Disney's Long Term DVC Strategy

[Girlstar30]

Last summer when we were at DL they were checking receipts and asking if we wanted bags.

Oh good i definitely would want bags

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

How do you do it? Do you shop in the store and then scan the items with your phone? And then send you a receipt thru email? Is the discount 20% or 10%?

Yeah in the app, press the button at the bottom and it says Merchandise Mobile Checkout. I usually shop for everything I want first and find a surface to put everything and organize myself. Then scan your items and add them to your virtual cart (if you’re logged in to your account it automatically adds the discount), follow the prompts to pay, you get a QR code and then you’re supposed to go to the designated Mobile Checkout kiosks near some of the exits and a CM “scans” you out and gives you whatever bags or packaging you need. You’ll get a receipt emailed after. Discount % I guess depends on what you have associated with your account. I assume it automatically adds the highest discount you have available if you have multiple discounts outlets.

 

[Girlstar30]

Yeah in the app, press the button at the bottom and it says Merchandise Mobile Checkout. I usually shop for everything I want first and find a surface to put everything and organize myself. Then scan your items and add them to your virtual cart (if you’re logged in to your account it automatically adds the discount), follow the prompts to pay, you get a QR code and then you’re supposed to go to the designated Mobile Checkout kiosks near some of the exits and a CM “scans” you out and gives you whatever bags or packaging you need. You’ll get a receipt emailed after. Discount % I guess depends on what you have associated with your account. I assume it automatically adds the highest discount you have available if you have multiple discounts outlets.

Thanks I am mind blown i didnt know about this before. I always saw the cast members in the little mobile checkout kiosk, but I thought it was something you had to purchase ahead of time or on shop Disney or something. They should advertise it more.

 

[Sandisw]

90-95% of the time I would agree with that as well but if it was new resale member they might not know ie they are a SO of someone on the boards that does all of the research and they just enjoy the vacation but know nothing about how it works.

Since I'm asked if I'm a DVC member I would truthfully answer yes. I would not adlib or say anything else if they ask for verification they could then walk me through how to show that information. If it turns out I don't have the required information on my phone then no discount unless they end up seeing that I could receive a discount through an alternate way such as AP or Visa card.

I have found that more and more CMs ask me if I have any discounts and don’t ask if I am a DVC owner if I don’t mention my discounts first.

Ultimately, though, it does come down to the CM and I have seen them tell guests that they didn’t qualify…

But, if they have decided to give all DVC the discount via mobile check out, then as far as I M concerned, it’s fair for someone to use it!

 

[supercarrie]

Thanks I am mind blown i didnt know about this before. I always saw the cast members in the little mobile checkout kiosk, but I thought it was something you had to purchase ahead of time or on shop Disney or something. They should advertise it more.

The eligible stores at DL generally now have signs throughout encouraging use of mobile checkout. They often have words like “Save time!” on them. When the store lines are long, I have had CMs verbally encourage people to use the mobile checkout feature, too.

The last few times I have been at DL, I have often had a brief wait at the mobile checkout area, so seems like word is getting out that it is a good option.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I don't see how I could make that argument (and I'm not sure anyone on this thread has). But, if I know it gives me a discount to which I am not entitled, I might ireasonably consider that in deciding whether or not to use it going forward. That doesn't necessarily mean I won't use it, but it's a factor I would weigh.

I started out as a Y-card member so I don't have a particular dog in the fight, but I think it would be deeply unfair to ask someone not to use mobile order or mobile merchandise checkout because Disney included a discount that they should not have. (In case it matters, I'm also a DIS shareholder and probably still down bad from where I purchased it, lol)

Disney has the tools to shut it down easily if they want to and DVC direct members are not hurt by non-direct members having access to the perk (unlike, ahem, commercial renting and walking where one person's gain is another member's loss)--I suppose shareholders are taking a bit of a hit at scale, but I'm also reasonably certain that Disney is happy with the profit margins even with our affinity discounts.

I have only purchased pins for my kids and a sweatshirt, so I’m not sure about the wrapping. Basically what I recall is that you use MDE to scan your items and pay (you have to be in the store), you bag them, and you walk out! It is crazy fast! I feel like they have bags specifically for mobile checkouts?

