Disney World’s New Widely-Targeted PIN Code
After dropping the awful ‘Magic is Here’ promo and the awesome ‘Southerner Savings’ room-only discount earlier this week, Walt Disney World has quietly released another deal. This time, it’s a PIN or Unique Offer Code, targeted to select guests. In this post, we’ll cover details, offer commentary, and explain just what the heck a “PIN code” is and how to get one.
By way of quick recap, the discounts released earlier this week were a tale of two extremes. The awesome side of this was room-only savings of up to 40% off now through Christmas 2020. This included both off-season and peak season holiday travel dates, and is a more aggressive discount than the historic norm for these timeframes. Unfortunately, this discount is targeted and many guests are not eligible.
The ‘Magic is Here’ discount is the general public offer, which sounded decent on its face, with savings of up to $500 off. Unfortunately, that’s not a whole lot over the course of an entire trip when you’re paying $500+ per night for a hotel room plus tickets. Not only that, but the discount was only $100 for Value Resorts and $250 for Moderates. Again, these savings are for the entire package. This new PIN code is essentially a “gap-filler,” offering the great savings of the first deal to those previously only eligible for the second…
Before we get ahead of ourselves, we should probably explain what, exactly, PIN or Unique Offer Codes are for those who are new to the wonderful world of Disney discounts. 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.
Not only are PIN codes exclusive, but they are elusive. 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. We’ve tried to “demystify” the process with our Hacks & Tips for Receiving PIN Codes for Walt Disney World, which offers our battle-tested strategy for increasing your odds of receiving one.
None of that helped us here. While we normally receive several PIN code offers per year, neither of us received this one. Which is ironic, because this appears to be the widest PIN code release in recent history–if reports we’re hearing are any indication. Assuming Walt Disney World’s targeting system is reasonably sophisticated, the reason we didn’t receive one is simple: we are Annual Passholders and Florida residents who qualified for equal or superior alternatives.
Fortunately, our reputation in the PIN code community as deal-hounds precedes us. (Oh yes, there’s a community–but we prefer to think of ourselves as a ‘money-saving society!’) Six different readers emailed us details of this PIN code, and another two left comments on the blog. For a normal PIN code release, we’ll receive maybe one or two ‘heads up’ messages. (Big thanks to readers John C., Donna D., Charles J., Jane M., Emily W., and Seed S!)
Above is a look at the PIN code email that was sent out. While Disney’s Pop Century Resort is advertised, this offer is virtually identical to the ‘Rediscover the Magic’ offer sent to Florida residents.
Savings range from 25% to 35% off, depending upon the resort tier. That puts it squarely between the Southerner Savings and Annual Passholder deals that were just released. (For the same resort and room categories, this PIN code is 5% better than the Southerner Savings and 5% worse than the AP discounts.)
To reiterate, this is a targeted discount, so if you didn’t receive the email above, you’re not eligible. Probably.
It’s not uncommon for PIN codes to be caught by spam filters, sent to old email addresses, or just not received for one reason or another. So basically, just like all correspondence from Walt Disney World! That’s a big part of why we’re posting this–as a heads up so you can scour through all of your accounts to see if you received this but somehow missed it.
In the last few weeks, we’ve been critical about Walt Disney World’s reticence to release discounts and lack of aggressive offers. Accordingly, we have to give kudos on this one. It’s a really savvy move.
Between the Southerner Savings for guests within driving distance and this targeted PIN code for guests from other states who have previously visited Walt Disney World, exactly the right approach is being taken here. These are strong discounts, and they’re being strategically offered to those who are least likely to be first-time visitors.
We expect that plenty of Walt Disney World fans who do not live in Florida or other Southern states, are not Annual Passholders, and did not receive this PIN code will vehemently disagree with us. To be sure, it is unfortunate that some fans will still “slip through the cracks,” so to speak.
However, this targeted approach is infinitely superior to widespread general public discounts. This is for a multitude of reasons, including capacity and staffing. Most significantly, general public special offers would attract tons of first-time visitors who, in our view, really should be waiting until 2021 for the full Walt Disney World experience. (Clearly, Disney agrees with that perspective.)
Ultimately, we’d anticipate that Walt Disney World will continue fine-tuning its targeted approach. It’s like Disney will roll out more of this kind of discount as long as the parks are operating at lower capacity, with temporary safety measures in place, and without certain entertainment.
If anything, our expectation is that Disney will accelerate discounting and get more competitive with pricing as it becomes increasingly clear that travel is going to take a while to rebound. While 35-40% off hotel rooms is fairly unprecedented for this time of year, the underlying rack rates are still very pricey and Walt Disney World is coming nowhere near its occupancy targets for weeknights (or even non-holiday weekends) right now.
