Perks for Disney Freaks

[bdg100]

My family and I have visited Disney World 2 or 3 times per year since 1996. Our family is now up to 5 people. At times we have found ways to save money like buying annual passes, food deals or buying food off property. We typically go for 7 - 10 days. On average it turns out to be at least $4,000 per trip. This is not a firm number since some things you just don't want to know, in reality it is probably higher. We do all the normal things families do at Disney, character meals, (to an extreme) $nacks, $ouveniers, $odas at the park, etc. We also purchased points through DVC. (turns out this was a pretty good investment but almost forces us to go to Disney every year) And, most importantly, we love going this often. We have a great time while we are there. I believe there are some things that could be improved but for the most part we truly enjoy watching our children enjoy the parks and resorts.

Obviously, we are repeat customers. To date, we have received very few perks. In fact, it seems as if Disney at times takes advantage of knowing it "has us" and divert it's attention to hooking new people. For instance, 5 years ago we were going to purchase more points at DVC. The sales person could not have been less enthusiastic about us. We took a tour of Boardwalk and were told we could not have the free lunch coupons other prospects received because we were already members. In fact, they acted like it was such a big deal to give my two kids an ice cream that we left the ice cream and bought a timeshare at Marriot's Horizons (who gave us a 7 day cruise as an incentive) for about the same price.

Other businesses recognize repeat customers with incentives such as tickets to the ball game or offers of lunch on their business. I do this in my own business. Disney does none of this. As I stated earlier we love going to Disney and can't wait until our next visit in October. I am not calling for a Disney boycott or marching in the streets ala the illegal aliens I mean undocumented immigrants. However, I am convinced that this board is full of people just like us who spend way too much of their families' budget on Disney vacations. It sure would be nice to receive a call or letter from Disney recognizing our loyalty and giving us a free weekend stay or even a free character meal on our next visit.

Does anyone else feel this way or should I just "go along not thinkin about it". (bare necessities)

 

[DVCLiz]

No, I don't feel this way at all. I bought my DVC as a pre-paid accomodation - I wasn't promised anything else on a permanent basis. I do think DVC offers some amazing perks - the savings on my AP are substantial!!

I would never make a timeshare purchase based on incentives - whether ice cream or cruises. You and I are probably on opposite sides of this spectrum!!! DVC suits my vacation needs very well, so I won't be joining you in any protest marches....

 

[pezpam]

Eh. At the end of the day, it boils down to the fact that they don't need to offer any more extras than what they offer now. They know the times when hotel occupancy is likely to be lower and they offer lower prices to get more bodies in. They want people to come for longer vacations, so tickets are a better deal the longer you stay. People who are, in your words, "Disney Freaks" don't really need much extra convincing to come back to Disney. Disney needs to provide everyone with good customer service, especially since that's part of their whole image, but Disney knows that it really doesn't need to provide free rooms or tickets to convince a regular visitor to come back. If their best opportunity for growth is convincing new people to come or convincing those who are already going to spend more while there, that's where they'll concentrate their advertising and perks.

In some businesses, it makes financial sense to offer extras. For others, it doesn't. While I wouldn't sneeze at a free weekend, I don't expect Disney to decide that they need to forgo revenue to entice me back. Their market researchers know better.

 

[bdg100]

No, I don't feel this way at all. I bought my DVC as a pre-paid accomodation - I wasn't promised anything else on a permanent basis. I do think DVC offers some amazing perks - the savings on my AP are substantial!!

I would never make a timeshare purchase based on incentives - whether ice cream or cruises. You and I are probably on opposite sides of this spectrum!!! DVC suits my vacation needs very well, so I won't be joining you in any protest marches....

I specifically stated that I wasn't calling for a Disney boycott or marching in the streets. I also stated that we have a great time when we are there and that we enjoy watching our children enjoy the parks. This is proven by what counts most, we put our money where our mouth is. Most of our vacation dollar is spent at Disney. All I am saying is that it would be nice to be recognized as a "good customer" rather than the same as a family that visits for the first time and quite possibly never again. I agree with the other poster who stated that Disney recognizes that new convincing new people to come to Disney are it's best opportunity for new growth. All I am saying is that while Disney does many things amazingly well, I think that it could do a better job of making it's regular customers feel more appreciated.

But, I bet you would take any token of appreciation Disney provided. Like I, you would appreciate it and be thankful for it.

 

[DaisyLynn]

All I am saying is that it would be nice to be recognized as a "good customer" rather than the same as a family that visits for the first time and quite possibly never again.

In my line of work every customer is a good customer. For many families, I am sure that Disney is a once in a lifetime vacation and those folks should not be put in a category of "non-returning customer" simply because time, money, life, etc. just won't allow it.

I have a feeling that you didn't mean to come across the way it sounded, I know what you meant by your original post. Just giving my two cents!

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

I'm just happy when I get a code for a room discount or a room in a good location, friendly service, low crowds and you gotta love that free dining!!

