Why There's No WDW Customer Loyalty Program

[jcb]

While I was listening to Pete's sub-mini-rant about Disney not having a theme park visitor loyalty program (similar to the modified Castaway Club program) it struck me that the main reason might be DVC.

My thinking: DVC is making a lot of money for Disney. The bulk of DVC (I'm not one :sad1:) owners use their points to come to WDW on a fairly regular basis. In some ways it is a loyalty program (but with an sizable up front cost). Disney already gives DVC owners a "discount" on room "prices" through the points, a discount on annual pass prices (so I seem to recall) and, I suspect, other discounts.

So why would WDW (or DL) - from a business standpoint - want to create a customer loyalty program that would give non-DVC owners (like me) any incentive not to buy into DVC?

DVC may not be the only reason. I can think of others (besides just plain greed).

I'm hoping Disney proves me wrong. Soon.

[WaltD4Me]

I really think that up until recently the very simple answer is....Disney just didn't need to offer a loyalty program so they didn't. All bets are off now, but before the economy tanked, they didn't need to offer incentives. It's not at all customer friendly or appreciative, but there you go.

[fakereadhed]

In some ways it is a loyalty program (but with an sizable up front cost). Disney already gives DVC owners a "discount" on room "prices" through the points, a discount on annual pass prices (so I seem to recall) and, I suspect, other discounts.


I don't see it as a loyalty program. I see it as a time share, and they throw some niceties at the people that ponied up the big bucks for it. A loyalty program would be like the Castaway Club.

If WDW is the #1 vacation destination in the entire world why would they bother? Doubt it will happen.

[LilGMom]

Like a PP said, I think it is because WDW doesn't have to have a loyalty program. They pack the parks and resorts without having any sort of loyalty program.

DVC members do get a discount if on an AP but as a FL resident that DVC discount doesn't do anything for me. DVC members own part of a timeshare, which doesn't really mean a discount on resort rooms, imho. As far as other discount... they are the same, for the most part, as AP discounts. AP/DVC member do get discounts on hard-ticket events but DVC members don't get dining discounts like AP members do.

[Paul in CT]

I agree that there is no loyalty program for the theme parks at WDW because Disney does not need to have one to get return guests. A loyalty program would only reduce their profit margin. If "loyal" return visitor attendance were to drop off, they might reconsider. Their focus is on getting new "converts" through room discounts, free dining, etc.

My loyalty plan was to join the DVC back in 1995 because I knew that would ensure my yearly (twice yearly now) visits. ;)

[Gav N Becx]

Just to add a coorection there - as a DVC member you can get roo
discounts, typically in the region of 25% off rack room rates.
It is subject to availability, just like AP room rate discounts. We've done that before where we've already used up our points in a given use year.

I agree that a loyalty programme is overdue. However as a DVC member I'd be pretty upset if a programme offered similar benefits to DVC when I've forked out $$$$$ for the privilege of DVC.
From Disney's perspective I agree it would impact on new DVC memberships. That combined with their general stubborn attitude says to me that it'd be a long time before a good loyalty programme appears.
There's still more they could do for DVC members.
There's other things they need to do first like make sure they have a working website and online reservation system.
Don't hold your breath for them to act quickly
on anything other than guest safety...

[wdwowner]

I think it is time to end this subject already.

When you go to a town and need a room to stay at, there are many hotels to choose from, thus a program to encourage people to stay with them and give them a little something in return.

If I remember correctly Disney has, let's see, 1, 2, two resorts in the entire US. Either you stay at an off site hotel and deal with tourist trap crap, or stay in the bubble and not worry about life and escape. It's that simple.

There are PLENTY of perks available already available. AP's, DVC, Castaway Club, Disney Visa......

I can already hear Kevin, 'An AP discount renewal is not enough'. Well any amount of discount off the normal price is a perk. Families who visit once every 10 years do not get any discounts on park passes at all. Kevin and other people who visit frequently believe they deserve 'extra perks', even above what they get already.

As a frequent visitor I would like more discounts and perks too, but the stockholder side of me also want my investment in the company to continue to grow, and every time free stuff is given away that make my stock price go down. The only thing I see that the Castaway Club changes have done is make a first time cruiser not have the ability to get seatings, excursions and cabin choices on the same playing field and everyone else. When first timers find out only the frequently cruisers can get into Palos and they never had a chance to, they will not come back.

