Disney called me about code complaint

[Jackie H.]

I sent Disney an email a few weeks back complaining about the fact that residents of certain states were offered discounts while the rest of us were left out. Specifically, I was complaining about the GA, SC, NC, TN, LA discount when I live in AL and was offered nothing. I compared it to my local department store putting dresses on sale, but only to residents of certain neighborhoods.

Well, Montana (where do they get these names?!?!) called me four times. He left messages on my machine at home and I just ignored them. He was so persistant that I finally called him back.

He agreed it seemed unfair. He said he presented my complaint to "financial" - whoever that is. But here is the interesting part. He said, "I have been authorized to offer you this discount." Well, it really wouldn't help us because we can't go during the period it was offered for (through April something). We are hoping to go in the fall and they don't have the discounts yet for then, he said.

But, I thought some of you might like to know that this may help you. If you find a code that you feel is unfairly not offered to you, a complaint to Disney may get it for you. The key here, I think, may have been that Disney could not justify the fairness of this code in any way. It couldn't have been geographical - it went all around us. It had nothing to do with buying something got you the discount. Anyway, you may or may not find this interesting.

 

[Bob NC]

I find it verrrrry interesting...That you'd go to all that trouble to secure a discount that you can't use.

 

[Spoisal]

I think you need to reread Jackie H.'s e-mail. You have missed the point, my friend.

 

[Madeline]

I thought the same thing that Bob thought. Last year PA had a state resident code, this year PA resident rate is not offered. Last year Alabama had a code rate, this year they do not. TN had a rate last year, this year they do not.

 

[Buzz2001]

I agree with Bob NC. Why complain if you aren't going during that time anyway?

 

[dg39]

I think Disney should allow people from other states have some codes for theses discounts. I'm from N.J. and I don't remember seeing a code for us. They say we don't get codes because alot of people from jersey go down there. Well, I'm sure more people from down south go even more than us and yet those states always get the codes. Alot of times we have to depend on AP's or the Disney Club card. If you don't go more than once a year the AP isn't a bargain. The AP's are expensive for a short stay . If we would get some codes to use we would go down even more and spend even more. And for most of us with kids, discounts in the winter is useless, because sometimes its hard to take the kids out of school. Summer discounts would bring alot more business to Disney at such trying times. Summer crowds, heat, fun and Disney go together. (Just my 2 cents)

 

[peedeejones]

I think people should go to the "trouble " of complaining if they think something is not right. I agree these discounts given to only certain states is unfair and I don't care if I can use the dates or not. What if a company decided that only certain ethic groups could get a discount or only men or only women under age 30? My example may be exaggerated but hopefully you get my point.

Jennifer

 

[ralphd]

The world isn't fair!

ralphd

 

[TracyK]

Thanks very much for the tip Jackie. I live in the UK and I very often don't qualify for some of the discounts. I am an AP holder but they aren't offering such good discounts this year. I shall certainly keep my eyes open and if I see any such discounts I may well e-mail WDW myself.

 

[Jackie H.]

Bob & Buzz,

I think you did miss the point entirely. I wasn't trying to secure a discount. I also don't think typing an email is "going to a lot of trouble". I guess if you do, then you must lead a very relaxed and hassle free life.

I expressed an opinion to Disney about something they were doing that I think is unfair to a majority of their customers. The way I read your posts, I should only comment on things that directly affect my life. Well, I'm not African-American, does that mean I can't express that discrimination against blacks is wrong? I'm not on welfare, can I not fight for the rights of those that are? I'm not a battered wife, am I to sit silently while other women are abused because it doesn't affect me? I don't think so and I really don't think you do either. I think you simply misunderstood my point.

As far as this particular incident goes. I simply typed an email expressing that I felt this was wrong and that it may hurt WDW's business because the minute they offer a code the whole world knows about it. I never expected a response other than the automatic reply email. The guy called me 3 or 4 times before I returned his call. I figured he was just calling to give me the "oh we're so sorry" line. I didn't have time to have that conversation, so I didn't return the call. But he kept on calling, so finally I called him back. I didn't ask for the discount and did not expect him to offer it.

The reason I posted this experience is to help others get the discount they may want. My point was and is, if you see a post that excludes you for no apparent reason, maybe you can still get it if you want it.

 

[ceburto2]

I, like almost everyone else here, enjoys going to WDW using a discount or bargain. However, I do not understand people's statements that it is "unfair" for the Walt Disney Company to offer discount codes to one group and not to another. This is not discrimination, it is simple marketing. The company is not in the business of being "fair", they are trying to turn a profit so that they can remain viable and provide a quality experience for the future. It is not a strong arguement to assert that this is paramount to denying discounts on the basis of race or sex. If you want a AMEX discount, get a AMEX card. If the AP discount seem more attractive, get an AP. I agree that it would be difficult to move to North Carolina, to obtain a discount, if you do not live there but it is still not the same as requiring someone to be white or a man to obtain a discount. It would be very easy for them to not offer any discount. Maybe not profitable, but easy. I believe some people have begun to assume that they have a "right" to a discount or certain service from Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney Company offers no specific promise of service and can even deny you admission even though you hold valid admission media. If their marketing department discovers that it would benefit the company to target advertising and discounts to a geographical region that does not appear to be spending as much as people from another region, then it is in their best interest to do so. From my layperson's experience, industry offers targeted discouts all the time. Ford offers a special rebate for newly graduated college students, many websites offer discounts to first-time buyers. I feel lucky that the Walt Disney Company and WDW are stable enough to continue to offer their unique experiences for, what I beleive, is fair maket value. Not cheap, by any means but it is supported by the public's willingness to pay it. I hope I have not upset too many people. I just believe that if everyone demanded discounts from WDW, then they will either continue to grant them (and lose money), grant no discounts (and lose money), or continue with their current practice of targeted discounts to remain strong for our children and grand-children to enjoy. I type this as I continue to wait for the August codes to be released... Viva la WDW!!

