YOAMD Biased?

[primetime52]

I'd like to start a YOAMD tangent if I may....

Is it more likely to win dream fastpasses in the morning as opposed to afternoon? (I'm talking specifically about DFP's and none of the other prizes).

This would seem logical since they are only valid for one day- and if they gave them to you in the late afternoon you wouldn't have much time to use them. When I was awarded DFP's at DL it happened at around 10 am if I remember correctly.

 

[David]

Actually, several frat guys won it one time.

Bet the Disney powers that be were thrill about that!

 

[GoofyMom2]

Since the YOAMD started, I have been on 4 trips (3 to WDW, 1 to DL) and have even done the mail-in entries: Anyone in our family has yet to win anything!


I have seen many Dream Squad members each trip, have witnessed prizes being given out, have seen many Dream Ears and Dream Fastpasses, have had two friends (and their families) win on their trips, talked to many who have won and still nothing for us......My DH said we are just not lucky in that department. I say it's because we are destined to win a big prize our next trip! :lol:


So, when we win that Castle stay in April.....I'll be sure to tell you all about it....hehehe


Anyway, we still have had great times every trip and look forward to our upcoming adventures!

 

[imamouse]

A Drean Squad CM told me that the castle suite was once awarded to a little boy at a drinking fountain at DTD. Talk about random!

Keep in mind that the castle suite is not awarded on party nights (grad nights, Pirates & Princess, MNSSHP & MVMCP). I haven't added them up, but it seems like there are a lot of party nights - therefore fewer castle awards. At least Night of Joy is moving to DHS this year.

 

[CThaddeus]

I agree completely. I went to DL in November and the dream squads were EVERYWHERE. My gf and I were awarded dream fastpasses in the Cue for It's Tough to be a Bug.

Let's put this in perspective.... I've been to WDW probably 7 or 8 times since YOAMD started, and I've never won anything. I've only been to DL once in my life (for just 2 days) and happened to win something while I was there. It was probably just a coincidence, but it sure did seem like the odds are stacked in your favor at DL.

I'm exactly the opposite. I'm at Disneyland once or twice a week. I have yet to win anything there, though I've come close a couple of times. However, at Disney World last December first thing in the morning I won Mickey Ears at Dinosaur (just after watching the preshow video). I see the Dream Squads everywhere at both Disneyland and Disney World - as well as people walking around with lanyards, hats, etc. - but I just don't have luck on my side. I certainly don't see any kind of bias...some are just luckier than I. I keep hoping to win something at Disneyland, but even if I don't it's not going to make me think it's somehow rigged or biased. I will however, say that I believe you're more likely to get a Dream Fast Pass or the Castle prize if you're there earlier in the day, simply because of what they entail. Plenty of other prizes can be handed out during the rest of the day to compensate.

 

[Nicole220]

^ I'm the same way. I'm at DL all the time and have only won a pair of ears (which made me the happiest person ever). I see the Dream Squad everywhere, but have terrible luck. I'm hoping all the luck is storing up for Walt's apartment above Pirates. What I'd give to stay a night in there!

 

[primetime52]

^ I'm the same way. I'm at DL all the time and have only won a pair of ears (which made me the happiest person ever). I see the Dream Squad everywhere, but have terrible luck. I'm hoping all the luck is storing up for Walt's apartment above Pirates. What I'd give to stay a night in there!

Well it happened to me when I went on the LAST attraction on my list for either park. I didn't care to see It's Tough To Be a Bug since we have the exact same thing at AK and I've seen it 100 times. However, I was dragged to it kicking and screaming, and that happened to be where we met the Dream Squad.

My advice would be to go on all of your least favorite attractions, and surely the irony seeking Dream Squad will find you there like they found me.

 

[ImSweetPea]

We were there for 7 days.... We saw the Dream team a few times... even got picked 3 times!!! First was in the AK ... around 1:30... we were on our way to DinoLand and the kids wanted to go into this little cave on our way out we were greeted by the DT and given Dream Fast passes.... Second was the MK New Years eve night around 11:45 ... We moved the kids to see the castle a little better... low and behold the DT again... this time we all got limited edition tinker bell pins.... right after midnight ... we walked up main St to get ice cream and get a little closer's to the castle.. they have a DJ... as we went to order our ice cream the DT asked for my son and daughter's name... read off this little poem ... and they got free ice cream ...

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We won the Dream Ears...I'm sure you all remember the story. LOL! When we won them I was absolutely over the moon. They were the prize I wanted most.

 

[Lightyear]

I want Dream ears!!! I have watched them on ebay but I want to win them. Here is hoping for July.

 

[Gorjus]

Smaller things like pins and hats are just random.

Hats, dream fast passes, and lanyards with pins are all computer generated as well.

, and my Little Brother pulled the Sword out of the Stone on Tuesday morning, and a Dream Squad woman gave him a certificate.

