Why There's No WDW Customer Loyalty Program

[MaryKatesMom]

Where to the people that discuss WDW fit in there?

 

[jcb]

Where to the people that discuss WDW fit in there?

There is only one answer - "outstanding minds"

 

[FireDancer]

I would love Disney to have a loyalty program, but I think the bottom line is that they don't need one, like a PP stated.

I think Disney knows that we are a pretty captive audience. We spend a lot of time in the parks and discussing the parks on forums like this. Even though we are quite vocal about what we don't like, some more so than others, we still go down whenever we can. While this is probably an accurate view it doesn't take in the big picture.

Disney, like just about every company out there, tends to think too short term. In the short term small picture this probably true. We will continue to go down at the rate which we can afford. If there was a loyalty program of some sort though I have a feeling they would get us down a bit more. That may mean more trips or longer trips or upgraded trips. Look at a buy one get one 1/2 off promotion in retail. How many times do we as consumers look at that as getting a second item for half price when in actuality it is often the retailer selling a second item that they wouldn't not have?

As an example, lets say as part of a loyalty program you get an upgrade to a mod for 1/2 the normal price after staying 10 days at any resort. This could work out for them 2 ways. First, I may have a 5 and 4 day trip planned, but decide to extend one of them a day to get my 10th day in. Second, even though I am paying only half of the upgrade rate that is more than I would have paid to stay at a value again, which is what I would have other wise done. Not only do they get an extra day at the value and the added money from the upgrade, but they will also get the extra day in the park and at the restaurant. They will get my next vacation because I don't want to lose my half price upgrade. They will also get the chance that while staying at the Mod instead of the the value I will eat at one of the restaurants in the resort and pay more than I would have in the food court at Pop.

Do they need any of this, no. Would they benefit long term by giving me this...I think so.

wdwowner- It is obvious you have a different opinion of this than many of us, and in some ways you are right. I think if you stated your opinion as an opinion without trying to convince Kevin or anyone else that yours is right and their is wrong you would find the responses a bit less harsh. Different opinions are just that, different, not right and wrong.

 

[dpuck1998]

Are you telling me I have a small mind?

No silly!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Before DVC there used to be a "Disney Club" of some kind. I remember how upset people were when they discontinued it but it was quite a few years ago.

 

[BriarRosie]

I agree 100% with you. As a DVC member, I'm already out the free dining, which would be a better deal. However, if they offer an incentive program for guest loyalty I don't see how they can make it work for guests without making the DVC members a little upset.

I think Free Dining is pretty much a fallacy when you get to deluxe resorts. I think the comparison was that if you had a room discount and bought the dining plan, you would save money vs. getting "free" dining paying rack rate. I saw Touring Plans break down the numbers, and I was startled by that. I think the free dining promotion is a better deal for Moderate or Value resorts. But probably mostly Moderate resorts with the quick service DDP offered now for Value resorts.

And because we're DVC, we get the AP discount, which is a huge deal for me. My biggest expense at WDW is pretty much the food. And I can get Tables in Wonderland if I know I'm spending more than $375 on food.

I'm not having any regrets that I can't get free dining. Heck, I don't want the DDP at any time. I don't like to eat that way.

 

[Cherinva]

I cringe when I see your posts. I think that you state your opinion very well. Sometimes I even agree with it. However, I rarely see a post where you don't attack some member of the podcast, and I just don't understand it. Kevin wasn't even a part of this conversation when you posted.

Well said.

 

[scarlett873]

No silly!

Hmmmm...methinks a new purse might be in order for wife #5...

 

[Madi100]

Hmmmm...methinks a new purse might be in order for wife #5...

I believe you are right! My 13 year old niece has more Coach purses than I do. Not fair.

 

[Madi100]

I think Free Dining is pretty much a fallacy when you get to deluxe resorts. I think the comparison was that if you had a room discount and bought the dining plan, you would save money vs. getting "free" dining paying rack rate. I saw Touring Plans break down the numbers, and I was startled by that. I think the free dining promotion is a better deal for Moderate or Value resorts. But probably mostly Moderate resorts with the quick service DDP offered now for Value resorts.

And because we're DVC, we get the AP discount, which is a huge deal for me. My biggest expense at WDW is pretty much the food. And I can get Tables in Wonderland if I know I'm spending more than $375 on food.

I'm not having any regrets that I can't get free dining. Heck, I don't want the DDP at any time. I don't like to eat that way.

I don't really mind, but that is one thing as DVC that we don't get to take part in.

 

[Madi100]

Hmmmm...methinks a new purse might be in order for wife #5...

Oh, darn it! You made me go and look and there is a new Coach purse that I really like. It's called Madison. tan and brown, love it!

 

[kaligal]

I didn't hear the rant (yet! I will!), but I think the reason Disney doesn't have a loyalty program is that they consider their customers to be suckers.

They're of the opinion that they can continue to offer less and less while charging more and more and the suckers will keep on coming and paying. It's working for them so far, but it won't work forever and IMO will be their downfall.

I do not consider allowing people to buy into a time-share a perk or loyalty program, though I'm sure Disney would be thrilled to spin it that way.

As a person who spends at least 17 nights a year on the Disney property (and often more), I would like some sort of loyalty program.

