Disney YES Program Open to non-groups

[5forDiz]

Just a quick note. My sister actually works for the education programs and they are getting very strict. I am reading several things on here that Disney does not want you to do.

She told me that she's cancelled tickets for 9 families in the past week because they did not show up to their class then they came to the window angry that the ticket didn't work.

She also said that they have people signing up for after their trip and of course never attending, they are blacklisted.

They are going to be restricting individual enrollment to children that can participate in the programs in the near future because too many people are using these tickets for younger children for which programs are not available. It is only available for immediate family so an aunt can't take her nephew etc.

This is very sad. It takes a lot of time and money to plan these things and they are just going to waste. Also people have not been able to attend because someone bought the tickets and will skip out on the event.

Not disputing what your sister told you but at this present time some of this information you are stating in your post could be misunderstood by people who are new to this thread :

~ there is absolutely nothing on the registration forms that states the adult(s) listed must be the parents of children listed. If mom & aunt & 2 kids are listed for purchase of tickets, aunt can take the kids. ( and I am not a legal eagle but somehow I doubt Disney will set down any kind of rule stating an adult who isn't the parent can't accompany the child; it would open them up to a situation where a person can bring a legal challenge on what constitutes a 'family', some children may not have parent(s) or parent able to attend or the child could also be raised by other family members ).

~ If the number of adults is more than number of children then those additional adults would not be eligible to purchase tickets anyhow (ie if grandparents are on the trip along with both of the child's parents the grandparents cannot get discounted YES tickets too) Except for an only child, then YES will allow 2 adults to purchase.

And the YES registration also permits additional kids tickets to be purchased even if they aren't attending class; parents are not being misleading in any way or taking advantage by adding on kids that will not attend class.

 

[Elianor]

I will have to call and talk to someone. We are planning on doing this in September because my daughter found out about the oceans class and got VERY excited. We just assumed reading the information on the website that only she and the attending adult (probably her father) would be eligible for reduced tickets and that my son (who is only 3) and I would have to pay full price.

I know that people have bought the passes and not attended the class, if you look at the beginning of the thread there were people talking about doing that very thing.

Obviously it's a problem that needed correcting. My daughter is thrilled to be able to take a class at DisneyWorld and I am excited that she will get to do an activity that she wants to do and I get a savings on her tickets...but I can easily see where people would abuse this offer.

 

[otterpop]

Disney is giving us discounted tickets for attending their classes. Wouldn't it make logical sense then if you can't attend the class, then you shouldn't get discounted tickets?

I think we all agree that things happen, and if they do, then simply return your tickets for a refund and purchase regular tickets...

I honestly think that Disney should charge you the difference in cost for the discounted tickets versus the regular price tickets for not attending and they should include that stipulation in the class reg process.

There are always people who try to take advantage of a good thing and eventually they ruin it for everyone else...

Otter

 

[tlenzendorf]

Disney is giving us discounted tickets for attending their classes. Wouldn't it make logical sense then if you can't attend the class, then you shouldn't get discounted tickets?

I think we all agree that things happen, and if they do, then simply return your tickets for a refund and purchase regular tickets...

I honestly think that Disney should charge you the difference in cost for the discounted tickets versus the regular price tickets for not attending and they should include that stipulation in the class reg process.

There are always people who try to take advantage of a good thing and eventually they ruin it for everyone else...

Otter

I mostly agree with that. The issue then becomes if they have a whole bunch no show or whatever then you may not have full classes, which could jeopardize the program. If parents know that the worst that can happen if they no show is they get charged full price, the ones who are wishy washy about going don't have a strong reason to show up. I'm not exactly sure what the solution is to make sure they show up. Maybe charge them the full ticket cost plus a no show penalty?

 

[mellers]

On the West Coast, we've had a problem different from the no-show problem--not being able to show because the class is cancelled! My daughter wanted to go to the Physics class at Disneyland over Midwinter Break, and it was cancelled due to low attendance--I was very surprised. It was nice that they honored the discounted tickets, but she was so sad she didn't get to go.

