Code discrimination, inequality, or whatever you want to call it.

[G8r4evr]

But I'm just curious - does it also bother you that there is the same fluctuation/variety in airfares? 200 people on the same flight probably paid more than a dozen different fares for the same type of seat/service/etc, and that's pretty standard in the industry.

Shelley

Good question. Im not the OP, but I can spek for myself on that one. Airfare doesnt bother me in the same way because I at least feel like I have some control over the situation. I can use frequent flyer/rewards, if I book earlier I can usually grab a great rate, or if I search hard enough, I can usually snag a good deal. As far as Disney codes and their distribution go, I feel that I have no control whatsoever and that is what is frustrating.

I do think that Disney risks borderline discrimination with their assignment of these codes (who not make them available to all - first come first serve?). Luckily for them though, only a small percentage of their guest know that codes exist, because if more knew that they were around and constantly being overlooked, many more customers would feel left out. I also dont buy the "they only send codes to those that they need to entice back" There are plenty frequent visitors on Dis that have received 1 and even 2 codes.... Just my 2 cents.

 

[jasper]

But I'm just curious - does it also bother you that there is the same fluctuation/variety in airfares? 200 people on the same flight probably paid more than a dozen different fares for the same type of seat/service/etc, and that's pretty standard in the industry.

Well, let me first say that airfare pricing borders on the bizarre. There have been many times when 30 seconds after I see a fare that I want, it is no longer available - almost like they saw you looking and jacked it up. That said, while everyone might not get the same airfare, everyone is playing on an even field and has the same opportunities to get a higher or lower fare as the next person, assuming they are looking on the same day. Disney is a tilted playing field - which is why I would consider it somewhat discriminatory.

 

[parrothead928]

If you are coming to Disney World more than once a year and would like to increase your chances of getting a discount, then the best thing to do is buy an Annual Pass. Florida residents, Annual Passholders, Canadians , Disney Visa owners and guest from the UK usually have discounts offered to them, through out the year, even during black out periods. The number of these discounts are usually limited. They are not mailed, e-mailed or attached to a name, the discounts are just out there in a limited amount. Obtaining an AP is the closest thing to "almost guaranteeing" a discount.

 

[brockscandy]

I've seen so many post on here about the 40% codes. I finally received one in the mail the other day, but only 20%. Hey, I will take it - it's still a discount. I couldn't apply it to either place we want to stay - the Poly or WL. I don't get it. Some get 40% off poly and I can't even apply my 20%. I can't even tell my husband because he hates the business side of Disney. I just keep telling him he needs to go back and get some more magic back in his life.

 

[ireland_nicole]

Same thing, sort of. We've done everything we can (incl. praying to the disney gods...) and I call every week and still...no code. What kills me is that we are staying at the same time as these discounts are being offered. I even had one CM tell me "well, you had a code last year, what's your problem?) So I asked when it was for and she said Sept. but we had just been in June so from TX that would not have happened. Oh well, I'm still hoping for something to bump to Poly...
Nicole

 

[minmate]

Who said life was meant to be fair? And certainly not capitalism!
Disney's job isn't to be fair in handing out discounts... nor do I necessarily expect them to be. However, being able to "Figure out" how to get on the good side of their discount generosity would be very nice indeed!

 

[Pirate at Heart]

OK, so I booked my CBR stay for October, which includes Columbus Day weekend, at AAA rate. Then I started reading here that A) some people get email codes; B) some people get postcard codes; and C) some people call and a "nice" CM will miraculously find a code attached to that person's name.

To me, this seems to be a very inequitable system, and, of course, I would like the opprtunity for a similar 30% or 40% discount.

What is fair? Well if you pay an annual membership for AAA, under the premise that you can get hotel discounts, that is fair. If the codes were based on a frequent traveler discount - for example - given to people that have stayed on site more frequently than others, that would be fair; but I don't see how the current system as it appears to work is fair. I order the DVD's, have visited almost every year for the past 5 years, abut do not have a code.

Now, what if I call and say I can't afford the trip this year, and ask if there are any codes available before I cancel? Will one suddenly appear?

I double dog dare you to do it!

 

[angelmav]

Interesting thread. We got a postcard 20% off code, but probably only because we told them we were looking to go during the typical free dining period. Since we wont actually be going this year (land and sea package in the works for 2009) unless we get free dining, the code is essentially worthless to us.

 

[sorul82?]

If you are coming to Disney World more than once a year and would like to increase your chances of getting a discount, then the best thing to do is buy an Annual Pass. Florida residents, Annual Passholders, Canadians , Disney Visa owners and guest from the UK usually have discounts offered to them, through out the year, even during black out periods. The number of these discounts are usually limited. They are not mailed, e-mailed or attached to a name, the discounts are just out there in a limited amount. Obtaining an AP is the closest thing to "almost guaranteeing" a discount.

I'm an AP holder, DVC owner, Disney Visa ower and still haven't received one of those elusive codes.

