Originally Posted By Kayoss Just wondering, can you use your $69 gift card to buy blu-ray discs at World of Disney? That would make me very happy. (I only ask because I seem to remember anything from Home Video being left out in past promotions)
Originally Posted By Darkbeer What Rules? There is NOTHING posted at the Main Entrance Plaza explaing the program at all, not even an advertisment of the Free Admission... It is something you need to know about in advance. If Disney isn't upfront at the Main Ticket Booths, then of course, guests will have questions on how the program works. There are no flyers or a poster where guests can read what all the stipulations are... Heck, they aren't even clear if you can the right page online.
Originally Posted By dizkid What a silly article, this just makes me think of the stereotypical annual passholder who whines about what they don't get. Whenever you see a "get BLANK for free" promotion, check all of the rules and guidelines before you go and do it, or else you will end up like this man and his wife. Throughout this article the author talks about annual passes like they all have black out dates. At the very end of the article he adds this little note. <<Note: Blackout days vary depending on the type of annual pass.>> If you add this at the very end of the article, then what was the point of writing this piece. Can you say "Pointless Venting." Sincerely, The Kid of DIz
Originally Posted By cstephens Darkbeer wrote: > What Rules? > There is NOTHING posted at the Main Entrance Plaza explaing the program at all, not even an advertisment of the Free Admission... Is this the excuse you're trying to provide to the blog writer for not knowing the rules? Because if it is, the excuse is as lame as his blog post. /cs
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>What Rules?... It is something you need to know about in advance.<< Yes, and as an AP, one should know. Especially (in this case) an AP who is the TRAVEL WRITER FOR THE LA TIMES. But (for argument's sake), let's say this was just some random person who showed up to get their "free birthday gift card." The mere fact that they showed up to get it would indicate they knew about it in advance. There's no real mystery about the rules. On your birthday, you get free admission. Just show up with proof it's your birthday. If you already have free admission, you get a gift card. Just show up with your admission ticket media and proof it's your birthday. Now, what's the difficulty? Oh wait-- what about the person who has an AP and shows up on a blackout day and still insists on getting the gift card, despite the fact that they don't have valid admission ticket media for the day? What about that? Well, in that case, they make a big fuss and then write a travel blog about it...
Originally Posted By Darkbeer Hey DlandDug, YOU should know better! >>If you already have free admission, you get a gift card. Just show up with your admission ticket media and proof it's your birthday.<, ONLY Paid admission, such as a Multi-Day ParkHopper or an Annual Pass are you eligible for an alternative gift. Free admission, aka, comps, are NOT eligible for the program.
Originally Posted By cstephens But then, it's not Doug's job to specify all those details, but nice job at try to deflect onto him and away from the stupid blog post. You should tell the blog writer about all those details. He probably doesn't know any of that and will tell friends and colleagues and readers the wrong thing, and then they'll all storm Disneyland to complain. /cs
Originally Posted By Darkbeer >>You should tell the blog writer about all those details. He probably doesn't know any of that and will tell friends and colleagues and readers the wrong thing, and then they'll all storm Disneyland to complain.<< Actually, I did. I was sent a first draft of the article, with him asking me to make sure that all the info in regards to Disney rules was factually correct. (Prior to the official DIsneyland PR response). I even told him about my renewing my Premium AP for just $250 between using the Birthday Fun Card I got in February, and the Costco Deluxe AP voucher I purchased. ($19 left on the gift card after renewing at Guest Services). But many folks don't understand the offer, including many AP holders. Places like Laughing Place, and even some CM's that post online have tried to help, but not even all their information has been totally correct. Disney even changed the rules regarding the Blockout Pass, at first, it was not allowed to buy the Blockout Pass, and then get the Fun Card, but they changed their minds a week or so after the promotion started. Same with the "Fun Card" the original policy was "day of" use only, and California Law clearly states that Promotional Gift Cards/Certificate can have expiration dates. Only those purchased have "No" expiration dates. But the Disney lawyers felt that there could be a lawsuit from someone who claimed that they "Bought" the AP and then expected the Fun Card as part of the package, and now we have the "non-expiring" version... Disney has done this in the past, with the problems they had with the start of the Year of the Million Dreams, when they realized at the last minute (after they announced the general marketing theme) that they wanted to start in October of 2006, and suddenly it was 15 months of 1.25 million prizes. They didn't think everything thorugh until the very last minute, and well, that isn't the smartest way to work.
