Discount Future Stay program = no free DDP?

[pezpam]

Just got my All Ears weekly email and it mentions a pilot program that will let people staying at certain resorts in Nov/Dec book a future stay at a discounted rate.... and the discounted trip would be right at the time (Aug 5-Sept 29) we've seen the free DDP the past two years. I'd have to guess that this is a way to book people in with less of a discount than free dining? It'll be interesting to see how this pans out.......

 

[Buzzfan2Mom]

I saw that and wondered the same thing. If it is successful and they let you book your future trips at a discount while on vacation I may just do that when I'm there in April. Getting my husband on board while we are there in the middle of Disney magic will be easy!

 

[n2mm]

I've posted my thoughts on this also on the codes board, but if you notice it says the savings are $194 pp for a 5 night stay.....the ddp cost $195 for a 5 night stay, so you really are getting the ddp for free, but they are not saying that. Which is OK with me, but the kicker is, only the people on vacation in WDW currently can book this package....where does that leave the folks like us who want to book this package and are not there. Fortunately for us we go in Feburary, so will be watching this carefully. So if you don't go to WDW, you can't book this package, and there will not be another package for that timeframe to book???lots of questions I'd like to see answered.

 

[kutchyone]

One would think that they could/should offer a much better deal then that to returning visitors. They act as if it is such a great deal.

 

[JamesMom]

Wow. Who can plan another trip to Disney within a 8-9 month time period? How often does the average WDW guest go? (not counting us DIS-Freaks - you know who you are - the "We go every 3 months" people , LOL!). But seriously, I don't think many guests make even an annual trip. I'll venture to say the average is more like every 4-5 years for the AVERAGE guest. I don't think tons of people will take advantage of this. They'll book with stars in their eyes, but then the financial/work related realities will set in and they will cancel in droves.
What impact will this have on offering Free Dinning in general next year? I am hoping for free dinning, but we will go regardless.

 

[bicker]

I couldn't imagine a "much better deal" -- it's already quite a generous offer!!

 

[n2mm]

Wow. Who can plan another trip to Disney within a 8-9 month time period? .

DVC members have to plan their trips 11 months out to get into some resorts, so guess Disney figures this is doeable. I know we disboarders are a rare breed, but I've already have my Feb. 2007, May 2007 trips booked and next week I start booking my October 2007 trip (DVC)...

 

[TSM1993]

Wow. Who can plan another trip to Disney within a 8-9 month time period? How often does the average WDW guest go? (not counting us DIS-Freaks - you know who you are - the "We go every 3 months" people , LOL!). But seriously, I don't think many guests make even an annual trip. I'll venture to say the average is more like every 4-5 years for the AVERAGE guest. I don't think tons of people will take advantage of this. They'll book with stars in their eyes, but then the financial/work related realities will set in and they will cancel in droves.
What impact will this have on offering Free Dinning in general next year? I am hoping for free dinning, but we will go regardless.

Been there 4 times in a year this year. Normally once a year. (Live in PA)

 

[n2mm]

Been there 4 times in a year this year. Normally once a year. (Live in PA)

You are not alone by any means. We also took 4 trips this year, but that's because I promised hubby I would cut back from the 6 trips last year. Keep in mind that none of my trips are ever very short. My shortest this year was 5 days in August, 8 days in February, 13 days in May and 14 days in October. We are not alone as we know many, many folks that travel there multiple times per year. I have one friend who goes every month, but usually only stays a long weekend. All it takes is a good airfare and we are gone. Of course, I'm blessed with 6 weeks of vacation time a year, plus extra time too.

 

[kaw1218]

I wish they would have started that a little sooner.....we go in september every year....so I guess we will be skipping next year if there are no discounts for us.

 

[AStamm]

This deal has not only all but cemented our fall trip to September 29-October 9, but has also got us contemplating an extra trip in August.

So...that makes our WDW vacation plans for next year as follows: June 17-July 1 @ ASMo, July 1-5 on Disney Wonder, possible August 12-19, September 29-October 9. We'll take any deal Disney wants to throw our way.

