conspiracy theory

[mark smith]

Are the WDW reservation systems, sophisticated enough to know that I've Paid almost rack rate(DC discount only) for 2 stays at the GF over the past 18 months; and have a AAA discount(big deal) for our next stay this Januaru at GF/AKL? Thus, they know I am willing to pay top dollar, always spend a ton at WDW restraunts, shows, shops, etc., and am probably willing to do it again. As such, I have never received an e-mail or postcard offer, and in-fact was told on previous attempts(1.no AP rates available for my dates and resort, 2003 attempt,although they were available during the period and 2. room only discount not available for 2002 stay, even though many people I talked to at the same resort, same week had benefited from said discounts),no deals at the inn! Oh well, were going anyway in January deal or not. Just wondering.

 

[SeaSpray]

We booked our first Disney World trip 2 years ago through the Disney Travel Company, thus paying full rack rate, and during this stay we decided to move to the Grand Floridian (spur of the moment decision) where we also paid RACK rate! We have received post cards and emails for discounts since then. So no, I don't think Disney has a conspiracy against those of us who've paid full price

 

[PTarbay]

This will be my 28th stay at Disney.I received 1 email but it was about a package that was available to everyone.We have paid rack,AP discount,various packages.I'm still waiting for that postcard.

 

[Feralpeg]

I've also stayed at full rack rate many times. I've never received a postcard. I'm moving to Orlando in June. I'll probably get one then!

 

[jdads2]

One thing to remember about other people getting great rates when you didn't. Not all rooms are available for discounts. That is for most places whether they are a resort or airline or rental company.

That is why so many on these boards watch the announcements for the AP rates. Once they are available they tend to go very quickly. Especially for those unbelievable deals at the deluxes.

If you watch the threads titled..."I just got a great AP rate this morning" or something like that you'll see how just a few minutes delay can cause someone to miss out on the discounts. It helps if you are flexible about where you stay.

One other tip, If you are planning on going for a week and ask for the AP discount, if just one day of your stay does not have a room available with a discount they have told folks that no discounts are available for your stay. You may want to ask about each day or blocks of days to see if the discount is available. Better to pay for just 1 night at rack rates than all nights at those rates.

 

[Rhonda]

We've been going to WDW, and have stayed at various resorts at full and discounted rates, for the last 15 years. I've NEVER recieved a postcard! I keep hoping....but so far nothing!

 

[Ambassador]

I recently saw one of those 'Behind the Scenes' television shows, which featured the Central Office controlling everything in the World, including the black cat's meow at the Haunted Mansion. I was watching very carefully, but did not see any servers named 'full rate' or 'big spenders' or anything like that. Then again, some of those shreiks and moans at the Haunted Mansion sound a lot like Mrs. Ambassador after she has seen our last WDW bill.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

No, Disney reservation system can't even keep my name straight.
When I give them my phone # they usually have at lest some of the inforamtion incorrect.

 

[hmp2z]

I'm with MagicInmyHeart - they can't seem to get our information right enough to organize a conspiracy like this. They were fine for the past two trips, with our correct address (here in NC) and phone number, and I booked our next trip a few months ago, and suddenly they think we live in Queens! We moved to NC several years ago, and have even gotten married at WDW since, but out of nowhere, they now have our old NY address. They just don't seem super organized to me.
On the other hand, on our past two trips, they have sent a pink rose and a half-bottle of champagne to our room. So maybe they do keep notice of some things. Or maybe that is something that the GF did, not Disney itself. Hmmmm.....
Cheers!
Heather W

 

[faithfull]

To the person not receiving post cards...I live in Arizona and almost always get offers for Disneyland, never WDW. I do not like Disneyland but love WDW. I have wondered whether it is based upon geography and Disney thinks the only discount I will respond to are on the west coast since I am located out west. Are you located in a similar geographic area and receiving discounts for the other disney property? Just a thought.

 

[ducklite]

I've had over 25 stays over the years, and have paid rack rate and gotten AP and MKC/DC rates, and DVC Member rates over the years, but I've never gotten a postcard. I don't there's any conspiracy, I think that you just haven't been lucky to be in the right market segment they are targeting at a particular time.

After September 11 they were marketing very hard to people within an eight hour drive. They market to an active adult/retiree/empty nester segment heavily for September. They have been targeting various geographic areas with a heavy Hispanic population during certain campaigns. They target Canadians for certain times of the year with special "At Par" deals. It just depends on the target market for any particular campaign. Sooner or later you might get lucky

Anne