Unfairness in discounts

[Doctor P]

Disney (and in some cases other companies) frustrate me to no end with their targeted discounts. I find the Magical Celebration promotion to be personally ripping me off due to me being born at a time of the year that I can NEVER go to a Disney park. Not very Magical, IMHO. And that isn't a "targeted" promotion, either. If my birthday was on New Year's Eve or Christmas, guess what? I get free admission to a park even though they don't need extra people on those days. Frankly, it is a promotion that sounds great, but is a real ripoff that I am paying for (e.g., TWO large ticket increases in the space of five months must be paying for some of this stuff). Then they add this promotion for the military which also is a ripoff the way it is set up. I'm all for targeted military discounts, but this is not targeted and is, IMHO, offensive to other people who spend their lives in the public service with not only no thanks but the disdain of the public. Then you have this YOMD crap that people were gaming, too. Disney needed to do a better job of making sure that the wealth got spread around even on the minor dreams. Do you know how annoying it is to hear somebody calling on their cell phone relating the YOMD thing that they got that day, the things they got the previous three days, and the thing they are going to shoot for tomorrow and expect to get? No one is owed anything, and no one is owed a discount--that is true. But, it is also true that the same people should not always be the beneficiaries and people should not be automatically shut out of Disney's major promotions for no rational reason.

 

[LWcalif]

I've never rec'd a code either. But we have taken advantage of free dining each trip since 2005, so I'm happy. The last two years we've said we probably won't go back the following year and then we see the bounce back offer and decide it's really the only place we want to go. Now, if they take away my free dining I'm not returning without a code.

 

[Rylee]

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!

I could afford to LIVE at Disney World, if they offered that deal!

Somehow, I have become "EVERYONE'S" TA... family, friends and neighbors.
(Shhh... I don't mind, I love planning Disney vacations.)

 

[Jestocost]

These discounts aren't meant to be a "reward" for good customers, but are meant to attract guests to specific resorts that might not otherwise be as full or to attract customers who might not otherwise book period. I don't think that's mean or unfair; it's just marketing.

FWIW, I have an interesting situation that provides some insight into the marketing approach. We visit WDW and/or DLR and/or do DCL about two times per year. I never, ever get a PIN code at my home address, which is tied to all of those reservations. A few years ago, however, I stayed at BC during an industry trade show and the reservation was booked using my work address, which never has been used for another WDW vacation. Surprise, surprise, I received a PIN code mailing at work last year and just received another one this week.

 

[IndyClown]

I have already planned my vaca by renting points from a DVC owner. Given that, I can't believe I haven't gotten a 40% code since I wouldn't be able to use it. That would totally be my luck.

 

[tazdev3225]

I understand the OP's feelings. I received the code offer in the mail last week. I called Disney only to be told that it was a name specific code for my DD's boyfriend. He has never lived with me, has no desire to go to Disney , and it was at my address. I tried but oh well. I am still going on my planned trip, I will continue to call and hope something shows up in my name or hope that Disney comes up with a great deal for later in the year. If not I am still going with my DH without any kids for the first time to celebrate a belated 25th anniversary and will have a great time anyway.

 

[inaminute]

LOL!! Now this is TOO funny!

Since my earlier post, I am happy to announce that I FINALLY GOT A CODE!!! Checked the mail today and there it was! I have to call Disney, though, since the name on the thing is our last name first and my husbands first name with an "s" at the end.

Disney must be having trouble filling hotels as this is good for any time this year (I'm sure there are some blackout dates, but haven't looked yet).

 

[Deb & Bill]

My 16 yr old niece came with us for one trip. About two weeks ago, she got a 40% discount postcard delivered to our house. That was the only address they had for her.

I did get the 40% code via e-mail the other day, but we won't be using it. We'll already be at Disney on our DVC points in May.

 

[diskids2]

Here's how I look at it....JMHO.

We don't go to WDW every year. Maybe every two. Every time I get a code or hear about free dining...it's not when I can go. And to be honest, I usually find out about it AFTER I have booked my trip and no....it's for a time that I am not going or have actually come home.

This year I got a 40% off pin....before I booked too. But I can't use it....I have to go in the summer when my children are out of school....or at the very least some sort of school break...oh wait....I can't use it then and gee sorry I can't go as early as February. Am I mad that I have a steep discount on a year I plan to go.... but can't use...yes I am.

I understand all of the marketing techniques, etc. etc. etc. And I may be in the minority....but I was planning on going in the summer. NOW I am SERIOUSLY thinking about not going and using my hard earned money to go somewhere else. I mean...hey...I've been to WDW several times so why spend more of my money there?

I'm just trying to point out that new and repeat customers are both important at least in my eyes...and I DO find this unfair....not illegal...but unfair...or maybe just it irks me. I find it EQUALLY unfair that the codes are during a time of year when most children are in school. I guess Disney figures if you have kids you'll pay just about anything to go....and for the first two visits when mine were little...yes that was the case with me....but now that they are teenagers and even though they LOVE Disney.....I might not want to drop the $8000 that I usually do.