Conclusion, if you love WDW then go as often as you can. If you can find discounts take them. If you want a loyalty program they are there, but some people just want more free stuff no matter what and they will never be happy. And if you need to complain all the time about WDW and Disney then you need to stop going and find another hobby.

[MaryKatesMom]

I'm an off again/ on again PAP holder. I had been planning on going down this Dec. buying a pass and the TIW card but WDW threw in free dining the first week of Dec for the first time ever and it was worth the extra $$$ to buy a package and move from the Dolphin over to BC but I cancelled a short trip in Feb and over Easter because I won't have the AP's or the TIW card.

If WDW wanted a loyalty program it would only have to add benefits to the AP instead of incentives for one trip like free dining.

[wdwfreeksince88]

I think it is time to end this subject already.

When you go to a town and need a room to stay at, there are many hotels to choose from, thus a program to encourage people to stay with them and give them a little something in return.

If I remember correctly Disney has, let's see, 1, 2, two resorts in the entire US. Either you stay at an off site hotel and deal with tourist trap crap, or stay in the bubble and not worry about life and escape. It's that simple.

There are PLENTY of perks available already available. AP's, DVC, Castaway Club, Disney Visa......

I can already hear Kevin, 'An AP discount renewal is not enough'. Well any amount of discount off the normal price is a perk. Families who visit once every 10 years do not get any discounts on park passes at all. Kevin and other people who visit frequently believe they deserve 'extra perks', even above what they get already.

As a frequent visitor I would like more discounts and perks too, but the stockholder side of me also want my investment in the company to continue to grow, and every time free stuff is given away that make my stock price go down. The only thing I see that the Castaway Club changes have done is make a first time cruiser not have the ability to get seatings, excursions and cabin choices on the same playing field and everyone else. When first timers find out only the frequently cruisers can get into Palos and they never had a chance to, they will not come back.

Conclusion, if you love WDW then go as often as you can. If you can find discounts take them. If you want a loyalty program they are there, but some people just want more free stuff no matter what and they will never be happy. And if you need to complain all the time about WDW and Disney then you need to stop going and find another hobby.

They actually have more than two, don't forget about Vero Beach & Hilton Head. And not sure why you singled out Kevin on that remark a lot of us have said this for a long time. I am an annual passholder at WDW and Sea World. There is no comparison in the perks, Sea World gives you 5times what Disney gives you. If they were to give more perks to the annual pass program it might make people think more about getting an annual pass and coming to the parks more often which means your spending money at WDW. But then again it might not. Plain and simple Disney is one of the very few companies that does not have a loyalty program and they should even though they make enough business without one. Disney has some of the most loyal fans on this planet and they should show a little more appreciation than just a few pitiful discounts or programs here and there that a lot of annual passholders don't use.(except maybe the room discount)

[wdwowner]

And not sure why you singled out Kevin on that remark a lot of us have said this for a long time.

I did that because Kevin has been very vocal in the past about how the discount on an AP renewal is not a loyalty program. It is. You get a discount when you renew your AP. If you buy regular park pass you do not get a discount when the pass days are used and you go to buy another regular park pass. Plain and simple.

[MaryKatesMom]

It's funny because I think WDW has an anti-loyalty program.

My parents and sister don't travel there anywhere near the number of times that I do but guess who has gotten Pin codes to lure them back and who hasn't. I got one through my Disney Visa but that opened to the public soon afterwards. I'm a loyal Disney customer and they know it.

It is kinda creepy. If you call the reservationists they know who has traveled with you in the past and can tell how often you have stayed on property. While I expect that it kept in a central computer, I didn't expect it on the screen of the reservationist.

Talk about disappointng. I used to use the Disney Visa regularly, then a friend mentioned she got a promotion of 5X more points on certain items but I did not. Stopped using the card, a few month later guess what shows up in my mail? The same promotion to lure me into using it again.

Sounds like an anti-loyalty program to me.

[DisneyKevin]

And if you need to complain all the time about WDW and Disney then you need to stop going and find another hobby.

Can the same be said about a podcast and website that seems to bother you as badly as this one does?

With nothing but negative posts about the same subject...well, this and D23....I'd think that you would take your own advice.

