Using an e-mail code without a PIN?

[TammyC]

I have seen many threads in the past about how some people are able to get rates for an e-mail code without the PIN, and others are told they cannot and will be charged rack rate at check-in if they do not have the PIN. I'm just wondering if it has actually happened - anybody had their rate changed at check-in??

 

[SueEllen]

The new emails are PIN only and do not have a corresponding 3 letter code to them. In addition, the number is tied to an individual name in the system (they have to pull that information up) and if that person is not in the room they cannot book the discounted room rate.

Disney's system is getting better with tracking this stuff and they are now assigning a completely different PIN number for each person they send these to.

Sue Ellen

 

[TammyC]

I would never knowingly try to use a discount that I shouldn't, but have read many threads where each caller seems to get different info about the same code and whether or not they can use it.

 

[c&m]

When I was booking a room for my parents yesterday, I was just told by the CM on the phone that those codes definitely need a PIN. Though some people are told by some CMs on the phone that they don't need the PIN, it's not true. This CM tells me that those other CMs are not doing their jobs properly. The people who think they are getting the discount would be getting a big surprise upon check-in when they are asked for their PINs. If they don't have that unique PIN, they would be charged the RACK RATES!!! Which, I'm sure, would be real shock to the system!!!

I don't know what information is true, since it all sounds so conflicting. If you can get away without a PIN, then that's great. But I certainly will go the safe route 'cos the shock of paying rack rates will be too much for a bargain hunter like me!

 

[susy]

If you book a room with a pin code and don't have a pin that just makes it harder for those of us waiting for real discounts. Those rooms are now showing as "booked". I once had a situation where a CM gave me a code that I was not entitled to. It was quite an ordeal and needed the approval of the guest services manager. I think I was the first person to bring it to their attention and once they found the error, they did not fix it for everyone else...just took away their discount.

 

[DMRick]

I do wonder about the OP's queston too. Has anyone actually booked without a pin and been asked for the postcard upon check-in or had the rack prices charged/ I've been on these boards a while and I don't remember reading about that. A lot of people are being told no pin is needed. I was told today that you needed a pin or they couldnt' even book it. I know some prob have the pin connected to their names, so they'll be all set, but how about those who don't? Will there be a "shake down" at the desk, or will it just be ignored like so many other things?

 

[FWFamily4Life]

if someone has a special mailer pin or an email pin it can be used by another person or persons, however, the person who gets the pin number must be listed as the lead on the reservation (like booking 2 rooms for 2 differant families so that the reservations are together) The person not listed on the offer can still pay and check in for the reservation. Ive done this many times and just a few weeks ago for some friends. Dreams Unlimited is very good about getting reservations for you using this method!!!

 

[dudspizza]

Here is what CRO told me tonight.

I called to inquire about the 3 letter code that is floating around right now.

I was able to book PO-FQ using that code (was not asked for a PIN) and thought I was set.

I get a call back from the same CM at CRO telling me she realized I DID NOT have a PIN in my profile and I could not get the rate. After talking to Customer Service, I was told, NO, you cannot have the rate.

In talking to the CM, she told me that you DO NOT have to show anything at check-in. She said that the PIN is listed in your personal information and that the resort will charge you rack rate if you don't have a PIN listed in your computer info.

Now, as the last poster said, will they enforce it? I don't know. I do know that I don't want to have that worry on my mind as I check in. I ended up booking at rack rate, hoping for an AP code for June.

Hope this helps.

Duds

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

I tried to use "the code" for our May trip and after the CM researched for a good 10 minutes I was put on hold. The CM came back on the line and said that it wasn't booking because I needed the pin to book. (Well I tried.) I kept the reservation and will try for an AP rate, if one ever appears. If not, we have our rooms and don't have to worry about a place to stay!!

 

[FoodLover]

I'm just wondering if it has actually happened - anybody had their rate changed at check-in??

Yes, it has happened. Non-qualifying reservations at a discounted rate have been changed to "rack rate." The guests who were affected were not notified, but were charged full price when they checked in. Disney took the position that using the code without the required PIN was fraudulent, so complaints went nowhere.

As it was explained to me, the reservations computer is used to run periodic "sweeps" that compare those who have booked with a particular code against the intended recipients of that code.

I really don't recommend using a code for which you do not have the required PIN.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[susy]

Thanks, Mary. I would post this on the May/June codes thread, too. As I said above, once a CM gave me a code I was not entitled to. It was a FL RES/Disney Visa. I am a FL RES, but do not have a Disney Visa. When I realized the error the next day and called back, they did honor the code, but it took an okay from the manager of guest services. At that point, they had given the discount to a quite a few people. They just took it away from them.

 

[dizagain]

Who exactly gets these "pins" via email? Why is it only certain people are selected?

Is there some email newsletter you need to sign up for?

Hi! I was one of the lucky ones and I asked my CM when I booked how I got the pin. She said that my name/info was in their file from my registration at Disney.com. She said it helped that when I registered, I answered questions about our intent to visit again ( we went off-site in 2003) and stay on-site. Once Disney has your info, it's just random profiling. She was going through alot of my personal info - she already had most of it in front of her...only needed DH's full name and DD's ages at time of trip...kind of scary, actually!

Anyway, good luck! I also got a postcard last year, but that offer wasn't so hot.

 

[Glennwood]

Yes, it has happened. Non-qualifying reservations at a discounted rate have been changed to "rack rate." The guests who were affected were not notified, but were charged full price when they checked in. Disney took the position that using the code without the required PIN was fraudulent, so complaints went nowhere.

As it was explained to me, the reservations computer is used to run periodic "sweeps" that compare those who have booked with a particular code against the intended recipients of that code.

I really don't recommend using a code for which you do not have the required PIN.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

I was able to book a reservation with the CODE, but there was nothing fraudulant in my behavior. I simply told him that I heard about a code, and asked him if it was one I could use...I asked a question and was given an answer. I even told him that I suspected that I needed a PIN and didn't have one, was was reassured (twice) that I did not need it. So, according to the CM that I spoke with, this was a valid CODE. I never assumed that is was valid, I was told that it was by a Disney employee. If it is not, the issue needs to be taken up with the CM, not me. I refuse to take responsibility for the CRO being disorganized. If, after asking such specific questions, and being completely up front, Disney decides to charge me the rack rate, you can believe I'll have complaints,and they will go somewhere.

 

[Stiff]

"Disney decides to charge me the rack rate, you can believe I'll have complaints,and they will go somewhere."

AMEN!!!!