Do we deserve to be treated differently?

[madelinesmum]

Here's some food for thought;

Do families that go to WDW regularly deserve special perks?
I'm not talking about FL residents that can drop in every weekend, I'm talking about those of us who travel a good distance and come more than once a year. Those of us who don't go anywhere else on vacation, should we have perks?

Putting on my flame retardant suit before I submit so please, let's just hear your humble opinion and be easy on me.
I'm not saying that this should or shouldn't be the case, just want your thoughts and feelings on the subject.

 

[madelinesmum]

anyone want to chime in?

 

[trypnotic]

It's been a side thought of mine too, actually. Once my wife was asked by a CM to participate in a survey after being asked how many times we had come to visit. My first thought was, well, what'd she get out of the deal? Alas, nothing came of it

 

[DISshopkeeper]

I don't think there would be any harm in a program similar to frequent flier programs... Maybe discounts or something.... And I am NOT a frequent visitor! (Tho I wish I were!)

 

[willis37862]

I don't think there would be any harm in a program similar to frequent flier programs... Maybe discounts or something.... And I am NOT a frequent visitor! (Tho I wish I were!)

I could see that too. Or a frequent shopper card I could really go for one of those.

 

[PoohJen]

I'm all for a little bit of customer loyalty recognition! A discount would be nice!!! A few years ago I spent well over $10,000 on Disney, and I couldn't even get a late checkout during a hurricane!!! (tweren't nobody going nowhere, and nobody coming in!)

I have to say, I spend A LOT of my money on Disney (WDW and/or Disney Cruise Line) every year, and I (probably like ANYONE about to put a deposit down with Disney) get discouraged by the exhorbitant, increased prices every year. But I am the first to admit, I pay the premium because I love the Disney product.

Also, repeat cruisers get a little break in price IF they rebook while on board. And they get fun little perks next time they cruise (after your first cruise, you are a member of the "Castaway Club" and get a special member reception and little (nice!) gifts on your future cruises.


Treat me nicer than the next guy vacationing with Disney? No way! But offering me a little more bang for my returning buck would go a long way.

 

[MomofKatie]

People that go to WDW several times a year would probably purchase APs- there are several perks associated with them. AP holders have room discounts available most seasons, and they can get the DDE card which saves them 20% at most TS dining locations (and discounts on merchandise, I think?).

 

[flyinglizard]

No flames here...

I agree, for those families who return year after year, for more than just a couple days should be given at least some sort of "thank you" for loyalty.

 

[madelinesmum]

I do agree that we should not be treated differently as far as guest treatment goes, however........some sort of frequent guest program would be nice. I think the AP is more for people who are certain they are returning within the year, although we have since 2005, we are never certain that we will be able to.
Plus, with this deal we just got, there's not way the AP would have saved me a dime.

 

[disneyag]

It would be nice to have a "frequent flier" program like all the large hotel chains have. At Hilton or Marriott, etc, a return guest can earn perks like upgrades, etc. Why not at Disney?

 

[shellybaxter]

This is just my opinion, but why would Disney need to have a frequent vistor program? Airlines do this in order to encourage travelers to use their airline. Disney doen't need to attract customers, they appear to be doing just fine with reports of record breaking attendence. Disney is a business. Why would they give perks to the people who have proved through their actions that they will continue to be loyal customers.

That being said, I travel to Disney a minimum of 20 days per year. I feel that I do get a few perks. I can buy an annual pass which makes my park entrance cheaper. Because I have an annual pass I can also buy a DDE card which gives me a discount on food and drink.

 

[Buzz Litebeer]

Do families that go to WDW regularly deserve special perks?

No.

We strive to give all of our guests the same world-class Guest Service.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

The opinions and comments in the above post do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates. This post was written while off the clock and off WDW property. Any information or advice in the above post is subject to change at any time without notice and should not, if ever, be taken seriously by anyone. All rights reserved. Your mileage may vary. Offer is valid only at participating locations. Many will enter, few will win. If this post begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter and cover head. Guarantee void in Tennessee.

 

[marivaid]

It'd be nice to have a frequent guest program. Other than that, I don't think there should be an "upper class" at Disney - every guest should be treated the same no matter how much they spend.

 

[Lynne M]

Some sort of loyalty program would be nice, but it's not likely to happen. Loyalty programs are marketing tools. As shellybaxter said, airlines and hotels offer frequent flyer programs to 'bind' people to their company, and make them keep coming back, instead of going to a competing airline or hotel chain. Disney has no need to do that.

In effect, by being regular visitors, you're telling Disney that they don't need to offer you any special perks/deals - you'll come anyway.

From a business perspective, it's smarter to offer your best deals to new customers, to get them to try your product, in hopes that they'll become regular customers.

There are ways to recognize customer loyalty in small ways, though. Since they track the number of times you've visited, I could see them givng guests a special '10th visit' pin, or a '5th visit' t-shirt, or something like that.

 

[Rescue Ranger]

Maybe something like a special collector pin or something, but beyond that I wouldn’t say they should do that. Plus, they already do some special things like returning guest rate specials, that you book again when you leave.

I dont like going to Disney too often, it makes that next trip down that much more exciting, adventurous and special.

 

[brenda1966]

AP holders get little perks. People staying onsite get little perks. Disney Visa holders get little perks. Notice I said "little". I do wish the perks were a bit bigger.

But do I want to see a class system at Disney? No, I want each and every guest to be treated like they are the most important guest that day.

 

[madelinesmum]

I don't mean a class system, heck we are as middle class as we get. I agree with the loyalty pin or something of that nature.

 

[heimlichfan]

It's a sticky topic...

If any of us were going to The World for the first time we would want the exact same treatment/perks/experience as everyone else...

However, for those of us who are Disney fanatics and spend a great deal of time spreading Disney magic (aka getting other people to go there) and spending our vacation time (and money) at WDW would love a little extra.

You know Disney tracks people's visits and what not, how cool would it be to have even something small like a little postcard in your Welcome folder with a coupon for a free Dole Whip or something (we did say little perks!) that says "thanks for coming back?"

I guess I just want The World to love me as much as I love it!

 

[Princess April]

I am totally all for a little special recondnition for "frequesnt visitors" but being a Floridian I must say.... Florida is a big state. When we lived in Miami it wasn't like we could jump into the car when ever we wanted to a "drive over" to Disney. ( A 5 hour trip, one way, would be one heck of a drive ) I am VERY lucky to live much closer to the Mouse house now... only about 30 mins. away, but I do know tons of my local friends that haven't been in years.... Remember it costs lots of $$$$$ for us to go too! ..... Just a locals opinion tho....