I did that because Kevin has been very vocal in the past about how the discount on an AP renewal is not a loyalty program. It is. You get a discount when you renew your AP. If you buy regular park pass you do not get a discount when the pass days are used and you go to buy another regular park pass. Plain and simple.

Just saying it is doesnt make it true.

You are more than welcome to single me out because I disagree with you and every time you post the same diatribe, I will point out it's flaws as I see them...plain and simple

This has become a one note symphony and as I have explained on more occasions than I can count....an annual pass is available to the first time guest. That in and of itself negates any possibility of being a loyalty program.

The other flaw in your post is that you do get a discount by purchasing a pass with more days on it. That means the 10 day pass is a loyalty program too? Do you think anyone believes that?

It's a way to make sure that guests return and when guests return....they spend more money. A guest with a 10 day pass will need a place to stay, meals etc.

As a shareholder, I'm surprised that you dont see that.

[jcb]

On the subject of whether Disney "should" adopt a customer loyalty program for frequent park visitors, it appears it is not in the stars.

Disney's CFO (Tom Stagg) was at a conference (http://corporate.disney.go.com/investors/presentations/2009-09-15_transcript_Communacopia.pdf) earlier this month (9/15/09) and was asked about promotions for theme parks and "how does that remain intact through the holiday period or at what point do you sort of pull those promotions?" He replied:

I think that's something that will evolve over time. With regard to holiday bookings, I can confirm that we are still taking bookings for the holiday period, but I won't say a lot more than that. You are right to point out that the consumers are making decisions closer in. We've gone through a period of time where the consumer has at least for now, an expectation of promotions. We've been through that type of period before and we are pursuing the kind of strategy that worked in the past to sort of promote as we needed to and then pull back on the promotions as the market supported the full priced approach to our marketing and to consumers. We expect that we will do that again.

Understanding that Disney isn't going to go an investor conference and make any major announcements (especially as this conference was the week before the D23 conference), it is still disturbing that their strategy seems to be entirely reactionary. Maybe they can afford to be this way, for now. Stagg also said that based on the "volumes that we've had in the past year, the promotions have been effective."

I realize this is more along the lines of what Pete has said about WDW's business model than it does a customer loyalty program. I think Pete is right in saying there will be a day when the public will "revolt" at WDW's prices (value). It is already getting harder for me to justify going and staying onsite with the frequency I would like.

But what it also says is that the folks who responded saying that theme park attendance has been good enough that WDW doesn't need to have a customer loyalty program probably have at least as good a point as mine about DVC (I'm still not prepared to concede that DVC membership is irrelevant, however). Stagg did say, after all, "the trends that we've seen in the [theme park] bookings that we talked about when we last announced our earnings [July 30, 2009] have been relatively consistent since that point in time."

I was also going to point out that APs are not loyalty programs but Kevin just beat me to it. He said it better than I could.

I am sure glad it is Friday.

[Madi100]

Just to add a coorection there - as a DVC member you can get roo
discounts, typically in the region of 25% off rack room rates.
It is subject to availability, just like AP room rate discounts. We've done that before where we've already used up our points in a given use year.

I agree that a loyalty programme is overdue. However as a DVC member I'd be pretty upset if a programme offered similar benefits to DVC when I've forked out $$$$$ for the privilege of DVC.
From Disney's perspective I agree it would impact on new DVC memberships. That combined with their general stubborn attitude says to me that it'd be a long time before a good loyalty programme appears.
There's still more they could do for DVC members.
There's other things they need to do first like make sure they have a working website and online reservation system.
Don't hold your breath for them to act quickly
on anything other than guest safety...


I agree 100% with you. As a DVC member, I'm already out the free dining, which would be a better deal. However, if they offer an incentive program for guest loyalty I don't see how they can make it work for guests without making the DVC members a little upset.

[Madi100]

I think it is time to end this subject already.

When you go to a town and need a room to stay at, there are many hotels to choose from, thus a program to encourage people to stay with them and give them a little something in return.

If I remember correctly Disney has, let's see, 1, 2, two resorts in the entire US. Either you stay at an off site hotel and deal with tourist trap crap, or stay in the bubble and not worry about life and escape. It's that simple.

There are PLENTY of perks available already available. AP's, DVC, Castaway Club, Disney Visa......