 

[mill4023]

I mostly agree with that. The issue then becomes if they have a whole bunch no show or whatever then you may not have full classes, which could jeopardize the program. If parents know that the worst that can happen if they no show is they get charged full price, the ones who are wishy washy about going don't have a strong reason to show up. I'm not exactly sure what the solution is to make sure they show up. Maybe charge them the full ticket cost plus a no show penalty?

The difference in cost between the discounted tickets and regular gate prices is pretty big. I think it's big enough to get most people to show up.

We saved about $120 per ticket and bought 7 tickets, so there's no way we'd be no-shows!

 

[PEANUT1]

I am so excited that our class is full I guess that means it won't get cancelled

 

[ugadog99]

I have a question about canceled classes. I have a feeling that the class my DD is planning on taking may be a canceled one. It's a physics class for the older kids. I'm not sure that will be such a popular class for the older teens in July! For those of you who have had classes canceled, how far out is that decision made and how did you find out it was cacnceled?

 

[torinsmom]

This is the most mean-spirited thing I have ever heard and I can't believe Disney is doing this to people. What if those people really did have a sick child? What if they couldn't find the phone number to call in? To pay all that money and have the tickets cancelled!!!

Why punish the kids because of something the parents did? That is not Disney!

If a person buys the tickets under one set of rules and then they change the rules after you have paid your money that is fraud. If it happened to me I would sue them because I had bought the tickets under the first set of rules. Nowhere does it say the tickets will be cancelled if you don't show up! I would not have bought the tickets if I had seen something so mean.

Why don't they have waiting lists or some other plan in case a child doesn't show up?

If you really have a sick child, you call the number that will be sent to you in an email closer to the date of your class and explain the situation. Then you take your child to urgent care or the CVS Minute Clinic and keep the documentation. This is what we did last year when DS got sick. I would have never just not showed up, but I also wouldn't have brought him to the class with a fever and throwing up. If you think you might forget the number, write it on the discount tickets you got--I bet you wont forget them.

Even when I bought our tickets last year, there was a disclaimer on the site that discount tickets were for those who attended the class and their immediate family. You had to check a box saying you understood this agreement. People that cheat the system mess things up for everyone.

You call the morning of the class(or don't call) and someone is supposed to be sitting around waiting to see if they get a call from the wait list? You can't get tickets unless your child is signed up for a class, so I guess those people would just have to show up at WDW and hope someone doesn't show up.

 

[Cierese]

Just a quick note. My sister actually works for the education programs and they are getting very strict. I am reading several things on here that Disney does not want you to do.

She told me that she's cancelled tickets for 9 families in the past week because they did not show up to their class then they came to the window angry that the ticket didn't work.

She also said that they have people signing up for after their trip and of course never attending, they are blacklisted.

They are going to be restricting individual enrollment to children that can participate in the programs in the near future because too many people are using these tickets for younger children for which programs are not available. It is only available for immediate family so an aunt can't take her nephew etc.

This is very sad. It takes a lot of time and money to plan these things and they are just going to waste. Also people have not been able to attend because someone bought the tickets and will skip out on the event.

I know, that's what was on the page when we registered and that's why I didn't sign up my niece or nephew to begin with. I was told, however that a grandparent counted as an immediate family member and could take his grandchildren (who just happen to be my niece and nephew). Our issue is that my niece who will be turning 8 less than a month after our trip can not attend the same class as her cousins are taking due to a few weeks difference in age. I'm not fighting it. Rules are Rules and I do my best to abide by them. I was just told by the person working that this was ok. When I called, I expected to get an answer like this, "First of all your tickets are already paid for and second you can not register a 7 yr old up for a class and not pay for an adult to accompany. Besides, tickets are not exchangeable, refundable or transferable, etc." In this case, they are only charging us for two more tickets. She is NOT attending the class with her cousins. To be honest, after reading so much on this board about how people are trying to get around the rules, I was surprised that they are still running this program. I just hope they start cracking down and blacklisting those who aren't following the rules. I have no idea why a kid wouldn't want to participate in something extra special at Disney. Something tells me some of those kids had no clue they were even signed up or that the program even exists. I do feel though, that Disney isn't losing any money on these tickets and even if they were they are more than made up for in the spending of food, gifts, etc. I don't know. I just don't like it when folks abuse the system, it ruins it for those who do it the right way and actually benefit from it.