 

[huge mickey fan]

We also have been left with no codes, stayed last 10ys 12 times no codes no upgrades no magical dream prizes we must have bad luck or minnesota just has bad luck with discounts!!
But we are disney gluttens and keep going back!!!

You sound just like me. Including the Minnesota!! I have been twice during this year of a million dreams and not even a set of mouse ears!! We get no code and still pay rack rate every year. I suppose that's why there is no code for me. Why bribe me to come back when I can't stay away!!

 

[Maine-iac]

I'm an AP holder, DVC owner, Disney Visa ower and still haven't received one of those elusive codes.

Which is probably why you won't get one. They know that you are coming back.
I got the 30% discount card. I stayed at POP in Feb '07. First time I had stayed at a WDW owned resort since 1999. (all other times have been at SOG). I think that that is why I got one, they are trying to get me to come back. I used the discount for POR Riverside for Dec.

 

[sorul82?]

Which is probably why you won't get one. They know that you are coming back.
I got the 30% discount card. I stayed at POP in Feb '07. First time I had stayed at a WDW owned resort since 1999. (all other times have been at SOG). I think that that is why I got one, they are trying to get me to come back. I used the discount for POR Riverside for Dec.

Yep, they got me!

 

[SplashMountainMama]

I got my first postcard the other day for 40% off, but it was sent to my address in my mom's name. When we took a family trip in 2005 I did all the reservations under my name/address so I guess my mom's name is attached to this address. The first CM I talked to said I couldn't use it so I politely hung up and called right back. This time I got a different CM who had no problem making my reservation with the code. I bet the code came in my mom's name because she hasn't stayed onsite since that trip and they want her to come back.

 

[boomhauer]

I think people believing that code selection is "random" is naive. Come on - Just look at this thread. It's all the same people (myself included) that go multiple times a year, and have been doing so for some time, that don't get them. It's obvious they target people that aren't regular guests.

Is it basic marketing? Sure. It is completely unfair to those who don't get any codes? Absolutely.

I've never understood the mentality. Airlines reward their frequent customers. Retails stores reward their frequent customers. Disney, gives nothing back to it's frequent customers. That, in itself, would be fine. But to give nothing back to frequent customers and then offer something back to random people who don't go often is insulting. And by no means am I trying to be rude to those who have gotten the codes. It's awesome for you and by all means, take advantage of it. Disney is completely in the wrong in this situation. I've always believed that and always will.

 

[chicagochris]

My wife and I have gone to WDW or DL at least once a year for the past six years, we get the DVD every year, I have an account on the Disney website, have a Disney Visa, etc. We got a 40% off code. This was the first time we recieved an offer like this in the mail.

My mother in law does all the same things. She didn't get a code this time, but has in the past.

I think it's completely random.

 

[luvdisney00]

I didn't get a code either, and I ordered the DVD, cruise DVD, updated my profile on the wesite, put in various dates for price quotes, have a Disney visa and called CRO twice and asked for a code. No Luck! But I don't think it's random at all.

A few weeks ago my husband got a postcard from Disney Visa offering 5x rewards for all purchases on gas groceries and drugstores for the months of Jan Feb and March. He has a DV in his name only that he uses for expensable things for work. He never puts anything personal on it and therefore he doesn't use it for any of those things mentioned, ever. I called and asked if we could use the code to register our joint card which we use for everything especially all of the things the promotion were for, instead of his card. The customer service person from Chase told me that she could not do that and that the "codes" were for a target group selected by Disney marketing and not Chase. She said the best she could do was email Disney for me and tell them that I was a cardholder and that I was interested in the promotion and wanted to know if I could be included. I thanked her and hung up. Two weeks later, I get a letter from Disney marketing thanking me for my interest and explaining that I was not eligible for the promotion at this time and that they could not extend all of their special offers to all cardholders. It explained that each promotion is for a specially selected group and no one else. It was obvious to me that they offered this to him only because he never uses the card for these things and I use mine for these products all of the time. I think these codes are the same. They are looking at all the demo info and sending them to exactly who they want to have them and no one else.

I was kind of hoping since I was so nice about the Visa thing they'd give me a nice 40% code for my vacation, but no such luck

 

[maxiesmom]

I have AAA and I have gotten codes too. I think you are just going on the wrong week.

 

[lustergirl]

I think disney knows that they have repeat vacationers hooked regardless of whether they given a code or discount, whatever. Why spend so much time fretting about something that you have no control over? I am still going to spend my vacations at disneyworld regardless if I get a discount or what. I have reserved alot of vacations at the world and not received anything special thing from them. Honestly who cares. I think it is just a random thing and disney has no intention on discriminating against anyone!

 

[wdwmaw]

I have never gotten a code. Friends of our which are AP holders and DVC owners have gotten several codes. They also usually travel more times throughout the year even though we spend as much time in Disney as they do.

 

[jasper]

Sorry for the blank post, I messed up the quote.