Frequent Disney goers get what again?

[TigrLvsPooh]

I agree it doesn't seem fair. We've been about 50 times over the last 10 years and we've never been sent a code. Luckily I was able to get a discount using my annual pass... but even with that I had to call every day for about 2 weeks straight since the code came out before I got a resort that I wanted. The first dozen or so times I called they only had AKL... but after checking and rechecking we finally got BC. It's all a big pain in the butt.

 

[johnnyr]

Ok, I just need to vent a bit. Obviously, everyone on this site are frequent Dis goers right? Don't you think that Disney would try and throw us a bone(code) once in a while, especially when we make YEARLY trips? They are NOT hurting over a code, we ALL spend plenty down there. Also, how do they even choose the person. Just a little needed off my chest. Much better now.

I totally agree with every word! I've lost count how many times I have been to WDW on vacation. Yet, time after time, I have never received a code via email or snail mail.

That said, I truely believe the Disney Co. purposly does not have a frequent traveler program because they want you to buy into the Disney Vacation Club. The Vacation Club is a great thing, but not for us. I don't have the big chunk of cash to put out up front and don't want to finanace it. Don't need another monthly payment.

 

[racefanof88]

We have been 10 times in the last 9 years and only got codes 2 times with the last one coming 2 years ago. The problem I had with the codes is they were for a time of year that we don't go.........so..........not any good to me.

 

[TDC Nala]

We don't get much, that's why I bought DVC.

 

[boomhauer]

This type of thread (rightfully so) has been going on for some time and will go on. There are some (including Disney) who claim it's random who gets codes. It's not. Think about it this way:

How many of us know someone that rarely or never goes that got a code? I do.
How many of us that go AT LEAST once a year have never gotten a code? I haven't.

Do the math.

 

[dznyfamily3]

We have visited Disney every year for the last 11 years and were able to go twice the last 3 years with never ever receiving a discount. After reading all the messages on these boards, I used my work email address and my work mailing address to order a DVD. Low and behold, a 20 % off email arrived about a week later. Naturally it is not when we are able to go but I do agree that they are targeting new visitors. What about the thousands we have contributed to the mouse??? I also wonder if they tag your reservervation some how if you continue to call and ask for codes so that you do not receive one?

 

[MRS AR]

It does seem to help receive an offer if you have a DisneyVisa. It isn't the coveted code, but better than the rack rate we used to pay.

 

[grannyminnie]

Like Boomhauer above says..."if they have us, they don't have to woo us"!

 

[Mikelly1221]

Another one here-frequent visitor, long time AP holder, with NO CODE!!

Last May, we stayed 2 nights at a Ft. Wilderness campsite. Had we not done that, it would have been over a whole calendar year since we had last stayed on property (Sept. 2006 I think). However, we made at least 2 additional multinight trips to Disney last year, one in Sept. and one in Nov. Had a blast! We're letting our money do the walking, and it's going offsite! Had we not been able to use my parents' DVC points, we'd be staying offsite for Spring Break too!

Disney can make their changes, and we're making ours. We're not happy about it, but we've gotta do what we've gotta do.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, Seems like us AP holders are the NO CODE getters!! Same story here,been vacationing at WDW for the past 21years(2 or more trips per year)Bought into DVC in 1993.LOVE WDW!! But there REALLY should be SOMETHING for frequent visitors! Joan

 

[CoolPool]

I see some of you are AP holders. There are AP room-only discounts rates quite frequently. Currently FJC and FJG. And historically there are AP rates through summer too. You guys also get the DDE card for food. What kind of extra discount did you want (respectfully speaking)?

I'm a Disneyland AP holder and I always use the AP special discounts at the hotels and I don't complain because its a huge deal compared to the rack rates. In fact I received a special postcard code from DLR last August and it wasn't near as good as the AP special rate (called AP5 at the time).

 

[Mikelly1221]

I see some of you are AP holders. There are AP room-only discounts rates quite frequently. Currently FJC and FJG. And historically there are AP rates through summer too. You guys also get the DDE card for food. What kind of extra discount did you want (respectfully speaking)?

I'm a Disneyland AP holder and I always use the AP special discounts at the hotels and I don't complain because its a huge deal compared to the rack rates. In fact I received a special postcard code from DLR last August and it wasn't near as good as the AP special rate (called AP5 at the time).

I understand your point, and this is just my experience, so take it for what it's worth...this is just one example.