During the original rollout, you had to go to a CM to confirm checkout before leaving the store-- I tried it last year, couldn't find the CM and overall found the experience stressful, but it sounds like maybe it's gotten better since then.

The eligible stores at DL generally now have signs throughout encouraging use of mobile checkout. They often have words like “Save time!” on them. When the store lines are long, I have had CMs verbally encourage people to use the mobile checkout feature, too.

The last few times I have been at DL, I have often had a brief wait at the mobile checkout area, so seems like word is getting out that it is a good option.

Ok, so I wasn't crazy that there is some sort of final in person step to the mobile checkout process. I can actually picture where the mobile CM is in Star Trader.

 

[eticketplease]

(In case it matters, I'm also a DIS shareholder and probably still down bad from where I purchased it, lol)

It was up quite a bit yesterday from the Lilo & stitch movie news over Memorial Day weekend

 

[supercarrie]

During the original rollout, you had to go to a CM to confirm checkout before leaving the store-- I tried it last year, couldn't find the CM and overall found the experience stressful, but it sounds like maybe it's gotten better since then.


Ok, so I wasn't crazy that there is some sort of final in person step to the mobile checkout process. I can actually picture where the mobile CM is in Star Trader.

Yes, there is still the final step of having a CM scan your QR code and offering to bag up your items. Depending on the store, they are either positioned well (right at the exit, as you would expect) or some random place in the middle of the store (I'm looking at you. World of Disney). Either way, the signage seems to have improved compared to last year.

I think for someone buying multiple items, it feels stressful. I have to stop to the side, place all my stuff down, individually scan every item, pick them back up again, and walk to the mobile checkout area only to have to pull up a QR code while juggling holding everything. Since there are no defined areas to stop and scan your items, in a crowded store I often feel like I am just in the way of people browsing. For one item though, it is usually a better experience.

 

[Patmcpsu]

It may be in Disney's best interest to encourage more "tap to pay" transactions (be it magic bands, smart watch, phone, room key). That would allow for the appropriate discounts to apply automatically without the need for discussions and app swiping.

This would do six things (five of which are good for Disney and one is bad):

1. Disney could raise the price of everything by $1 and offset with a $1 "tap to pay" discount. Effectively making $1 from every time a physical credit card is used.
2. More efficient lines, theoretically less labor required per transaction.
3. Increase sales of Magic Bands.
4. Create a "casino chip" mindset where people are less aware of the fact they're spending actual dollars.
5. Less people would be getting discounts they aren't entitled to.
6. The bad thing: Less discounts will be missed due to forgetfulness, hassle, urgency, etc.

You could say that would be an unnecessarily complicated system, but Disney has unnecessarily complicated discount schemes.

 

[Girlstar30]

I started out as a Y-card member so I don't have a particular dog in the fight, but I think it would be deeply unfair to ask someone not to use mobile order or mobile merchandise checkout because Disney included a discount that they should not have. (In case it matters, I'm also a DIS shareholder and probably still down bad from where I purchased it, lol)

Disney has the tools to shut it down easily if they want to and DVC direct members are not hurt by non-direct members having access to the perk (unlike, ahem, commercial renting and walking where one person's gain is another member's loss)--I suppose shareholders are taking a bit of a hit at scale, but I'm also reasonably certain that Disney is happy with the profit margins even with our affinity discounts.

During the original rollout, you had to go to a CM to confirm checkout before leaving the store-- I tried it last year, couldn't find the CM and overall found the experience stressful, but it sounds like maybe it's gotten better since then.


Ok, so I wasn't crazy that there is some sort of final in person step to the mobile checkout process. I can actually picture where the mobile CM is in Star Trader.

Exactly. Im not going to stop using mobile order, that is ridiculous. Why should I be punished for a discount placed on my account that I didnt ask for and dont even need.