I can already hear Kevin, 'An AP discount renewal is not enough'. Well any amount of discount off the normal price is a perk. Families who visit once every 10 years do not get any discounts on park passes at all. Kevin and other people who visit frequently believe they deserve 'extra perks', even above what they get already.

As a frequent visitor I would like more discounts and perks too, but the stockholder side of me also want my investment in the company to continue to grow, and every time free stuff is given away that make my stock price go down. The only thing I see that the Castaway Club changes have done is make a first time cruiser not have the ability to get seatings, excursions and cabin choices on the same playing field and everyone else. When first timers find out only the frequently cruisers can get into Palos and they never had a chance to, they will not come back.

Conclusion, if you love WDW then go as often as you can. If you can find discounts take them. If you want a loyalty program they are there, but some people just want more free stuff no matter what and they will never be happy. And if you need to complain all the time about WDW and Disney then you need to stop going and find another hobby.


I cringe when I see your posts. I think that you state your opinion very well. Sometimes I even agree with it. However, I rarely see a post where you don't attack some member of the podcast, and I just don't understand it. Kevin wasn't even a part of this conversation when you posted. :confused3

[dpuck1998]

I cringe when I see your posts. I think that you state your opinion very well. Sometimes I even agree with it. However, I rarely see a post where you don't attack some member of the podcast, and I just don't understand it. Kevin wasn't even a part of this conversation when you posted. :confused3

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt

[shellyminnie]

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt

:thumbsup2 So true.

[Madi100]

Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. Eleanor Roosevelt


Are you telling me I have a small mind?

[jcb]

Are you telling me I have a small mind?

:lmao:

I was asking the same question about myself!

[katscradle]

I cringe when I see your posts. I think that you state your opinion very well. Sometimes I even agree with it. However, I rarely see a post where you don't attack some member of the podcast, and I just don't understand it. Kevin wasn't even a part of this conversation when you posted. :confused3


Nicole I couldn't have said it better, thank you. :)

[MaryKatesMom]

Where to the people that discuss WDW fit in there?;)

[jcb]

Where to the people that discuss WDW fit in there?

There is only one answer - "outstanding minds"

[FireDancer]

I would love Disney to have a loyalty program, but I think the bottom line is that they don't need one, like a PP stated.

I think Disney knows that we are a pretty captive audience. We spend a lot of time in the parks and discussing the parks on forums like this. Even though we are quite vocal about what we don't like, some more so than others, we still go down whenever we can. While this is probably an accurate view it doesn't take in the big picture.

Disney, like just about every company out there, tends to think too short term. In the short term small picture this probably true. We will continue to go down at the rate which we can afford. If there was a loyalty program of some sort though I have a feeling they would get us down a bit more. That may mean more trips or longer trips or upgraded trips. Look at a buy one get one 1/2 off promotion in retail. How many times do we as consumers look at that as getting a second item for half price when in actuality it is often the retailer selling a second item that they wouldn't not have?

As an example, lets say as part of a loyalty program you get an upgrade to a mod for 1/2 the normal price after staying 10 days at any resort. This could work out for them 2 ways. First, I may have a 5 and 4 day trip planned, but decide to extend one of them a day to get my 10th day in. Second, even though I am paying only half of the upgrade rate that is more than I would have paid to stay at a value again, which is what I would have other wise done. Not only do they get an extra day at the value and the added money from the upgrade, but they will also get the extra day in the park and at the restaurant. They will get my next vacation because I don't want to lose my half price upgrade. They will also get the chance that while staying at the Mod instead of the the value I will eat at one of the restaurants in the resort and pay more than I would have in the food court at Pop.

Do they need any of this, no. Would they benefit long term by giving me this...I think so.

wdwowner- It is obvious you have a different opinion of this than many of us, and in some ways you are right. I think if you stated your opinion as an opinion without trying to convince Kevin or anyone else that yours is right and their is wrong you would find the responses a bit less harsh. Different opinions are just that, different, not right and wrong.

[dpuck1998]

Are you telling me I have a small mind?

No silly! :love:

[MaryKatesMom]

Before DVC there used to be a "Disney Club" of some kind. I remember how upset people were when they discontinued it but it was quite a few years ago.

[BriarRosie]

I agree 100% with you. As a DVC member, I'm already out the free dining, which would be a better deal. However, if they offer an incentive program for guest loyalty I don't see how they can make it work for guests without making the DVC members a little upset.