 

[The Pluto People]

As I have posted in the past, I agree with you entirely. And may I suggest you discount the opinions of those people who use their very FIRST postings on these boards to make negative comments on the views of others.

 

[Ityldu]

I totally agree with Ceburto2 - Yes, I am disappointed if I don't get the best discounts that someone else received, but that's just part of the game. And just in case you're still counting, this isn't my first post. There was nothing at all negative about that post, so I'm not sure why the negative comment in return.

Every single company, that is in business to make money, looks for a way to get to a certain demographic. If you subscribe to a magazine, chances are, you are not receiving the same magazine as everyone else in the country. There are different ads in the same magazine based on many things, such as where you live or what your lifestyle is like. I've also heard of food products testing out certain foods in just one area of the country to make sure it's a hit before they market it to the rest of the country.

It is a shame that so many of us have come to expect so much from Disney. We need to go back to expecting to pay rack rate and being thrilled when we do snag that great discount.

 

[The Pluto People]

Somehow I can never view the term "entitlement mentality" as anything other than negative. It's ironic that the poster using that term is waiting for (dare I say EXPECTING) discount codes for August...

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

cebuerto2, what a wonderful, logical, and factual first post. And welcome!

We switched from Allstate's Auto Club to AAA once we started going to Universal...because we could get a discount; we purchased the Entertainment book...because we get discounts; we purchased a DC membership...because we get discounts; we charge many things on Amex because we accumulate points...and pay for our rental car; and now we own DVC because we like all those benefits too.

The cost of living, etc is different all over the country and all over the world. We spend less for a burger at the Burger King in town than we do at the mall 10 miles away; if it cost more in our town, people wouldn't go as much...at the mall, if you're hungry, you'll pay for it if you want to eat. If Disney feels they need to attract people from different areas by offering discounts, than that's what they (should) do...good business ( ) decision; I'm sure it's done after much research and not as arbitrarily as you may think. Perhaps the reason the discounts were offered in certain states one year and not the next is because their goal was to get those first-timers, who will (hopefully) love it so much, they'll make that extra effort to go back.

By way of analogy, I heard once that ALL OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL between two students applying for a scholarhip to college, the one whose parents DIDN'T go to college would get it, because (theoretically) the one whose parents DID go will make that extra effort to make it work and seek out alternatives because a college education is more important. In the same sense, those who've never been to Disney, as much as they may want to go, probably can't imagine the magic as those who have; I wanted to go to Disney the first time, but HAD NO IDEA before my first trip how much I would love it...to me it was one of many vacation choices...and NEVER would have imagined I'd be going as much as I do now.

I also never felt that I, or my kids, ever had any RIGHT to go to WDW. I was 39 first trip...and I'm pretty emotionally stable, despite the fact that many of my friends went when I was young. Same with my kids. We skipped YEARS of vacation to anywhere else to go the first time (with our then Magic Kingdom Club discount), and made going to Disney a financial priority...after our other obligations, of course.

As my DH would say...Disney is a victim of their own outstanding reputation.

 

[ceburto2]

I am pleased to have made such a quiet and warm entrance into these wonderful boards. As I stated before, I am "waiting" for August discount codes. If August comes and there are no codes, then I will select cheaper lodging. I will not call CRO and suggest I should be getting a code because I feel I am entitled to one. On a positive note, I was happy to note in Jackie H's post that WDW customer service is alive and well and still willing to do most anything to make the guest happy. Viva la WDW!!

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Disney is not the only company to do selective marketing! I often get mail/e-mail to stay in other hotels for cheaper rates. It is a marketing ploy to lure certain groups. A good ploy I might add. And what is funny is you would never know about it if it wasn't for these boards !

 

[SamanthaL]

Here's my 2 cents if anyone cares. I never expect to get something for nothing and I do agree the marketing department at WDW does what it needs to in order to increase attendance. With that said, I feel it is my job to save money for my family while trying to have the best trip we can afford. If I can get a discount I will take it. I think most people would. If Jackie H. was offered a discount than the "financial " people must have been capable of giving it to her and felt she had a point. Maybe WDW will call me with a discount for November! NOT!

 

[LunarLady]

I also have to agree with ceburto2 (and, BTW, welcome to the sometimes turbulent Resort Board!) and add my support. IMO, the State Discount Code mailing is NOT in any way, shape or form discriminatory. It's marketing. Period.

The postcards don't say "Any black single mother from the state of NH" or "Any hispanic male head of household from IA", they simply state any ONE from this particular state can receive a discount when they use this postcard. Comparing a marketing strategy that uses states to ethnic, religious or gender discrimination is simply ridiculous, but does prove a point that people will use the hot word "discrimination" to get what they want whether said discrimination actually occurred.

IMO, ceburte2 used the term "entitlement mentality" in it's most correct form and the actions of people who "fought the system", then explained on an internet BB how others can "fight the system" to get a discount, are a sterling example of this type of mentality.

BTW, I'm not a first time poster either. I just vehemently disagree when the term "discrimination" is thrown around carelessly because it demeans any person who had to fight for their civil rights as human beings. Being refused a promotion because you are black, hispanic, female or pregnant is not equatable with not getting a discount to a resort because you don't live in Ohio.

 

[Liz]

Thank you for posting this Jackie. I found it very interesting!