Advise on getting Pixie Dust

[shanejoseph]

We have already booked our 6th trip to The World for Dec. 27th - Jan. 3rd. I know, crazy huh? But, it'll be DD's Sweet-Sixteen Dec. 30th, and it's her request to be there for the occasion! How could I say no? Well, I'm also curious about New Years at Disney. The closest big holiday we were there for was Easter. Got everything booked, flight, POFQ, ADR's (including BOG dinner), a special surprise, catered, MK Fireworks Cruise on Dec. 30th (yes, the New Years Eve preview show). Well to the point, my check book is on life support!!!, due to paying premium prices for everything. Any advise on getting a little relief? Like I said, we've been 5 times since 2006, and I've never gotten one of these PINS I keep hearing about. I've been calling about every month since I booked, asking for something, free dining, discount, upgrade, etc., with no relief. I'm just a poor cop! Anyone out there with a past proven technique? I've even brought up the point of the refurb at Poly, saying that a little construction wouldn't bother us a bit. They just keep telling me there's nothing "at this time", that they can do and to pay attention, they might release free dining at a later date for my travel times. Closest I came was this week, when a cast member put me on hold for a little while. I thought she was actually trying, but no go. Are they just blowing smoke? Any chance? Anything worked for ya'll?

Broke on the Bayou!

 

[eangel12]

For that week, I would say that no discounts will be given. That is Disney's busiest week and I don't think they have a difficult time filling rooms! The only time free dining and deep discounts are given is when they are trying to sell rooms!

 

[unicornshoes]

Get your DD a birthday pin at check in or at guest relations at any park. It's free. Wearing it isn't a guarantee that extra things will come her way (free dessert, perhaps) but it's definitely possible.

As the other poster said, you're choosing to go during a very busy time. We are talking Magic Kingdom closing due to reach capacity busy. Chances of you getting some "relief" are pretty slim.

 

[iLoveMickey87]

Holy cow that's a busy time. I've been on Christmas eve though, So guess I'm kind of crazy too lol Best wishes. And I hope its amazing ;]

 

[swebb0310]

This doesn't help with the cost, but if you go to the Christmas store and ask they will usually give you a fancy birthday button. They write the name using beautiful writing and metallic pens. It's free, and super special.

 

[jon18uk]

I've worn a birthday badge in the park before and other than lots of Happy Birthdays I got a few other little bits.

When I went to buy a bottle of Coke from a popcorn cart I was told Mickey had heard its my birthday and that drink is on him.

When buying a hot dog meal we were going to split a drink (as we were getting something else later) but the CM told me I can't be sharing a drink on my birthday and gave me the second one.

When dining at CRT I got a cupcake with a candle in it (couldn't eat it as was full from dessert, saved cupcake for breakfast!).

Of course none of these are guaranteed and each only cost Disney $2 but made things special

 

[Saimaeve]

Eeeek! That's a super super busy time. I don't see you getting any sort of financial relief as you chose to book some pretty premium things at a premium time.

Are you wanting like discounts? or like little things done for her like cupcakes or confetti at the table?

I think if you gave a bit of an idea of what sort of relief, we'd be able to come up with some better ideas.

 

[dbramer]

The tenor of OP's message makes me think he is looking for discounts, free dining or stay, play and dine offers. I don't think it will happen due to it being THE busiest time of the year for Disney. Good luck, regardless and happy birthday to DD.

 

[shanejoseph]

Thanks for all the responses! No, free dining would be great, or a % off, but it's not expected! I mainly keep calling to possibly get some pixie dust, in the form of a room, or resort upgrade. It's happened before for me, in less busy times though! Just looking for any inspirational stories!

 

[Aliceacc]

I think a lot of it is timing.

I think Disney offers PINs and discounts to pull more people into the resorts. So, for example, free dining is offered in September, when the vast majority of kids are in school. It sweetens the deal enough that people are willing to pull kids out of school to get free dining.

But Christmas week is something else entirely. The parks will be at or near capacity, the resorts will be "comfortably" full-- no need to offer any sort of special financial enticement to get people to go to WDW.

Keep trying... who knows? Maybe you'll find something. But I'm guessing it would be a lot more likely had your daughter managed to be born at a less popular time of year at WDW.

 

[mgsquared]

How about keeping all of the awesome ADR's and plans but staying offsite? This could offer savings! Airbnb has a ton of properties near Disney.