Getting Sick of the "Code Game" and the CM's!!!!!!!!!!!

[dclfun]

I would much prefer a loyalty program to codes since there is so much room for error on who receives a code due to incorrect information in their computer system. As "rainy-daze" wrote in the post regarding cancelling her reservation, it does "feel" like codes are given only to the entitled people and it's anyone's guess as to who are the random entitled. People's demographics could be entirely the same yet one person gets a code and another doesn't. It engenders anger and resentment amongst those who aren't the "chosen", esp. when they find out about others getting something they aren't getting and have no idea why. It would be interesting to find out how much business is lost by those who cancel when they find out that others are getting a much better deal/rate than they are due to a code that they didn't get. Research has already been done on hotel loyalty programs and perks for frequent guests and research shows that those programs work in getting people to come back again and again vs. going to a competitor.---Kathy

 

[eliza61]

I would much prefer a loyalty program to codes since there is so much room for error on who receives a code due to incorrect information in their computer system. As "rainy-daze" wrote in the post regarding cancelling her reservation, it does "feel" like codes are given only to the entitled people and it's anyone's guess as to who are the random entitled. People's demographics could be entirely the same yet one person gets a code and another doesn't. It engenders anger and resentment amongst those who aren't the "chosen", esp. when they find out about others getting something they aren't getting and have no idea why. It would be interesting to find out how much business is lost by those who cancel when they find out that others are getting a much better deal/rate than they are due to a code that they didn't get. Research has already been done on hotel loyalty programs and perks for frequent guests and research shows that those programs work in getting people to come back again and again vs. going to a competitor.---Kathy

I guess that's where I differ. When I decide to go to Disney, I never "expect" a code. I go because it's a great vacation. I know the price up front and I know what discounts I get take part in (AP, AAA, free dining) If some one with the same demographics gets a code so be it. It seems ridiculous, in my opinion for me to cancel my vacation because the luck of the draw didn't favor me. To me that's like complaining because everyone else gets a prize during this stupid year of a million dreams campaign (one of the big reasons why I hate freebies, people start complaining because they hear of every one else getting some thing and they too feel "entitled").

I was in the WL last March and a women was throwing a major hissy fit because she wasn't offered a free upgrade. I mean a major, almost had the cm's in tears tantrum.
Disney doesn't have to offer a loyality program (yes, it would be nice) and it wouldn't make sense business wise. They are averaging ~88-93% capacity without it. I wouldn't offer one either with those numbers. I doubt they are losing much business from that.

I stick to my opinion. If you get a could that's great but it is no way the cm's fault if you go your entire life without one.

 

[fla4fun]

But I'm not getting the condescension. What did you want cm to say. Disney is the one with the idiotic policy of not giving code information over the phone. She works there because she needs the job but she can't go against company policy. (I was a phone customers service rep, so I know how she feels) She said you need to have the code when you call. How is that not giving you an answer. The only other option I can see is the cm just flat out saying no, there are no codes available.
I think you just didn't like the answer you got, which is totally understandable. Sorry, unless I'm missing the tone of the phone call (which is hard to convey on the net) CM was simply matter of fact, but not rude.

Although I know they can't just give out every promotion they have going, to just anyone who calls, I could understand the poster's frustration if they didn't have access to the Internet. Not everyone does. Before I had the Internet, I would call and ask if there were any Florida Resident discounts or Annual Pass discounts, but I didn't have a "code" for the discount. Maybe my question was considered specific enough to get an answer, because I made a lot of discounted reservations that way (and was entitled to every one of them). I can't believe they would block people who don't have access to getting a "general" code, like a Fla Res, AP, or general public code, from getting a reservation at a discount they are entitled to. However, I can understand target specific codes being off limits.

Perhaps the CM's just need to do a little discovery and find out if any of the general discounts would apply.

 

[eliza61]

Absolutely. It's so frustrating but as a former "person on the other side of the phone" it's equally as frustating for the cm's. They have absolutely no control over who gets codes and sure you are bound to get a phone cm who might not be on top of every thing or even given out wrong information. It's a high turnover job. I can't tell you how many times I've simply hung up and called back and gotten totally different answers. I think instead of blowing up at the cm wouldn't the better alternative be to voice your anger at some one who could actually do some thing?

