New 2010 Promotion

[WDWFan91]

OK. I have to say this and feel free to flame away.....

Disney does not OWE us a promotion. In fact, as I understand it, annual promotions are fairly new, right??

We should be thankful and greatful that there is one offered. Especially one that helps out our own communities!!

This "The prize is not good enough for me" attitude is pretty shameful. Disney is promoting something that helps all of our communities out and in the end, gives us each a small reward and people are complaining that the reward is not good enough?!?!?! That is disgusting.

Thumbs up to Disney!! We will be volunteering as a family and will likely donate the ticket.

WWYC and the birthday admission was not a big deal to us, we cannot go during any of our 3 Birthdays due to work schedules. I did not feel Disney "owed" me something as a result.

I am very disappointed in the reaction of some people.

Completely agree. I was biting my tongue with a couple of the comments people made. I'm sorry but volunteering is something that is fun to do because you are giving back to the community, it shouldn't matter what you get for it, just be happy that you are doing something for the good of society.

 

[mariepapa]

OK. I have to say this and feel free to flame away.....

Disney does not OWE us a promotion. In fact, as I understand it, annual promotions are fairly new, right??

We should be thankful and greatful that there is one offered. Especially one that helps out our own communities!!

This "The prize is not good enough for me" attitude is pretty shameful. Disney is promoting something that helps all of our communities out and in the end, gives us each a small reward and people are complaining that the reward is not good enough?!?!?! That is disgusting.

Thumbs up to Disney!! We will be volunteering as a family and will likely donate the ticket.

WWYC and the birthday admission was not a big deal to us, we cannot go during any of our 3 Birthdays due to work schedules. I did not feel Disney "owed" me something as a result.

I am very disappointed in the reaction of some people.

It is a "ME, ME, ME" society these days. You are right, they owe us nothing in the way of a promotion. I love that some people think that their time is not worth the effort of what would be the price of a ticket. That person has obviously never volunteered.

 

[WDWFan91]

It is a "ME, ME, ME" society these days. You are right, they owe us nothing in the way of a promotion. I love that some people think that their time is not worth the effort of what would be the price of a ticket. That person has obviously never volunteered.

I agree, sadly - being the fact that we have turned into a "what's in it for me society". I think Disney is going to do a wonderful job with this promotion! I think that it is a wonderful way to encourage more people to volunteer.

 

[itchin2go]

OK. I have to say this and feel free to flame away.....

Disney does not OWE us a promotion. In fact, as I understand it, annual promotions are fairly new, right??

We should be thankful and greatful that there is one offered. Especially one that helps out our own communities!!

No flames, but I'm not sure everyone who is chiming in has a "this is not good enough for me" attitude. Discussing why this probably won't be beneficial to my family (in terms of Disney perks, anyway, leaving aside the issue of the social benefits of volunteering) doesn't equate to me hating on Disney.

I know your comment wasn't aimed at anyone in particular, and I think there's a fine line between discussing the finer points of this offer and what we do and don't like about it vs. comments that show a callous and spoiled attitude toward volunteering.

You're right that Disney owes us no promo/theme and I don't really care if they have one. I'm not a big fan of this theme in terms of it having any Disney benefit for my family. I am a fan of this theme in that it may inspire new volunteers, and I hope it does. They're two different things and I think I can think in terms of "me" and the "greater good" at the same time. I hope that made sense.

P.S. I'm going to TRY to get my volunteering in between January 1 and January 15th (when we leave for Disney), but I think it's a long shot. If it doesn't work out, no biggie, I'm still going to Disney World! Maybe I'll try to volunteer after our trip and donate the ticket. I wouldn't have known about this organization Disney is partnering with had they not launched this promotion, so that's a good thing.

 

[disneyfantotheend]

I am with the group who thinks this is wonderful. I do think the volunteer work should be able to be done late this year to benefit those going early next year, but I guess all promotions have to start somewhere. I really, really hope it is available in our area.

Having my family give to the community is priceless enough. I don't need a reward, but boy is it cool to be able to get one.

 

[mom2faith]

No flames, but I'm not sure everyone who is chiming in has a "this is not good enough for me" attitude. Discussing why this probably won't be beneficial to my family (in terms of Disney perks, anyway, leaving aside the issue of the social benefits of volunteering) doesn't equate to me hating on Disney.

