I hate the new Promotion!

[Dmcuth]

I really don't like the new promotion. The commercials do nothing for me. The music stinks. Am I supposed to get excited over balloons??? The "Flying" song from the YOAMD commercials was much better, got me excited about my next trip. Just the thought of winning a castle night was great.

I'm leaving in 2 1/2 weeks for my last YOAMD trip. One more shot at the castle. I'll miss it. I'll miss the chase, the sight of the Dream Squad "Blueberries," the twinge of anticipation when your ride comes to an end and you look for the dream squad waiting for you, the thought that any day when you walk in the park, this could be the day.....

Goodbye YOAMD.......you'll missed.

[westie22]

There's no way we can take advantage of the new promotion. There's no way we can go on any of our actual birthdays!
I agree, YOAMD, you will be missed!

[tarheelmjfan]

I prefer the new promotion. At least, everyone controls their own fate. You can plan to go at that time or not. With YOAMD, it's luck! That means some people leave happy, & many more leave empty handed. Naturally, we haven't won anything. My opinion may be different if we had. ;) We were just there from the 16th-20th, & didn't even see the Dream Team. :confused:

[AJKMOM]

Since YOAMD started, we have been to WDW 3 times. Never saw the Dream Team, never got a Dream. Going next month for our 4th trip, maybe we'll get lucky.

My biggest complaint was the the Year of a Million Dreams was actually more like 2 years. Lame.

[Dmcuth]

If I hadn't won yet, I'd feel the same way, but I've become an expert in how to win and have won 7 dream fast passes, 1 dream ear(s), and numerous magical moments and I don't want it to stop (I've never been to a park and NOT seen the dream squad)! But it also will be somewhat of a relief to just go and relax!

[kadesha]

I've never won anything either, but it's thilling to walk around the parks knowing that you possibly could. I even enjoyed seeing other people win, it was exciting!!! We'll be going once more during YOAMD. I will miss it very much!

[rockdancer]

At least with YOAMD you had a chance to win. Unless you live close to WDW what good is free admission if you can't combine it with the rest of your trip? It's next to useless, but then WDW already knows that don't they.

[Disney/Universal Fan]

At least with YOAMD you had a chance to win. Unless you live close to WDW what good is free admission if you can't combine it with the rest of your trip? It's next to useless, but then WDW already knows that don't they.

Why can't you take advantage of the fact that you can use the money it would have cost for that free day and purchase something $75-$80 at on of the stores at Downtown Disney?

[angelmav]

The thing is, if you go to the hassle to use the 'free' day, your only saving a couple of dollars, not the same as a 1 day ticket. Thats why they do so well keeping people on property, because a 7 day ticket is practically the same cost as a 6, so why leave for a day? You only get the gift card if your an AP holder.

[mmmears]

I agree. We're actually planning our next trip during our DD's birthday, but I still liked YOAMD more, since it was fun to find the dream squad and see what they were handing out. We've had dream fastpasses 3 times and ears once (could have had them more, but we didn't want to be greedy and get more than one thing in a day). All this was at DL, and I think it was easier to win there than at MK (or maybe it just seems that way from reading these boards).

There is some kind of a birthday fastpass that sounds really interesting, though. I'm waiting for the promo to start so we can find out if that would be a good bday choice. Our DD's bday just happens to be during her Spring Break this year -- I would never pull her out of school just because a Disney promo was going on...

But I agree with the OP -- I liked the randomness of YOAMD.

[NikkiLovesWDW!]

Well I think the problem is that it's hard to keep topping a new promotion every year. Granted, in 3 trips I never won a dream so YOAMD means squat to me but to all those who won, now it seems like a worse promotion because it means you don't get anything. If there never was a YOAMD, you may love the idea of this new promotion. There doesn't have to be any kind of promotion at all.

As far as the commercials, I love them! I think they are SO "disney" right down to that great new song. I think it's perfect.

And even after saying all that, I'm just indifferent about the new promotion. I think that it sounds better than it actually is, especially to people who aren't as "in the know" as we all are.