I think Free Dining is pretty much a fallacy when you get to deluxe resorts. I think the comparison was that if you had a room discount and bought the dining plan, you would save money vs. getting "free" dining paying rack rate. I saw Touring Plans break down the numbers, and I was startled by that. I think the free dining promotion is a better deal for Moderate or Value resorts. But probably mostly Moderate resorts with the quick service DDP offered now for Value resorts.

And because we're DVC, we get the AP discount, which is a huge deal for me. My biggest expense at WDW is pretty much the food. And I can get Tables in Wonderland if I know I'm spending more than $375 on food. ;) :laughing:

I'm not having any regrets that I can't get free dining. Heck, I don't want the DDP at any time. I don't like to eat that way.

[Cherinva]

I cringe when I see your posts. I think that you state your opinion very well. Sometimes I even agree with it. However, I rarely see a post where you don't attack some member of the podcast, and I just don't understand it. Kevin wasn't even a part of this conversation when you posted. :confused3

Well said.

[scarlett873]

No silly! :love:Hmmmm...methinks a new purse might be in order for wife #5...:rolleyes1

[Madi100]

Hmmmm...methinks a new purse might be in order for wife #5...:rolleyes1


I believe you are right! My 13 year old niece has more Coach purses than I do. Not fair.

[Madi100]

I think Free Dining is pretty much a fallacy when you get to deluxe resorts. I think the comparison was that if you had a room discount and bought the dining plan, you would save money vs. getting "free" dining paying rack rate. I saw Touring Plans break down the numbers, and I was startled by that. I think the free dining promotion is a better deal for Moderate or Value resorts. But probably mostly Moderate resorts with the quick service DDP offered now for Value resorts.

And because we're DVC, we get the AP discount, which is a huge deal for me. My biggest expense at WDW is pretty much the food. And I can get Tables in Wonderland if I know I'm spending more than $375 on food. ;) :laughing:

I'm not having any regrets that I can't get free dining. Heck, I don't want the DDP at any time. I don't like to eat that way.

I don't really mind, but that is one thing as DVC that we don't get to take part in.

[Madi100]

Hmmmm...methinks a new purse might be in order for wife #5...:rolleyes1

Oh, darn it! You made me go and look and there is a new Coach purse that I really like. It's called Madison. tan and brown, love it!

[kaligal]

I didn't hear the rant (yet! I will!), but I think the reason Disney doesn't have a loyalty program is that they consider their customers to be suckers.

They're of the opinion that they can continue to offer less and less while charging more and more and the suckers will keep on coming and paying. It's working for them so far, but it won't work forever and IMO will be their downfall.

I do not consider allowing people to buy into a time-share a perk or loyalty program, though I'm sure Disney would be thrilled to spin it that way.

As a person who spends at least 17 nights a year on the Disney property (and often more), I would like some sort of loyalty program.

ITA with Kevin that a loyalty program has to offer stuff to repeat guests that isn't offered to first-time visitors. Even a coffee mug or some flippin thing. Throw us a bone, for Pete's sake. Grrr.

[idieh]

This is funny! In August, I started this exact thread in the Resorts board! Basically, though some folks agreed with me that Disney should have a loyalty/rewards program; most thought it was un-necessary, as Disney already supplies ample discounts and perks or never going to happen!

Either way...here is my initial arguement from last month:

How many people on this site go to WDW every year? How many have been more than 5 times? How many people on this site convince friends and family to go to or join them at WDW?
Now, how may of you have gotten a free night or two for your loyalty? A free room upgrade? How about 50% off your dinner? Maybe a few free park tickets? How about a discount on Halloween or Christmas party admission! Anyone??? No one???
Does anyone really want to add up the amount of money that they've spent at WDW over the years? I sure don't!
There, my fellow Disers is the problem! We are being taken for granted!! We all give our time, our love and our money to Disney and we really are under-appreciated. Heck...even your local car wash has a "buy 10 washes get 1 free" program! Also, why is it everytime that you call WDW, the automated voice asks you "have you been to WDW before", but they do nothing with the information?
I'm sorry to ramble, its just sad! BTW, my family will be going from Oct. 13-22, staying on property, going to the parks and eating every meal on property...again

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Doug

[MaryKatesMom]

This is funny! In August, I started this exact thread in the Resorts board! Basically, though some folks agreed with me that Disney should have a loyalty/rewards program; most thought it was un-necessary, as Disney already supplies ample discounts and perks or never going to happen!

