New 2010 Promotion

[mickeymyfavorite]

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.)

It says that on Jan 1st 2010, they will have where in your community.....too soon to check (if I read it right)

 

[Hook's Girl]

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.

Well Said!!! Thank you!

 

[Hook's Girl]

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.

Hahaha! The sad thing is that if you an $80 value for a day's worth of work backstage at Disney you would probably be making more than an average Cast Member

 

[WLSILVERCREEKSPRINGS]

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.

How about asking what's in it for Disney? This is clearly a way for Disney to stimulate attendance during a downturn; anything to get people into the park to spend money on food, souveniers, buy additional tickets, and possibly a motel stay at a Disney resort. They also hope that people will get a warm fuzzy feeling about Disney being a good corporate citizen. Once again I'm amazed at the power of Disney marketing; they are the best!

 

[Hook's Girl]

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.

First, I beg to disagree that "Disney has shot itself in the foot." I will bet money that this offer is more lucrative than Free On Your Birthday. I would also bet that Disney's profits next year will increase from last year.

Second, I'm very confused, please explain how Disney has lead you to believe that each year will be a free promotion? The publicis still eligible for a free gift in 2010!!Was there an announcement? A press release? Certainly you are not using the argument that since Disney has given away something for free the last three years out of 38 years that the public should expect it?

 

[itchin2go]

Second, I'm very confused, please explain how Disney has lead you to believe that each year will be a free promotion? The publicis still eligible for a free gift in 2010!!Was there an announcement? A press release? Certainly you are not using the argument that since Disney has given away something for free the last three years out of 38 years that the public should expect it?

The poster explained that in the first paragraph. Essentially, the theory was that Disney has given something for free for the past couple of years with YOAMD and the birthday promotion, so people have come to expect it. Not agreeing or disagreeing with this, but I believe that was the point the poster was trying to make.

Kind of like when you get a bonus at your job several years in a row, and then they stop giving bonuses..... Whether it's right or wrong, it is human nature......

Disney owes us nothing but admission for our our tickets. The poster was just saying that the public may not react well to this promotion vs. the last few promotions. They're all just opinions .....

 

[cudcat41]

I like it. That's what's wrong with sociey today. We all think we're owed something. How about just going out there and giving your time for a good cause, and being thankful that Disney is rewarding you with something? Maybe as the program takes off, they'll add more cities.

 

[wmharley]

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.

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

you won't know all the places available yet.. although there was a post or link that said sites would know in case folks want to register for a volunteering event on the 1st.. but its too soon.

Our HandsOn site is our united way.. i planned on helping for Metropolitan Ministries like 2 yrs ago (last yr we had a DS birth so too hard).. this yr my DD (will be 5) wants to go back..

i'm wondering.. if my 5yo takes part, but doesn't redeem the tickets until she's 6, would that fly? hmmmm

 

[WDSearcher]

I don't like it.

Why is that so funny?

I think what WDWMaiselFamilyWDW probably found so funny was that WDW had literally just announced the promotion. It had just been posted. And the very first response -- the very FIRST -- was "I don't like it." An instant negative response. Like a Pavlovian reaction.

I have to admit, I laughed out loud myself!

 

[Kallista]

Why is that so funny?

Eight hours of my time is worth way more than $80.

Now, on the other hand, I would gladly buy someone a one day pass if they would do 8 hours of work for me! My yard needs a good mowing and I have a few truckloads of mulch that needs to be spread around. Any takers?

The point of the promotion is what you can do for your community.

I bill my time at much more than $8 an hour to my clients, but I still find time to volunteer.

If it's not worth it to you, don't do it. I have gotten a lot out of my volunteer work that has nothing to do with the monetary value of my time. No one is going to pay me to do some of the things that I have done as a volunteer. I do them because I want to see something changed, so I go out and with the help of other people make the the change happen.

Some FPs or a day ticket is a nice "thank you" to volunteers, but not necessary.

 

[Planogirl]

I wish that they'd do this in Texas! I would love to volunteer and then donate the ticket. Thanks for posting this.

 

[morethananyonex]

The poster explained that in the first paragraph. Essentially, the theory was that Disney has given something for free for the past couple of years with YOAMD and the birthday promotion, so people have come to expect it. Not agreeing or disagreeing with this, but I believe that was the point the poster was trying to make.

Kind of like when you get a bonus at your job several years in a row, and then they stop giving bonuses..... Whether it's right or wrong, it is human nature......

Disney owes us nothing but admission for our our tickets. The poster was just saying that the public may not react well to this promotion vs. the last few promotions. They're all just opinions .....

That is what I was getting at, thank you. I don't think it's right and I don't think Disney owes us anything, but I do think it's the way things work in our society. People get accustomed to things even if they aren't entitled to them, and you'll get an uproar when you take them away. Most people don't realize a few years back the only promotions were milestone anniversaries for the parks, personally I liked it better that way.

First, I beg to disagree that "Disney has shot itself in the foot." I will bet money that this offer is more lucrative than Free On Your Birthday. I would also bet that Disney's profits next year will increase from last year.

Second, I'm very confused, please explain how Disney has lead you to believe that each year will be a free promotion? The publicis still eligible for a free gift in 2010!!Was there an announcement? A press release? Certainly you are not using the argument that since Disney has given away something for free the last three years out of 38 years that the public should expect it?