I go every year for my birthday in September. For as long as I can remember (pre 9/11 also), I could call when the AP rates were released and get a standard AP room rate for the 2nd-3rd weekend in September. No problem. Last year was the 1st year in forever that the standard view AP room was not available for my dates. I could have had a preferred view, and thought long and hard about it, but even with the discount, well I could get a better value just offsite. Bigger room, nicer amenities, for the same amount of money. My theory is that the 40% codes released earlier in the year took a lot of the rooms that were just being wasted before. That's why there were no standard views available. With this year's 40% codes out there, and with the new weekend rate increase (that I know is an industry standard), I have a feeling that I'm heading offsite again. I'm not mad (well, a bit sad). They have to take care of business, and I respect that, but I'm going to do what's best for me and mine too.

I know people will say "Book now, and apply the discount when it comes out." Well, there is no guarantee that I will be able to do that. If they don't discount my resort, I'm out of luck! So, yes, the AP codes are out, but they seem to be harder to use and don't give the value they once did. JMO.

 

[SnowWitch]

We've also held AP's for yrs but if you aren't aware of their release within the first few days you can pretty well forget it. I'm a nurse and work 12 hr shifts so if the disocunt is released on my 1st work day I don't get online for 3 straight days. So by day 4 of the discount release.......nothing.

 

[roxy83]

I too have been numerous times and NEVER received anything via email or mail that would give me a % off. It's annoying actually. We spend lots of $$ at Disney and have been recently contemplating DVC. They never throw us anything b/c they know that we are going to keep coming back and spending our $$ there.

 

[mmcguire]

We've been to WDW at least every other year since 1991. We have a Disney Visa, joined all the mailing lists, inquired about DVC, ordered vacation planning DVDs nearly every year, made several reservations at WDW resorts and ultimately cancelled them in favor of a better offers elsewhere.

All told, we've not stayed at a Disney-owned resort since around 1999, so skipping a year in hopes of getting a code doesn't seem to help. Since '99, we've stayed only at the Dolphin and rented homes off-site. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to who gets a code, but there must some kind of criteria we just don't fit.

If I could get a 40% off code, I would be all over staying at a Deluxe, but I refuse to pay rack rates when they've made no attempt to persuade us into staying on-site in 8+ years.

 

[WildernessBride]

Ok, I just need to vent a bit. Obviously, everyone on this site are frequent Dis goers right? Don't you think that Disney would try and throw us a bone(code) once in a while, especially when we make YEARLY trips? They are NOT hurting over a code, we ALL spend plenty down there. Also, how do they even choose the person. Just a little needed off my chest. Much better now.

I am feeling you too!!! Why not give a little back to those (namely us) who give them so much!!!!! $$$$$$$$

 

[larryz]

Strategy tips:
1) Register another identity with Disney using a P.O. Box or your pet's name at the same address *or first initial, middle name; initials only, etcetera
2) Register several emails with Disney
3) Rotate the names and addresses over a few years to make it look like you only go every third or fourth year

I'm guessing (from a marketeer perspective) that if you go more than once every few years you're marked as an afficianado, and are not going to get a code. However, if you don't appear to be there that often, the algorhythm hits on your name.

 

[sherry8253]

I see some of you are AP holders. There are AP room-only discounts rates quite frequently. Currently FJC and FJG. And historically there are AP rates through summer too. You guys also get the DDE card for food. What kind of extra discount did you want (respectfully speaking)?

I'm a Disneyland AP holder and I always use the AP special discounts at the hotels and I don't complain because its a huge deal compared to the rack rates. In fact I received a special postcard code from DLR last August and it wasn't near as good as the AP special rate (called AP5 at the time).

I understand there are frequently AP rates. In Jan '08 AAA rate beat AP rate Obviously not much of a discount for AP holders who are frequent Disney visitors.

 

[raven69david]

Since WE are all Disney goers and attend the parks/resorts yearly and/or regularly, there is no need for Disney to give us a code because we are ALREADY GOING. Get it?! The people who receive codes are usually given one to entice them on returning to WDW.

If you wanna have a better-than-average change on getting a code, create multiple email addresses and sign each one up at the disneyworld.com website. Always list ZERO for times visited WDW. It has worked for me in the past.

 

[Scrapfriend]

Well, I have only been twice, and the last time was March 1997, yes TEN years ago! I have never once had an email, postcard, or PIN attached to my name. Despite requesting planning DVDs, adding my email to the website, etc. What do I need to do?! I guess I am just not meant to go back . I NEED a good rate to convince my husband to go back. That and save a lot!