Should Disney have a "Comp" system?

[durangojim]

In another thread about fast passes there has been some debate on the "class" system or lack there of at Disney. I was wondering if anyone thought there should be a type of comp system like vegas where Disney could monitor how much is being spent on the Keys to the Kingdom card and then give you things like vouchers for a lunch, a fast pass, special viewing for the fireworks, etc.
Before anyone starts saying that that wouldn't be fair because of people who don't spend much or stay off property, remember that any freebies except for getting a FP would not negatively impact other guests, and as far as the FPs, they already give out YOMD FPs, so I don't think that argument would hold much water either.

 

[Philo]

I cant really see why they should.

Remeber in Vegas, you are 'comped' because you are spending a lot of money and getting nothing back (unless your very lucky and leave with a profit). It's almost like it's compensation rather than complimentary.

In WDW you are spending money and getting souveneers, experiences, meals etc.

 

[SleepingMonk]

Sounds like a great idea to me.

And please make it retroactive so I get credit for all my visits since '71.

LOL

 

[WhatJaneSays]

That's a very interesting concept. Disney could award a "point" for every dollar you spend.

250 points for hot dog and soda, 100 points for an extra fast pass, 500 points for a good seat at Fantasmic, 10,000 points for a 2 night stay at a value resort.

I agree with SleepingMonk, if they could make it retroactive I'd be a happy camper. :lol:

 

[imamouse]

This is an interesting idea, but doesn't WDW already dole out "comps" in the form of room upgrades to repeat visitors? It's pretty random (and rare since I go several times each year and have only been upgraded once).

I agree that a formalized system would be fantastic, but since so many people beat a path to Disney's door anyway, what's their motivation to give away the store?

 

[MousDad]

[Gets up off the floor, wipes eyes, tries to catch breath]

Disney giving things away?

[Bwaaa Haaah Haaaah Haaaaa - back on the floor rolling again.]

 

[wannabeBelle]

Exactly. The idea of comping people in Vegas/AC is specifically tied to how long you gamble at a particular resort there. I dont think you can draw a parallel for Disney for this. Belle

 

[Philo]

I agree that a formalized system would be fantastic

Wouldn't a formalized system take away the magic of being upgraded?

At the moment you know that when you arrive there is a slight but very real chance of a CM giving you the magical gift of upgrades. Formalize the system and that magic is gone. For the people who know they are getting upgraded it's just part of the visit, for everyone else it's just one less thing that might happen to give them a great(er) holiday

 

[djpoore94]

Wouldn't a formalized system take away the magic of being upgraded?

At the moment you know that when you arrive there is a slight but very real chance of a CM giving you the magical gift of upgrades. Formalize the system and that magic is gone. For the people who know they are getting upgraded it's just part of the visit, for everyone else it's just one less thing that might happen to give them a great(er) holiday

I totally agree! It also seems to me that a system like that would encourage people to spend more than they can actually afford. There are enough places doing that already (so many people in debt way over their heads) we don't need to add another to the mix. Going to Disney is expensive enough without spending more just to get some sort of upgrade. In Vegas the "comp" you get is never worth close to the amount you spend unless you are a "high roller" and all they want is to keep you happy.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

It's kind of a different animal all together. In Vegas, people that are getting actual good comps are in the casino wagering heavy bets for hours straight at a time. How much you bet plays into comps but how long you play effects it more. So it's not really about how much your spending in the casino. If you buy a bunch of robes, jewelry and drinks in the casino none of that is going help you get a comp either.
If you lay down one 1,000 dollar bet at the blackjack table, and lose, you aren't going to get anything.
If you play with 25 dollar bets though for 3 hours you might get a free breakfast.

.

 

[DisneyJoe]

where Disney could monitor how much is being spent on the Keys to the Kingdom card

Could? Disney can and does monitor everything tied to that Key to the World card. Let's think for a minute.

On your reservation, they have your name, address, phone number and family members, with ages of children. They can probably tell if you are a repeat visitor.

If you are using Magical Express, your use of that service is recorded.
What flights you used, and where you came from.

Each person receives a KTTW card at checkin, each with its own unique tracking id. They know the date and time you check in and receive that card.

I'm not sure if they do this, but theoretically, they could monitor every time you open your resort room door with that card.

If you tie charging privileges on your KTTW card, they now have tied a CC number to your KTTW card.

