Unfairness in discounts

[Sillyminny40]

The 4/3 discount has introduced us to a place we could never stay in my wildest dreams: Boardwalk. Interesting thread as I never knew Disney did this code thing. Thanks for the info!

 

[maryann92201]

I certainly understand your frustration, but I'd try another CM. I got a pin code in the mail last week and we have a reservation in late November. The reservation is in my Mom's name because she is the AAA member and it was booked through AAA. Our TA was able to get us the pin code discount on the reservation even though the pin code came in my name not my Moms. I even have a different address then her. My name is on the reservation as one of the people in that room so that may make a difference.

 

[Lynne M]

Repeat customers such as us are not who they are targeting!!!

Well, I am less than 2 weeks from our trip and was super excited about it, but after my experience today it has lost some of it's magic! I don't understand why they don't offer the same discounts to everyone??? I work in the banking industry and this same practice would be illegal!!

Illegal? That's like saying that Walmart can't have a sale in PA unless they offer the same prices in NJ. Or that Barnes and Noble can't offer discounts to members of its Preferred Reader program unless they give the same discount to everyone else.

Disney, like the rest of the travel industry, targets specific groups for discounts. This is nothing new.

Discounts aren't a gift, they're a marketing incentive that's used to entice people to come to your business and spend even more than you would normally. In this case, Disney is using the 40% discount to get people who weren't planning to come to WDW to book a trip. By your travel patterns, you've told Disney that you'll probably visit this year anyway. Why would they waste a discount on you if you'll likely book a trip without one?

 

[Alicnwondrln]

Have your mother in law call and ask to apply the code to her package and then yours. You can use the pin for up to 3 rooms usually.

 

[inaminute]

How would you like to be the person who never gets a code?

(Raising hand) That's me. We've been going to Disney since 1989. Many years we've gone multiple times. I have NEVER received a code. One came to the house once--in my sons name. The only deals I get are the ones open to everyone, like the current 4/3 one.

Discounts are nice, but that doesn't affect our vacation plans. If we find one, great. If not, we're still going. Maybe for a shorter period of time. Maybe not as often. Since we go anyway, what I'd love to see from Disney is some kind of loyalty program. Something like the hotel chains offer. A program where you could accumulate points toward hotel stays or tickets, maybe. I'd even take a program where points would apply toward discounts!

I just figure other people must need discounts more than we do, and I continue on. Although, I have to admit that Disney has become very expensive in recent years, so our trips have been fewer. But, we still go. I love the parks and have a great time each and every trip.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I don't understand why so many Disers are hard on the OP. Her question is reasonable. Instead offering support, many feel the need to stand up for Disney.

I wish all codes would be public. We've been the recipient of many Disney codes over the years, used some, some not...but still think the codes should be available to all, not a few. If it has to be narrowed down then give returning guests the 30/40% codes - just plain old good guest service...which Disney seems to be lacking these days.

Does not mean we'll not stay at Disney Resort; I just wish Disney would be fair to all.

 

[Baby Yeti]

The 4/3 discount has introduced us to a place we could never stay in my wildest dreams: Boardwalk. Interesting thread as I never knew Disney did this code thing. Thanks for the info!

I agree, we've never received any codes either, but I gotta admit the 4/3 is a great deal! We're going to GF for my birthday. I've always wanted to stay in the GF RPC and even had it booked once but ended up having to cancel. This makes it much more affordable. I did the math between the regular price and the 4/3 discount, and it's almost a $3000 savings, so I'm not complaining.

 

[PinkRhombus]

I don't understand why so many Disers are hard on the OP.

I've noticed that being a frequent problem on a lot of the other posts I've read through on this board. Kind of makes one want to keep their mouth shut and not contribute or participate.




But as to the comment about it being "illegal"....Marriott does the same thing with its bonus point promotions. It doesn't matter if you're platinum or gold...or if you're basic or silver....some get good offers (lots of bonus points for your stays when a certain period of time)...at the same time others only get the "bonus points when you book a meeting" (I mean, really?).