Either way...here is my initial arguement from last month:

How many people on this site go to WDW every year? How many have been more than 5 times? How many people on this site convince friends and family to go to or join them at WDW?
Now, how may of you have gotten a free night or two for your loyalty? A free room upgrade? How about 50% off your dinner? Maybe a few free park tickets? How about a discount on Halloween or Christmas party admission! Anyone??? No one???
Does anyone really want to add up the amount of money that they've spent at WDW over the years? I sure don't!
There, my fellow Disers is the problem! We are being taken for granted!! We all give our time, our love and our money to Disney and we really are under-appreciated. Heck...even your local car wash has a "buy 10 washes get 1 free" program! Also, why is it everytime that you call WDW, the automated voice asks you "have you been to WDW before", but they do nothing with the information?
I'm sorry to ramble, its just sad! BTW, my family will be going from Oct. 13-22, staying on property, going to the parks and eating every meal on property...again

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Doug

I understand your argument. I've dragged my parents twice, my sister and her family once. Not to mention talked endlessly to anyone who asked. I just got an email from a friend for reccomendations and spent a good 1/2 hour typing up books to read, sites (such as this one) and other ways to plan a good vacation.

So while my infrequent parents and sister's get Pin Code's with deals, I can't get them to send me my Mickey Monitor!

[MaryKatesMom]

I was just thinking about the Marriott loyalty program and one thing that they do that should be pretty easy for WDW to do is when you charge at Marriott properties you get bonus points based on how much you charge on their CC. 10 points per dollar. Since they both use Chase bank it would be no problem to do so.

I was so excited to get a Pin Code from the Disney card then bummed when it opened to the public. I have yet to get an offer that I could use.

[idieh]

I understand that Disney is a business. They are here to make money, not give it away. But, what I am requesting would cost little and perhaps even in increase sales! Offering 50% off perchases after "X" amount of dollars or offer discounts to special events that i wasn't planning to attend etc. Offer room ugrades. Yes, there is an opportunity cost involved here, but if the room is empty...

I know that i'm dreaming here, but isn't Disney in the dreaming business?

[fakereadhed]

Offer room ugrades. Yes, there is an opportunity cost involved here, but if the room is empty...


That is actually a pretty good idea. I hope they are listening. I know they call people to upgrade them occasionally(like Pop to SS)and it would be great CS to say, "We see that you have stayed with us X amt of times and we would like to say thank you by offering you an upgrade." No extra cost for them, and it would make people feel like they weren't unappreciated.

[idieh]

That is actually a pretty good idea. I hope they are listening. I know they call people to upgrade them occasionally(like Pop to SS)and it would be great CS to say, "We see that you have stayed with us X amt of times and we would like to say thank you by offering you an upgrade." No extra cost for them, and it would make people feel like they weren't unappreciated.

Exactly!! :thumbsup2

[Madi100]

That is actually a pretty good idea. I hope they are listening. I know they call people to upgrade them occasionally(like Pop to SS)and it would be great CS to say, "We see that you have stayed with us X amt of times and we would like to say thank you by offering you an upgrade." No extra cost for them, and it would make people feel like they weren't unappreciated.


What happens, though, when they don't have extra rooms or when you have a DVC member who has stayed 50 times. What do you do for them? While it's a great idea, what do you do when people start to expect that treatment? They get upset and feel let down if they don't get it.

[fakereadhed]

While it's a great idea, what do you do when people start to expect that treatment? They get upset and feel let down if they don't get it.

Yeah, they can't please everybody. Look at the folks upset about YOAMD and What Can You Celebrate.

On a funny side note, I booked a childcare club for my DS for the YeeHaBob meet yesterday. They ask if you are celebrating anything special even when you book that. I said "A night out without my son whining that he'd rather be back at the pool." :rotfl2:

[DisneyKevin]

I buy vitamins in a tiny little vitamin shop in Kissimmee.

The first time I shopped there I was told that my order came to $21.00 and thatif I spent $25.00, I would be eligible for the "Frequent Buyer Card".