[Sparkie]

Maybe I dont understand the new promotion but i dont get it....


If I purchase a package that includes resort, tickets and dining and then plan my trip to coincide with birthdays.... how does a free admission day benefit me? I have already paid for a ticketed day with my package. Is there some other perk that I am missing?

[disneyfan55]

Maybe I dont understand the new promotion but i dont get it....


If I purchase a package that includes resort, tickets and dining and then plan my trip to coincide with birthdays.... how does a free admission day benefit me? I have already paid for a ticketed day with my package. Is there some other perk that I am missing?

I think I remember reading that if you are there on your birthday using a multiday ticket or AP, WDW will give you a pass for 1 day that could be used in the future. I don't think it can be upgraded though so really not much use if going for a number of days since like others have said not much difference between and 6 and 7 day pass.

[ConnieB]

Maybe I dont understand the new promotion but i dont get it....


If I purchase a package that includes resort, tickets and dining and then plan my trip to coincide with birthdays.... how does a free admission day benefit me? I have already paid for a ticketed day with my package. Is there some other perk that I am missing?

These are FAQs I copied from Disney's website...I highlighted a couple that might answer your question for you:



Q: When does online registration begin and end?

A: You can begin registering your birthday for free admission on your birthday in 2009 on September 18, 2008 and runs through December 31, 2009.

Q: Is there any age requirement for online registration?

A: Yes, you must be 18 years of age or older to register your birthday. If you're under age 18, you need to have an adult in your household register your birthday for you.

Q: Do I need to register online prior to going to Walt Disney World® Resort to receive free admission on my birthday in 2009?

A: As long as you have valid identification, including date of birth, you can take advantage of this birthday offer at the Walt Disney World® Will Call windows. The reason for registering your birthday online is to save you time. You won't have to wait while you fill out the forms at the Will Call windows.

Q: What kind of identification do I need to show at the gate?

A: If you're age 18 or older, proper ID would be a Driver's License, State-issued or Government-issued photo ID, or a Government-issued Passport. If you are under age 18 and don't have any of the above mentioned ID, an original or certified copy of a Birth Certificate is required.

Q: I can't come on my birthday. Can I use the free admission on your birthday ticket on another day?

A: Unfortunately, no. The free admission on your birthday ticket means just what it says. It's only good for free admission on the Ticket Holder's birthday.

Q: What ages are covered in this offer?

A: This offer is good for anyone over age 3.

Q: Why are children under 3 excluded from this offer?

A: Children under 3 are not required to have an admission ticket to enter the Theme Parks.

Q: My children don't live with me, but I'd like to sign them up for free admission on your birthday tickets. Is that possible?

A: Yes.

Q: Do I have to be a resident of a particular state in order to take advantage of this offer?

A: No. The offer is valid for all Guests, regardless of the place of residency.

Q: What if my birthday falls during our visit, but it is not on the first day. Will I be able to pick up my ticket or other options on the first day of my arrival?

A: You can visit our designated "Will Call" windows at any of the four theme parks up to seven days prior to your birthday to pick up your free birthday ticket which will only be valid on your birthday. However, other Birthday benefits such as a Special Birthday FASTPASS® or a Birthday Fun Card must be picked up on the actual date of your birth to receive the benefit.

Q: Can I upgrade my free birthday ticket to another ticket type?

A: Yes, the free birthday ticket may be upgraded to another ticket type on your birthday. However the celebrant is responsible for the incremental cost and the new ticket may only be used by the celebrant. In addition, the One Day/One Park Ticket good for 12 months (an option for select Guests) may not be upgraded.

Q: I am a Passholder (or have a valid Multi-Day Ticket or a Seasonal Pass that I will use for admission on my birthday in 2009), so I don't need to take advantage of this offer. If I register, is there anything else I could receive on my birthday?