 

[threebeesatdisney]

Honestly that what I think should be done as well. Or sadly do not give discounted tickets at all. I would pay the full price ticket plus the $26.00 class fee as i think the class will be a great experiance. I am so excited to learn about photography at Disney

I was thrilled to death to learn about the YES program and when I asked my daughter about taking the photography class she was so excited! I am so sad that people always abuse the system. It ruins it for others who truly want to learn. I mean how COOL is it that we are going to learn from Disney Castmembers and JOSTENS photographers! Awesome! Please Disney don't let the terrible people ruin it for the rest of us! I honestly can't wait to attend the class and was excited that I could join my daughter.

 

[Cierese]

Well, I just went through the site to do a 'mock registration' but didn't finish it. It has CHANGED!! Now it says this:
---------------------------------------------------
Welcome to Disney Youth Education Series Individual Enrollment 2011!

Please provide the first names and ages of students/youth, who will be participating in the programs.

Provide the name of the primary Adult registrant.

You can enter the names of up to three (3) additional adult/chaperones in your group ‐ immediate family members and adult chaperones only. Important: You cannot register more adults than there are students except for two parents of one child. (e.g. If there are two students you can register no more than two adults).

You must enter each person's name that you will be purchasing tickets for on this page and you must purchase a ticket for each person listed.

Please check box to certify you have read and understand this message.

 

[Cierese]

After entering names, ages, etc... next page says this:
---------------------------------------------------

Disney Youth Education Series Individual Enrollment Packages

Select your program(s) and indicate which participants will attend each program. Please note student age limits when making your program selections.

Each participant will receive one program included in their ticket package (non-transferable). For additional program selections $26.00 per person per program will be added to the total cost. You cannot transfer a program credit from one person to another, any person registered for a second program will be charged for additional programs.

You may not have more adults attending a program than students, except for the case of two parents with an only child.

Note: Next you will be making ticket package selections.

Please check box to certify you have read and understand this message.



---------------------------------------------------

These are the ages I used... Assuming one parent, one other adult and 4 kids, 1 not right age group:
Everyday Chemistry 06-15-2011 Ages 9 - 15 08:45
Lucy Diamond Semolina Pilchard john (1) george (9)
paul (14) ringo (11)

 

[Cierese]

after picking who will attend, the next page is this:
-------------------------------------------



Disney Youth Education Series Individual Enrollment Packages

Premium Packages: For the ultimate in flexibility, select the Premium Package. This package offers admission to all four Disney Theme Parks and includes the Park Hopper privileges with additional Fun visits to: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (excluding special events) and/or DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Park. Package includes 1 Disney Youth Education Series Program.

Park Hopper® Packages: The Park Hopper Packages include admission to all four Disney Theme Parks with the opportunity to visit multiple parks on the same day, as many times as you like. Package includes 1 Disney Youth Education Series Program.

Starter Packages: The Starter Package includes one admission per day to any one Walt Disney World® Resort Theme Park for the number of days on the selected package (1 park per day). Starter packages do not include park hopping privileges. Packages include 1 Disney Youth Education Series Program.

Each package includes 1 Disney Youth Education Series Program.
One-day ticket is only available to Florida residents.
Additional programs can be arranged and purchased using this form for an additional fee of $26.00 per person per program.
Transportation to the Disney Youth Education Series Program is the responsibility of the adult chaperon.
Participation in scheduled Disney Youth Education Series Program is required to utilize the Disney Youth Education Series discounted packages. Disney Youth Group Programs reserves the right to void ticket packages without notice if the student does not attend the scheduled Disney Youth Education Series Program.
Ticket packages may be ordered for up to 6 students and 4 adults - no more than one adult ticket per participating student.
Water parks are subject to seasonal or weather closures.
Prices are subject to change without notice at any time.
Registration Fees and tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-upgradeable. This program is limited to Domestic U.S., Canada, & Puerto Rico youth and adult chaperons only.
Some activities/events at Walt Disney World® Theme Parks may be separately priced. Programs are available on a first come, first serve basis and are subject to closure if capacity is reached. If sufficient reservations to operate a program are not reached, the program may be cancelled.
Please check box to certify you have read and understand this message.

