Year of a Million letdowns?

[Allison]

Sorry, I don't follow your line of thinking at all.

 

[cardramblues]

The only way I can imagine anyone being disappointed that they didn't get a prize is if they only came to the park because they expected a prize and, well, that would be really stupid of them since we all know that only a few lucky individuals will win.

Just for a second (and only a second), take off the Disney rose colored glasses (I have a pair of my own). When you read about guest's magical moments, 85% (non-scientific) of them involved an outstanding CM. Someone who went out of the way to make a vacation extra special, not beccause of any promotion, but as their everyday way of doing their job.

These same CMs are being put in a no-win position where giving out a lanyard and pins is no longer cool, but just a sign you won the ****ie prize.

Alls I'm saying folks is from Disney's perspective the otherwise wouldn't have visited guests will a) either not be lured to a Disney park because of the promotion or b) be dissapointed that they came for the promotion (if they don't win).

I think everyone on DIS would visit with or without the promotion, I get that. I just don't think this promotion sets up CMs to succeed and if you hear comments from them, most of them agree.

 

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

That's true OP...But unfortunately, as much as I love Disney, I don't believe that their main concern is for the guest, but for themselves.
I think there more interested in boosting sagging tourist #'s than the actual delight of their guests.
The whole point of this Year of a Million Dreams is purely promotional, IMO.
But that's just me.

 

[travelgoddess]

We do not have children, and I think it puts us at a disadvantage.
I'm just gonna enjoy my vacation, and if it happens I'll be happily surprised.

 

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

We do not have children, and I think it puts us at a disadvantage.
I'm just gonna enjoy my vacation, and if it happens I'll be happily surprised.

Ditto! That's what Dtwin and I will be doing. No kids either. BUt we're still going, if it happens, it happens.

 

[CowboyCO]

Our family will arive on September 29th and be in MK on October 1st!! I'm kinda hoping that they give out thousands of wishes the first weekend to "kick -off" the big promotion and generate some buzz!! We're planning on coming early, doing the rope drop and looking as cute a family as possible, with Disney ears, and I'm thinking of making custome T-shirts that match and say something like "Make my Disney Wish come true! "


What do you think? Maybe ALIEN GREEN T-shirts?

 

[cardramblues]

Our family will arive on September 29th and be in MK on October 1st!! I'm kinda hoping that they give out thousands of wishes the first weekend to "kick -off" the big promotion and generate some buzz!! We're planning on coming early, doing the rope drop and looking as cute a family as possible, with Disney ears, and I'm thinking of making custome T-shirts that match and say something like "Make my Disney Wish come true! "


What do you think? Maybe ALIEN GREEN T-shirts?

LOL This is exactly what I have been talking about.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Am I the only one that thinks this promotion is just a bad idea for Disney parks? I mean think about it, part of the "magic" of Disney is having pixie dust come from unexpected places, not from cast memebers that are put in no win situations. I mean for every one that gets a castle night, there are 24,999 other people at MK that day that are disappointed.

Don't get me wrong, the prizes are cool and who wouldn't want to win a DVC membership or one of the other 1 in a million odds prizes. But think about it, wouldn't it have been better for Disney to do this without a formal promotion? Think about the publicity of people being blindsided with with these prizes?

Thoughts?

ok here is an idea to ponder on......how many people do you know that got to open MK? if you get picked(like i did to open MGM) it's called "MAGIC" winning this year of dreams isnt like playing lotto or bingo. it's more like chance. every day at WDW people see others in parades opening parks and they wonder how they got picked. so think like this. heck look at the odds of winning poerball or mega millions. at least the year of dreams if you dont get picked you still see mickey goofy tigger and others. just an idea to think about.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Someone posted that Disney tourism is sagging, not true at all. Park attendance is up.

I can not imagine that there is going to be mass dissappointment throughout the parks. I sometimes buy lottery tickets, I really don't expect to win, but it would be nice if I did.

I will, however; screen the new promotional video before I let my DD see it. I want to make sure that it doesn't lead her to believe that she will spend the night in the castle or participate in a parade.

 

[01Sweetpea]

The fact that we will be there for Thanksgiving and be able to see the parks decorated is lucky enough for me. IF I win ANYTHING, then that is just a bonus!

 

[Kitty-chan]

The fact that we will be there for Thanksgiving and be able to see the parks decorated is lucky enough for me. IF I win ANYTHING, then that is just a bonus!

This reminds me of one point during a recent trip, when my son turned to me and said, "Mom, we're at Disneyland . . .how bad can it be?"