Again, JMHO.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I am sorry that you have not received a discount but DH and I are repeat customers, 4 to 6 times a year for the last 18 years or so and this is our second year we received the 40% off code...dont know why

 

[Deb & Bill]

...I find it EQUALLY unfair that the codes are during a time of year when most children are in school. ....

That's when they need to fill the rooms. That's when they are the emptiest. Why do you think they offer free dining in Sept? That's when the rooms are not booked and, you never know, there just might be a hurricane hitting FL that month.

 

[disnut8]

I had a person and her child live with us for four months and six days (as you can tell, the parting was not amicable). She wanted a Disney World planning video since I told her she could get it for free. I actually sent away for it for her, it arrived, they watched it, and never booked a trip (I knew they never would but that's another story). Do you know how many postcards I've received here for them with their name and my address? Three times now. On the other hand, my husband and I go five times a year and stay off site because it's cheaper. But you know what? We'll still go and we'll still stay off site. Because when we can stay on site at something we can afford, we will be so grateful we'll enjoy it five times as much.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I had a person and her child live with us for four months and six days (as you can tell, the parting was not amicable). She wanted a Disney World planning video since I told her she could get it for free. I actually sent away for it for her, it arrived, they watched it, and never booked a trip (I knew they never would but that's another story). Do you know how many postcards I've received here for them with their name and my address? Three times now. On the other hand, my husband and I go five times a year and stay off site because it's cheaper. But you know what? We'll still go and we'll still stay off site. Because when we can stay on site at something we can afford, we will be so grateful we'll enjoy it five times as much.

Go have your name changed.

I send the planning DVDs in the kids' names (so they could get Disney mail). Both DS and DNiece received 40% codes in my email last year. I was able to use DS's code since he's a minor and can't book a trip. I also received a 30% code in my email for me, but our planned trip was in the blackout dates. We booked a Christmas trip with DS's code. My gramma gets DVC mailings at my house (even though we provide my grandparents address for the reservations). Long story short, I have no idea how Disney divides and assigns addresses and codes, but code use isn't black and white. There is very possibly a way the OP or anyone in a similar situation can use the code.

 

[diskids2]

That's when they need to fill the rooms. That's when they are the emptiest. Why do you think they offer free dining in Sept? That's when the rooms are not booked and, you never know, there just might be a hurricane hitting FL that month.

As I explained in my post....I understand the marketing reasons....that does make it sit any better with me.

And again, everyone has the right to their own opinion and Disney has the right to offer discounts and when and to whom they want.....just as I have the right to spend my money where I want....and right now I don't want to spend it at Disney because I find their marketing tactics unpleasant....is that a better way of saying it

 

[Minnie&Nana]

LOL!! Now this is TOO funny!

Since my earlier post, I am happy to announce that I FINALLY GOT A CODE!!! Checked the mail today and there it was! I have to call Disney, though, since the name on the thing is our last name first and my husbands first name with an "s" at the end.

Disney must be having trouble filling hotels as this is good for any time this year (I'm sure there are some blackout dates, but haven't looked yet).

Congratulations!

 

[cheshireqt]

Dear OP, I feel your pain. I have a Disney visa card and I order the DVD every year and have never recieved a code. Luckily we always manage to go when there is a good code offered to the public.

It would make me very upset to get a code in MY mailbox with MY address (email or regular mail) and someone else's name. I just do not like having other people's names, even family, mixed up with my personal address and databased by any company.

Also I wonder how this works with Virginia addresses. As I understand it, it is Virginia law that anything that comes to your address is yours to keep. The original intent was to keep marketers from extracting $ for items that they have sent you for "free" and that you "failed to return." I have ALWAYS made every effort to find the person or marked 'return to sender addressee unknown' when postal errors are made. If Disney sent a code to MY address with someone else's name..... well it might be time to exercise that right! Although I am sure that the high paid disney lawyers would tell me that I had every right to keep the piece of paper that the code was printed on but that I was still not eligible tp use the code.

Oh well everyone keep your fingers crossed for more 3/4 or more free dining. Either of those would make me happy enough during our next trip.

 

[maccagerl]

Go have your name changed.


.

Actually, a CM once did that for me! I recieved a great PIN code in the mail, with a friends name and my address. The really nice CM just hyphenated the name- so it read Jane Doe-MyRealName.

 

[4greatboys]

The 40% PIN code I rec'd was only sent to some passholders. I consider passholders as people who on a regular basis.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Actually, a CM once did that for me! I recieved a great PIN code in the mail, with a friends name and my address. The really nice CM just hyphenated the name- so it read Jane Doe-MyRealName.

That's a better idea. I meant go to the courthouse, and change it to the friend's name who was getting the codes. Kidding, of course (can never be too careful on the DIS!).

 

[Scottneon]

I have went 3 years in a row with my daughter. Never got any codes. Wed. afternoon I get my mail and whats in the mailbox,a 40% off card. I come inside and start reading when and where I can go. I look at the name on front and its addressed to my friend. I always book the vacation but use my address. I called Disney and they said sorry,only the person who's name is on it can use it. I was pissed. I calmed down and later that same night I get an email from Disney for the same offer for me. YIPPEE Now I have to see if I can afford to go again. LOL I am not a passholder. Live IN NJ. I Register for anything and everything Disney. Don't know how I got lucky this year.