Issues with PIN codes

[mmmears]

I've been thinking about all of these PIN codes. I think that from a philosophical and marketing standpoint, I have issues with this policy.

Why would Disney want to make so many of their customes feel "out of the club" when they send PIN codes to a lucky few?

Are those few more likely to go because the limited terms make them feel "special"?

With so many codes out there, all different, wouldn't Disney get more customers if they could choose between them? For example, "bring the kids free" only appeals to a limited number of people.

Yes, I have received a couple of PIN codes this past summer, not for when I wanted to travel. No, I haven't received any this go around (but my preferred dates aren't included in the current codes anyway).

And, yes, with a good discount, we're likely to stay longer and spend more! (We have the 4/7 deal right now and have all our plans made already.)

I'm trying not to complain -- I really just find it interesting that Disney thinks that this is a great strategy (as opposed to GP codes, AP codes, Visa codes, etc.).

 

[TDC Nala]

It is not a club. It's targeted marketing. WDW has been doing it for years.

If they don't get enough bites from the PIN codes (by which they can track exactly who is booking and where they are from and gauge the response to the offers), they'll offer other discounts.

 

[nana2tots]

I agree, why can you not do a perferred room on the special 4/3

 

[figment82]

I agree, mmmears...I know Disney does it all the time, but they really annoyed me with this particular offer. I finally get a pincode, and I can't use it because they "randomly selected" the one offer (out of 3) that doesn't work for me at all (I have no kids). If they had randomly selected one of the other 2, I probably would have convinced friends to go along and booked several rooms.

The funny thing is, though, in most situations if you're planning on going 7 nights, the 4/3 deal is better anyways and that's available to the general public.

 

[catne]

and one thing to consider...most people have no idea Disney sends out pin codes to a "select few". WE know about because we're among a few thousand Disney fanatics who read these boards!

Most people don't know they're missing out on anything when they book their vacations at full price...

 

[rt2dz]

I don’t know. I don’t find it a big deal. It’s just a marketing strategy. Hardly special people in a exclusive club. Many people who receive them can’t use them (that’s when general public codes are released). I received the kid’s one. Won’t work for me though because it says maximum 4 people per room and we’re a family of 5.

Even if we weren't a family of 5, it isn’t the best deal for us. 1) We have APs, so we don’t *need* the tickets and would still have to purchase for adults the full ticket or get jipped on the kid ticket value. 2) We have a TIW card. Free dining for all gives me a higher bottom line compared to a good room only discount rate that is usually available for AP holders during that time frame. 3) You’re paying rack rate for the room.

I see this as a good deal for a single parent (or one going alone) that can only do a short stay with 2-3 kids age of 10-17.

 

[HeatherBelle614]

Going to have to agree with OP.

My family has been to Disney nearly 20 times, and DH & I just went on our honeymoon this past June.

No PINs for us. I check my email and mail religiously hoping to get something!

 

[justtobeme2]

I agree, why can you not do a perferred room on the special 4/3

My TA at AAA got me a preferred room with the 4/3..I didn't know that was an issue.

 

[iluvepcot]

I am the disney planner for my extended family. when someone wants to go, I go online find the air, the bargains etc. I have planned for everyone, my sister and her family, my brother abd his family. When doing so I always put their names on the the reservations but I use my email to keep track and print all documents out and organize them.

My brother who cancelled his original reservation and never went, gets so many pin codes. I know because they are sent to my email, I get all excited until I see his name on them.

Me and my sister who do go, never, ever, ever get a pin code

 

[Buckeyemouse]

Personally, I do not let the fact that I haven't received a pin code from Disney affect me. If we are fortunate enough to get one and can use it great, if not, we do not lose anything. I still do my homework and work on getting the best deal I can get at the time we can go. Sometimes we stay onsite and others offsite. Watever we get we still get to escape the real world for a period of time.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I'm trying not to complain -- I really just find it interesting that Disney thinks that this is a great strategy (as opposed to GP codes, AP codes, Visa codes, etc.).

I think it IS a great strategy! Just look at these boards over the past week and you can see all the 'unplanned' new vacation people are booking based on the offers they have made available over the past week or two. (myself included)
They extended free dining this year, offered the bounceback offer, offered the 4/3 deal to the GP, have a free dining offer for Disney Visa holders, they are offering free & discounted gift cards...etc.
I know that some of the offers may not meet specific peoples, specific needs 100% of the time, but it sure seems like they are offering a LOT...Not sure what more you are looking for them to do?

 

[mmmears]

I think it IS a great strategy! Just look at these boards over the past week and you can see all the 'unplanned' new vacation people are booking based on the offers they have made available over the past week or two. (myself included)
They extended free dining this year, offered the bounceback offer, offered the 4/3 deal to the GP, have a free dining offer for Disney Visa holders, they are offering free & discounted gift cards...etc.
I know that some of the offers may not meet specific peoples, specific needs 100% of the time, but it sure seems like they are offering a LOT...Not sure what more you are looking for them to do?

I was trying to point out that they might have more customers if they didn't exclude most people from these offers. Like when they send the kids free deal to people without kids, for example. I agree that the 4/7 deal is great since everyone can use it.

I know people who get PIN codes who will NEVER use them (like my DM) and others who would jump at the chance to give Disney more of their money if only a PIN code would fall in their lap.

Just an interesting marketing strategy, really.