(Sorry I didn't know how to quote more than one person in my post, so your name is gone Hook's Girl)

Personally I just don't think people are going to jump on this idea. I felt this way with the birthday promotion as well, but the difference with that one is that people didn't have to "work" for it. I don't see anyone planning a trip around a free ticket, and I don't see a lot of people going out of their way to volunteer in order to earn a $70 something dollar ticket. That's how most people view things unfortunately. IMO the people who view volunteering as a good thing are most likely doing it anyways. I just don't think this promotion is going to get the non-volunteers motivated. I know many people who would rather donate money then time, this is the same concept.

A previous poster already cleared up the confusion, but I was not saying it's RIGHT for people to expect things, but that's how it is. When you take away something you have consecutively been doing, people aren't going to appreciate what they had, they're going to consider it cutbacks. For example, were we entitled to a Fantasmic performance every night? No, but Disney had consistently showed it every night. Suddenly they change it to two nights a week and people are mad. How about Free Dining? Same thing, they aren't guaranteed to have it every year but to my knowledge they have been. You and I both know there would be uproar if that was taken away.

I'm not trying to say I personally expect a promotion out of Disney every year, but that's the situation they've created. You can see that clearly with all the threads trying to anticipate what the new deals and promotions are for the coming years.

 

[WDSearcher]

I wish that they'd do this in Texas! I would love to volunteer and then donate the ticket. Thanks for posting this.

They will be doing it in Texas. It will be nationwide, not just in the "launch" cities.

 

[dragonflymom]

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

You should see the huge lines at Disneyland on any given weekend to get a free birthday ticket! We were actually visiting Disneyland from out of town and we were trying to renew our annual pass to get inside the park and were stuck in the same line as the birthday ticket guests. A cast member took pity on us as I was carrying my toddler in my arms in the hot sun and she took our cards to process renewal for us quietly and saved us a 90-minute wait!

 

[kkbeats]

I was planning on going June 2010 for free on my birthday ohwell il guess il volunteer

 

[GoofysOnlyGirl]

I think it is a great promotion, plus the muppet advertising makes it better. I already volunteer though, so just having this is a bonus. Honestly even though I have an AP I will probably still participate (time willing, I am a busy and broke college student) and donate the money to charities(if I like the ones offered) or get the hat/FP.

I just can't believe somepeople are complaining about the fact that they might have to give back a little bit to keep "their" free promotion. Volunteering can be very rewarding, and I believe Disney is doing a good thing by promoting it.

 

[PrincessBetsy]

You can still do the promotion if you have an annual pass:

If I have a valid multi-day ticket or Annual Pass or Passport , is there anything else that I can receive?

Guests who present a valid multi-day ticket or Annual Pass or Passport may choose from one of the following three options instead of receiving the free 1-day, 1-park ticket:

◦Disney's Special FASTPASS® cards for certain attractions for you and up to 5 additional members of your party.†
◦A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins‡
◦Donate your free ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney Parks

Thanks, that's pretty neat! Now I need to find a location near me.

 

[WDWFan91]

Can you find locations currently? Or do you have to wait until January 2010?

 

[Hook's Girl]

That is what I was getting at, thank you. I don't think it's right and I don't think Disney owes us anything, but I do think it's the way things work in our society. People get accustomed to things even if they aren't entitled to them, and you'll get an uproar when you take them away. Most people don't realize a few years back the only promotions were milestone anniversaries for the parks, personally I liked it better that way.



(Sorry I didn't know how to quote more than one person in my post, so your name is gone Hook's Girl)

Personally I just don't think people are going to jump on this idea. I felt this way with the birthday promotion as well, but the difference with that one is that people didn't have to "work" for it. I don't see anyone planning a trip around a free ticket, and I don't see a lot of people going out of their way to volunteer in order to earn a $70 something dollar ticket. That's how most people view things unfortunately. IMO the people who view volunteering as a good thing are most likely doing it anyways. I just don't think this promotion is going to get the non-volunteers motivated. I know many people who would rather donate money then time, this is the same concept.

A previous poster already cleared up the confusion, but I was not saying it's RIGHT for people to expect things, but that's how it is. When you take away something you have consecutively been doing, people aren't going to appreciate what they had, they're going to consider it cutbacks. For example, were we entitled to a Fantasmic performance every night? No, but Disney had consistently showed it every night. Suddenly they change it to two nights a week and people are mad. How about Free Dining? Same thing, they aren't guaranteed to have it every year but to my knowledge they have been. You and I both know there would be uproar if that was taken away.

I'm not trying to say I personally expect a promotion out of Disney every year, but that's the situation they've created. You can see that clearly with all the threads trying to anticipate what the new deals and promotions are for the coming years.

Well you are certainly entitled to that opinion, as I'm entitled to mine.

I disagree with you completely, and you disagree with me completely.

Neither of us is right or wrong, but Disney is still going to reap the benefits!

 

[Best Aunt]

I was thinking about businesses which have a "Day of Caring" during which their employees volunteer somewhere all day rather than coming to work. I was thinking that if those employees who were not planning a Disney trip donated their free tickets after volunteering, that would accomplish 3 things:
a) someone could use the ticket through the charity
b) some organization would get helped by the volunteers doing work
c) people who don't love their jobs wouldn't have to go to work that day.