 

[disneychrista]

Disney is in the business to get as many people to their parks as possible. If they KNOW you are going to go every year (or whatever) what is there incentive to "woow" you?
And while SuperCut's might give a free hair cut after 10 but there a lot of places I could get my hair cut. There is only ONE place that I can visit Mickey Mouse or ride Tower of Terror and that is Disney.

 

[JR6ooo4]

A happy customer is the best advertising.
Best buy gives rewards for frequent customers. Airlines do as well. Even my local food store!!!!
The OP is correct.

Mikeeee

 

[darty]

I understand what you are saying. I don't think they should make anyone feel unwelcome for any reason.

I think Disney got the message that AP holders were not happy when they only allowed AP rates with a 90 day advanced reservation. That didn't last long, did it? I am sure Disney would be happy to hear your opinion. Send them an email.

 

[bdg100]

Disney is in the business to get as many people to their parks as possible. If they KNOW you are going to go every year (or whatever) what is there incentive to "woow" you?
And while SuperCut's might give a free hair cut after 10 but there a lot of places I could get my hair cut. There is only ONE place that I can visit Mickey Mouse or ride Tower of Terror and that is Disney.

Well, that is one way to look at it. However, in case you haven't noticed, Sea World has improved dramatically from what it was even 5 years ago. Though I have never been there, I have been told that Universal is also quite impressive. Moreover, while Disney was the first, I think, to have characters roaming the park posing for pictures and signing autographs everyone including Chucky Cheese seems to be in on the act. So, there are alternatives. Maybe not as many alternatives as you have to SuperCut's but you do have choices.

Marriots is a good example. These people are aggresively pursuing your real estate vacation dollar. They do it with incentives, good service and good properties. Again, there are alternatives. We still love all things Disney and remain loyal customers, but, the lack of recognition as loyal customers has us looking at alternatives.

 

[tinkychloe]

if you do not get wowed after, like, 10 years of going there once a year every year. and the people aren't very enthusiastic, wouldn't you be upset too? i know i would. i mean, yes, they probably have millions of loyal customers, but still. It's nice to be recognized.

 

[disneychrista]

Well, that is one way to look at it. However, in case you haven't noticed, Sea World has improved dramatically from what it was even 5 years ago. Though I have never been there, I have been told that Universal is also quite impressive. Moreover, while Disney was the first, I think, to have characters roaming the park posing for pictures and signing autographs everyone including Chucky Cheese seems to be in on the act. So, there are alternatives.

While there may be alternatives, each gives a different experience. Whereas with getting a hair cut, I am going to get the same cut no matter where I go. Same for hotels. I have many options, each giving me the same basics, a bed to sleep in and a shower.

 

[teresajoy]

It seems to me that the OP is correct here. I mean, she was not treated the way she should have been and took her business elsewhere. I don't imagine she's the only one who has done that. Disney lost money because of the way she was treated. A little "wooing" might have changed things.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I am reading a book (guide) called "mouse on the house". They have compiled some good tips for disney beginners like me.
One way to aquire the "perks" for regulars comes with a season pass. Only one pass needed per group and all the benefits are available. Don't quote me but:
Fish and duck room for $150 as well as mony other I can not remember this early in the morn'
Mikeeee

 

[bdg100]

It seems to me that the OP is correct here. I mean, she was not treated the way she should have been and took her business elsewhere. I don't imagine she's the only one who has done that. Disney lost money because of the way she was treated. A little "wooing" might have changed things.

You nailed it. We didn't need a cruise to purchase more points from Disney, just a little something would have sealed the deal for DVC. We wanted to do business with those people. However, you are way off the mark in one respect of your post, I'm a he not a she. Never wanted to be one either.

 

[teresajoy]

You know, I thought about that (the he/she) after I posted! I'm sorry!

 

[j-ariel]

I specifically stated that I wasn't calling for a Disney boycott or marching in the streets. I also stated that we have a great time when we are there and that we enjoy watching our children enjoy the parks. This is proven by what counts most, we put our money where our mouth is. Most of our vacation dollar is spent at Disney. All I am saying is that it would be nice to be recognized as a "good customer" rather than the same as a family that visits for the first time and quite possibly never again. I agree with the other poster who stated that Disney recognizes that new convincing new people to come to Disney are it's best opportunity for new growth. All I am saying is that while Disney does many things amazingly well, I think that it could do a better job of making it's regular customers feel more appreciated.

But, I bet you would take any token of appreciation Disney provided. Like I, you would appreciate it and be thankful for it.

I have found that nothing at disney is free, i love it and i am a DVC member but i was told from the get go that they dont work on commission, ,maybe you just got someone having a bad day, they should've just given you the ice cream or whatever, its not like it comes from their wallet. Don't write the DVC off though I absolutley love it

 

[mickeyschickie]

one nice "perk" my parents (who are DVC owners) take advantage of is getting disney dollars for referring new members...as other posters said- there are perks for AP holders, DVC members, and Florida Residents (who are probably the biggest repeat customers)...
you had a bad experience, but it was one salesman, not the entire cast of WDW...