 

[frisco]

It's not unfair at all.

I can see the OP's point. Disney doesn't owe anyone a discount, but neither does Wal-Mart. If Wal-Mart offers Joe a $500 TV for $300, why should Jim pay any more than that?

I understand, it's not apples to apples, but I can see the frustration.

 

[Rylee]

I don't understand why so many Disers are hard on the OP. Her question is reasonable. Instead offering support, many feel the need to stand up for Disney.

I wish all codes would be public. We've been the recipient of many Disney codes over the years, used some, some not...but still think the codes should be available to all, not a few. If it has to be narrowed down then give returning guests the 30/40% codes - just plain old good guest service...which Disney seems to be lacking these days.

Does not mean we'll not stay at Disney Resort; I just wish Disney would be fair to all.

I agree.

It's not like the OP wanted to use MY pin code or asked for an AP rate without being an AP Holder. She wants to use a pin code that was SENT to HER address.

I know how Diseny operates, and have no problem with certain codes being available to certain groups... AP holders, FL Residents, public codes being first come, first served, etc., but if a random discount code was sent to my address, I'd want to be able to use it and save a few bucks... more money to put towards the next trip!

We've taken trips with and without discounts, and will continue to do so. (We currently have the 40% offer.)

 

[Minnie&Nana]

I've noticed that being a frequent problem on a lot of the other posts I've read through on this board. Kind of makes one want to keep their mouth shut and not contribute or participate.




But as to the comment about it being "illegal"....Marriott does the same thing with its bonus point promotions. It doesn't matter if you're platinum or gold...or if you're basic or silver....some get good offers (lots of bonus points for your stays when a certain period of time)...at the same time others only get the "bonus points when you book a meeting" (I mean, really?).

That's true...illegal was perhaps a bit of a stretch...I guess with Marriott and such at least guests choose to participate in a guest rewards program... No perfect way for any company, I guess and I'm not bashing Disney...it's more a "in a perfect world" sort of wish.

With all the responding posts, I'd forgotten that all the OP wanted was to be able to use a code that came to her email address - used to be anyone in what Disney called a guest "household" could use the pin (happened to me a couple of times), but either that has changed (which would not be fair) or it's not clear to the CM's in booking.

 

[lisadr]

OP-I do not believe those codes are random at all. I do all the planning, booking, and (as far as Disney knows) the paying and I NEVER get a code. My DM went for 3 days in '07 (which I paid for -but she had her own room and ressie) and my DH get them.

Awhile back I sent away for the DVD in his name(we have different last names) and with his email. We last year he got a code and we just got one this year for 40%. I joked with him that because it looks like he showed interest and then didn't book anything, they are courting him-they figure they got me!

It won't help for this trip, but send for a DVD with your maiden name and a different email and you might see one in your mailbox before you know it .

 

[Colleen27]

When I explained the situation to the Disney CM on the phone, she was very pleasant and tried to help me out but was unable to as the offer is "Non-transferrable" and was not for us!!! I asked her why my inlaws were given this offer and not us and she replied that these were "randomly sent out by marketing". I guess that they are extending this offer because my inlaws are only booked for one night. Repeat customers such as us are not who they are targeting!!!

No one really knows how PIN code recipients are selected, but I can tell you this - being a frequent visitor doesn't disqualify you. We went to Disney in 2005, 2007, 2008, and already had a tentative trip booked for May 2009 when we received the most recent PIN mailing.

 

[Colleen27]

I certainly understand your frustration, but I'd try another CM. I got a pin code in the mail last week and we have a reservation in late November. The reservation is in my Mom's name because she is the AAA member and it was booked through AAA. Our TA was able to get us the pin code discount on the reservation even though the pin code came in my name not my Moms. I even have a different address then her. My name is on the reservation as one of the people in that room so that may make a difference.

