marketing strategy. It probably does just take calling your guide to inform them that you "heard" it and would like to take advantage. Similar to the current referral program....you have to mention it....

Thanks for the info....that at least calms my nerves about future promotions.

[disneynutz]

This makes sense, especially with the Disney business/marketing strategy. It probably does just take calling your guide to inform them that you "heard" it and would like to take advantage. Similar to the current referral program....you have to mention it....

Thanks for the info....that at least calms my nerves about future promotions.

You would think so, wouldn't you. I discussed this with our Guide and was told that you had to be there. I have requested that a Manager get involved. I will wait a couple more days and if I don't hear anything I will have to contact Jim Lewis. :sad2:

As time goes on, the "Disney Difference" continues to fade.

[DisDaydreamer]

I don't think it is cheating, and it wouldn't surprise me if you called and could get the same deal just by knowing about it.

I only wish I could call and say HEY!!! I bought in 1998 with no incentives... How about giving ME a couple hundred of those developer points.

I'd accept a mug at this point.

[TCPluto]

hmm, so if I drove the 3hrs to Chicago I could of gotten 2 free APs?????

We bought over the phone and didn't even get ice cream! :sad1:

Wow....

[DISNEY FIX]

My dad didn't go to the grand opening, but called his regular guide and told him he wanted to add on with that deal and they gave it to him. Now he does live in the Chicago area so I don't know if that's why they gave it to him.
I agree to continue investigating- I'd call your regular guide and try to get the same deal and if they won't they call the DTD directly and sign up through them on the phone!



Does this scream out that there needs to be a current promotion sticky on the board. One where it would list the latest incentives and where they were offered so we all don't have to feel a little in the dark. (I was going to use a little ripped off but didn't seem right).:confused3

[kris10399]

So all of you that are complaining about not being 'in' on the promo at Doorway to Dreams, you would've plunked down $10k for a couple of annual passes? These incentives weren't being offered on anything lower than 100 or 110 pts. Many of us that were there would've preferred smaller incentives for smaller add-ons.

And yes, you could've driven 6 hrs to pay for gas and a hotel and food to pay $10k for annual passes. I'm sure for all of you that feel cheated there will be another event in the summer so make sure that you bring your tourism dollars to our great state of Illinois so you can get your Disney freebies.

[TisBit]

So all of you that are complaining about not being 'in' on the promo at Doorway to Dreams, you would've plunked down $10k for a couple of annual passes? These incentives weren't being offered on anything lower than 100 or 110 pts. Many of us that were there would've preferred smaller incentives for smaller add-ons.

And yes, you could've driven 6 hrs to pay for gas and a hotel and food to pay $10k for annual passes. I'm sure for all of you that feel cheated there will be another event in the summer so make sure that you bring your tourism dollars to our great state of Illinois so you can get your Disney freebies.

As tomandrobin mentioned in their first post....yes they are considering doing an add-on....and would have lost an incentive that others are getting for doing the exact same thing.

I think what most people are saying is that IF we were in a position that we were looking at an add-on it would be annoying if someone else is getting a better deal ($500 or whatever) for buying the same thing and just happening to be within driving distance of Chicago sales center.

I am sure the people in the Chicago area would be complaining if they went to this promotion and than found out that if they had been in FL they would have received $1000 for the same purchase.

[DISNEY FIX]

Happy Valentines Day.

[tomandrobin]

So all of you that are complaining about not being 'in' on the promo at Doorway to Dreams, you would've plunked down $10k for a couple of annual passes? These incentives weren't being offered on anything lower than 100 or 110 pts. Many of us that were there would've preferred smaller incentives for smaller add-ons.

And yes, you could've driven 6 hrs to pay for gas and a hotel and food to pay $10k for annual passes. I'm sure for all of you that feel cheated there will be another event in the summer so make sure that you bring your tourism dollars to our great state of Illinois so you can get your Disney freebies.

For me, yes it matters! Look at it this way, if I add 110 points and got the two free AP's. That is a $700 value, so its like getting another $6.35 off each point. :teacher:

[dgaston]

I purchased my AKV add-on last February. Wish I had known to wait for the developer points, but I did get that DVC bag :rotfl2:

[tomandrobin]

I purchased my AKV add-on last February. Wish I had known to wait for the developer points, but I did get that DVC bag :rotfl2:

Yeah, we have 5 of them now. I wish they gave us another option like a mug!

[WoodysRoundup]

I am sure the people in the Chicago area would be complaining if they went to this promotion and than found out that if they had been in FL they would have received $1000 for the same purchase.

Personally, this is not true for me. I just think about what's available to me at the time and place I purchase something. I make my decision to purchase based on that information. We can make loads of comparisons about how somebody got a better deal than someone else at any given time. To me, that's just life and I don't spend that much time worrying about who got a better deal. And as someone else said, call your guide or the Chgo. sales office. I'm sure if they know you're serious about NOT purchasing if you don't get the same incentives, they're not going to lose the sale. Having been in sales before, there was always room for negotiation and I didn't let a sale go if I could help it. If you're that upset and you want to add on w/ this promotion, make ALOT of noise about it.

[DISNEY FIX]

Or we could keep sharing info and stay informed. Just a thought.

[disney dumbo]

Actually, we just added on while on the cruise because they were offering the same deal as my guide was ($10 off and Dev. Pts), but they also threw in a $500 onboard credit or would apply $500 to the down payment. So- we bought!
...
I get the frustration and don't necessarily think it's fair but I do think Disney is very smart in doing it! That little extra is pushing people like me into doing it right then and there.....

I think a little extra push is fine... but the same push across all the sales offices. You might feel a little differently if on the same day that you bought... another sales offer gave your deal and put in another $700 in the deal. Might leave you with a different taste in your mouth... right?:eek:

So... let's make it clear... if you are buying... do it on a cruise... or in Chicago. Give those folks in FL a little time off.:teacher: