How to Get a Disney World Unique Offer or PIN Code Discount for 2024
PIN or unique offer codes are among Walt Disney World’s best hotel discounts. In this post, we’ll offer info about how to receive these targeted resort savings & improving your odds of scoring them, what they look like, steps for redeeming, current 2024 deal dates, and more. (Updated December 20, 2023.)
If you’ve never heard of PIN codes or have not received an email from Disney about a “PIN code,” this all might sound unfamiliar, so let’s start with the basics. PIN codes are the most exclusive of Walt Disney World discounts–they are targeted, non-transferrable discount offers sent to a limited number of recipients that offer deep-discounts for select travel dates or early booking of a special offer.
Part of the reason you might not have heard of PIN codes is because that’s not the terminology Walt Disney World uses these days. PIN codes are now “Unique Offer Codes” (or UOCs) but are still known as PIN codes among many Walt Disney World fans. (I also still call it “EPCOT Center.” I guess I’m old school.) Whatever you know them as, receiving a PIN code email or mailer can feel like the Golden Ticket landing in your hands. Honestly, part of the allure of PIN codes is the mystery and intrigue…
This is in large part because how Walt Disney World unique offer code recipients are selected is a process that is shrouded in secrecy. Some fans speculate that it’s based upon a complex algorithm that takes into account various factors in order to ‘nudge’ certain potential visitors to book a Walt Disney World vacation. The kind of cold and calculated Internet processes that likewise dictate what you see on your Facebook feed or what you see when searching Google.
Others think it’s more random, either determined by a roomful of manatees who push around name and discount balls, or through luck of the draw. If you travel to Walt Disney World regularly but have never received a PIN code, you’re probably disinclined to believe the “luck of the draw” explanation.
Me too. That seems like a fairly quixotic explanation for a company that is technically savvy and leverages data to its advantage. I don’t think it requires much cynicism to realize that nothing Walt Disney World does in the realm of discounts is random. I probably sound like a broken record with my “Walt Disney World does not offer Free Dining out of corporate benevolence” but that’s true, and it bears repeating.
Walt Disney World offers discounts to meet hotel room occupancy targets during times of the year that would otherwise not be as busy, and targeted discount offers like PIN codes are an even more sophisticated approach to offer discounts to certain guests while excluding others.
The goals? Only offer the discount to a very limited number of potential guests, and also (and this is key!) use surgical precision to target those guests who are less likely to book a trip without a discount offer. The discount is a carrot to lure unsuspecting(?) guests to visit Walt Disney World.
December 20, 2023 Update: The newest Unique Offer Code for Walt Disney World hotel stays encompasses pretty much the entirety of 2024, which makes it fairly atypical. This PIN code offerings savings of up to 35% off for those who receive it.
Expect savings to be tiered, meaning up to the 35% off is for Deluxe Resorts and Deluxe Villas, with up to 30% off Moderate Resorts and up to 25% off Value Resorts. Even within each tier, maximum savings will vary by each specific hotel and could fluctuate for different date ranges.
This Unique Offer Code is valid for stays most nights:
- February 25 to March 28, 2024
- April 8-24, 2024
- June 30 to August 1, 2024
- September 2-12, 2024
- October 25 to November 3, 2024
- December 8-25, 2024
PIN codes have been very hit or miss since March 2020, but in the past, I don’t recall one of these targeted offers ever being released over a year in advance. To the contrary, there were times when we received a PIN code for dates a few weeks in the future–many of our last minute trips in the past were thanks to a deal we couldn’t refuse via PIN codes.
Another positive about this PIN code beyond the date range is that there have been several reports of people who received the PIN code in someone else’s name being able to call and get it reassigned to them. This might sound like an odd scenario, but it’s actually pretty common for past guests to receive PIN codes for their family members who previously traveled with them.
Previously, if your last name and ZIP Code didn’t match the PIN code, you were out of luck. We’ve received several PIN codes addressed to our parents–or even in Sarah’s maiden name–that we have been unable to use over the years. Thankfully, it appears Cast Members are now able to correct and relink PIN codes in the system if you call.
Honestly, this is more like the current 2024 Walt Disney World Bounceback Discount, but via email and for fewer dates. From what we’ve seen, that Bounceback is still the better (or at least equivalent) discount. But of course, you need to do a current stay in order to qualify for that. (Conversely, you need to win the PIN code lotto to qualify for this. At least Bouncebacks are consistent and predictable!)
In any case, be on the lookout for this 2024 Walt Disney World PIN code. You might’ve already received it in the last few days, so check your spam folder if you haven’t seen it. If you didn’t get one, don’t feel too badly–they’re fairly rare. Also, don’t lose hope–these often go out in waves, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see them hit inboxes between now and the start of 2024.
Failing that, more general public discounts will be released on January 3, 2024. We already know that one of these deals will be for Disney+ subscribers (we’d recommend signing up for a month of that as targeted deals usually offer superior savings), but we’re expecting several other special offers, too.
Free Dining is the big one many Walt Disney World vacation planners are hoping to see return. See our 2024 Free Dining Deal Date Predictions for the likelihood of that making a comeback in January 2024–or at all. There’s exhaustive commentary about when Walt Disney World is most likely to release Free Dining and potential travel dates, along with the why of it all.
In our experience, the best unique offer code deals tend to be more last minute, with more restrictive dates–they’re basically trying to fill a small number of unsold rooms shortly before the travel dates. Deals with a broader range of dates tend to be slightly better than general public discounts, and targeted as an incentive to those Disney deems less likely to book a trip.
You might wonder how Disney determines who is ‘less likely’ to book a trip. Well, for starters, past behavior is the best indicator of future behavior. If you visit Walt Disney World like clockwork at the same time every single year, you’re unlikely to receive a PIN code.
By contrast, if you visit sporadically or express interest in visiting but don’t follow through, you are (statistically) more likely to need to be incentivized. Enter PIN codes.
Unfortunately, if you’re like me, you are (sadly?) predictable. You visit Walt Disney World often, often at the same time (or times) every year, have an Annual Pass, are a D23 Member, etc. You are an easy denial according to the algorithms. (Darn you, Skynet technology!)
This was my realization several years ago, but not wanting to let those stupid sentient computers defeat me, I started scheming, trying to think of workarounds. Like all inhuman systems, I figured it could be gamed. I started creating new Disney.com accounts, signing up for random things, and really going through the motions to let Disney know I was interested–but without booking any trips.
It worked. For a while, we were receiving about 4-6 PIN code offers per year. This number has decreased dramatically since then, primarily (I think) because I stopped trying to get them. Then last year (ironically as “research” for another blog post–which has coincidentally turned into research for this one), I started doing some of the things that I thought caused me to receive PIN codes in the past, and I started receiving new unique offer codes.
Here are some of the things I did (this is not a step-by-step list of things you must do–all are optional), and what I’d recommend doing if you want to increase your owns of receiving a unique offer code from Walt Disney World:
- Go through the resort booking process on DisneyWorld.com while logged into your My Disney Experience account(s) for dates that actually interest you, going all the way to the confirmation screen–but not actually booking.
- Make an Advanced Dining Reservation (ADRs) for a random dates (request an unpopular one and cancel shortly thereafter)
- Create a new My Disney Experience account for a different email address you own. (Do not tie your AP or park tickets to this account.)
- Sign up for any other Disney-related account you find and always specify that you’re open to receiving communications from “the Walt Disney Family of Companies.”
- Sign up for Disney Movie Insiders.
- Register for Disney+.
Be sure always be sure to use your actual name, email address, and your valid mailing address rather than using fake names or burners. Most offers are sent now via email, but some are still via snail mail. Regardless, PIN codes are tied to your name, email, and ZIP Code. If your details don’t match what you received, you may not be able to use the PIN code.
Once you receive a PIN code, you can go to this website to enter and view the offer. Another thing you might want to do is call (407) 939-7875 and see if you have any PIN codes tied to your account. There have been times when PIN code offers have gone to my spam folder or paper mailers didn’t make it to us for whatever reason. PIN codes are tied to you, so even if you don’t have the actual code, as long as you provide your info, a reservations agent can retrieve one for you–if you have one.
I should also note that while PIN codes are exciting and there’s a lot of hype to them, they are not always the end-all, be-all of discounts. Sometimes, we receive PIN codes that are amazing–exceptional offers that it’d be insane to pass up. Other times, they are only slightly (if at all) better than a general public offer. Recently, it has seemed like the better the offer, the more restrictive the travel windows. In other words, you won’t always be able to–or want to–take advantage of a PIN code offer, but it’s better to receive a discount offer you won’t use than not receive an offer that you’d like to use!