It does. We've gotten PIN codes in my mother's name as well, but since she usually travels with us (especially on Disney vacations!), it was no problem to call her and say "I've got a 40% off code and I can get the Beach Club for around $200/night, wanna go to Disney?" And since the PIN can be applied to up to 3 rooms, we both save (well, in the sense that we're taking a several thousand dollar vacation we hadn't planned on taking, but we're not paying rack rate to do it )

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Why give discounts to frequent guests?
2) You will be going, any how.
3) Marketing gives discounts to people who otherwise wouldn't go.
4) Or wouldn't as long without a discount.

NOTE: When we didn't go that often, we got all sorts of WDW mail offers. Now, since we go often, we haven't seen an offer in at least five years.

 

[webstah]

I can see the OP's point. Disney doesn't owe anyone a discount, but neither does Wal-Mart. If Wal-Mart offers Joe a $500 TV for $300, why should Jim pay any more than that?

I understand, it's not apples to apples, but I can see the frustration.

OP states they are in the banking industry and to do what Disney does would be illegal.
I get free checking, my mother in law does not.
Wouldn't that be illegal?
I get a better rate on a loan if I have a certain amount in savings, but those who don't have that amount don't get the better rate.
Give everyone regardless of their credit rating the lowest rate possible, plus free checking, no atm fees, etc.
Lets level the playing field.

 

[sand2270]

Having a little bit of a background in this type of marketing please be aware it is not personal. For example, the company I work for sends out thousands and thousands of offers each year. There is usually a standard offer and than test offers. The test offers are tested against the standard offers to see what works best. There are list pulls from the customer base to determine what customer gets what offer (sorry I can't provide more info on how this works, I wasn't involved in that).

However one difference is if a customer knows about an offer we honor it. No questions asked. I am not sure why Disney does not follow this practice since they seem to be all about excellent customer service. We will ask if they got an offer and source code for tracking, but if they don't have one we have default ones we can use. To us the customer is still purchasing our product and we want to do right by them. The only thing we won't honor is a retail offer. If you find a better retail offer than we can offer direct than we do encourage you to take advantage of the retail offer.

Don't know if that helps with understanding how some of these types of mailings work.

Regarding the question about why would you give offers to regular attendees. The answer is to keep them coming back. A large percentage of our mailing list are prior customers of our software because we want them to upgrade every year. So they get special offers to sweeten the deal. But we also want to bring in new customers so they will get offers as well. Marketing is about retaining AND gaining new customers, there is usually a focus on both.

 

[WildernessBride]

We have visited WDW the last two years in a row and we never recieved a discount until this year! My Dh said it figured that we were not planning to go but then we get a discount. Since we got more than one discount over the past few weeks, that allowed me time to convince my DH to take us back one more time!!! Sometimes I think Disney knows the exact right time to send you a little "reminder." But to the OP, don't worry, just when you think you won't get anything, you will!

 

[mm6mm6]

I understand your complaint.

I see magazine subscriptions for "new subscribers" at $10 for 12 issues.

I subscribed to the magazine for 15 years and I have to pay $24 for the 12 issues. That doesn't seem fair. I am a loyal customer and I have to pay more?

But from the company's standpoint, they need to entice new subscribers into getting the magazine. They they will be charged the same amount as me after the first year. I get that.

Disney should be no different. I understand if they offer a deal to first time vacationers.

What I'd really like to see is a super deal if a family gets another family to vacation at WDW for the first time. Sign up your friends and get 50% off!

 

[Allison]

I can see the OP's point. Disney doesn't owe anyone a discount, but neither does Wal-Mart. If Wal-Mart offers Joe a $500 TV for $300, why should Jim pay any more than that?

I understand, it's not apples to apples, but I can see the frustration.

Because that's the way the purchase and sales of items works. I can get a special discount from Kohl's because I get an offer in the mail. I might get 30% off and my neighbor might get 10%. Another neighbor might not get anything. If we purchased the exact same item, we would all be paying a different price.

I'm not the type to get frustrated by that because I don't take it personally and I understand it is the way things work.