I think i've got the answer on pin codes.

[JenniferS.]

So, we've been the last few years in a row to Disney and we have NEVER gotten any kind of mail or e-mail pin codes. In the last 2 months i've gotten 2. One for free dining and the other for free quick service dining. We DON'T have a trip booked for this year. I'm thinking this is why we are getting them. Hmm...something to think about.

[Fangorn]

Good working hypothesis, but I don't think it's valid based on our experience. We've actually had more pin codes come our way when we've had trips booked than when we haven't. In 2008 at one point I had 3 trips booked all at once. I received 3 different pin codes during that time.

From my experience, it just seems really random.

Steve

[scootch713]

I never got a pin code, but also have gotten several in the past few months. We too don't have any trips planned this year..... and the past two years, I have rented points privately thru dvc members, not staying direct thru disney. I wish they would use pins for cruises. My kids want to go on another cruise and I really like renting the dvc studios.

[kathiep]

I've never rec'd one before and always sort of felt the same way; that if I have existing reservations they know they have me - why give me a deal? Anyway - last August, I booked bounceback for this August. About a month ago, I got the free dining PIN code as well.

Guess it just kind of figures; I finally get one and it's for the exact same deal I already have booked.

[disneymom15]

I've gotten pin codes on several trips that were already booked. Hoping to get another pin for our next trip.

[faline]

I don't think it depends on whether or not you've got a trip booked. We've gotten them when we haven't had a trip booked and we've also received them when we have had trips booked. Only Disney knows why folks do/or don't receive special offers.

[mrmcgiv]

we have not gone since 12/2009 and no pin codes here either. However when we went in 5/2007 we got a pin code in 12/2007.

I would REALLY like a pin code NOW though as we plan to go to this yr!

[javamama]

We go every either April or May for the past 4 years, and book at all different times of year. The first year I booked in Jan or Feb for April, the next year I booked in Sept for April, then the next year we booked while we were there for the next year April for April, and now this year I booked Feb for May. Never, ever gotten a pin code. I've re-registered, registered dh, ordered the dvd, done everything imaginable not a single PIN code! Oh well no love for us

[betholtmans]

Okay, I"m new to this...can someone tell me what a pin code is? Thanks!!

[disneymom15]

A pin code is an e-mail or post card from Disney. It's specific to the name and address of the recipient. The pin code entitles you to a discount for specific dates. I was able to book up to 3 (I believe) rooms with the pin. For example, I booked POP Century rooms for $49.20 per night.

[QTPie68]

I actually suspected that somehow our Pal Mickey was being used to spy on our conversations.....it seems like a couple of years ago, everytime we talked about a possible trip....I got a pin code e-mail . I also got them after ordering a DVD and stating a month I was interested in traveling.

[JenniferS.]

Oh well....thought I figured it out!! lol.

[biodtl]

This is the first year we have ever gotten pin codes (of course - the year we aren't going), but they come in my 6 year old DD's name.

Which raises the question: When our trip planning rolls around later this year, if we get another code, can we use it since she will be on the reservation, or can we NOT use it because she is not the "main" person?

[ryca1dreams]

This is the first year we have ever gotten pin codes (of course - the year we aren't going), but they come in my 6 year old DD's name.

Which raises the question: When our trip planning rolls around later this year, if we get another code, can we use it since she will be on the reservation, or can we NOT use it because she is not the "main" person?

I believe you can as long as that person (in this case your DD) lives at the address or uses the e-mail that the pin code was sent to.

[Ms. Mode]

We go every either April or May for the past 4 years, and book at all different times of year. The first year I booked in Jan or Feb for April, the next year I booked in Sept for April, then the next year we booked while we were there for the next year April for April, and now this year I booked Feb for May. Never, ever gotten a pin code. I've re-registered, registered dh, ordered the dvd, done everything imaginable not a single PIN code! Oh well no love for us

I feel your pain....we've never gotten one either

[Donald's Girl]

This pincode thing is truly a fascinating mystery to me too! For years I complained I never got anything. We had a trip booked for this October just hoping there would be some kind of sale before we went.

Then, my husband, who never has booked anything in his name, gets a pincode in the mail
for 40% off deluxe, 30% off moderate and 25% off value last November. So, we book a short trip for May at WL even though we already had POFQ booked for October.

Then, I decided to try something different and sign up for emails at my business email address. Don't I then get a pincode in that email for the same discounts but for the October time frame! So, I call Disney and get the adjustment of 35% off that trip.

So, the moral of my story is, it doesn't matter if you've been there recently, not been there in awhile, or already have a trip booked.

If there is any rhyme or reason to it I'm sure not smart enough to figure it out!

[elmjimmlm]

I really want the free dining code...Do you think if I call and ask real nice that I might get one?

[faline]

I really want the free dining code...Do you think if I call and ask real nice that I might get one?

I don't think that anyone you can call has any impact on who gets the code and who doesn't so it's unlikely they'd be able to give it to you no matter how nicely you ask.

[DisneyFr33k]

We booked our last trip with a 40% off value resot pin code. Then 3 months later, we got another pin code for free dining plan. So we dropped the 40% off resort one and took the free dining (better deal - and, you can't book two pin codes). So I don't think having a reservation matters. It's a mystery to me how people are selected!!

[joonyer]

We have gotten several pin codes through the years, but every time we've had one to use when we were actually able to go to WDW, we've been able to get the same or better deal using Magical Journeys without using the pin code. I think most of those "pin-code" discounts eventually become available to the public, just not as soon as they are offered to those who receive them early through postcards or email.

Remember, the point of discounts is to fill WDW resort rooms. So they will usually offer the same discounts later to the general public to fill up the remainder of rooms they need to sell. If you have booked through MJ, they'll automatically apply those discounts to your booking whenever they become available. You might even get a better discount.