This was actually one of our reasons for first buying AP's and then DVC, we wanted to get better room rates without all the hoops. I know that's not an option for the general public but we can all email and write disney constently and let them know about their pricing.

 

[maxiesmom]

I guess that's where I differ. When I decide to go to Disney, I never "expect" a code. I go because it's a great vacation. I know the price up front and I know what discounts I get take part in (AP, AAA, free dining) If some one with the same demographics gets a code so be it. It seems ridiculous, in my opinion for me to cancel my vacation because the luck of the draw didn't favor me. To me that's like complaining because everyone else gets a prize during this stupid year of a million dreams campaign (one of the big reasons why I hate freebies, people start complaining because they hear of every one else getting some thing and they too feel "entitled").

That is what bothers me too. Everyone would love a discount, but I can't see getting so mad because you don't get one.

When you call Disney you have to know what you are asking for. The CMs are not allowed to volunteer discount info. That would be like me calling Delta and having the agent tell me that if I book at a different time, the rate would be cheaper. Ain't gonna happen.

Or even from my own work experience. I work retail. If a customer comes in and asks what the sale price will be for an item on a different day, I'm not allowed to tell them. I could be fired for telling them. And your saving an extra $5 on a pair of shoes is not worth me loosing my job. If you are not prepared to spend that $5, it is no skin off my nose. You are only spiteing yourself by not buying them. Someone else will probably come along and buy them. Same thing for the Disney CMs.

I have a radical idea: How about booking the vacation that you are prepared to pay for, and then not blowing a gasket because you don't get a discount? Not intending that comment for any particular person, but why book a vacation that you are not willing to pay for?

 

[dclfun]

This is why I'd prefer a loyalty program to discount codes. It wouldn't have to be something major, even a free gift thrown in like is given now when you make a purchase over a certain $$ amt. in a WDW gift shop, or a coupon for free non-alc beverages during your stay. These things wouldn't cost the company much but would make people feel as though they're valued and recognized for returning. A loyalty program that let you earn points towards a future stay would also be great and of course, would encourage someone to book a future stay to use the points accrued. I remember when we first moved to Fla and had our first AP's. We never got the AP newsletter and hadn't heard about Fla. resident discounts - we had no computer either. So I called for a rate for one night so we could stay over after attending the "Jolly Holidays Dinner Show". As we are a family of six the res agent kept offering a 2 bedroom villa at OKW for what I felt was too costly- almost $500 for the one night ( boy did we jump on buying DVC!). Years later I realized she kept hinting when I balked at the rate..."well, this is RACK rate".. as if to intimate there was a discount if I'd only known about it. I didn't know about it and I didn't book it- we drove home instead, lol. I don't feel as if Disney has to give discounts but people do feel badly when they aren't the ones chosen to get a random offer when they find out others do- again, someone who has the same demographics. This is why I like things posted on the website- they are offered to anyone who wants to book. To me a simple loyalty program including, if needed, BB offers, would sit better with me than random discount codes.---Kathy

 

[mommycrawford]

I really miss the Magic Kingdom Club for this reason....You could buy into it to get some nice package deals! The only time I stayed at anything other than a value resort was through this program. Now that I am disabled, my income is even smaller, and dreams of staying at the beach club will never come true without a pin code. Despite going every year for the last 8 (except following 9/11) I have never been sent one.

Still, I am grateful to have a fun place to take my daughter, where generally everyone is nice and tries to be helpful

I am also grateful for these boards ( and related ones) that let me know about free dining!...That is a tremendous savings, and very much appreciated
Mr. Mouse!!!!!

 

[dclfun]

Wow...I'd forgotten about the Magic Kingdom Club. I still have one of the totes and my old Gold Card from that program. I guess when DVC came out then there was another offering that makes guests feel like they "belong" to a club. ????? I remember employers could take advantage of the "Free" MKC program for their employees too. I guess I'm getting old when I can remember the good ole days, lol.---Kathy

 

[eliza61]

Wow...I'd forgotten about the Magic Kingdom Club. I still have one of the totes and my old Gold Card from that program. I guess when DVC came out then there was another offering that makes guests feel like they "belong" to a club. ????? I remember employers could take advantage of the "Free" MKC program for their employees too. I guess I'm getting old when I can remember the good ole days, lol.---Kathy

Me too Kathy, boy I think we are showing our age on this one.
Eliza