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Do you agree or disagree with our advice about the best ways to increase your chances of receiving a ‘unique offer code’ for Walt Disney World? Do you receive these PIN codes often? If so, are they typically good offers, or do you usually pass on them? Any questions about the PIN card madness? Hearing your feedback about your experiences is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts or questions below in the comments!
Decided to read this post after getting the newsletter email. Based on all the things people are doing to receive PIN codes I am really surprised I have never gotten one! I had no idea some of the things I was already doing (ordering planning DVDs, and fantasizing about vacations) could lead to a discount! I guess I’ll just keep dreaming about more disney vacations by putting trips in my cart and hope to one day receive a code. I may have missed it in the article, but are PIN codes disney world specific? Or can you get them for the cruises or disneyland too? I have been toying with so many different cruise options lately while we try to decide which one to take next year.
Alright this is totally crazy. I JUST got done reading this article, went into my email, and there was a unique offer code email waiting there for me. All I did was open the Disney World website in a new tab and click around a little, realizing I can’t put the trip we’re interested in (Feb 2018) in my cart yet, then exited out. It must be magic 😉
FWIW, we also received a PIN code that we used for our latest trip a few weeks ago a little less than 180 days out. I think the only things I did that could have prompted us receiving that one is show interest in a resort on their website, and ask for the planning DVD 🙁 which we never received. Very surprised we’re getting one so soon after our last trip but not complaining! I didn’t book a bounce back but will definitely be looking at ways to utilize this code!
Are these available for UK residents or just Americans?
Wondering this too, as trips for us in the UK and Ireland cost us an absolute bucketload.
You are right with some of your suggestions. I’m from Canada and was lucky enough to go with my family in both April of 2013 and October of 2014 but since then have not had the finances-but shortly after our last trip started getting our “Unique pin codes” through our email. So far I’m guessing we’ve received somewhere around 10 (possibly more). I have an account, request vacation DVD’s and make up mock trips on the WDW website. I Never thought I’d get one (wasn’t even trying really-just dreaming) until one day it arrived and they just kept coming. Now finally going (without Pin code though) in late September into October for Free Dining-Can’t wait!!!
In the last year, I have attempted most of these tricks to obtain a PIN code. Our ability to travel has increased significantly in the last year or so, with our most recent trip in January, and two more trips planned later this year (Halloween and Xmas). The process worked. We did receive a couple codes through snail mail about 2 months ago, and I nearly yelped with joy upon seeing correspondence from Disney. My excitement was short lived though, the ones we received were very restrictive with travel dates, with none of them being during our current trip window (think select summer dates and late August bleh!). They were also for basically the same discount as the public offer, up to 30% of select rooms. Womp womp. It’s not all bad though, I am looking forward to a date with my couch and some popcorn to watch all those vacation planning DVDs I received! (disnerd)
I was getting several pin codes over the last two or three years. Last one I received was in April. The email is from Disney Destinations. The offers had limited windows for booking. The last few were up to 30% off select resorts. Definitely good but I usually get 35% from Uncle Sam(I’m a vet). So, I haven’t actually taken advantage of one yet. I keep hoping they will up the ante. I’ve been twice in four years. Stayed at AK Lodge both times.
We seem to get two PIN codes for room discounts each year, via snail mail, and have used them to book our last 4 or 5 trips to WDW, going back to 2006, or perhaps 2003. We certainly fit the profile of people who do not visit on any regular schedule. All of these offers have been received well in advance of the dates that we wanted to go, allowing us to engage in our detailed planning process. I had no idea that this was in any way exclusive, and had been assuming that most guests received PIN codes to lure them back. It’s good to know that there are proactive things to do in case our PIN pipeline goes dry.
I have taken 3 trips to WDW since 2014 and have received a PIN code for every trip. I have no idea why I’ve been so lucky, but I’ve traveled in either April or May of each trip. The first time I priced out a trip for research and didn’t book at the point so maybe I received the ‘nudge’. I guess I’m spoiled now and expect one every time!
Forgot to add that not only did I receive a PIN code for my last stay (at the Boardwalk), I received a ‘magical upgrade’ to club level! Totally unexpected but we loved it. I hope my luck continues on future trips.