A: Yes, you have several options which are available for you to select once you arrive at the Park with your confirmation message and your proper ID. You can receive:
• A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket* for you to use on your birthday for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort; or
• A special birthday FASTPASS® badge+ for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or
• A 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.
*Ticket price at gate, excluding tax. Adults receive card in the amount of an adult ticket; children (ages 3-9) receive card in the amount of a child ticket. For terms and conditions of the card and details on participating locations, click here.

+The number of birthday FASTPASS badges issued is limited and may not be available after 11am. Valid Theme Park admission required. FASTPASS for birthday celebrant and up to 5 members of his/her party.

Q: What if I don't spend my entire birthday fun card on my birthday?

A: The birthday fun card is valid only on your birthday. Any residual value cannot be recovered by the Guest after that day.

Q: What are you going to do with my birthday information?

A: The information we are collecting will be used to expedite the process of validating your date of birth once you arrive at the designated Will Call windows with valid ID.

Q: Do I need to register online prior to going to Walt Disney World® Resort to receive free admission on my birthday?

A: As long as you have valid identification, including date of birth, you can take advantage of this birthday offer at the Walt Disney World® Will Call windows. The reason for registering your birthday online is to save you time. You won't have to wait while you fill out the forms at the Will Call windows.

Q: What if my birthday is on February 29?

A: You may take advantage of free admission on February 28, 2009 or March 1, 2009.

[ConnieB]

Oops...hit enter too soon, sorry.

I'm thinking that the 1 day pass for use before your next birthday would NOT be that great of a deal, since it can't be upgraded, you'd be back to where you are now....needing to buy tickets for the other days of your trip and of course additional days are very cheap, especially over 4 days. So if you were to plan to be there for 7 days, but only buy 6 days because you have this free non-upgradeable ticket, it would in reality only save you $3.19 (the difference in price between 7 and 6 days)!!!

The Birthday Fun Card on the other hand would be worth $79.88. It's only valid on your birthday and you can't keep any unspent money for another day, but heck I think all of us could quickly and easily spend $79.88 in the gift shops in one day.

The fast pass badge sound neat, but is it worth $79 to ya (choosing it in lieu of the fun card)? It's kinda cool that they include 5 other people on the badge (thank heavens as it'd be very sad to ride all day alone on your birthday!)....I still personally don't see it as worth $79, even if your birthday were on a major crowded holiday. But some might I guess.

The part that bums me out is that my birthday is not during a month that I could even consider going to Disney...so I lose out on this promotion. It's simply not an option.

[sherabby]

A friend of mine is born on leap year day. I'm sure they would allow you to choose a day before or after.

[Disney/Universal Fan]

The thing is, if you go to the hassle to use the 'free' day, your only saving a couple of dollars, not the same as a 1 day ticket. Thats why they do so well keeping people on property, because a 7 day ticket is practically the same cost as a 6, so why leave for a day? You only get the gift card if your an AP holder.

From what I have read, I believe you can use the "fun card option" even if you are not an AP holder.

[ConnieB]

A friend of mine is born on leap year day. I'm sure they would allow you to choose a day before or after.

Yep...go back to post #14 where I put all the FAQ's from WDW's website....the very last one says that if your birthday is Feb 29 you can come on Feb 28 or March 1.

[kakiegirl]

I will be sort of glad when the 2 years of a million dreams are over. I guess its sour grapes but after 5 trips and winning nothing it was disapointing. I am happy for those of ya'll that did win. I found myself every morning as we headed to the parks maybe today is the day. Maybe, I just had too much information because I recognized the dream team and found myself watching for them. I am glad now the pressure will be off I can go the parks without thinking about winning something. Disney CM's are the best they were spreading magic in lots of little ways before the YOAMD and I am sure they will continue to do so!

The Birthday promotion is neat to us because we were already planning on being there for DD's birthday next year. But it is not as exciting, Disney is really going to have trouble topping YOAMD.

[ConnieB]

From what I have read, I believe you can use the "fun card option" even if you are not an AP holder.