I know your comment wasn't aimed at anyone in particular, and I think there's a fine line between discussing the finer points of this offer and what we do and don't like about it vs. comments that show a callous and spoiled attitude toward volunteering.

You're right that Disney owes us no promo/theme and I don't really care if they have one. I'm not a big fan of this theme in terms of it having any Disney benefit for my family. I am a fan of this theme in that it may inspire new volunteers, and I hope it does. They're two different things and I think I can think in terms of "me" and the "greater good" at the same time. I hope that made sense.

Just noting that I did say "some" reactions.

Yes, I understand why the promo does not work for some families - including mine. My DD is under 6 so if DH and I decided to use it for the FP we would not get a FP for DD.

However, using your words, there were a few comments that "show a callous and spoiled attitude toward volunteering" and that needed to be commented on.

 

[hipchickie]

Maybe I just missed it, but I don't see anyone saying that Disney "owes" anyone a promotion...no more than my grocery store owes me anything on sale.

They are both BUSINESSES , and if I don't think the sale at my grocery store is a good deal, I may grumble a little, and say so. If I don't think this promo is great, I am going to state that too.

In the end another AMAZING job by disney marketing! (and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way) How can Disney improve their rep as a big business (align with charities!!) and bring in as much business as possible (you are still in the park spending money) without
a.) spending much money and
b.) be able to put a definitive dollar amount on the promo (capped at 1M)

Shazaaam!!

 

[mariepapa]

Maybe I just missed it, but I don't see anyone saying that Disney "owes" anyone a promotion...no more than my grocery store owes me anything on sale.

They are both BUSINESSES , and if I don't think the sale at my grocery store is a good deal, I may grumble a little, and say so. If I don't think this promo is great, I am going to state that too.

In the end another AMAZING job by disney marketing! (and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way) How can Disney improve their rep as a big business (align with charities!!) and bring in as much business as possible (you are still in the park spending money) without
a.) spending much money and
b.) be able to put a definitive dollar amount on the promo (capped at 1M)

Shazaaam!!

Plus: Yes! And teach your clients how to give back and become better people in the process. I am really happy Disney went in this direction, as it signals a more mainstream approach to volunteerism. Get them when they are young and you have a lifelong pursuit that will ultimately lead to generations of volunteers!

 

[DVCBELLE]

It is a "ME, ME, ME" society these days. You are right, they owe us nothing in the way of a promotion. I love that some people think that their time is not worth the effort of what would be the price of a ticket. That person has obviously never volunteered.

I disagree...

I don't like this promotion and one of the simple reasons is b/c I volunteer out the wazoo but odds are the place I donate my time - Church, school, local community events will most likely not make the list of approved organizations.

I will have to decide if I want to find another time to volunteer or not...and yes I will have to make the decision if it is worth it for me to go - we will probably have APs and the other options are not that appealing to me.

AND - I don't believe this will truly foster volunteering - I think people who go will be doing the minimum work to get the tickets. For one year they will get the help but I doubt many of the volunteers will return.

It is my experience in the numerous organizations that I volunteer with that there are people who do and people who don't and nothing really ever changes that.

 

[Wall-E1]

Plus: Yes! And teach your clients how to give back and become better people in the process. I am really happy Disney went in this direction, as it signals a more mainstream approach to volunteerism. Get them when they are young and you have a lifelong pursuit that will ultimately lead to generations of volunteers!

I agree 100%. Think of it - possibly adding one million new volunteers across America. A lot of good can come from this.

p.s. - I heard from a cast member who talked with a bus driver who overheard a bellhop... anyway, they were saying that for the 2011 promotion that Disney was not going to beat around the bush anymore. In order to qualify for a free one day ticket, you will need to perform eight hours of hard labor at Disney. This could be housekeeping, custodial duties, landscaping; etc. I think that this upcoming promotion will help all of us appreciate the fine work that many of Disney's less visible workers perform each day for us.

 

[amycishere]

I for one think this is great. Is it too soon to find the places in my area where I qualify for the volunteer hours? Can you volunteer before Jan. 1 2010 and qualify for this offer or does it have to be on Jan. 1 2010. I think it is great given the state of the economy right now. Everyone can chip in a bit.

Now, am I still glad that I am going on my birthday and getting the birthday fun card on Oct. 26th 2009? Yes. lol Hopefully, this won't change before my birthday and they won't say sorry we are doing something else now, but if so it is ok.

