Disney Club Closing

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by lizzie64
This really sucks!! Sorry had to vent. As the mother of 2 Toy Story fanatics, I am constantly shopping at the disney store, whether online or at the store.

I really use my Disney Club discount alot. I get a lot of clothes for my boys there.

Also, with a trip coming up in May, I was planning on getting a discount at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Last year all my souvenirs were bought there and I save a small fortune.

Should I open another account and this way I'll have savings for at least one more year?

Opinions Please.

What else is to come.

No more hotel discounts????

My card expires in Feb. We are going to disney for Easter and maybe August, and Christmas. I'm going to call @ December 10 to open a new membersip. This way I'll have an active card to present when I check into the resort. I'll get a discount when I buy our APs in March and I'll be able to get discounts at TDS for one more year.


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[dahess]

So you get a 5% discount with your DC card when you buy a AP right? When you book your hotel with your AP you usually get a pretty good % off, like 15-20% (moderate resort) right? So, if my DC card expires next March (2003), I can call the 1st of December & order a new DC card and still get the 5% off when I buy my AP for our June 2003 trip and also (hopefully) get a AP rate for our hotel aswell. Right???? I was confused about the AP rate to begin with, this just puts a spin on things a little. I am cheap, what can I say?

 

[erikthewise]

I find it extremely strange that the new pricing structure for tickets and passes included DC discounts, and a month later DC is killed. It seems that the decision makers weren't even aware of what each other was doing.

I guess we can expect a new pricing structure sometime in 2003 that doesn't include DC discounts. I wonder if it will include any discounts at all?

 

[crazy4wdw]

WOW! This is extremely puzzling. Why would Disney discontinue the Disney Club when attendance at the theme parks is down and hotel occupency rates are also down. It seems if they are intent on pissing off their repeat customers. I just received a call this morning from someone at the WDW executive offices regarding my e-mail complaining about the discounts being suspended on the 4 and 5 day park hopper passes. She left a message on my voice mail and offered to refund my Disney Club dues which I paid in August. I will return her call in the morning - it will be interesting to see what her are comments are regarding this new twist on things. Boy, I hope this does not mean that AP discounts may also be discontinued!

 

[dansyr]

I just e-mailed guest services. Maybe if many of us doing this expressing that they may not return to Disney or stay off-site instead, they may re-consider. You can always have hope , right??

 

[Hayley]

It appears to have worked with EE! Hey, where's that guy kept posting that we were all a bunch of fools for complaining about that!?

 

[epcotfan]

The Disney Club (formerly Magic Kingdom Club) used to be of good value in the early to mid 90s. After that it went completely downhill. It was difficult to get a discounted room and then they had to be booked through WDTC. I've gotten better deals via codes or my annual pass or managers specials. They discontinued discounts on collectibles at the Disney Store and their discount coupons always arrived AFTER they had expired.
Since the Disney stores have turned into kiddie shops (clothes and toys) there is very little reason for me to shop there since I don't have kids. I miss the beautiful collectibles they used to have. I could get a dvd or vhs elsewhere.

The only thing I liked about the Disney Club was the subscription the Disney Magazine. I'm not surprised they are folding.

I wonder how this will affect Amex? I got one since it was the official card of WDW and I could pay my deposits over the phone that way.

 

[crazy4wdw]

epcotfan: It is my understanding that as of today (10/1/02), all of the perks and discounts offered to AMEX cardholders are not longer available. AMEX chose not to renew their sponsorship of the American Adventure at Epcot which expired on 9/30/02. It is rumored that Disney will be offering its own Visa card sometimes in 2003. There is speculation that the discounts offered by the Disney Club may be incoorporated into the Visa Card. By the way, WDW recently changed its policy regarding the cards it accepts over the phone for room deposits. You can now use Visa, Mastercard, and maybe Discover for room deposits over the telephone.

 

[lizzie64]

I also e-mailed my displeasure yesterday.

Anyone know anything about his Visa. What about people that have Disney club memberships and may not qualify for a visa card. That won't be fair to them. That seems like a fix for only some of us.

I too will buy a new membership in December. Mine expires in January. I will be buying an AP and all my tix ahead of time with the dc discount for my May trip. And this way I'll have another year of savings at the disney store and at DD.

 

[epcotfan]

I wonder if this new Disney Visa will be applicable to Canada and other countries? I'm sure there are other folks who won't be happy about having to apply for yet another credit card to receive discounts. Years ago I got an Amex since CRO had not been taking other cards over the phone at that time.

 

[mickeyluv71]

Originally posted by lizzie64
I also e-mailed my displeasure yesterday.

Anyone know anything about his Visa. What about people that have Disney club memberships and may not qualify for a visa card. That won't be fair to them. That seems like a fix for only some of us.

I emailed them yesterday and stated this same thing, of course stating that I had only heard about the possible VISA card unofficially. In addition to mentioning those who might not qualify for a VISA card, I mentioned that there are others who for whatever reason opt not to use credit cards. Also, I expressed my concern that in this age of economic instability where bankruptcy commercials and credit counseling services have become practically second-nature I feel the possibility of offerin rewards solely connected to a credit card was extremely irresponsible (I mean, even airlines have other ways...like flying... that you can earn miles so that you don't HAVE to get their partner card to get benefits).

I don't know how much good it will do, but I feel like I did something anyway.

 

[Disneydenise]

I just recieved an email this morning and it seems that they are going to replace the DC witha rewards CC. I guess the folks that purchase things at the DS will be out of luck ut the CC rewards will be nice for those who can pay the balance each month. Just what I need another CC. My husband will e thrilled when we were ifrst married he use to joke that he married me for my credit rating.

 

[Tess]

The Wallstreet Journal reported last week about the Disney VISA card. It indicated there would be perks associated with the card including skymiles on Delta (I believe) and points earned toward future Disney stays. The more money spent using the card, the more "reward" points for future stays. I'm not sure how all of this will translate to $$$ savings on resorts stays, merchandise, etc., but it would appear more than just a rumor if WSJ is reporting it as so. VISA will now be the "official" card of WDW.

I didn't personally read the WSJ article, my husband was relaying what he had read--guess I'll have to scrounge around and find the paper to read it for myself.

I'm not sure how I feel about DC ending. I'll miss my "free" subscription to The Disney Mag, but it's not like I can't get that one on my own. I agree with the kids' store comment--now that they sell predominantly kid sized clothing, at least in our area, I don't shop there often any longer either. I don't shop while at WDW and rarely go to DTD where I'd get the discounts anyway.

I use the AP discounts on resort, full service lunches, and dinner shows with greater frequency. Now, that said, it was nice to get that resort discount early and rebook later when AP rates and/or codes were issued. At least you got some kind of discount in the event the others weren't offered. Then again, I dislike intensely using the WDTC to book.

If, in fact, the 800 #s are rescinded--that will be a loss. Although there is an 800 # that isn't to the WDTC. Hopefully that won't go by the wayside as well!

Ambivalent, I guess, best decribes my feelings in the closure.

 

[Trekker]

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