Now that is chosen by a human. Some one just sits and decides who they unlock the sword for. Also chosen by a human are the things that get you a Magical Moment certificate such as: make a Mr Potato head in Toon Town, First families at the parks, Tours of Mickey's and Minnie's houses in the morning, starting Lights Motors Action, guest train conductor, etc.

I do believe people who say it is completly random. Just be happy if you win, if not just be happy you are at WDW and not at home or at work. It amazes me how much people complain about this topic.

Me too. What is also amusing is that people assume their experience with the Dream Squad or lack there of, is the yardstick by which all experiences are measured. If they aren't winning prizes, we obviously aren't giving a lot away or we are biased against them.

Is it more likely to win dream fastpasses in the morning as opposed to afternoon? (I'm talking specifically about DFP's and none of the other prizes).

Yes, most computer generated prizes are given away at the beginning of the day. However, the other day they were giving away the Dream extra magical hours passes. Only a certain number of people get to stay in the park 90 minutes past park close and ride the rides in Fantasyland and Tomorrowland.

 

[kadesha]

When we were there last May for a week, I didn't see the dream team at all. It didn't bother me though, I was having a magical time just being there! On the last 2 days though, my girls were chosen to be rope carriers in the MGM parade and on the last day our family was the grand marshals of the Family Fun Day parade at MK.

 

[apatten22]

My family and I were at MK on Nov 27 and saw the Dream Squad give away the night in the castle. It was to a woman who was by herself on the HM. She was actually in the doom buggie behind my parents.

Also, while waiting for the parade that night a Dream Squad member made me an Official Lost "Girl". She gave me a certificate and put pixie dust in my hair. It was one of the best moments of my trip.:sohappy:

 

[JustYourVoice]

The frat boys winning the castle suite is absolutely hilarious. I have no desire to win the fastpasses or Dream Ears, and will just hold out for the castle. They'll let you rent it out one day....for an arm and a leg, but I'll still do it.

 

[Dragonrider1227]

Actually, several frat guys won it one time.

There's a video i'd like to see :ROFLOL:

 

[Princessatheart]

Does anyone know the process of winning a night in the castle? Do you get to go back to your hotel to get pjs and stuff? Does Disney provide you with breakfast the next morning? :shrug:

 

[Gorjus]

I don't have the exact itinerary, but once chosen, you have to accept (people do turn it down). Then you have to fill out a bunch of paperwork. Then you are taken to your hotel where you can pack an overnight bag. You head off to the Magic Kingdom and see your wonderful suite. You are one of the stars of the 3:00 Disney Dreams Come True Parade. You have dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table. A Guest Relations cast member escorts you to some of the fun things in the park you have always wanted to do. Lots of people come visit the princesses. You are given time to enjoy your suite. And then in the morning, I imagine they give you breakfast, but you are headed out pretty early so as to give housekeeping time to turn the room around before the next family.

 

[Princessatheart]

I don't have the exact itinerary, but once chosen, you have to accept (people do turn it down). Then you have to fill out a bunch of paperwork. Then you are taken to your hotel where you can pack an overnight bag. You head off to the Magic Kingdom and see your wonderful suite. You are one of the stars of the 3:00 Disney Dreams Come True Parade. You have dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table. A Guest Relations cast member escorts you to some of the fun things in the park you have always wanted to do. Lots of people come visit the princesses. You are given time to enjoy your suite. And then in the morning, I imagine they give you breakfast, but you are headed out pretty early so as to give housekeeping time to turn the room around before the next family.

Thanks for the information! That was exactly what I was looking for. I am amazed that someone would turn that down! I would do almost anything to win a night there.

 

[Rob562]

Thanks for the information! That was exactly what I was looking for. I am amazed that someone would turn that down! I would do almost anything to win a night there.

Well, there will always be the people who think that Disney is trying to sell them something... (Though I've heard they've had more problems with that in California than in Florida)

Also, the mother of someone I know won it (while riding Buzz Lightyear, I believe). She almost turned it down because they're the kind of people who don't like to be in the spotlight.
But they did eventually accept, and the Disney CMs were very accommodating in the winners' desire to not be the center of attention. Thus, the family didn't ride as Grand Marshalls in the parade, and the staff at Cinderella's Royal Table didn't make any big announcements or anything. It was kept very low-key.

-Rob

 

[Gorjus]

Now, some people's reasons for turning down the Castle are legit; ie: You are flying out that night and your spouse has a really big meeting in the morning.

However, some reasons are a bit lame. People are upset Disney won't comp them for the night they weren't in their hotel. They don't want to take time out of their day at another park. They don't want to give up their reservations at Le Cellier that they've waited years for.

I've had the opportunity to meet quite a few of the winners. One was a single woman who was a caregiver and just enjoying a relaxing weekend alone. Another was a woman here for Mousefest (big internet fan gathering). One was a family that was really hoping they would win and they did. A lot of times people didn't realize what it was about. One family had 9 people with them. Only 6 can stay in the suite. 3 people had to stay back. And of course there are the college guys that won. I met them as well.