In post #14 I copied/pasted the FAQs from WDW's site....if you have tickets already you can opt for a 1day/1park ticket valid until your next birthday (i.e. 12 months), but it is NOT upgradeable......or a "fun card" worth the price of a 1 day/1 park ticket (not sure if you get the price plus tax or the base price, but it's in the $70 range for adults and $60 range for kids) that must be used in full on your birthday...or a fast pass badge for you and up to 5 friends.

Purely financially, the fun card is the best option.....unless you only intend to come for your birthday and no other days, it's cheaper to buy tickets for additional days and after the 4th day it's literally a couple of dollars a day to stay longer.....and while the fast pass doesn't have any price tag on it, and does sound cool, I personally don't see it worth $70+. Maybe if your birthday is a major holiday so the crowds would be outrageous otherwise, probably not.

[bytheblood]

I like it and for this reason....

Now people will quit coming back from WDW and complaining because they did not win anything. People in general (not all) have come to a point where they "expect" and there is a sense of entitlement. I think it is more fun to go and be surprised, but to go with no expectations. That is what a magical moment or winning a dream is really all about.

[Sparkie]

Thanks Connie B for the information.

My birthday and my mom's birthday are both in March and in the same week..... I wonder how Disney would like to give us $79.88 times 2 ....

Hmmmm..... I may need to consider a trip this spring.

[jenny-d]

does anyone know if the birthday fun card can be used on food/dining? Or is it only for merchandise?
thanks!

[kaytieeldr]

From the FAQ (thanks, ConnieB!): "• A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket* for you to use on your birthday for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort". Since the FAQ does not mention food, I would expect/interpret that the Fun Card cannot be used to purchase food.

[pearlieq]

This one does nothing for me either. I much prefer YOAMD--I've seen the dream squad plenty of time and won fastpasses 3 times. But even if we hadn't, the possibility of it would be enough, and the range of cool "dreams" they offered.

We probably won't go for DH's birthday in Jan and there's no way you'd get me there in September for mine, so it's nothing exciting for us.

[DebbyLof428]

If I hadn't won yet, I'd feel the same way, but I've become an expert in how to win and have won 7 dream fast passes, 1 dream ear(s), and numerous magical moments and I don't want it to stop (I've never been to a park and NOT seen the dream squad)! But it also will be somewhat of a relief to just go and relax!

Care to share your expert tips? :wizard:

[I'mwithGrumpy]

I like it and for this reason....

Now people will quit coming back from WDW and complaining because they did not win anything. People in general (not all) have come to a point where they "expect" and there is a sense of entitlement. I think it is more fun to go and be surprised, but to go with no expectations. That is what a magical moment or winning a dream is really all about.

ITA! Our last trip my DD11 was so disappointed she didn't win anything. Why should she be disappointed? We went to WDW!!! She should have been ecstatic over that. Instead she cried our last day there, feeling let down. This time, I love the new promotion. Why? Because we are taking my younger sister for her first ever trip as a birthday gift, and every day she will have her birthday celebrated with balloons and streamers etc. when she enters the parks. The promotion came at an awesome time and my sister is so thrilled. For her, this is a dream come true. And the best thing, all expectations are about going to WDW and experiencing it, not waiting and hoping for something that may or may not happen.

[TDC Nala]

I have been at WDW on my birthday for a lot of years...next year, because of the closure of the Adventurers Club, I am cutting that trip short (from 8 nights to 3 nights) and won't be there on the actual day. And $70 worth of merchandise won't get me to change that. (I have an annual and don't need the ticket). Now if they allowed use of the promotion value for dining ...that might have helped.

[JaimeinWonderland]

I'm so glad I read this post! We are annual pass holders and live pretty close to WDW, I just figured we would not be able to take advantage of the offer, but I am happy to hear that we can!! :banana: :banana:

I like the new ad! My boys get so excited everytime that they see it!

[aurora23]

I HATE the ads and promotion. I initially got excited about it because we are celebrating our Honeymoon at disney next year, but there doesn't seem to be much benefit for that, just your birthday. My birthday is in March and the giftcard is not worth going to Disney over a spring break weekend (Never Again). I love Disney, but this promotion doesn't seem that well thought out. Or maybe it just seems dissapointing after the YOAMD. I wanted to go to the new tour when it came to my city but they gave next to no information about this. For Disney this just doesn't seem well thought out.

