inspired by nydizny thread

[msmouse]

It was certainly interesting to hear about those of you that have members since the beginning. I was just wondering how you got the news that passes were no longer included. With the hoopla that went on when ee ended, I can only imagine the riot when this happened. . .lol.

 

[Regina]

From the day that we joined we knew that the free passes would end on 12/31/99, which is exactly what happened.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

As Regina said, we knew from the get go and we( my former husband and I ) were informed in 95 that the promo was going to end soon and if we wanted more points to buy them quickly.

 

[sgtdisney]

Yep, no riot or hoopla for us either. We knew from day one that passes were gone as of 1/1/00. We booked an extra vacation in '99 on borrowed points so make sure we got full use of those free passes though...

 

[Towncrier]

On a positive note, we were originally under the impression that we could not borrow points from our 2000 use year to use prior to 12/31/1999 and still get the passes. That turned out not to be the case, so we borrowed nearly every point from 2000 and spent 12 nights at OKW in 1999. Of course, we ended up having to buy more points because I couldn't face the year 2000 without at least one trip to WDW.

 

[Regina]

A couple of things that should be mentioned. First, the free passes were for MK, MGM and Epcot. When the Animal Kingdom opened, we were told that it was not going to be included in the pass program. Were we disappointed, sure we were, but it wasn't part of the original deal (it didn't exist), so no argument from us.

The second thing is that 12/31/99 being designated as the last day for free passes was absolutely carved in granite. We were at WDW from 12/19 through 1/3 that year. When 1/1/00 rolled around, we had to purchase passes. Again, this was the deal upfront, so we didn't argue for any special consideration.

 

[NancyDVC]

The limits to free passes promo was spelled out to us during our presentation. We bought that day knowing that we had 8 years to use them. And we did use them.
The specifics were also spelled out right from the beginning-MK, MGM and Epcot only, end date 12/31/99 etc. so there were no surprises for us.
I believe that all the 'hoopla' when the free passes ended came from people who didn't read or listen or those who figured that they could pressure Disney into extending the program.
Those free passes cost DVD/DVC big bucks so there was no way that it could economically extended. Lots of members go more than once a year and us APs or have Disney Club or other discounts (admittedly not much but every bit helps). Yes I miss the free passes but that hasn't stopped me from going!

 

[Peter Johnson]

We actually put off buying because of the passes. When we toured DVC in March 92, our guide said the passes had been approved, but were not "official" yet. Being very conservative and suspicious (If it sounds too good to be true...), we waited until they officially started.

We were told up front that they expired at the end of 99. Of course, each time we asked what happened in 2000 we were always told "there will be another discount program when these run out." Fortunately, we always assumed that the passes would end and there would be no replacement, which is exactly what happened.

Each time we renew our APs and grumble about the lack of a DVC discount, we just think about those 7 1/2 free years and feel much better

 

[RobDoc]

We also enjoyed the passes while we had them. We now just get AP's and enjoy our time in the parks whenever we wish to go.

Of course, each time we asked what happened in 2000 we were always told "there will be another discount program when these run out."

There has been much discussion about the "replacement" program. I was never told anything would replace the free passes, but some apparently did get comments ranging from the above to "substantial" replacement. In reality, there is a discount program in place for a similar pass- we get a 10% DVC Member discount on the UPH passes- which are basically the same as the free passes. Some expected mote than a 10% discount and some apparently expect something along the lines of "free", but there is definitely "another discount program".

 

[Peter Johnson]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
...there is definitely "another discount program".

Oops Since we always buy APs, I didn't think of the UMP discount.