As a family who is happy with the basics in life--old cars, basic cable (like 10 channels!), not drinkers or smokers--this is our vice.

 

[TyRy]

I wish they would have started that a little sooner.....we go in september every year....so I guess we will be skipping next year if there are no discounts for us.

I totally agree with you. We were there in Sept/Oct this year and I'm still trying to talk DH intro a short trip next year at some point. If there are no discounts I think we'll also end up skipping a year. I'd be happy with just a hotel discount.

Ty

 

[kreativks]

I Just returned today from a stay at POP Century and midweek they left a flyer in my room saying if we book prior to leaving that yes we would get the free dining for the Aug 5- Sept. It said they were offering a savings of $194 for a 5 night stay.

Kathy

 

[ksoehrlein]

Kathy,

Do you happen to recall the phone number to call from Pop Century to get the offer?

Did the flier spell out that it was "free dining" or just that sample $194 savings?

 

[kreativks]

Ok I have the advertisement in hand now and here is the info.
On the front it has a picture of Goofy saying We Just cooked up a HOT new offer! The Back has "FREE Dining with this Vacation Package!" Book before you check out! Buy this Disney Vacation Package with Hotel and Theme Park tickets and get FREE Disney Dining Plan! Hungry for some fun? Now you can book this 5-night/5-day Walt Disney World vacation package and stay right in the middle of the magic. To take advantage of this offer, book this package and make a deposit on or prior to your checkout date (which must be before January 1, 2007). You'll enjoy a savings of $194* What a delicious way to enjoy your vacation!
Dial Ext 8844 from your guest room or call 407-541-5527 to book your vacation now.
Select Disney Value Resort Hotels 5 night 5 day packages $453* per adult based on double occupancy from 8/5/07 - 9/29/07. The number of packages at this rate is limited. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same package. Theme park tickets are valid for one theme park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. This offer is only available to guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and is non-transferable. Ask about other lengths of stay.

Hope this helps someone.

Kathy

 

[n2mm]

Thanks Kathy for posting the info. So this indeed is exactly what most of us thought, an early invitation to purchase the free ddp. A little short for me as we were there 2 weeks ago. So unless you have a trip planned up to 12/31/06, we'll have to wait for it to be announced in the spring of 2007. We are going down early February, so I have my fingers crossed that the pilot program will be turned into a permanent perk and I can book then. Just hope there will be some availability for me when I can book.

 

[dance2874]

I am kind of irritated by this myself. We went in Sept (and PAID for our dining because we missed the cutoff...) and I would have for sure taken advantage of this so as not to miss out on it again. I think it stinks they waited until Novemeber to start the promotion. If they dont release this to the general public, or maybe even to people who have visited in the past year or something we wont be going back anytime soon.

 

[ksoehrlein]

Ok I have the advertisement in hand now and here is the info.

Hope this helps someone.

Kathy

Thanks so much Kathy! We'll be at All Star Music Thursday through Sunday and I'm not sure if they'll have the in-room ads there by then. I really appreciate the info!

 

[YesYourMajesty]

You are not alone by any means. We also took 4 trips this year, but that's because I promised hubby I would cut back from the 6 trips last year. Keep in mind that none of my trips are ever very short. My shortest this year was 5 days in August, 8 days in February, 13 days in May and 14 days in October. We are not alone as we know many, many folks that travel there multiple times per year. I have one friend who goes every month, but usually only stays a long weekend. All it takes is a good airfare and we are gone. Of course, I'm blessed with 6 weeks of vacation time a year, plus extra time too.

We are about to take our third trip in a little over a year. We love it.

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

DW and I and kids are leaving next friday for 9 days at POP. MY DW just called POP to get the details on the offer. She wants to book it now and not wait in case it got sold out. The CM at the front desk told her the following.

1. you have to be currently staying at WDW to get the offer.
2. One night deposit required.
3. magic your way package with standard 1park 1 day tickets and free dinning for all 5 nights. People can call from home but they will not give you the package.

Seems like a great deal.

Scott