Circumventing rules to "afford" a WDW vacation..

[jgates]

DeeP -

This one can be looked at 2 ways.

A few to change there minds? 3 people I work with all went to Time Share demos with NO intention of buying. None whatsoever! (1 @ Wisconsin Dells - 2 @ Florida). Guess what- all 3 now own timeshares! I fully intended to go to the Disney one with no intention to purchase now but ran out of time. But, I do want to CONSIDER it in the future (after ds is out of college).

I do test drive promos for cars. Do I intend to get a new one now? NO! However, ds will be getting his own vehicle when he gets an apartment at college rather than the dorm. Where will we go? Back to the dealership(s) who were friendly to us and treated us respectfully even when we were NOT buying - just looking.

Now if I decided to do Connections & resell vouchers I would keep the full year membership to be honest. (Do they limit the number of Dis vouchers you can purchase? - just curious).

 

[DeeP]

tonilea,
If you told them loud and clear before you went to the timeshare presentation that you had no interest or intention of buying a timeshare and they still told you to attend the presentation then of course you were not being dishonest, you told the truth from the beginning. That is totally different than signing up for a trial membership when you know full well you have no intention to join and are only going to get discounted food vouchers and then cancel or going to a timeshare presentation acting like you are interested when you fully know you are not just to get free park tickets.

 

[DeeP]

Do you do the test drives because you are really looking for a future car for DS or because of whatever promo they are giving for free for doing the test drive? To me that is where the difference lies between being honest and dishonest in your true intentions.

 

[jgates]

Well, to get 'really hairy' here we would look at the vehicles either way, but not do the actual 'sit behind the wheel test drive' without the promotion.

Understand what I am trying to say there? (But yes, he will have to have a car - will I go back to somewhere I was treated rudely or brushed off? Ex: one car dealership where I actually wanted to ask a question I waited over 30 minutes and could get no one to even acknowledge me. Will I go back there - NO!)

Again - of the 5 people I work with - the 3 that purchased went ONLY for the tickets/cash/free radio/free golf - whatever it was. 3 purchased - 2 did not. The one even comments that she can't believe she actually bought it! (although she doesn't regret it -which is good) This is what they base these promos on - that 30% to 60% (in the case of co-workers) who will buy in the long run-regardless of original intent.

One of my fears in doing the Dis Time Share (never had time) was that I might actually lie and say I wasn't married so I could purchase it! (DH doesn't vacation!) I was too scared I would walk out spending $12,000 or more when I had a kid to send to college this fall!

 

[travelitis]

It'd be interesting to ask someone who sells timeshares if they feel it's dishonest for someone to attend the presentation with no intent to buy.

Trial offers and free gifts are the lures to get consumers to look at a product most would automatically reject without a 2nd thought. Consumers who "aren't interested" are the bread and butter of both, because upon closer look often their objections are overcome.

 

[tink2dw]

ie Full price at Meyer and Frank[insert your big name store here] or budget buying at thrift shop, vs
Full price WDW trip or Budgeted[no lieing cheating] cost cutting[DC,AAA,EB,coupons] WDW trip.

Can I suggest,Birth Certificates as ID for children whose appearance,would make a CM question their age,for either too young or too old. That would make better for the family and CM's.

 

[abbyndrewmom]

Originally posted by DeeP
What about people that join Connections to buy the food vouchers for Disney knowing full well that they have no intention of keeping or paying for the membership and then once they get the vouchers they cancel the membership? To me this is also being dishonest, it is lying and cheating. Connections should wise up and not allow cancelations until after the first month. I would not be surprised at all if Connections does not eventually do this.

I assume you also don't buy anything on sale or cut coupons offered by stores. It is the same thing, stores or other business will offer a reduced rate on one item as a loss leader to get you in the store to and maybe buy something else. So I guess if you went into the store with the intention of only buying the sales item you would be cheating the company. What about at costco or sams club when they hand out free food samples, they give you those with hopes you will like it and buy the product, do you never try any of the samples or do you buy everyone you try. Or how many new businesses offer something for free or at a greatly reduced price to get you in the door that first time, would you not try them.

