In June, Walt Disney World rolled out a new ‘great program’ for their Annual Passholders. We can still book discounted rooms..but ONLY online, ONLY more than 120 days out and ONLY if we’re willing to put down a one-night NONREFUNDABLE deposit.
This sucks. When we hold WDW Annual Passes BvP and I have been known to scoot down there for a 3 or 4 day weekend, provided we come across cheap airfare. This new policy of WDW pretty much eliminates our ever doing that again. Plan a spur-of-the-moment weekend 3 months out?
This policy boggles my mind. Why, why, WHY would a company dick around their most loyal supporters and make it HARDER them to spend money there?
While I still respect Walt Disney and his drive and dreams, I’m quickly losing love and loyalty for the Company I once worked for (Disney Store Cast member, 1998-2000) and someday want to work for again.
Email to Walt Disney World, 7-31-2005:
The new Annual Passholder restrictions for booking rooms has me totally blue and extremely unlikely to ever renew our WDW APs again. My husband and I have been to WDW over 10 times in the past 8 years. We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars there. The AP, and the discounted room rates that come with, made it incredibly easy for us to take impromptu trips to WDW — our favorite vacation place. It’s not like we’re using it to exploit you — we book lagoon view rooms at the Polynesian. Not chump change – even with a discount.
We’re cruising on the Magic in October. We wanted to get an AP rate so that we can spend the night before our cruise on property and perhaps get to visit Epcot (and spend money there, which is what you want, yes?). Since we’re less than 120 days out — apparently we’re out of luck.
The 120 day restriction cramps our style. The non-refundable deposit is insulting. Our friends have been telling us for years to find a new vacation spot. Apparently, you’re telling us to do the same.
What a way to treat your biggest boosters, your dedicated fans through thick and thin. Please reconsider this foolish, unfriendly and very un-Disney policy.
Where the hell do we go on vacation NOW? Vegas???
Maybe you should save those tens of thousands of dollars and go see the REAL EUROPE, instead of a mousified mockup. 🙂
Not surprised to hear it.
My wife LOVES the Disney Store and she cannot wait to take our kids (once they’re old enough) down to WDW for a visit. I’m also a Disney fan but more nostalgic now. Disney used to be about great animation. Now they’re all about making a buck. In their quest for money they’ve gained an empire but lost the soul that made them special.
That sucks. Why would they do that?! Hope you sent that letter. Canada is nice to vacation to, upstate NY, Western NY, Boston I hear is nice too. Good luck.
Just another example of how the Mouse has really ruined Disney. This is really a shame because good loyal fans like yourself and BvP are getting the short-end of the stick. I’m glad that you wrote them a letter. Hopefully someone will get the message.
Keep us posted on how you make out.
Here is my own personal rant on the Wonderful World of Disney:
http://lascene.blogspot.com/2004/11/disney.html
BTW….I HIGHLY recommend Las Vegas. I go there and NEVER gamble. The shows and food are enough for me!
http://carlhiaasen.com/books/team.html