[kadesha]

Care to share your expert tips? :wizard:

Ditto! :yay:

[Plaid Princess]

does anyone know if the birthday fun card can be used on food/dining? Or is it only for merchandise?
thanks!

Nope, it cannot be used for food. But it can be used for things like Backstage tours I think.

[Greenfield1984]

I one hundred percent agree with the OP. The old promotion really got me excited about disney. The comercials, music etc. This new one so far does nothing. And what is it with people wanting to get stuf for free? I didn't win anything but enjoyed seeing countless other people getting surprised. In fact i'd rather somebody else win something, oblivious to the fact that there was a promo running, then i win something knowing full well that i could. I love seeing the surprise and the subsequent smiles on peoples faces who know nothing of these boards and so do not go into the parc "expecting" something. In fact. I wish i had no knowledge of these boards just so i could be blissfully ignorant. Ok no. I take it back. I love these boards :).

[Doc CW]

YOAMD. How do you beat having a shot at staying inside a castle? Although as previously posted I do agree it will be nice to not hear people complain about not winning anything.

[nurse.darcy]

For years going to Disney was just about going to Disney. The promos all stink. Everything at Disney costs more cause of the promos. These things are not free. Hotel room prices out of control, Single park tickets out of control. Its horrendous. And people still EXPECT to get something for nothing and then a discount too.

For example, I stayed at the Venetian in Las Vegas on Friday night. This is a true LUXURY hotel. All suites, robes, amenities galore, all concierge. My room cost me 159 for that night, included a view of the strip. I stayed at the Boardwalk at a discounted rate of 212 per night for a standard room. No concierge service, no lounge, just a standard room with no view. Yes the toiletries were upgraded from mods and values but I really cannot justify the costs for what you get.

I think less promos and freebies and better market pricing would make Disney a better destination for all involved. There would be more magic because more people could afford to go.

[Stitchfans]

There's no way we can take advantage of the new promotion. There's no way we can go on any of our actual birthdays!
I agree, YOAMD, you will be missed!

I kind of agree with this since we didn't win anything for YOAMD :laughing: cause we also will not be able to take advantage of the new promotion but then here again we didn't win any dreams on the one going on now. I was just happy to be at DW and I feel the same about our upcoming trip this March.

[tarheelmjfan]

I think less promos and freebies and better market pricing would make Disney a better destination for all involved. There would be more magic because more people could afford to go.


I agree completely! In my earlier post, I noted that I didn't even see the Dream Team on our last trip. To be fair, I wasn't looking for them. I'm definitely not spending my precious vacation time looking &/or hoping for a freebie. I'd rather get what I pay for, & everyone else do the same. To me, the one exception would be WISH kids. I'm thankful for my healthy child, & I'm all for those who aren't healthy getting special treatment.

[kaytieeldr]

Hotel room prices out of control, Single park tickets out of control. Okay, single day base passes did go up about 5.5% this year which, okay, is slightly higher than the 4.9% inflation rate for the last twelve months.

As for hotel rooms, well, all I 'know' for pricing is the Value resorts - and the price for a standard room in value season today is exactly the same as it was January 1, 2007. $82 then, $82 today.

[Microcell]

Add me to the group that thinks it stinks! I have two kids both born in the same month, 17 days between the birthdays. We cannot afford to take them for 17 days, so which kid do I choose to feel special? I'll tell you, neither! We are going to Yellowstone this year I think.

[Sorahana]

Yea...my cousin, myself, and my mom all have birthdays in October. Yea....HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK :sad2: lol. Mom and I's are exactly a week apart.
Rest of the family has bdays spread out.

Can't take advantage of this since we can't afford to go for 7/8 days, and my cousin and I are in college and his younger sister is in high school so yea...can't skip class to go.