These are all part of a marketing strategy this company understand the risk but they have decided it is worth it to offer this trial period with the hopes that some people will be so happy with the service that they will keep their membership or as someone elses pointed out to lazy to cancel it. When I signed up for AOL as a internet service provider I got 3 months free, I could have cancelled at the end of the 3 months and paid nothing but I was happy with the service and liked some of the extras so I kept it, did I steal from the company no! they offered a promotion and I took advantage of it. When my husband and I opened our lazer tag arena for the first week games were buy 1 get 1 free did we feel people who took advantage of this were stealing from us, NO we were happy they came in and had a chance to see our product and many made reservations to come back at a later date.

Allison

 

[ellyn2000]

I will do everything in my power to save/budget for my trip with the exception of lying. If I'm not sure about something, I ask. Have never had a problem sharing food at a sit down rest. and sometimes order a kids meal at counter service while my children eat regular adult meals. Youngest DS had a mustache at 10 years old, now that caused questions............................I don't shoplift at our local department store because I know there's a 300% markup and I know that's rediculous. I either wait for it to go on sale or don't buy it. I look at a Disney vacation the same way.

 

[jgates]

Thank you travelitis - that's what I was trying to say but you said it so much more eloquently.

 

[C.Ann]

tink2dw - gotcha!

I agree - it makes sense to use whatever budget tools you have available.. I just didn't understand why you were getting so defensive simply because I posed the question.. You know - it's kind of like when someone asks a hypothetical question - know what I mean?

When's your next trip? I'm trying for this December but not sure if I'll be able to swing it..

Have a nice weekend!

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by jue

There seems to be a lot of people who think that Disney is an angelic, loving, goody-goody, God given company who's aim in life is to make sure that the people of this earth have a wonderful (value for money) time whilst visiting. WHAT UTTER *********!!
Disney is a huge, money making machine - hence charging three to four times the going rate for services,drinks,food,accomodation.....need I go on. So if anyone can scam their way into getting what Disney has to offer 'a little cheaper' then good luck to them !!!

Jue's hubby

PS I am a huge Disney fan but unlike some people I have a firm grip on reality and dont compare the Disney corp with GOD himself.

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

"Scam" their way? That's sad.. Budgeting is one thing, scamming is entirely different - at least in my world anyhow..

To each their own though.. Just my personal opinion..

 

[tonilea]

Originally posted by jue

WHAT UTTER *********!!
Disney is a huge, money making machine - hence charging three to four times the going rate for services,drinks,food,accomodation.....need I go on. So if anyone can scam their way into getting what Disney has to offer 'a little cheaper' then good luck to them !!!

Jue's hubby

WHAT UTTER *********! IS EXACTLY RIGHT! How is stealing / scamming the corporate giant any different than than going into the Mom & Pop store on the corner and stealing from them? You are stealing from Disney share holders, many who are not wealthy. If I was a Disney stock holder. you would be stealing from ME! Are you really sure that none of your family members have Disney stock in thieir 401k or other holdings..... you could be stealing from your own mother!

 

[jue]

I have deleted my DH post in the interest of harmony on the boards .This thread will obviously run on for a long time

 

[DocRafiki]

Well it looks like Jue's hubby has already caused a stir that can't be erased, just from what I can read on other people's quotes.

Jue's hubby, YOU obviously don't get it. Anyone who thinks that about Disney

that Disney is an angelic, loving, goody-goody, God given company who's aim in life is to make sure that the people of this earth have a wonderful (value for money) time

, is out of touch with business in general! Disney is NOT a public service and has no intention of being such (though they have done more than their share for the local economy and charities). And guess what... there's nothing wrong with that!

It is pathetic to me that people with even a high school education don't understand the concept that businesses are run in order to make a profit. You charge the amount that brings the greatest profit. Disney can charge so much because their product is so great that people are WILLING to pay for it! If people think it's not worth it, they shouldn't come. If Disney starts to suffer from this, their prices will go down. Capitalism, people!

Good example someone gave with the clothes store with the 300% markup, except the markup isn't ridiculous. It earns them a great profit legally and ethically. They're not cheating anyone. People aren't forced to shop there. There are people who feel it is worth the money to shop there. Let them shop there. That doesn't mean you should go in and switch tags so you can pay less. It doesn't mean you can pay for one shirt and sneak out another (the same as sneaking in extra kids to the park). It means you need to shop somewhere else or shop their legitimate sales.

I haven't been able to afford to vacation in Europe. Maybe I should try to sneak onto a plane so I can. I mean, I'm entitled to a luxury vacation, right?

