YOMD stoops to new lows

[mousermerf]

The YOMD stoops to new lows by renting out the Castle Suite already for $587 to the Associated Press, rather then awarding it to guests.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/lo...erella,0,7981920.story?coll=sfla-news-florida

[FONT=Verdana,Arial, Helvetica] Godmother identifies our table as the lucky suite winners during dinner, and the rest of the restaurant offers rousing applause. Later, a woman stops by to ask us where we were when we found out when we won. I feel like a jerk telling her we didn't win anything, it's just that I'm a reporter.[/FONT]

I feel bad for him (and her - someone buy that poor woman a premium Mickey bar), but Disney did it, not him.

 

[Frank Stallone]

 

[mousermerf]

*patpats Frank*

You work in Guest Relations, we know you feel the duty to protect Disney, but saying that the Castle Suite is an exclusive reward of the contest then renting it out on a paid-for basis is a "bad" thing.

 

[typhoonguy]

Actually this was a legal issue. To give out a 'prize' in the United States you have to state a value of said prize for all intensive purposes (including financial reporting and taxation). Providing receipts of purchase that Disney rented this room out backs the stated 'retail value' of the prize in something so subjective as a stay in the castle. Essentially they're covering their 'assets'...

 

[Frank Stallone]

Actually this was a legal issue. To give out a 'prize' in the United States you have to state a value of said prize for all intensive purposes (including financial reporting and taxation). Providing receipts of purchase that Disney rented this room out backs the stated 'retail value' of the prize in something so subjective as a stay in the castle. Essentially they're covering their 'assets'...

True, but Dream Fastpasses are not available for $5

 

[unkadug]

At first I was about to be really PO'ed, but after reading the article, I don't think it's that bad. :shrug:


It's more of a publicity thing and I certainly hope that they don't keep on doing it or the good publicity could easily turn into bad PR.

 

[typhoonguy]

True, but Dream Fastpasses are not available for $5

Lol, actually yes, there were 4 dreams fastpasses sold for 5 dollars. Every item that you see listed that did not have a pre-listed value was sold at one point or another.

 

[Frank Stallone]

Lol, actually yes, there were 4 dreams fastpasses sold for 5 dollars. Every item that you see listed that did not have a pre-listed value was sold at one point or another.

Haha, that's crazy! Thanks for the correction. (I like your signature, btw, that's my ringtone)

 

[DisneyMusician2]

So when were the dream FP's sold, and whom were they available to? Just a curosity, if anyone happens to know.

 

[unkadug]

Haha, that's crazy! Thanks for the correction. (I like your signature, btw, that's my ringtone)

Check out this , it's too funny:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOSSvcAaUA

 

[typhoonguy]

So when were the dream FP's sold, and whom were they available to? Just a curosity, if anyone happens to know.

Most of these prizes that were not yet valued were sold to members of the press during separate press events.

 

[emmersandjack]

so off topic--but lol so hard almost wet myself...just watched this skit the other night!!!

 

[The Mom]

New lows?

Pardon me, but this is the only way that most of us will EVER get to experience the castle, and WDW knows it.

What's so wrong about letting a reporter answer all of our (at least my) questions about what a night in the castle would really be like?

How else would I know that you can't get a drink? That your whole day is planned, and it sounds as if you must eat in the castle. I would definitely get more use out of the front of the line reward, but aside from the "I slept in the castle" bragging rights it sounds like a fairly dull evening/night. (At least for someone who doesn't have small children)

Would people be happier if WDW gave it to him for free? And it's not as if any of us could call and book the room, at any price.

I also wonder if the winners have to pay sales tax and income tax on the value of the stay? That may be why it's a lower cost than I would have anticipated. (under $600? That's pretty good for WDW's "best" room. :ROFLOL: )

 

[Master Yoda]

New lows?

Pardon me, but this is the only way that most of us will EVER get to experience the castle, and WDW knows it.

What's so wrong about letting a reporter answer all of our (at least my) questions about what a night in the castle would really be like?

How else would I know that you can't get a drink? That your whole day is planned, and it sounds as if you must eat in the castle. I would definitely get more use out of the front of the line reward, but aside from the "I slept in the castle" bragging rights it sounds like a fairly dull evening/night. (At least for someone who doesn't have small children)

Would people be happier if WDW gave it to him for free? And it's not as if any of us could call and book the room, at any price.

I also wonder if the winners have to pay sales tax and income tax on the value of the stay? That may be why it's a lower cost than I would have anticipated. (under $600? That's pretty good for WDW's "best" room. :ROFLOL: )

You do not have to pay sales tax but you are required to report it to the IRS when filing your taxes. Depending on which tax bracket you fall into that $600 room will cost you about $60-$150. Considering that even some of the concierge rooms at the deluxe resorts come it around the $600 range the suite at the castle is a bargain.

 

[emmersandjack]

i thought the article was very informative and it makes me hope against the odds that my family will be selected in october. i can see how for adults without children it may not be as fun though, however. fortunately for me, i have 2 little ones and would find it most delightful. i'm not mad at the reporter for getting to stay there and actually don't think it's so bad since there was a family staying there as well.

until october i will be keeping my fingers crossed that my kids will be cute enough to win....

 

[MKCP 1985]

The YOMD stoops to new lows by renting out the Castle Suite . . .

Well, that is your opinion.

I don't see any stooping or any lows. You really have it out for the YOMD, don't you?

Your photo updates of ongoing events in the parks are enjoyable.

 

[ErickainPA]

I'm glad to get someone's opinion on the castle. Granted it's not a glowing review, since you are not allowed to be in the park after it closes, but still cool to read about the suite itself. I have to say does sound like they cram a lot into your day as royal family. I personally don't care if we ever stayed at the castle, there are other prizes I would like more I think. Hopefully we make it to Disney soemtime this year with our son, really want him to be able to get his 1st haircut on Main Street. (I want the ears for him )

 

[mcbates23]

The YOMD stoops to new lows by renting out the Castle Suite already for $587 to the Associated Press, rather then awarding it to guests.

That's cheaper then what Clinton got for the Lincoln bedroom. :hammer:

 

[figment1985]

I think it needs to at least be more expensive than the nicest room out of all the hotels! It's the flippin castle!!!!!! jeez

 

[Trishnh]

It doesnt bother me so much that a reporter paid to get a story as how the story was written! He is very cynnical and almost bashes everything about the prize and all it entails-I am sure there are MANY families that would do just about anything for the privilege of staying there!! I think he came accross as a self centered loser who doesnt even like Disney to begin with:fork: And I think the comment about being naked in Cinderella's bathtub was uncalled for.