Yoamd Sweepstakes

[MsTinkerChele]

Hi, does anyone know if you're allowed to use 3x5 index cards with your information on it, and send it in envelope? If not where can i buy the postcards? i truly appreciate anyones help. Thank you

 

[Vickie46]

this question has yet to be answered to know for sure what way to do it.. some are buying them at the post office and then cutting them down.. who knows the correct answer...

 

[outlander]

you can buy postcards at the post office.

 

[MsTinkerChele]

thanks so much, is it ok the way that im already doin it with index cards?

 

[jumoo044]

Just use the index card as a postcard. Just stick a stamp on it.

 

[CleveRocks]

some are buying them at the post office and then cutting them down

Just use the index card as a postcard. Just stick a stamp on it.

BIG MISTAKE!!!

The minimum size that the USPS will allow a postcard to be is 5 inches long by 3.5 inches high. If you mail a 3x5 card the USPS won't deliver it.

http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/what.htm

If you look closely at the YOMD rules (at http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/index?name=YOMDRulesPage ), you'll see it says to mail a 3.5 inch by 5 inch postcard.

 

[TLHB70]

I am one of those that are buying the post card at the PO and cutting the 1/2 inch off. In other words, I am cutting 5.5 down to 5.

 

[CleveRocks]

I am one of those that are buying the post card at the PO and cutting the 1/2 inch off. In other words, I am cutting 5.5 down to 5.

... but if you read the rules, you'll see that's TOTALLY unnecessary ... PLUS the post office won't deliver the postcard, unles it slips through by mistake.

 

[beattyfamily]

The USPS postcards are 3.5 x 5.5 and that is what I'm sending. I know the Disney rules state 3.5 x 5 but I think it's just a mistake so I'm not cutting down the USPS postcards.

From what I've read they are standard size postcards and they possibly will not deliver anything smaller than the ones they sell (3.5 x 5.5).

No one but Disney knows for sure what is 'right'.

 

[TLHB70]

... but if you read the rules, you'll see that's TOTALLY unnecessary ... PLUS the post office won't deliver the postcard, unles it slips through by mistake.

The postcard that I bought at the post office is 3.5 x 5.5
The Disney rule states 3.5 x 5 so I am cutting off the extra .5 .
Why do you say that it is unnecessary if the PO postcard is an extra .5?
I guess I don't understand what you are saying is unnecessary.

I guess I will start sending the PO postcard as is. That sure will make it easier on me!

 

[disneyaggie]

Here's my challenge: I want to mail mine in a sealed envelope because in addition to your name and address, WDW wants your Date of Birth! Is WDW nuts? I have had ID theft happen to me and I am not going to open up that door again!

I am just going to get some 3x5 cards and put each one in a separate envelope. It may cost a bit more, but my peace of mind is priceless! There is no way I am going to put my name, address and DOB on a post card! Not me! That's just asking for trouble.

 

[kaytieeldr]

If you mail your entry/entries inside an envelope, your entry will VERY likely be disqualified and discarded.

If you're that concerned about security, use ink for most of the information and put your DOB in pencil - assuming THAT'S not in violation of the entry rules.

Nobody at the sweepstakes clearinghouse is going to sit and open envelopes that may or may not contain qualifying entries. They're going to toss them because the contestant did not follow the rules and nobody's going to allow envelopes into the entry bins.

So yeah, it would cost you more - $.39 for every wasted entry, plus the cost of materials.

Read the rules! Read the rules! Read the rules! Follow the rules.

 

[disneyaggie]

If you mail your entry/entries inside an envelope, your entry will VERY likely be disqualified and discarded.

If you're that concerned about security, use ink for most of the information and put your DOB in pencil - assuming THAT'S not in violation of the entry rules.

Nobody at the sweepstakes clearinghouse is going to sit and open envelopes that may or may not contain qualifying entries. They're going to toss them because the contestant did not follow the rules and nobody's going to allow envelopes into the entry bins.

So yeah, it would cost you more - $.39 for every wasted entry, plus the cost of materials.

Read the rules! Read the rules! Read the rules! Follow the rules.