 

[roselark]

I LOVE it! I will definitely be signing up if there are opportunities in my area and will donate my ticket.

 

[jeanylaser]

sounds awesome! I adore the idea!

 

[GOBA Mom Lynn]

I disagree...

I don't like this promotion and one of the simple reasons is b/c I volunteer out the wazoo but odds are the place I donate my time - Church, school, local community events will most likely not make the list of approved organizations.

I will have to decide if I want to find another time to volunteer or not...and yes I will have to make the decision if it is worth it for me to go - we will probably have APs and the other options are not that appealing to me.

AND - I don't believe this will truly foster volunteering - I think people who go will be doing the minimum work to get the tickets. For one year they will get the help but I doubt many of the volunteers will return.

It is my experience in the numerous organizations that I volunteer with that there are people who do and people who don't and nothing really ever changes that.

I can see your point, but I think in the long run, Disney doesn't care if you can benefit or not. I think they are after NEW guests, possibly all those people out there who never even considered going to WDW. (Whoever those people are...) A vast majority of us here on DIS would be going whether or not they did this promotion. Remember, they're playing to the general public, not us, and this will give them good PR with all those who think of Disney as nothing but an overpriced amusement park.

 

[DVCBELLE]

Valid points!!

For the birthday promotion - I thought that was stupid b/c who would plan a trip around a birthday for an $80 discount so I can see where if that worked they might get people planning trips for a free day for the whole family in the parks!!

If they by chance are offering 15 month renewals on APs at that time - maybe I would do it!

 

[a1tinkfans]

Well, if Disney gets some people to volunteer, GREAT!
I do believe however that wanting to Volunteer ones time is self fulfilling, so to think that someone will volunteer to "get a ticket" and then a "light" will go off for them and they'll want to continue is rather slim. Though we can hope, right!
Either people volunteer with no care of a "prize" or they don't.


Disney is a Business, great PR, get some new visitors, who knows.... Hopefully More Volunteers for the future!

 

[wisnieea]

sorry for posting

 

[morethananyonex]

Personally I think Disney has shot itself in the foot. With the recent promotions such as YOAMD and WWYC consecutively in the last 3 years, they've spoiled us. I'm 19, and I too remember when the promotions were simply anniversaries of the parks. Then they became the anniversary of Mickey, Disneyland, etc. After this the promotions giving away free things started, and that's where the problems start occuring IMO.

This concept of looking for something to celebrate makes a promotion like the volunteering one look like a huge step down in terms of return for the guests. Why would the average person want to work for a day when they could have just gotten the same thing for free on their birthday last year? I'm aware of the concept of volunteering, but I don't think the majority of the population would be happy just to give their time with little reward. There's a reason Disney felt the need to "bribe" people to volunteer, most people don't want to do it.

Now, that said I do think it's great that Disney is attempting to get people involved. It's a great PR move, and it makes Disney look like a caring company. However, I don't think they're going to see as much of a reaction to this as YOAMD or WWYC. I used to look forward to being lucky enough to go the parks the years of the anniversaries. To whoever said they don't owe us a promotion, you're right and I agree, but they've lead the public to believe each year there will be a promotion with something free.

 

[Zandy595]

OK. I have to say this and feel free to flame away.....

Disney does not OWE us a promotion. In fact, as I understand it, annual promotions are fairly new, right??

We should be thankful and greatful that there is one offered. Especially one that helps out our own communities!!

This "The prize is not good enough for me" attitude is pretty shameful. Disney is promoting something that helps all of our communities out and in the end, gives us each a small reward and people are complaining that the reward is not good enough?!?!?! That is disgusting.

Thumbs up to Disney!! We will be volunteering as a family and will likely donate the ticket.

WWYC and the birthday admission was not a big deal to us, we cannot go during any of our 3 Birthdays due to work schedules. I did not feel Disney "owed" me something as a result.

I am very disappointed in the reaction of some people.

You took the words right out of my mouth! I can't believe this "what's in it for me" attitude I'm reading in some of these posts.

 

[MomtoGKC]

I went to the link to try to find spots to volunteer but couldn't find it- any help out there?

I think it's a great idea, can't wait to find a spot to help out. I already volunteer many places but don't think they would count. Girl Scouts, school, local food shelter (just can;t see how they could need 8 hours of help unless it was spread out over a few days.)