If you did not receive this PIN code and aren’t eligible for the other good room-only rates, consider the following alternatives for saving money:
- Priceline Express Deals for Walt Disney World Hotels
- Renting DVC Points (only do this if absolutely certain you will not be cancelling)
- Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels (walking distance of Disney Springs)
- Swan & Dolphin Resorts (walking distance of EPCOT and DHS)
- Other Best Third Party Hotels Near WDW
- Vacation Home or Airbnb Rentals Near WDW
We understand the allure of being in the Walt Disney World “bubble” and the top 2 options above definitely offer that. The next 2 arguably do, as well. The last one doesn’t, but is probably the very best option in terms of bang for buck.
As we discuss in our “Temporary Abnormal” 2020 Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide, we strongly recommend renting a car right now, so driving to the parks not really an issue. Additionally, the more on-site perks are all temporarily suspended—there’s no Disney Dining Plan, Extra Magic Hours, or FastPass+, so no disadvantage in staying off-site.
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
Did you receive this PIN/Unique Offer Code discount? If so, do you reside outside the South? Do you “normally” receive PIN codes, or is it rare/unprecedented? If you booked this, what did your savings end up being? Happy with the available rates, or hoping for better deals to come? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Our most recent visit was December 2019. Had a few issues including a bedroom door with broken hinge that one night fell loose, hitting me in the head; and a ‘touchy-feely’ waitress NOT at one of the ‘interactive’ restaurants who felt free to give me a shoulder massage. Spoke to management about both and received nothing but apologies; contacted Guest Service who thanked me for my input. If I were in customer service a guest who’s had such bad experiences would be one of the first to receive a discount code, but we’ve received nothing. Maybe we’re just the kind of guests they don’t want.
I looked after reading this article & I also got the pin code. However when trying it it tells me that my information doesn’t match what they have on file. That’s just crazy. We have stayed lots of times and our last name and zip code hasn’t changed. Guess I’d have to call but that is crazy when just checking rates.
I received a PIN code and it prompted me to extend our early December trip to Universal to stay a couple of nights at Disney. We live in Alabama and have been quite a few times. However Pop Century was still over $200 per weekend night so I guess the price of Pop has really increased due to Skyliner. Waiting to see if we can change our flight for a reasonable price to see if we keep this reservation.
I was so excited when I found the pin code in my email. I went to Disney World for the first time in 2019. I live in Idaho and haven’t received a pin code before. The thought of getting Pop century for $118 or AofA for $323 is amazing. However, I’ve been trying to decide if we should go. Taking four kids and making them wear masks the whole time, I don’t know. But I don’t know if I will get another offer like this.
My suggestion is… take the offer and you all will have an amazing great time! Everything I’ve been reading from people who have already been is that wearing the masks is not that bad at all. I’ll bet the kiddos might even forget they are wearing them just out of being happy and excited to be there. You could get them some Disney masks to incorporate the masks into the Disney fun. Also, you can take some breaks in the relaxation areas where they can take their masks off for a bit. I hope you get to go. My family is going in October and we can’t wait!!!
I might be going against the grain here but I’d pass. Let your money stand for something – if you’re not loving masks don’t go to a place that requires them all day long. (We won’t be going if the mask mandate stands.) Plus there is some major magic missing – no fireworks, no parades, no meet and greets. It’s sterile Disney and personally that’s not the type of vacation I’m excited for. Totally up to you, though. Pray on it. â¤ï¸
Are PINs sent only if you have an on site trip booked? We are staying at Bonnet Creekn in Dec.
I Have received and PIN codes before. I got a PIN code this week, but when I click on it, it says it is the Magic is Here deal. I live in Mississippi. I wonder if I should call and try to get a better deal.
I received it and I live in Kansas. It’s been a while since I got one of these. Unfortunately my trip isn’t scheduled until February. Plus it’s about $40 more a night than the Endless Summer resort at Universal, where we plan to spend about 3 or 4 days.
When were the PIN codes sent out? I wonder if because I am DVC and AP that they would not send me one thinking I could not use it because I am using my points.
I just got home from Disney World yesterday & checked my emails to see that I received the unique code offer! Our trip was amazing and didn’t think not having shows or fireworks would be an issue, but it did take away from the magic. I assumed the unique offer was to replace the bounceback offer since we haven’t seen any of those lately. I do not live in Florida but am an annual passholder. Since my annual pass’s expiration date was extended, am thinking of going again with this discount! The lower crowds were a huge plus! It was around 97 degrees each day we were there but I had some face masks that were very breathable & have a “cooling” material. If I had to give any advice to someone planning a trip it would be, do NOT wear the Disney character face masks! They were super hot & not breathable. They might be good if the weather is cooler, but not on a 90 degree day!
