CM Discounts?!?!

[FutureBrideOfMike]

My fiance has a cousin who is cast member.
I just found out tonight he can probably get a discount by the lovely ladies on the chat board.
Anyone done this before?
What kind of discount should I expect?
Too late to call cousin and I'm about to pop I'm so excited.
LOL.
Help!

 

[Feralpeg]

I've not done it, but I believe that the cast member must be present when you check in.

 

[the4mackeys]

My wife's cousin is a CM, and we are getting 40% off our room at SSR. She had to book the room w/ our credit card, and she is going to be there when we check in, i think (going on 5/1).

 

[FutureBrideOfMike]

OMG! That is amazing!
I think I'd pass out if we got 40% off!
Grand Floridian here we come!

 

[Amphigorey]

The 40% is the "Other Guest Bedroom" cast discount. If the cast member is staying in the room, then they can get a 50% discount, but only if space is available. "Space" doesn't necessarily mean "room at the hotel"; Disney reserves a certain number of rooms for the 50%, and once those are gone, they're gone. The next tier is 25%.

FWIW, I've never had the 40% discount be unavailable to me, but plenty of times I've been unable to get the 50%, particularly at popular resorts like All-Star Movies.

Oh yeah, if it's booked under Other Guest, then the CM has to go to the resort within 3 days of the guest's arrival to show ID. If the CM is staying in the room, they have to be present at check-in to show ID.

 

[Cinders Mum]

Another thing to keep in mind, and I'd assume that the CM discount works the same as TA rates, you have to pay the balance 8 weeks prior to arrival, in the same way as a package as opposed to on arrival as per a room only reservation.

I am sure a CM with verify that this is the case, but it's info that you need to know when budgeting all your other wedding expenses.

Good Luck

val
xx

 

[HarryLeg]

I used a CM discount in 2004 at the AKL and got 50% off. My cousin (CM) gave me the CM phone number and I called in my reservation and paid a one night deposit. My cousin faxed his employee ID to the AKL within a week of our stay (so he wouldn't have to be with us at checkin) and I payed the balance at checkin.

 

[n2mm]

Another thing to keep in mind, and I'd assume that the CM discount works the same as TA rates, you have to pay the balance 8 weeks prior to arrival, in the same way as a package as opposed to on arrival as per a room only reservation.

I am sure a CM with verify that this is the case, but it's info that you need to know when budgeting all your other wedding expenses.

Good Luck

val
xx

Not true. You can pay at checkin, whether you are using the CM only discount, or friends and family. Keep in mind that a CM can only book 5 reservations a year for friends and family. However, if the CM is staying in the room, there is no limit. The CM discount is tiered now (started in 2005), 50%, then 40%, then 25%. THe discount for friends and family is tiered now at 40% off, then 25% off. Also, the discount is usually released about 1 year in advance. Keeping in mind that some resorts are really hard to get into. We booked the CR the day the discounts were released for a standard room (2), and wanted to add on another day, but there was never any availablility and that was booking a year in advance. December and January availability is pretty hard to come by, but the CMs are offered their holiday rate of 60% off (only for CMs staying at the resort). THis perk is not for family and friends. We used the 60% off at the AKL in December 2005 and paid $79 a night for a standard room (2 rooms) and were upgraded to Savanna View.

 

[littleshamrock]

WHat about tickets?? Do they get so many for free a year, too??

 

[Luv2Roam]

I think all OGB bookings have to be made on-line now by the CM. If it is same or next day arrivals, then there is a certain phone number to call.
The CM has to show proper Cast ID in person or through fax within 10 days of arrival/check-in. Otherwise the guest will be charged full price for their entire stay.
For OGB a one night's deposit is required when booking.
And as mentioned, rooms with discounts are subject to availbility, just as with all discount bookings.

 

[tripplanner2]

Anyone know if there are any CM jobs to be had out of NY? I checked with the Disney Store and they said that it is no longer the case since Childrens Place bought them.

 

[Wendy1953]

WHat about tickets?? Do they get so many for free a year, too??

If they are full time employees they can bring up to 3 people into the parks for I believe 13 times throughout the year, however the key word is bring....the CM needs to be present for the entrance into the first park of the day. Certain times of the year they receive Comp Tickets (2 per CM) that they can give to friends or relatives to use as a one day hopper ticket.

 

[Luv2Roam]

The number of times I believe depends on the pass type and years of service.
Generally speaking for FT I am aware of 12 park entries, with block out dates in effect.
The CM must be present at park admittance and are required to accompany their guests the entire visit.