Originally Posted By cstephens Darkbeer wrote: > Actually, I did. I was sent a first draft of the article, with him asking me to make sure that all the info in regards to Disney rules was factually correct. (Prior to the official DIsneyland PR response). Ahh, ok, so he sent you the article asking if the facts were correct, but not whether he or his wife came off looking like complete idiots. And you didn't bother to volunteer that information. Nor did you tell him that the facts of omission count as being not quite factually correct. OK, fair enough. I see why you're defending him and the blog post now, though they are for different reasons than I had originally supposed. /cs
Originally Posted By Darkbeer I am not defending him, heck, have you read his comments at the LA Times link, he admitted to his actions. <a href="http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/disneyland-birthday--4266/#more-4266" target="_blank">http://travel.latimes.com/dail...ore-4266</a> >>I admit it. I like the $69 consolation prize better than getting into the park for free. IMO, Disneyland is being surprisingly generous, whether they let me into the park for free, give me $29 gift card or a $69 gift card. Yet, I still feel Nancy was gypped. And I am acting childish and entitled. I’m not proud of it. But it’s true.<< >>True. I should have known better. But I suspect a lot of other people may be in for the same surprise. That was the point of the story: to spread the news to those who might not have read the fine print.<< He asked me to check the "facts" in regards to Disney policies regarding the situation. I wasn't there and can not "check" his experiences at the ticket booth. Do I have a "working" relationship with Brady Mac Donald of the LA Times, and of Nancy Luna of the OC Register (aka Fast Food Maven)... Yes I do, we have exchanged information in the past, and will continue to do so. But I also have the same basic relationship with the OC Register and the Around Disney reporters (and also Buena Park). We exchange info, but that is done all the time. Also a somewhat similar situation with other news media, but since I am based in Southern California, that is where I get the most info that the news sources want to know about.
Originally Posted By cstephens Darkbeer wrote: > I am not defending him Yeah, ok, you keep thinking that. > heck, have you read his comments at the LA Times link, he admitted to his actions. Would have been nice if he'd admitted how much at fault he (and possibly his wife) were in the article proper, rather than just somewhere buried in the comments. I suspect he had no idea at the backlash he'd get, that he figured everyone would jump on his "woe is me, Disney is evil and mean" bandwagon. Bet he's surprised that there are so many people who saw right through him. /cs
Originally Posted By Mickeyfan1 This just get's funnier and funnier....and in some instances sadder and sadder. Look, as the travel writer for the LA Times he should know to get all of his ducks (or mice if you prefer) in a row before heading out for a "free" offer. This is a "gift" from Disney (yes, yes, I know it's also a great promotion) but non the less a "gift" that Disney did not have to do. The premise is simple...get into one Disney Park on your birthday. That's it nothing more. Than Disney went onto to give a "gift" to people who by some means or another already had admission media to the Park they came to such as an AP or Multi-Day Passport by offering a gift card equal to the value of a one-day/one park passport. Nancy's Birthday fell on a day she did not have ANY admission media to a Disney Park, so Disneyland basically said to Nancy, "Happy Birthday Nancy, come on into Disneyland, the day is on us". However Nancy chose to throw a "tantrum" and pout saying she wanted the gift card instead. Nope, ain't gonna happen. She should have accepted the generous gift of admission and all would have been fine, but SHE chose not to...it was totally HER decision, not Disney's. As for her not being wished a "Happy Birthday", I almost agree with what the manager said....although I would have held my tounge and apologized for the misunderstanding and wished her a Happy Birthday. As a former cast member I know and have experienced the, pardon the expression, "CRAP" they have to put up with from guests. It gets worse and worse every year as so many people have this sense of "entitlement" because they paid for some type of admission media to the Park. Many people, especially AP holders I fear fell they are the #1 guest in the Park at all times and whatever they want to do or need should be met. I can't tell you how many times I almost lost it on stage, but thankfully never did. I would escape to the back and cool off remembering that sometimes these people are the exception and most of the time guests really appreciate what you do for them. Has morale dropped at Disneyland...yes, but a lot of is from the disrespect that is shown to Cast Members from guests. It is a tough job and I'll admit the pool to pull from hasn't been the best sometimes, but cut them and Disney some slack. Given what they have to put up with at times they do a great job....it still is a magical place. But poor Nancy...Disney just ruined her birthday and drove her to tears. Yeah, right...give me a break. And Darkbear for you not to point out the stupidity of Brady's article after he asked you to "fact check" it for him was a real disservice to him. I understand your viewpoint, but you also have to understand Disneyland's viewpoint and cut them some slack now and then. While this is a promotion on Disney's part it is a "gift" to us none the less, and a "gift" that comes with some stipulations. Read them and understand them and you will have a wonderful day at a Disney Park. Choose to try and bend the rules and then "cry" when Disney doesn't bend them for you, well that is simply YOUR choice, not Disney's. I for one am looking forward to my Birthday in July. Since I have purchased an Premium Annual Pass, I am very grateful that Disney will give me a gift card to spend as I please in the shops of the Happiest Place on Earth...which it still is in my opinion.