What kind/brand of face mask has a cooling material? Would love to get some for our upcoming trip!
To Tamara G;
Here is the link for the masks I purchased that were GREAT!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089GRVZ5F/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I received a pin code in my email that lowered my stay at Pop for 5 nights $218 and a couple of days before that got $140.64 off the hotel. Was on hold with Disney for 2 1/2 hours to get that one. So went from $1928.36 down to $1569.62 for 5 nights and tickets to 4 parks. Makes me feel better about going!
I was thinking (wishful hoping) that those of us who are not first timers, had trips booked for during the closure but hadn’t rebooked would be offered some sort of please come back this year deal. Since we aren’t first timers, we are thinking of going sometime in the next few months because we don’t necessarily need to see the “entire experience” of fireworks, parades, etc. The temptation to visit when there are no crowds is very appealing to us.
I received the “Magic is here” email with a pin code. Is this the same deal?
I already had trip scheduled for October 2020, originally booked for POFQ but moved to CB. With the PIN code (which was in my spam–thanks for the article!) I moved to Yacht Club garden view for $181. Pretty excited! Amazing deal and great opportunity to stay at a new hotel!
I just don’t know why but have never received a pin code or offer in the mail or even by email. No discounts. Over the past 8 years i have have spent over $50 thousand dollars for the honor of taking my small family..4 people..to DisneyWorld. I am not rich. I am a still working soon to be 70 year old who never saw disney until I turned 60. My children and me would love us to celebrate next year there as it will be my 50th wedding anniversary as well as disneys 50th of course but just cant do it anymore without some help. That is truly my happy place but i need to retire soon. I wont give up hope. Maybe, just maybe some discount or offer will come our way,…i do believe in magic!
I believe I received one PIN code that I’m aware of….used it our last trip in 2019, when we weren’t actually planning to go to WDW. It was good for about an extra 5% off their existing public offers (we went Value tier).
Several years ago, shortly after the unfortunate alligator encounter a child had near the Grand Floridian, I got an email with a time limited (as in, had 48 hours to pull the trigger) upgrade offer to go from the moderate we were booked at (Port Orleans French Quarter) to a standard View (ended up being near the bus stop at the resort) at Animal Kingdom Lodge for a nominal increase in charge that was truly phenomenal (I compared the offer price with what it would have cost to book AKL with existing public offers).
I received an offer code and cut a little over $1,000 off of an existing trip staying at the Contemporary. We had originally scheduled for April which of course was canceled. I rebooked for October and called to see if I could apply the offer code to my existing trip. I was on the phone for two hours because the offer code worked, but they couldn’t get the final confirmation to go through.The cast member had to get assistance from Guest services and I was sure that it was going to fall through but ultimately it worked. This is for a Monday through Thursday stay so I saved A LOT!
Adding to my post – we live in Indiana and receive an offer code maybe every other year. I tried to use a code when I booked the original trip in April but they said it was no longer available. It had not expired but apparently after a certain number of people use an offer they cut it off.
I received the offer code and live in New England. I stayed at Pop Century last September and do receive offer codes at least one a year. I haven’t decided if I’ll take advantage of it or not. But, I do love opening those emails!
Dang it! I didn’t get one! We initially booked our upcoming trip for June with a pin, but when we had to move it to October there were no discounts available at the time. I wonder if we didn’t get it since we are already booked for a trip or it was an oversight. I’ll have to call and see if they will be willing to apply any discounts to our stay.
I received the email for 35% off. We were already booked for a Magic is Here garden wing room promo in November. I was able to upgrade to the main tower, lake view for just $120 more by using the promo code. This is the first time we have received a “golden ticket” and I just couldn’t let the opportunity go by. It makes me wonder whether putting various trip combos in my cart over the past few weeks is what prompted them to send one. I received it the day right after we finally booked our trip.
I’ve only ever received a pin code once, and I used it to book a trip to see the Osborne Lights when they announced it would be the last year. But nothing would induce me to fly my family to Florida right now from the relative safety of NYC. Ah, irony.
That’s how I felt, receiving ours. Oh, well . . . at least we know we’re still on the list of potential pin code recipients!
I received the email. I live in Louisiana and always stay at POP. I tried the code out for the two different weeks, one in November and there we no rooms available and the other week for two weeks from now at the end of September and it said my savings were $85 off a night. So my trip from Monday till Thursday, 3 of us with four day tickets would be 1800 instead of the original 2100.