 

[sz'smom]

My complaint is how Disney is doing this. Changing the rules is fine... but changing them for people who bought nonrefundable tickets AFTER they bought them is not fine. The new rules should be for the people who buy them from now on. Now everyone knows if anything happens, your tickets will be cancelled. Are they even refunding the money? no one said. We don't even know the rules because we on this website are guessing and using rumor. Why doesn't Disney send out an email to everyone?

Also, not letting any of us know the rules had changed seems like Disney is trying to catch them doing something wrong and then punishing them (maybe as an example to everyone else?) That does not seem to be the Disney way of dealing with people in a straightforward manner.

Yes I know people are abusing the YES program but why does Disney have to stoop to their level and do it THIS way?

 

[Cierese]

at the bottom of the previous page it asks how many of what tickets. It would only let me select up to 6 tickets at any level. I chose 3 of one type and 3 of another..... I tried to put in 8 in one, but I got a note saying 6 was the max. And it only shows you can purchase up to 8 day tix.

Anyway.. the next page was just the page that says the total and telling me I had to pick them up will-call. I closed out after that.

 

[GinnyEmma]

My complaint is how Disney is doing this. Changing the rules is fine... but changing them for people who bought nonrefundable tickets AFTER they bought them is not fine. The new rules should be for the people who buy them from now on. Now everyone knows if anything happens, your tickets will be cancelled. Are they even refunding the money? no one said. We don't even know the rules because we on this website are guessing and using rumor. Why doesn't Disney send out an email to everyone?

Also, not letting any of us know the rules had changed seems like Disney is trying to catch them doing something wrong and then punishing them (maybe as an example to everyone else?) That does not seem to be the Disney way of dealing with people in a straightforward manner.

Yes I know people are abusing the YES program but why does Disney have to stoop to their level and do it THIS way?

Good grief. If people are on the up and up, they have no worries. If they aren't then they brought it upon themselves when they bought tickets based on attending. I can't imagine why you are so concerned if you are planning to keep your committment.

disney isn't doing anything to people. people are reaping the benefits of their behavior. Making them out to be victims is ridiculous.

 

[Cierese]

So... I pulled out my confirmation paper work from the tickets I purchased in April. There is a paragraph that reads as follows:




Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. This program is limited to Domestic US groups only and orders are subject to validation before approval. Specially-priced Theme Park tickets of 10 or more, must be reserved in advance, and are valid 7 days prior to arrival until 7 days after group's main departure date (theme park tickets only). Some activities/events at Walt Disney World Theme Parks may be separately prices. All parks, attractions, tickets and other items described in this website and accompanying collateral and all prices, operating hours, age requirements, and other terms for such items may be changed or discontinued without notice and without liability. The owners of the Walt Disney World Resort reserve the right to refuse admittance to any persons, and shall not be liable for non-utilization of ticket components or loss of recreational opportunities due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather, special events or any circumstance beyond the owner's control.

 

[Cierese]

I am so excited that our class is full I guess that means it won't get cancelled

That's awesome!! I hope our's fills up as well!!

 

[torinsmom]

So... I pulled out my confirmation paper work from the tickets I purchased in April. There is a paragraph that reads as follows:




Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. This program is limited to Domestic US groups only and orders are subject to validation before approval. Specially-priced Theme Park tickets of 10 or more, must be reserved in advance, and are valid 7 days prior to arrival until 7 days after group's main departure date (theme park tickets only). Some activities/events at Walt Disney World Theme Parks may be separately prices. All parks, attractions, tickets and other items described in this website and accompanying collateral and all prices, operating hours, age requirements, and other terms for such items may be changed or discontinued without notice and without liability. The owners of the Walt Disney World Resort reserve the right to refuse admittance to any persons, and shall not be liable for non-utilization of ticket components or loss of recreational opportunities due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather, special events or any circumstance beyond the owner's control.

There was a blurb on the website when I registered in February that stated that discount tickets are in exchange for attending an educational class. I had to check the box that I understood that. I believe this part has always been there:

"Participation in scheduled Disney Youth Education Series Program is required to utilize the Disney Youth Education Series discounted packages."

The part about voiding tickets may be new, but just the above, IMO, gives WDW the right to take action if there are no-shows.