WDW's code concerns

[Micca]

I was reading a thread about unauthorized usage of certain codes for room discounts, and it made me ponder this: If a resort is making available "X" number of rooms at a certain price point, and the objective is to book as many of those available rooms as possible, why would they care who used the code? We have AP so we don't use codes, but I would like to know the thinking behind it.

 

[DebbieB]

Because they are trying to target certain groups. For example, a couple years ago they put a code in a Spanish Language newspaper, trying to get more of those people to come to WDW. With the internet, that code was posted and people from all over were making reservations with it. With the postcards or e-mails, they can target people in certain areas and make sure only they use it.

 

[DrTomorrow]

DebbieB has it right - they are using discounts to try to lure folks who are less likely to go to WDW; sometimes it's a certain ethnic group, other times it can be geographic, or age-based, etc. Even if these were passed around via family and friends, odds were that they were still hitting the selected target group. However, given the internet, all it takes is one person to post them and thousands of people - often Disney fanatics - will see them and thwart Disney's intention. Hence the use of codes with PINs tied to specific people....

 

[Micca]

Thanks for the responses. That makes sense except for one thing: The reason for reaching out to various groups or regions would be to broaden the consumer base which would shore up room reservations/park biz. If the codes are used by any old individual from the web, they still will have succeeded in booking "X" number of rooms at a particular rate. Is the difference that people who aren't targeted (i.e. many of us Dis-ers) are going to go to WDW anyway regardless of the rate? Have I just answered my own question???

 

[DebbieB]

I agree with your thoughts. People who use codes from places like mousesavers are likely to go no matter what. Many already have reservations and are looking to reduce their rate.

 

[eeyore0062]

I was reading a thread about unauthorized usage of certain codes for room discounts, and it made me ponder this: If a resort is making available "X" number of rooms at a certain price point, and the objective is to book as many of those available rooms as possible, why would they care who used the code? We have AP so we don't use codes, but I would like to know the thinking behind it.

Because if someone who isn't authorized to use that code for a discounted room does, it takes an available room away from a guest who is legitimately entitled.