ITA with Kevin that a loyalty program has to offer stuff to repeat guests that isn't offered to first-time visitors. Even a coffee mug or some flippin thing. Throw us a bone, for Pete's sake. Grrr.

 

[idieh]

This is funny! In August, I started this exact thread in the Resorts board! Basically, though some folks agreed with me that Disney should have a loyalty/rewards program; most thought it was un-necessary, as Disney already supplies ample discounts and perks or never going to happen!

Either way...here is my initial arguement from last month:

How many people on this site go to WDW every year? How many have been more than 5 times? How many people on this site convince friends and family to go to or join them at WDW?
Now, how may of you have gotten a free night or two for your loyalty? A free room upgrade? How about 50% off your dinner? Maybe a few free park tickets? How about a discount on Halloween or Christmas party admission! Anyone??? No one???
Does anyone really want to add up the amount of money that they've spent at WDW over the years? I sure don't!
There, my fellow Disers is the problem! We are being taken for granted!! We all give our time, our love and our money to Disney and we really are under-appreciated. Heck...even your local car wash has a "buy 10 washes get 1 free" program! Also, why is it everytime that you call WDW, the automated voice asks you "have you been to WDW before", but they do nothing with the information?
I'm sorry to ramble, its just sad! BTW, my family will be going from Oct. 13-22, staying on property, going to the parks and eating every meal on property...again

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Doug

 

[MaryKatesMom]

This is funny! In August, I started this exact thread in the Resorts board! Basically, though some folks agreed with me that Disney should have a loyalty/rewards program; most thought it was un-necessary, as Disney already supplies ample discounts and perks or never going to happen!

Either way...here is my initial arguement from last month:

How many people on this site go to WDW every year? How many have been more than 5 times? How many people on this site convince friends and family to go to or join them at WDW?
Now, how may of you have gotten a free night or two for your loyalty? A free room upgrade? How about 50% off your dinner? Maybe a few free park tickets? How about a discount on Halloween or Christmas party admission! Anyone??? No one???
Does anyone really want to add up the amount of money that they've spent at WDW over the years? I sure don't!
There, my fellow Disers is the problem! We are being taken for granted!! We all give our time, our love and our money to Disney and we really are under-appreciated. Heck...even your local car wash has a "buy 10 washes get 1 free" program! Also, why is it everytime that you call WDW, the automated voice asks you "have you been to WDW before", but they do nothing with the information?
I'm sorry to ramble, its just sad! BTW, my family will be going from Oct. 13-22, staying on property, going to the parks and eating every meal on property...again

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Doug

I understand your argument. I've dragged my parents twice, my sister and her family once. Not to mention talked endlessly to anyone who asked. I just got an email from a friend for reccomendations and spent a good 1/2 hour typing up books to read, sites (such as this one) and other ways to plan a good vacation.

So while my infrequent parents and sister's get Pin Code's with deals, I can't get them to send me my Mickey Monitor!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I was just thinking about the Marriott loyalty program and one thing that they do that should be pretty easy for WDW to do is when you charge at Marriott properties you get bonus points based on how much you charge on their CC. 10 points per dollar. Since they both use Chase bank it would be no problem to do so.

I was so excited to get a Pin Code from the Disney card then bummed when it opened to the public. I have yet to get an offer that I could use.

 

[idieh]

I understand that Disney is a business. They are here to make money, not give it away. But, what I am requesting would cost little and perhaps even in increase sales! Offering 50% off perchases after "X" amount of dollars or offer discounts to special events that i wasn't planning to attend etc. Offer room ugrades. Yes, there is an opportunity cost involved here, but if the room is empty...

I know that i'm dreaming here, but isn't Disney in the dreaming business?

 

[fakereadhed]

Offer room ugrades. Yes, there is an opportunity cost involved here, but if the room is empty...

That is actually a pretty good idea. I hope they are listening. I know they call people to upgrade them occasionally(like Pop to SS)and it would be great CS to say, "We see that you have stayed with us X amt of times and we would like to say thank you by offering you an upgrade." No extra cost for them, and it would make people feel like they weren't unappreciated.

 

[idieh]

That is actually a pretty good idea. I hope they are listening. I know they call people to upgrade them occasionally(like Pop to SS)and it would be great CS to say, "We see that you have stayed with us X amt of times and we would like to say thank you by offering you an upgrade." No extra cost for them, and it would make people feel like they weren't unappreciated.

Exactly!!

 

[Madi100]

That is actually a pretty good idea. I hope they are listening. I know they call people to upgrade them occasionally(like Pop to SS)and it would be great CS to say, "We see that you have stayed with us X amt of times and we would like to say thank you by offering you an upgrade." No extra cost for them, and it would make people feel like they weren't unappreciated.

What happens, though, when they don't have extra rooms or when you have a DVC member who has stayed 50 times. What do you do for them? While it's a great idea, what do you do when people start to expect that treatment? They get upset and feel let down if they don't get it.

 

[fakereadhed]

While it's a great idea, what do you do when people start to expect that treatment? They get upset and feel let down if they don't get it.

Yeah, they can't please everybody. Look at the folks upset about YOAMD and What Can You Celebrate.

On a funny side note, I booked a childcare club for my DS for the YeeHaBob meet yesterday. They ask if you are celebrating anything special even when you book that. I said "A night out without my son whining that he'd rather be back at the pool."