You go to the parks, they know who went, and what park, and what time you entered the park - AND if you use Fastpass, when and what ride you chose to get a fastpass for. (I don't think they can currently track when you return to use the fastpass, probably only if it was used with the new barcoded fastpasses)

If you leave one park and go to another, they know it when you enter the 2nd park.

If you are on the dining plan, they know when, where and what(?) you ate.

If you charged your meal to your room on your KTTW card, they know when, where, and what(?) you ate.

and if you left a tip using the card - or not....

Souvenirs? Snack cart? with KTTW card - same thing.

Since they have your credit card on file, they theoretically could track its use too.


Scary, eh?

 

[WDWCPF98]

Not to sound like an advertisement but I recommend you get a Disney Rewards Visa from Chase. It’s the closest thing there is to a comp system. You get discounts on specific tours and restaurants and best of all you accrue Disney Dream Reward Dollars on all purchases!

 

[RiversideBunny]

I just wish they would send those letters that have the special PIN's and discount codes to those who visit often, as a reward, rather than sending them only to people who have not visited WDW in a long time.

Reward loyal customers.
Tks.

 

[Eyorefan]

I just wish they would send those letters that have the special PIN's and discount codes to those who visit often, as a reward, rather than sending them only to people who have not visited WDW in a long time.

Reward loyal customers.
Tks.

I agree. Where's the love?

 

[yankspy]

Not to sound like an advertisement but I recommend you get a Disney Rewards Visa from Chase. It’s the closest thing there is to a comp system. You get discounts on specific tours and restaurants and best of all you accrue Disney Dream Reward Dollars on all purchases!

And they have nice promotions from time to time as well. There is a good one going on now.

 

[Mr. Tickle]

There already is a comp system, it's just been outsourced. It's called the Chase Disney Visa. So far I've been comped 3 annual passes.

 

[Brwneyedgirl72]

I don't think that this is a good idea, as there is no way to know who is spending what. For example, two friends are sharing a room and are paying for their own trips - but only one credit card can be used to secure purchases. In this case, they would chose not to charge anything to their room and pay as they go on their own. This doesn't mean they are spending less than anyone else, just not charging to the room.

We rarely use our keys for charging purchases, and we visit WDW at least 8-10 times a year, if not more (we are Floridians with AP). I don't think there is any real way to quantify it.

 

[WhatJaneSays]

Wouldn't a formalized system take away the magic of being upgraded?

At the moment you know that when you arrive there is a slight but very real chance of a CM giving you the magical gift of upgrades. Formalize the system and that magic is gone. For the people who know they are getting upgraded it's just part of the visit, for everyone else it's just one less thing that might happen to give them a great(er) holiday

In a way the "Magic" at Disney is extremely organized. Very little is truly spontaneous and everything is carefully tacked. Even the "random events" like YOMD prizes are spit out by computer. Yes there is always a chance, but there is a much greater chance nothing will happen at all.


Most of the comps Disney would dole out likely would not be exclusive things, just little tokens for those that have been loyal costumers and would not take away from the "Magic" of the real freebies. One time travelers would quickly spend their points on sodas or good seats to watch Wishes. Repeat visitors could save up their points for bigger prizes. Either way it's an bonus weather you know it's coming or not. If anything the anticipation of getting something for "nothing" might even add to the enjoyment of your vacation.

Not to sound like an advertisement but I recommend you get a Disney Rewards Visa from Chase. It’s the closest thing there is to a comp system. You get discounts on specific tours and restaurants and best of all you accrue Disney Dream Reward Dollars on all purchases!

The Disney Visa is fine, but in the age of over spending more and more people are shying away from credit cards and limiting themselves to one or two cards. Also there are a number of people like myself that have the card and are not really that thrilled with it; I think I'm going to drop it this year I just don't spend enough money to rack up any real rewards on it. I think a localized comp system would be much easier for Disney handle that a continued deal with Chase.

 

[Dwarful]

Its funny that this thread should pop up. We just got back from WDW and one of the CM's at the resort was talking about something similar to this. Not really like Vegas but similar to how other hotels and stores offer rewards for repeat visitors/shoppers. I agree with others..we have had the disney visa card since Day One..still have the Day One Pin on the lanyard. right now there is a nice little promo going on, but the points don't rack up that quickly and the bonus offers that we can use in Central Illinois are few and far between..we aren't going to too many Broadway shows.

 

[RiversideBunny]

We always apply the accumulated Disney Visa Reward Points to the trip cost.
You can do it at check in and apply to the room, or you can make partial payments on line for your upcoming on line reservation using the reward points.