 

[liamsaunt]

I have not read the promotional literature for this yet, but I remember back in 1986 for the 15 year celebration they were having a promotional giveaway at the gates. This was back when they had daily paper tickets. You stuck your tickets through the reader and it would come out with a message on it. I still have a bunch of mine from that trip. Of course, they all say "Sorry, No Prize Today!" I did see other people winning stuff on various days, though, and it did not impact my personal enjoyment at all. I actually don't recall what the grand prizes were...in fact the only "prize" I remember at all from that promotion were obnoxious blinking visors! I'd see people wearing them around the park, and being a teenager, was

Everyone just go and have fun!

 

[ReggieB]

This reminds me of one point during a recent trip, when my son turned to me and said, "Mom, we're at Disneyland . . .how bad can it be?"

Love it!!!

Taking the family in October, hadn't really crossed my mind that we might get picked. I wont mention it to DS6, he would be disappointed! I'm sure we will have our scowly faces on just as a CM approaches us and thinks better of it!!

 

[SammieG]

goodness - what an attitude to have...
wow..just seeing someone else win something amazing would absolutely make my day!

I think its wonderful! I cant wait to witness it in person! Imagine the buzz in the parks!

 

[Quinn222]

I'm going to be there four times before the end of the year. If I win anything I'll be shocked. You know what? My house caught fire last night. I got all four of us and the cat out and the fire dept came very quickly and saved the house with repairable damage. I don't need a dream or a prize or anything more than what I have. My family safe and alive with a roof over our heads.
Those four (and maybe more) trips are all the magic I need.

 

[AdventureGuru]

Don't flame me...but I see that Disney was doing this primarily from a marketing prespective...which is fine...but you're right...its like playing the lottery...all it takes is a dollar and a dream-right?
Here are my thoughts...I would have posted it as just another celebration and have little things for everyone to know about...a goodie bag or something for everyone...
Don't tell people about the big prizes...and have management go upstairs or when they check in and oh look..."you were selected for....."
Just a thought. At least it wouldnt leave people wishing and hoping for somehting they ahve one in a million chance winning...

PS or maybe Disney could have made a huge contribution to a families that could use a little disney magic...or children that has a terminal disease that the parents are just struggling to get by and his siblings go with out...just *poof* show up on their front door with a smile and a little pixie dust...

Don't get me wrong I would love to have been selected for prizes like this...but honestly...there are others out there that need a little magic more than I do right now...

 

[martyshoney]

I think it is an awesome idea, Disney is letting go of some that money they make so much every year!!!! I certainly won't be disappointed if we are not chosen for any when we go in Jan. b/c I don't expect anything!

 

[tjmw2727]

Our family will arive on September 29th and be in MK on October 1st!! I'm kinda hoping that they give out thousands of wishes the first weekend to "kick -off" the big promotion and generate some buzz!! We're planning on coming early, doing the rope drop and looking as cute a family as possible, with Disney ears, and I'm thinking of making custome T-shirts that match and say something like "Make my Disney Wish come true! "


What do you think? Maybe ALIEN GREEN T-shirts?

From what I have read it looks like a location and a time are pre-selected for the give aways so people or families aren't chosen but rather places and times are. Then whomever happens upon that place at the right time is a winner.

So dressing "Disney" probably won't help but you should do it if you enjoy that. On the other hand a group of adult travelers will be just as likely to win as a family with kids so that's good!!

I didn't know about the promo when booking our trip and I am already pleasantly surprised that we are going during a celebration. If we win that is a bonus.

However, I do see the OP's point especially if Disney is marketing this in a come now so you can win way.

Enjoy - see you at MK on the 1st
TJ

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I think it is an awesome idea, Disney is letting go of some that money they make so much every year!!!! I certainly won't be disappointed if we are not chosen for any when we go in Jan. b/c I don't expect anything!

Just for the record Disney is not letting go of any money. All celebrations cost money, in the form of new shows, attractions, etc. Disney is making money on the giveaways, for example the cruises, they are probably for a time when the ships sail at less than full capacity, when you are on a ship you spend a lot of money. Money they would not have made, same for the penthouse, after this celebration, I'm sure the penthouse will be available for corporate bigwigs willing to fork over big money to stay there.

 

[DestinationDisney]

There are people out there who cannot afford a vacation at all, let alone a Disney vacation (which can be some of the most expensive vacations out there).

How about the people who can afford to go to Disney, but have to do it the "budget way" and can't afford to buy 15 princess dresses for their daughters, or go to $200/per person Princess Tea Parties (which is ridiculous to me anyway), or do character dinners, or buy their kids tons of souvenirs, etc??






This is "promoting"...just another way for Disney to get people in their parks...I think the people who are whining and being greedy about this really need to check themselves. As cheesy as it seems...I'm just happy to be able to afford a vacation at all and spend that time with someone I love.