 

[mjenni27]

There is not a thing wrong with going to the car promos without any intention of buying the car. We did one today. Eventually my wife and I will buy another car. It will not be new but rather used as I just cannot justify paying more for a car than I payed for our house (This is no exageration as my wife and I bought a mill house that was a fixer-upper at a great price that is below the $$$ most new vehicles sell for now). The vehicle I drive today may be the type we buy in 5 yrs. Joining in a trial period is fine, that is what trial means. Do most join just to get the vouchers and then cancel. Possibly, but then you get the people like me who would join and end up not cancelling because it is such a hassle. That is why I have not done connections. What about the timeshares. I would not due them because my vacation time is worth a lot more than 90 minutes and up of hard-sell. I would just rather buy my tickets from wal-mart, get a slight discount from face price and relax. Does it make those who do the time share thing wrong. Far from it. They are working within the rules of the system. If they are willing to listen to the speal for 90+ minutes, more power to them.

 

[tink2dw]

C.Ann,You came to this board*Budget* posting a post,that made it seem like trying to save a little money on a WDW trip was a Immoral Sin.

The Budget Board Does Not Adviciate,Lieing or Cheating or Scamming as ways to make your WDW trip possible. Posters who post such Ideas are told that is not what is wanted on this board.

The Budget Board does offer a place for people to report where they found Deals offered by Companies,for coupons, Tickets,Hotels,Rental cars,and Food and Water. Or little know ways that Disney will offer to save you some money,ie upsells,codes.

Ideas are discussed here. This is a friendly board that shares WDW knowlegde with all who care to read it. We help newbies on how to start their planning. Help Families find large enough rooms to stay in,ect.

I Never should have let you get to me,My Mistake.

 

[jgates]

Originally posted by tink2dw
C.Ann,You came to this board*Budget* posting a post,that made it seem like trying to save a little money on a WDW trip was a Immoral Sin.

The Budget Board Does Not Adviciate,Lieing or Cheating or Scamming as ways to make your WDW trip possible. Posters who post such Ideas are told that is not what is wanted on this board.

??I thought this was more of a friendly curiousity post to begin with if I look back at her original post---- (don't know how to quote twice-sorry).

Where do you personally draw the line? Do you think these "budget" tactics have an adverse affect on Disney's financial position? Should everyone follow "all" of the rules? "Some" of the rules? "None" of the rules?

Just curious to hear what all of the budget-minded folks think..

 

[AKASnowWhite]

Originally posted by tink2dw
How do you feel about........ Disney never saying there are discounts unless directedly ask the Question in just the right way?? .........

That is, IMO deceitful. I am 100% against knowingly lying, cheating and/or stealing. I will admit that we are all human and mistakes are made...honest mistakes! BUT I have to say that I think it is outright WRONG for Disney reps to not offer full and complete information. That, to me, is the same as a lie. And while I wouldn't try to deceive WDW, I would expect the same treatment from them. It's only commen curtesy IMO.

 

[Mlissa88]

I admit that I when I first read C.Ann's original post , I thought it was a bit of a poke at "people on a budget" .

But that's the problem with message boards or email...you can "read into" a sentence any emotion that you choose to.

If you look at it defensively...you might answer defensively. I learn this OVER and OVER again at work with our email.

C. Ann was NOT against people budgeting.

Tink may have misunderstood the intent of C.Ann's post...

It's all just a case of misunderstanding...I think we are mostly all for being honest AND saving a buck or two.

Kiss and make up guys!

 

[mjenni27]

Originally posted by jgates



??I thought this was more of a friendly curiousity post to begin with if I look back at her original post---- (don't know how to quote twice-sorry).

Originally posted by C.Ann



Circumventing rules to "afford" a WDW vacation..
On the restaurant boards you read about folks fudging their childrens ages so they can eat for free..

On the resort boards you read about folks sneaking extras into a room that is only supposed to hold "x" amount of people..

On the theme parks board folks discuss the possibility of passing their kids off as being under three so they can get free admission..

On the budget board people discuss where to eat the food that they have brought in from outside of the parks..

And so it goes.. On and on..

Where do you personally draw the line? Do you think these "budget" tactics have an adverse affect on Disney's financial position? Should everyone follow "all" of the rules? "Some" of the rules? "None" of the rules?

Just curious to hear what all of the budget-minded folks think..

Doesn't sound quite as innocent as you make it sound. She attacks the restuarant board, the resort board, the theme parks board, and the budget board as all being cheaters.