Originally Posted By cstephens <applause to Mickeyfan1> Hope you have a great time on your birthday! /cs
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains <Also after waiting in that long line and getting zero kindness from the CMs at the guest relations window (in the form of apologizing for not being able to help them out the way they wanted or offering a happy birthday).. > Why is it Waistcoated Rabbit that you think they got zero kindness? He said <<at Guest Relations, the smiling girl at the window told Nancy she couldn’t have the gift card. Why? Because our annual passes were “blacked out” for that day. All she could offer Nancy was an upgrade ticket into the park (valued at $40).>> Sounds like until he wasn't until he decided to not follow the rules that are posted online when you register for your free day and brought in a supervisor that the problems started... <After a fruitless exchange with a surly supervisor (who had no business working in customer service) and her somewhat apologetic boss> Since I wasn't there I really don't know if the CM was surly - or if they just stuck to their guns and didn't feel like they should bend the rules for someone just because they work for a newspaper. So after bullying the CM's into giving them more than what they actually were entitled to (black out day pass) they then complain she wasn't wished Happy Birthday... Is that for real! I really don't believe these people didn't know the rules - I think they didn't want to play by them. This I find really telling - he mentions right after being told she didn't get the $69 card but the block out day (according to the way it reads - before the supervisors were involved) her reaction was - <<So, just because my birthday falls on a blackout day, I don’t get the gift card?” said Nancy, on the verge of tears. “That’s unfair>> Sounds a bit phoney - more like turning on the tears to sway things their way.
Originally Posted By Mickeyfan1 Thanks cstephens, I plan to...and better yet if things work out as they seem to be doing, I week after my birthday I will have something else to celebrate....MY RETIREMENT! And once things turn around and Disneyland is seeking Cast Members I may just "reinlist" because all and all I had a wonderful time being a part of the "magic" of Disneyland, and I think it would be a great way to spend a few days a week in retirement.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer First off, there is NO Requirement to register online, it is recommended, but limited to only a few countries, and not the entire world. Also, not everyone has Internet access/e-mail address. And heck, I registered the first week the promotion went online, and NEVER got a "birthday" e-mail to present to the ticket booths. Disney has really dropped the ball on that, as I see on a almost daily basis questions regarding what they should do if they haven't got their e-mail. (And the answer is, JUST show up and present your legal Government issued ID at the park, No need for the e-mail or registration at Disney.com) As for the Blockout Pass offer, that is the official "standard" offer, and something that was not bullied into. If anything, the FIRST Ticket Booth CM should have mentioned it! Buy the Blockout Pass then claim your free gift. Alas, it seems that Disney does NOT want to admit to any freebie or chance to improve at the Main Entrance Plaza. Heck, I had that when I tried to get my Premium AP last week, there was lines at the Main Entrance Plaza, so I decided to wait, but found NOBODY in line at the Plaza Pavilion AP Processing center on Sunday. They all claimed I could get my renewal notice, use both the Costco Voucher with $50 Gift Card and $69 Fun Card to get a Premium AP at the RENEWAL price. I get up to Guest Services later in the day, the first CM said no, and then I explained that the staff at Plaza Pavilion said I could, she checked with her supervisor, who said I could. Nothing INSIDE the parks talks about the Free Admission, you have to KNOW in advance to ask for it. Disney, who at one time was the best at Guest Relations is now taught to NOT disclose special offers that could benefit guests, but come back and create BAD Will when they find out what they COULD have gotten if they knew the rules. WHY not a couple of Posters explaining the program, and all the fine print on each Ticket Booth, and/or fliers that are clearly shown at each ticket window, with visible wording such "Free Birthday Offer"...
