A response from Disney Club

[crazy4wdw]

This is the response I received from the Disney Club regarding its demise in 2003:

Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding the close of The Disney Club.

Ending the program was a difficult decision; however, after assessing our Guests needs, Disney felt that stronger relationship building and cross-promotional vehicles could be delivered to our Disney Guests through other methods.

We will continue accepting renewals and new memberships through Decemr 12, 2002 and benefits will continue to be available to all of our active members through their expiration date or December 31, 2003, whichever comes first.

Once again. we would like to thank you for taking the time to share your comments and concerns with us. Disney always encourages our Guests to express their feelings and opinions regarding any issue.

Sincerely - The Disney Club

Any comments - I am not sure what they mean by "relationship building and cross-promotional vehicles".

I think I will send a letter to Disney Headquarters in Burbank.

 

[Micca]

That "relationship building and cross promotional vehicle" bit sounds like they want to develop a program with more ways for Disney to make money from it(i.e., like the outside companies that currently tie-in the DC like rental car companies, the shops and restaurants at DD, etc.) Perhaps they'll come up with enough
"relationships" that we won't notice that they have decreased the actual Disney benefits like TDS and hotel discounts.

 

[RAD]

Originally posted by crazy4wdw
Ending the program was a difficult decision; however, after assessing our Guests needs, Disney felt that stronger relationship building and cross-promotional vehicles could be delivered to our Disney Guests through other methods.

I wonder if the folks foing the 'assessing' were the same suits that got rid of early entry after assessing the guests needs?

 

[Micca]

You can't having "assessing" without the first five letters

 

[Diva of Dragons]

"relationship building and cross promotional vehicle"

From what I've heard, they are planning to offer a Disney Visa that, each time you use it, you can earn points toward Disney merch., vacations etc.... I guess it's like frequent mousing miles I'm really bummed about it though because I just got our cards paid off and don't intend to add to the collection!

 

[ead79]

I think that cross promotion refers to Disney's recent partnering with Visa and their plans to release a Disney perks credit card. I would imagine that this will be the new way to get Disney discounts, in addition to the AP discounts and code rates, etc.

 

[Luv2Roam]

"relationship building and cross-promotional vehicles" = Disney VISA card.

 

[BethC1952]

And what about those of us who don't use credit cards? I don't believe in them and I don't have any.

I'm a member of the Disney Club, but I will not be applying for any Disney Credit Cards.

I get really offended by moves like this, which really discourage those of us who live in a "cash world".

Beth

 

[izzarelli]

I agree with Beth. We have one emergency cc & don't use credit for anything that's not either an emergency or unusual.

It really irks me that the new "program" will require obtaining & using a credit card. I'm holding out hope (but not holding my breath) they are planning on offering something to those who do not WANT another Visa card.

-Maryann

 

[Timon71]

The new credit card will be issued by Bank One in Ohio. Information is to be released at the end of the year. And it will earn you points towards disney merchandise and trips. That's all I know of at this moment.


Jay & Monica
Sunset Pointe
10-29-02

 

[AllyandJack]

What about those of us who are in the real world? I just graduated from law school, built a house and got married. I have three credit cards. One is maxed out because I had to buy appliances - do they understand this concept of REAL LIFE? The other two are only to be used in an emergency, such as one of my cats getting sick. I am perfectly happy with my three cards and have no desire to either open a new one or change companies. I think it's great if they want to make that an option in addition to the Disney Club. Some people would love to have that card and maybe, like AmEx, there can be additional benefits to the DC, but to bully us into getting a credit card is wrong.

I never really used DC to SAVE money, I used it to extend my trips! I'm sure many others out there did the same. I used it to be able to buy MORE at the Disney Store. I got a nice discount on my car rentals, too. Now, I honestly wouldn't have such a problem with this except for this little point: my next trip was planned for 12/12/03-12/23/03. I was going to use the discount and use a package. My parents were going to join the Club and do the same. Even if we renew on December 12, 2002, the last date, I still can't use it for my next vacation! So, there goes that idea. Doing the math, it's going to be about $3,000. more to take my vacation next year. But hey....it's not like I have anything else to do with that money, right? I mean, paint is so overrated. I genuinely like the hospital feel that the primer the contractors put on gives off. Oh and furniture. Who needs that? I'm perfectly happy living with just a dinette and a bed. I'm a newlywed, what more do I really need??

I'd love to know which guests they think they're benefitting. I haven't seen one yet.

 

[CarolMN]

AllyandJack -

FWIW, if you renew you DC membership early in December, it will be good through 12/31/2003. If your parents join in early December, their card/membership will be also good through 12/31/2003.

 

[AllyandJack]

Are the membership cycles TWO years instead of ONE? That would be great! If I renew on December 10 and my parents join on that day, we could get one last hurrah in December of 2003.

I thought the memberships went yearly. I may be able to paint my house afterall!