I loved the YOAMD. I will miss it =(.

[Scrubba2]

If I hadn't won yet, I'd feel the same way, but I've become an expert in how to win and have won 7 dream fast passes, 1 dream ear(s), and numerous magical moments and I don't want it to stop (I've never been to a park and NOT seen the dream squad)! But it also will be somewhat of a relief to just go and relax!

Expert??? Care to share??? We'd LOVE to win a dream on our December trip!!:worship: :worship: :worship: :banana:

[indigoxtreme]

Yet the only thing they recognize is the Birthday. People can get a certified copy of Marriage License etc so they can prove anniversary date etc as well. It is a bad promotion and basically only for those that live near WDW so they can go on their birthday, it kind of leaves all others out. Many people like to go for other reasons to celebrate which seemed to be their theme. But if you are celebrating anything else they want you to pay for those celebrations. Just drop the "free" things and bring prices back down like previous poster said, so people can go and enjoy Disney more.:goodvibes

[disneyfan55]

Yet the only thing they recognize is the Birthday. People can get a certified copy of Marriage License etc so they can prove anniversary date etc as well. It is a bad promotion and basically only for those that live near WDW so they can go on their birthday, it kind of leaves all others out. Many people like to go for other reasons to celebrate which seemed to be their theme. But if you are celebrating anything else they want you to pay for those celebrations. Just drop the "free" things and bring prices back down like previous poster said, so people can go and enjoy Disney more.:goodvibes

I am thinking the same about the promo. Those that live very close will benefit the most.

[Sorahana]

I am thinking the same about the promo. Those that live very close will benefit the most.

Yea now that I think about it. I'd really like for my whole family to go on a trip again together but we can't afford to go as a full group. We have to split ourselves in half and go on separate trips if we want to go at all :sad1: .
Oh economy...lol.

The commercials aren't that great either. I remember the YOAMD commercials and how I would tear up watching them before I went to do my CP this past spring.

[disneyfan55]

Yet the only thing they recognize is the Birthday. People can get a certified copy of Marriage License etc so they can prove anniversary date etc as well. It is a bad promotion and basically only for those that live near WDW so they can go on their birthday, it kind of leaves all others out. Many people like to go for other reasons to celebrate which seemed to be their theme. But if you are celebrating anything else they want you to pay for those celebrations. Just drop the "free" things and bring prices back down like previous poster said, so people can go and enjoy Disney more.:goodvibes

I was confused on this at first since WDW does ask the question.

[Epcot Dreamz]

Expert??? Care to share??? We'd LOVE to win a dream on our December trip!!:worship: :worship: :worship: :banana:

He just thinks he's an expert, even his own video will show that when he was looking for the Dream Squad, he didn't win.

[TDC Nala]

Yet the only thing they recognize is the Birthday. People can get a certified copy of Marriage License etc so they can prove anniversary date etc as well. It is a bad promotion and basically only for those that live near WDW so they can go on their birthday, it kind of leaves all others out. Many people like to go for other reasons to celebrate which seemed to be their theme. But if you are celebrating anything else they want you to pay for those celebrations. Just drop the "free" things and bring prices back down like previous poster said, so people can go and enjoy Disney more.:goodvibes

Everyone has a birthday. Not everyone is married.

They're kind of hoping that this will be an extra incentive for people to plan a trip that includes their birthday. I don't think it's much of an incentive. I will be arriving three days after mine. This promotion doesn't entice me to extend my trip for three days.

[kaytieeldr]

Their Promo is "What will you Celebrate"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yet the only thing they recognize is the Birthday. People can get a certified copy of Marriage License etc so they can prove anniversary date etc as well. It is a bad promotion 100% disagree. Every human being has a birthday. NOT everyone is married (therefore no anniversary), or getting married in 2009, or even old enough to get married.

While Disney will be offering a variety of options that Guests can purchase to celebrate what they're celebrating, with the promotion itself set the way it is, they ensure that each Guest is eligible for one, and only one, gift - single-day admission, special fastpass, giftcard.