I have never received a pin code. I am interested in getting one. I think it will be cool to have one.Melanie
We have done all of these tips except the ADR /FP tip,but haven’t received a single PIN code in 7 years. I’ll have to try making and canceling some ADR’s.
My parents get codes all the time, but they perfectly fit the profile of the sporadic, random visitor.
Now I feel special because I got one of these mailers in January. Unfortunately, it only went through the very beginning of June and we ended up booking for the end of June due to scheduling conflicts. We had only one stay in May of 2015 when we received it, but we did do a package that included dining for that one. I hadn’t been doing any looking at Disney in 2016 though, so I guess they’re trying to get us to be annual or at least every other year visitors. 🙂
Do you happen to know whether the codes are ever offered to international customers, or are they reserved for US-based folks?
Not entirely sure, but probably just the U.S. and Canada.
I tried all your tips for months about a year ago, after reading about them on the touringplans forum. We were then planning a trip to WDW and would love to get a PIN code. But Disney never sent me anything. No snail mail, no e-mail, nothing. I have signed up several times (from several e-mail addresses) to receive mail from “Disney and Its Family of Companies”, but they don’t send me anything. I practically beg to receive spam, and they send me nothing? The only e-mails I recieve, are directly related to our bookings. So I have a feeling that the PIN codes are only sent to Americans. I have even heard rumors that Disney sends you Americans a welcome package with magic bands and other cool stuff before your trip. We who live in Small Insignificant Countries try SO hard not to be envious, but it’s TOUGH, man.
Yeah, but keep in mind that Scandinavia has enviable standards of living, and meanwhile in the United States, we have… (I’ll let your imagination finish that sentence). 😉
In the United States you have… Disney World…? 😉
I live in Canada and received a PIN for free Disney dining about 5 years ago but have not received a PIN since then. This trip was our first Disney trip. I have also received the welcome package before each trip.
This was new information to me, even though now that I hear it I realized I’ve gotten these sort of offers frequently– though not recently. I’ve been visiting WDW roughly every other year since the late 80s, and looking back on what I recall, I’d say they were trying to nudge me into making that every year. Unfortunately, I was happy with my schedule and never took them up on any of their offers.
Tangentially , since you mention it, I recently went on Primeval Whirl after a long hiatus and thoroughly enjoyed rattling along, suspended spinning over vertical drops. I also liked that the exit ramp took us inside the complicated scaffolding of the colorful retro-monstrosity. I only rode it once many years ago and it left me flat (not literally) but I now view it quite positively. The problem is that the whole area too convincingly conjures up memories of such sketchy dilapidated blacktop amusement parks that you half expect to get mugged by a drunken carny. But give that ride another chance, brother,..
I’ll take your word on this one. 😉
Hey, Tom.
Awesome info. I am definitely going to try these steps. Question though…How is it that you can book a fastpass + reservation without having tickets and/or a reservation planned?
Thanks!
Oh shoot. I guess I didn’t think that suggestion through entirely. We have Annual Passes, so it works for us, but I’m guessing that’s not going to be true for most readers…
Gotcha. Thanks for the help. I can still do the other steps though!
So you link your AP to that new account you created to try and get a PIN instead of the old one you were using? I’m surprised Disney is tracking via email addresses and not APs. Interesting.
No. Sorry, the bullet points are not a step-by-step thing. Each of these things can work in isolation. I’d never try creating a new MDX account and linking elements that have been tied to another MDX account, as that causes problems in Disney’s system. (I know from experience; it happened to me accidentally.)
I’ll revise the post to be more clear about this.
How do you book a FP+ without having tickets linked, which seems like a must if setting up a new email account for it?
Excellent intel, Tom. Top notch.
Every year I signup for the WDW vacation video, and every year I get a PIN code about a month later. I do not believe this is conicidence.
I don’t pay that close of attention to PIN code timing v. when we signed up for the vacation planning video, but that doesn’t surprise me too much. Are the PIN codes you receive after signing up for the video via snail mail or email?
Hi, Tom.
Unique offer codes are sweet, and we’ve gotten at least one in each of the last four years. I also do a lot of selecting various resorts throughout the year to do comparisons and then stop before actually booking. I never gave it any thought that it may be helping me get the codes. Thanks for the tips… I’ll make sure I keep using the same method.
Jim