I also didnt know about the merch option before but im going to try it and if I like it im going to keep using it whether there's a discount or not. People act like its worth the effort to constantly be digging for 1 or 2 dollars off a mobile order meal Now if the discount was 30% plus I would probably be digging for that

 

[Girlstar30]

It may be in Disney's best interest to encourage more "tap to pay" transactions (be it magic bands, smart watch, phone, room key). That would allow for the appropriate discounts to apply automatically without the need for discussions and app swiping.

This would do six things (five of which are good for Disney and one is bad):

1. Disney could raise the price of everything by $1 and offset with a $1 "tap to pay" discount. Effectively making $1 from every time a physical credit card is used.
2. More efficient lines, theoretically less labor required per transaction.
3. Increase sales of Magic Bands.
4. Create a "casino chip" mindset where people are less aware of the fact they're spending actual dollars.
5. Less people would be getting discounts they aren't entitled to.
6. The bad thing: Less discounts will be missed due to forgetfulness, hassle, urgency, etc.

You could say that would be an unnecessarily complicated system, but Disney has unnecessarily complicated discount schemes.

I really dislike when they use colors instead of listing the pricing on the item. Some merch says purple, green, etc. I guess that could work for some, but i just look at the price on the board and if its too expensive its a no, seems unnecessary

 

[eticketplease]

It may be in Disney's best interest to encourage more "tap to pay" transactions (be it magic bands, smart watch, phone, room key). That would allow for the appropriate discounts to apply automatically without the need for discussions and app swiping.

This would do six things (five of which are good for Disney and one is bad):

1. Disney could raise the price of everything by $1 and offset with a $1 "tap to pay" discount. Effectively making $1 from every time a physical credit card is used.
2. More efficient lines, theoretically less labor required per transaction.
3. Increase sales of Magic Bands.
4. Create a "casino chip" mindset where people are less aware of the fact they're spending actual dollars.
5. Less people would be getting discounts they aren't entitled to.
6. The bad thing: Less discounts will be missed due to forgetfulness, hassle, urgency, etc.

You could say that would be an unnecessarily complicated system, but Disney has unnecessarily complicated discount schemes.

So I am now penalized for using a physical card even though I can use "tap to pay"?

What about Disney Gift Cards? Grandma has given DGD or DGS a card and it has just enough after tax to cover the doll or toy but now the $1 fee comes in and they can't use their gift card to pay for the entire transaction? Yes I realize someone could step in and pay the difference but it is a big deal for kids to be able to buy things themselves.
For years Disney provided free magicbands for guests staying at WDW properties although they now charge for them. Although Disney I'm sure would love to sell more I don't thing a $1 fee on every transaction is a motivating factor to spur on more sales but I certainly could be wrong.

PS make sure you grab the 70th card design for you Chase Visa Holders!!

 

[eticketplease]

I really dislike when they use colors instead of listing the pricing on the item. Some merch says purple, green, etc. I guess that could work for some, but i just look at the price on the board and if its too expensive its a no, seems unnecessary

I understand why they do that but I'm not a fan either.
There are many people that are color blind.
I don't remember do they say silver/pink/etc on the package along with the color to help those in need of assistance?

 

[PolyRob]

I really dislike when they use colors instead of listing the pricing on the item. Some merch says purple, green, etc. I guess that could work for some, but i just look at the price on the board and if its too expensive its a no, seems unnecessary

I figured Disney did this so it could change prices without relabeling everything? I guess it could also help trick people into buying something without realizing how much it actually costs?

I understand why they do that but I'm not a fan either.
There are many people that are color blind.
I don't remember do they say silver/pink/etc on the package along with the color to help those in need of assistance?

Yes, the words are included in the color.

 

[Girlstar30]

I understand why they do that but I'm not a fan either.
There are many people that are color blind.
I don't remember do they say silver/pink/etc on the package along with the color to help those in need of assistance?

Yes they do at least

 

[Girlstar30]

I figured Disney did this so it could change prices without relabeling everything? I guess it could also help trick people into buying something without realizing how much it actually costs?


Yes, the words are included in the color.

Perhaps your right, I thought they were trying to do the whole casino chip trick lol maybe a bit of both

 

[Cfabar1]

A few things:

MagicBands have become a mess... They have become starved of innovation, and it feels to me Disney can't decide what they want to do with them...

