what is a PIN?

[madonniac]

I'm a lurker mostly because I really have nothing to contribute. I've tried finding out what PIN was but I can't. What is it?

 

[TheWrightTrip]

Its a discount code that you can apply/use toward your package. You get them either via email or regular mail. They are very random. Some people get them, some people don't.

 

[CinderellaDreamer]

I have asked myself that question (sarcastically) many times! I thought you might be joking even, since they are so hard to get! ha!

The email or postcard will have a PIN code listed in it that you tell to the cast member when you call to book your discount. (Personal Identification Number)

Some people have spam filters that prevent the delivery of their emails or divert them, and they have called to ask a Disney Cast Member (CM) if they have a PIN associated with their name or email address. Some are lucky enough to have found out they do.

Only the persons' name associated with the PIN can use the discount. So if you got a physical postcard sent to your home in your mother-in-law's name since she went with you in 2006 to the parks, only she can use the PIN to book even though it has *your* address on the postcard.

Lots of people try to 'generate' a PIN by ordering DVDs, maps, saving offers on the website, etc. They seem to be random, as I have done these things many times over the years.

I personally think they are a myth.

 

[larryz]

Despite rumors to the contrary, they DO exist ... and you absolutely WILL NOT get any if you aren't visible to the Marketing Fairy Godmother.

To get on her scope:

1) Register an email with the WDW official website
2) Fill in the profile information including personalia, prior visits to the parks, favorite parks, etc. Be sure to OPT IN for marketing emails and information about special offers!!!
3) Order the vacation planning DVD
4) Go to the reservations section and price out a couple of visits using various options, and save them (don't book them)
5) Go back a day or two later and change some of those saved options
6) When you start getting Disney emails (and you will!), click thru and participate in some of the activities (customized maps, resort preview, etc)

7) Sit back, cross your fingers, and wait for the pins to roll in!

It helps if you've been in the last 5 years, but not in the immediately preceeding year, but that's just a generalization and not a hard-and-fast rule. Case in point: I used a pin from last summer to book for last December, and just got a pin for 30% off room only bookings in November 2011, with only Thanksgiving week blocked out. (I also got various other pins including the 20% off all-inclusive package and a 35% off room only for May)

Try it -- the techniques above don't guarantee you'll get a pin, but following them put you on the radar that you're interested and might need a little incentive to book a vacation.

Good luck!

 

[CNYGuy]

We got a PIN in the mail yesterday...not sure why?

Good for free quick service dining which is OK I suppose, but was hoping for something more...Don't want to be a PIN snob though, something is better than nothing