It was explained that I had to make at least one $25 purchase in order to qualify.

Needless to say, I spent another $4.00

I get points for every dollar I spend. Twice a year they send me a very small check and a "thank You" coupon.

I wouldnt think of buying my vitamins anywhere else.

If they can do...I'm guessing Disney could work something out....as long as it doesnt involve a website.:rotfl2:



As for the issues with DVC....I dont seem them.

Is anyone spending thousands and thousands of dollars to insure some sort of discount?

I guess I always saw DVC as a way of guaranteeing a certain level of accommodations at a fixed rate for life.

I never saw it as a promise of the best deal or promotion.

I'm sure there are many, many different reasons for buying DVC but I dont see how that negates any sort of loyalty program.

Just for example....if a guest spends 20 nights at full or even discounted rates on Disney property and gets a night free....would that make you feel that DVC was a mistake?

If it does, you can always take advantage of the same deal. This also goes for free dining.

Disney doesnt allow the "stacking" of discounts in any of their business models.

To me, thats like going to a car dealership offering 0% financing or $2500 cash back and taking the 0% financing and complaining that someone else got the cash back

[WaltD4Me]

I buy vitamins in a tiny little vitamin shop in Kissimmee.

The first time I shopped there I was told that my order came to $21.00 and thatif I spent $25.00, I would be eligible for the "Frequent Buyer Card".

It was explained that I had to make at least one $25 purchase in order to qualify.

Needless to say, I spent another $4.00

I get points for every dollar I spend. Twice a year they send me a very small check and a "thank You" coupon.

I wouldnt think of buying my vitamins anywhere else.

If they can do...I'm guessing Disney could work something out....as long as it doesnt involve a website.:rotfl2:

Oh so sad but true about it not involving a website. :rolleyes:

As to the vitamins, I was just thinking earlier...it wouldn't even have to be much. I belong to Borders Rewards club and I only go to Borders now because they send me some nice coupons. I don't get anything free, but every couple weeks I get an email coupon, which usually gets me in the store and often I buy other things too.

So Disney sends you a few coupons...maybe a 30% off an item at World of Disney, 20% off a tour or a trip to BBB. Those kinds of coupons get you to buy and do things you might not buy or do otherwise. Or maybe a coupon to stay on a weekend night for a weekday price, which might get you to stay 6 nights instead of 5. If Disney did it right, a good program could be win/win for them and us.

[irunnoft]

The only thing you can be sure of is that, without fail, every single year the ticket prices will go up. Disney continually raises prices.

I bought into DVC and not because I thought I would get perks, but rather, like Kevin said, to lock in the price of my future vacations.

I think a loyalty rewards program is way over due and it wouldn't upset me a bit. I certainly wouldn't feel as though I'd been duped or cheated.

[jcb]

I should have entitled this thread "if wishes were horses we would all ride Dumbo."

[Madi100]

I buy vitamins in a tiny little vitamin shop in Kissimmee.

The first time I shopped there I was told that my order came to $21.00 and thatif I spent $25.00, I would be eligible for the "Frequent Buyer Card".

It was explained that I had to make at least one $25 purchase in order to qualify.

Needless to say, I spent another $4.00

I get points for every dollar I spend. Twice a year they send me a very small check and a "thank You" coupon.

I wouldnt think of buying my vitamins anywhere else.

If they can do...I'm guessing Disney could work something out....as long as it doesnt involve a website.:rotfl2:



As for the issues with DVC....I dont seem them.

Is anyone spending thousands and thousands of dollars to insure some sort of discount?

I guess I always saw DVC as a way of guaranteeing a certain level of accommodations at a fixed rate for life.

I never saw it as a promise of the best deal or promotion.

I'm sure there are many, many different reasons for buying DVC but I dont see how that negates any sort of loyalty program.

Just for example....if a guest spends 20 nights at full or even discounted rates on Disney property and gets a night free....would that make you feel that DVC was a mistake?

If it does, you can always take advantage of the same deal. This also goes for free dining.

Disney doesnt allow the "stacking" of discounts in any of their business models.

To me, thats like going to a car dealership offering 0% financing or $2500 cash back and taking the 0% financing and complaining that someone else got the cash back

If Disney is reading this I'm sure the only thing they are getting out of this statement is, "We should start a webpage."