If Disney is loading discounts in for certain members, I guess that is the discount they are entitled to - especially if it is a tranche of users and not an isolated incident. It wouldn't surprise me if Disney is aware of this "loophole" such as it were, and has decided it isn't worth the financial cost of fixing it... As a DVC-BY or whatever its called member, it doesn't really impact me, but I would say if you are shown in the computer as eligible, then you're eligible.

I also don't know what practices are required. I remember I used to shop in a store that "required" the use of a coupon to get a discount. Some sales associates always kept a copy of the current coupon around and would apply it without the customer asking. Other sales associates would apply the coupon if asked. Other associates would not have the coupon on hand. This would vary from location to location, and clearly management had some discretion. If you had the higher tier of the store credit card, the coupon would be applied automatically. If a failed department store could have your consumer data stored in such a way, surely the Walt Disney Company could find a way to automatically apply discounts based on a customer profile instead of the cumbersome process they have now...

 

[Patmcpsu]

MagicBands have become a mess... They have become starved of innovation, and it feels to me Disney can't decide what they want to do with them...

The Apple Watch made Magic Bands somewhat outdated. The only practical use of Magic Bands is for kids who don't have a smartphone/smartwatch yet.

Apple Watches start at $250, and have tons of other features that make it worthwhile outside of Disney. Aside from novelty, it makes it hard for an adult to justify spending $50+ on a Magic Band which can only be used a few times out of the year.

That's why Disney treats Magic Bands as either:

1. A kiddy toy
2. A novelty to extract money from diehard fans

I don't see how Disney can mainstream Magic Bands without making their own smartwatch. A Disney collaboration with Apple/Samsung would be fun, but that's a lot of risk/effort for something that most people won't be interested in.

 

[tx911]

The Apple Watch made Magic Bands somewhat outdated. The only practical use of Magic Bands is for kids who don't have a smartphone/smartwatch yet.

Apple Watches start at $250, and have tons of other features that make it worthwhile outside of Disney. Aside from novelty, it makes it hard for an adult to justify spending $50+ on a Magic Band which can only be used a few times out of the year.

That's why Disney treats Magic Bands as either:

1. A kiddy toy
2. A novelty to extract money from diehard fans

I don't see how Disney can mainstream Magic Bands without making their own smartwatch. A Disney collaboration with Apple/Samsung would be fun, but that's a lot of risk/effort for something that most people won't be interested in.

I don’t wear an Apple Watch, and find the convenience of magic bands wonderful.
IIRC, you also cannot use the Apple Watch to access your room, as you can with magic bands.

 

[eticketplease]

The Apple Watch made Magic Bands somewhat outdated. The only practical use of Magic Bands is for kids who don't have a smartphone/smartwatch yet.

Apple Watches start at $250, and have tons of other features that make it worthwhile outside of Disney. Aside from novelty, it makes it hard for an adult to justify spending $50+ on a Magic Band which can only be used a few times out of the year.

That's why Disney treats Magic Bands as either:

1. A kiddy toy
2. A novelty to extract money from diehard fans

I don't see how Disney can mainstream Magic Bands without making their own smartwatch. A Disney collaboration with Apple/Samsung would be fun, but that's a lot of risk/effort for something that most people won't be interested in.

The apple watch pretty much requires one to have an iPhone to be useful. You can't load MDE ticket information to the watch without first having an iPhone.

So your $250 cost increases quite a bit to do what you are proposing.

Absolutely you could use the watch at other places where the magic band is only good at Disney.

I have had to email photopass to have ride photos added when they didn't show up from me just wearing my Apple Watch.

With my magicband I have not missed any photos.
Also magicbands continue to work to allow me to buy things, scan into my room/park/LL without having to worry about it dying (MB+ Continue to do all of this even if not charged)
After all of the steps and other notifications that come to my watch it dies rather quickly and then I wouldn't be able to scan into my next lightning lane without using a phone or physical card key.

And as @tx911 pointed out I would not be able to get into my room.