It's not Disney's responsibility or fault that not every potential Guest CAN time their visit to best benefit from this promotion; but that's exactly what it is - a promotion, designed to entice visitors, just like free dining. Not every potential Guest can visit at the right time for that, either.

[dementia412]

The one thing I don't like about the commercials is they are making my kids more sure they can go on their birthdays. My son was there for his birthday last year, and now they all think we can just run off to WDW for birthdays. After that commerical my DD5 was in tears because I told her we could not go on her birthday. (April baby, school and no days off)

Now the fairness of this promotion is no more or less than any promotion. Some people will not be able to take advantage of any promotion. If you want it to be fair we'd have to do away with any and all future promotions. Maybe that is best, but its not gonna happen because promotions bring in more people and money.

[phillyatdisney]

I totally agree with this, 95 % of visitors going to Disney will not go on their birthday.... this promotion makes no sense to me, however I will be there on my wedding anniversary but that gets me nothing, just time with my wife....

[hourfromdisney]

I don't win. I try, I go a lot, I know what the dream squad looks like, I look and stress and loose some of my fun by constently looking for them but I don't win. :confused3

I'm an annual passholder so I will get a card for the amount of a one day base ticket for my birthday. I think this is going to be the only way I can get something. :cool1:

I also live close so I hope to take all of my freinds on their birthdays with me so they can go for free with me getting in with my pass.

I hope to make up for 2 1/2 years of only getting one set of ears. I would love to have gotten a lanyard. Maybe I will buy one with my gift card on my b-day in 2009. I agree with the post I would feel differently had I won but over 20 visits didn't get me as much as many of you with a few day visit.

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

It is a bad promotion and basically only for those that live near WDW so they can go on their birthday

Hmmm, I live in Canada (something like 1400 miles from Disney :eek: ) and we're taking advantage of the promotion on our trip this January. Our DS turns 13 while we're there, and I think the "what will you celebrate" theme sounds like fun. I definitely don't get the impression that the promotion is geared only for the locals.

[justtobeme2]

I don't like the Birthday celebration thing either. I've never been to YOAMD but I can tell you that going on any of our birthdays. We are going to 'celebrate' my birthday in January but my actual birthday is Feb. DH can't get off work in Feb ever and his birthday is in July and who want so go in July when it's hot and when resort rates are soooooooo high.

[glo]

I hate the NEW promotion. I have had my vacation to WDW set for about 5 months. TO change it now would cost me a few hundred dollars. My birthday is what we are celebrating in WDW, and I miss it by 6 days. It isn't fair that early January birthday people, unless they live in Florida or are last minute can't do the promotion. THAT BEING SAID....what they say goes and no amount of complaining is going to make a difference, so I am going and having a great time no matter what! I went during YOAMD twice once with each of my twin daughters. With one we got Dream passes, with the other we got nothing....both trips were magical and I wouldn't trade them for anything. I didn't go to the parks looking for a freebie...I went to have a great time with my kid. The rest was icing on the cake!

[jacksmomma]

Hmmm, I live in Canada (something like 1400 miles from Disney :eek: ) and we're taking advantage of the promotion on our trip this January. Our DS turns 13 while we're there, and I think the "what will you celebrate" theme sounds like fun. I definitely don't get the impression that the promotion is geared only for the locals.

I agree! We are going for my birthday in September. Yes, it sucks if your birthday is during the peak season, but at least you KNOW something special will happen rather than just HOPING something happens (which it never did) with YOMD.

[myladyisatramp]

I am confused so if you buy at 5 day ticket and your birthday is during that time you get what 3.00 off??????? Or your whole park tickets

[kaytieeldr]

You will not get anything "off" your ticket. You will get a one-day ticket. If that doesn't fit with your plans (e.g. if you have a multi-day ticket already) you can choose between a special six-person FastPass for the day, or a gift card equal in value to a single-day admission. The entire card must be spent THAT day, and not on food. Any value not spent is lost.