Originally Posted By FerretAfros "Nothing INSIDE the parks talks about the Free Admission, you have to KNOW in advance to ask for it." Why would they need anything inside the parks? Wouldn't it be too late at that point? I would expect that by the time most folks get to the park on their birthday (since they have done a ton of advertising on TV, radio, internet, and billboards), and there are the generic celebration banners everywhere, it's probably enough of a reminder to them to go get their free ticket. How many people do you actually think just happen to go to Disneyland on their birthday and haven't heard about the free ticket? I'm sure there will probably be a few, but the word of mouth on this offer (at least in SoCal) is huge, and I would expect that almost everybody knows, even if they don't plan on going themselves.
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains <<Also, not everyone has Internet access/e-mail address>> This could be true - but we are talking about a newspaper Travel Writer - considering he emailed you the article for a fact check and has a blog - I would say it doesn't apply to this person. Now if you really want to go with this line of thinking for the rest of the world then yes I do realize you don't have to register online. I haven't been there since all this started - do they have some kind of sign stating you get in free on your birthday? If you have heard the commercials and therefore know you get in free - I would think most people would at least call and ask what they would need to prove it's their b-day. All the AP holders in my house also got a notice about this promotion that explained the rules... BTW - this is what the Disneyland.com site says regarding this... Q: What if I'm an Annual Passholder and my birthday falls on a day my Annual Passport is blocked out? A: If your birthday falls on a day that your Passport is blocked out, you will be able to enjoy your birthday in the park with a free birthday ticket, a 1-Day/1-Park Ticket valid on your birthday. You can also use that ticket to upgrade to a Park Hopper® ticket, to renew your Annual Passport, or to upgrade your Annual Passport. However, you are responsible for the incremental cost, and the new, upgraded ticket media may only be used by you.
Originally Posted By Mickeyfan1 Take a deep breath Darkbeer....we don't want Disney ruining your day like the did Nancy's/ If you are so unhappy with all the hurdles Disney makes you jump through, why do you keep going back? There is just no satisfying some people I guess. Just relax, enjoy the offers from Disney, yes I will admit communication can be difficult between departments at times, but patience will pay off in the long run. And again if you really don't like all the trouble, well maybe just an AP to Knotts, Six Flags or USH would best resolve the issues for you. Just a thought.
Originally Posted By Waistcoated Rabbit <Why is it Waistcoated Rabbit that you think they got zero kindness? He said > <<at Guest Relations, the smiling girl at the window told Nancy she couldn’t have the gift card. Why? Because our annual passes were “blacked out” for that day. All she could offer Nancy was an upgrade ticket into the park (valued at $40).>> well gottaluvdavillains.. I suppose I should have worded my response differently. I meant it was wrong for the surly supervisor to be (supposedly) rude to MacDonald and his poor little wife about not saying happy birthday. She was right in telling him she doesn't have to say anything, but being a supervisor in a customer service department you've got to bite your tongue and kiss a little a**. So you don't end up being called surly in the newspaper haha <Since I wasn't there I really don't know if the CM was surly - or if they just stuck to their guns and didn't feel like they should bend the rules for someone just because they work for a newspaper.> You're right you weren't there, I wasn't there. I just went by what Old MacDonald said in his article. I've personally had an experience with a "surly supervisor" at DL (had to do with that play pass dealio back in the summer) So I know that how strict they are when they have no way to bend the rules can make someone cry, it happened to my sister. So thats why I decided to stick up for his wife. Also maybe it was just a really crappy experience for her. I hold nothing against her for crying. Thats all I really wanted to say in my first response.