What in the heck does it matter if you put your DOB in pen, pencil or in crayon? It's still there. And I really don't care if I pay extra on postage for the added security, but yes, I will be calling Disney and contacting a CM that I know to see if an envelope would indeed be disqualified. If in fact that is the case, then I will just try to win on my WDW trips. I certainly don't plan on wasting my money on an envelope that will be tossed out (could use that money for more disney shopping!)

I have a friend who works in upper management in the post office for postal investigations. His stories are horrifying! Yep, there are serious security issues there. And yes, they do act on mail theft quickly. They just arrested some mail carrier here in the Dallas area for having people's mail in his personal truck! They have even caught mail employees with stolen mail items in their pockets! Add that to those who you don't know are working for these mail houses and that adds even more uncertainty. So any added security I can do, I will. And if ever you become a victim of ID theft, you, too, would be smarter and more cautious. It takes years -- believe me! -- to clear up the crap.

I will let y'all know what the CM and WDW says.

 

[TLHB70]

What in the heck does it matter if you put your DOB in pen, pencil or in crayon? It's still there. And I really don't care if I pay extra on postage for the added security, but yes, I will be calling Disney and contacting a CM that I know to see if an envelope would indeed be disqualified.
I will let y'all know what the CM and WDW says.

Thanks!

 

[MsTinkerChele]

That would be soo helpful thank you

 

[mommykds]

I posted this on another postcard thread...

This comes straight from the Disney website official rules so we should all send in 3.5 x 5.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE


Starting on September 18, 2006, eligible participants can enter without being present in a Disney Property by writing their full name, complete mailing address (including postal code), daytime telephone number (including area code), and date of birth on a 3.5"x5" postcard and sending it with proper postage affixed to: (i) if a legal resident of the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada or Mexico: P.O. Box 8629, Elmhurst, IL 60126; or (ii) if a legal resident of the United Kingdom: Disney Dream Giveaway, 483 Green Lanes, London N13 4BS. Participants may enter once per day during the Giveaway Period. All mail-in entries must be mailed separately, postmarked by December 31, 2007 and received by January 14, 2008 or they will be void.


This is from the United States Post Office website...
Sizes for Cards


Cards (or postcards) are an inexpensive way to get an immediate message to customers. When cards arrive in the mail, there’s the message -- no envelope to open! First-Class cards are a great value, too. With First-Class cards, you pay a low rate and get all of the benefits, like forwarding and return, that come with First-Class Mail. And, if you mail at the single-piece First-Class Mail rate, there is no extra work involved -- simply drop the cards in a collection box.

You may think that your mailpiece is a "card," because it is a single sheet of paper. But to qualify for mailing at First-Class Mail card rates, a card must be:

Rectangular
At least 3-½ inches high x 5 inches long x .007 inch thick
No more than 4-¼ inches high x 6 inches long x .016 inches thick

 

[disneyaggie]

I spoke to a real nice lady in Disney promotions and she has put me in touch with some guy who knows all the answers for this contest in Disney Marketing. I just left him my name and number and explained several of us would like some questions answered, please and thank you.

I gave him my mobile number and will keep you all informed when he calls. Apparently he is the guy who really did a lot of work on this project and if anyone would know, he would.

 

[gayles]

Thanks --- I will be waiting to hear the answer... I have re-cut -- changed to make the phone # re-fit ... But bottom line is ----- I want my entry to count ----- "WIN or Loose " Thank's ...

 

[seashoreCM]

They can catch you on the word "postcard" too. Technically the card must have been specifically manufactured for use as a postcard. So (you never know) if the sweepstakes mail handlers are enforcing this technicality, cut-to-size index cards can also be culled and discarded.

While culling of "non-postcards" is not a certainty*, envelopes do on the other hand require additional processing so the probability of their being culled is greater.

To re-iterate, when entering any sweepstakes or contest, it is important to follow all of the rules.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

*Situation that will always happen, or mathematically speaking where the probability equals 1, or represents 100 percent.

 

[motofox4]

thanks disneyaggie for calling and trying to find out what is the right thing do do when sending in postcards. i was wondering myself and wondering if the ones i have sent in will be disqualified.