[I'mwithGrumpy]

I guess I just don't understand why everyone thinks going to WDW should be about what you get or don't get. Before YOAMD, going to Disney was about just that. The excitement of a wonderful vacation. And why does the new Celebration promotion have to be about "Disney's poor judgement because only locals can benefit". The promo is "what will you celebrate?" For anyone, at any time. The park decorations are geared to be a happy party celebration. So taking someone to Disney for the first time is a magical celebration. Getting engaged is a celebration. Getting a new job could be a celebration. Every day is a celebration of something and walking through the gates to a happy, party celebration atmosphere is what we all need. I'm sure the birthday extra was given because so many people do celebrate birthdays there. I had already planned my sisters birthday trip long before the promotion came out. Will the ticket benefit us? No, because we have already purchased park hoppers for the week. But she is so excited that Disney is promoting this celebration, because it makes this, her first visit really extra special. It's like this is her year. Finally at age 32 she gets to go to Disney! Why is it so many hate the promo because it won't benefit them? If you get to go to WDW, celebrate the fact you can! I'm looking forward to watching the celebrations happening around me. In this time when so many are losing their jobs and others have lost their retirement and college funds, what better time for a trip to Disney to remind us we all have something to celebrate no matter how small. One days admission may be very important to someone who might not otherwise be able to go to WDW, but for most on these boards, it isn't going to defer our next trips much. So, really, what is so wrong with the new promo?

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I guess I just don't understand why everyone thinks going to WDW should be about what you get or don't get. Before YOAMD, going to Disney was about just that. The excitement of a wonderful vacation. And why does the new Celebration promotion have to be about "Disney's poor judgement because only locals can benefit". The promo is "what will you celebrate?" For anyone, at any time. The park decorations are geared to be a happy party celebration. So taking someone to Disney for the first time is a magical celebration. Getting engaged is a celebration. Getting a new job could be a celebration. Every day is a celebration of something and walking through the gates to a happy, party celebration atmosphere is what we all need. I'm sure the birthday extra was given because so many people do celebrate birthdays there. I had already planned my sisters birthday trip long before the promotion came out. Will the ticket benefit us? No, because we have already purchased park hoppers for the week. But she is so excited that Disney is promoting this celebration, because it makes this, her first visit really extra special. It's like this is her year. Finally at age 32 she gets to go to Disney! Why is it so many hate the promo because it won't benefit them? If you get to go to WDW, celebrate the fact you can! I'm looking forward to watching the celebrations happening around me. In this time when so many are losing their jobs and others have lost their retirement and college funds, what better time for a trip to Disney to remind us we all have something to celebrate no matter how small. One days admission may be very important to someone who might not otherwise be able to go to WDW, but for most on these boards, it isn't going to defer our next trips much. So, really, what is so wrong with the new promo?


Well said! :goodvibes

[MAKHayes-DisneyDiva]

I neither love nor hate the new promotion. It would be nice if other celebrations could be recognized with a pin or a fastpass, especially since the're asking "what will you celebrate?"

Cool celebration idea - the sum of the ages in my brother's family will be 100 in 2009, so they're celebrating at WDW! They aren't expecting to get something for nothing, just celebrating for the sake of celebration.

[kaytieeldr]

If you get to go to WDW, celebrate the fact you can! I'm looking forward to watching the celebrations happening around me. Only quoting a small part of what you said, but all of it is excellent!

[TDC Nala]

thought of it from Disney's point of view - if they gave out a free day or a $70 gift card for wedding anniversaries - they'd have to give out two. That's $140 worth of giveaways for each couple. And then they'd get complaints that people who aren't married or are too young to be married or are divorced or widowed or whatever don't have as much of a shot at the promotion as married couples do.

And then what other celebrations should they give away free stuff for? Graduations? Family reunions? Engagements?

Everyone has a birthday, so everyone has the option to go or not to go for that day.

As has been noted - with this promotion you can be absolutely assured of getting a free gift of some sort if you register and show up on your birthday. With the current promotion, you're likely to get jack squat.