How to Get a Disney World PIN Code
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 deals & improving your odds of scoring them, what they look like, steps for redeeming, current dates, and more. (Updated March 29, 2022.)
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.
The newest PIN code for Walt Disney World hotel stays encompasses the first half of 2022, and it’s a pretty standard special offer. Those receiving the targeted offer can receive up to 20% off rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights now through July 7, 2022..
As far as PIN codes go, whether this is a good one depends upon your circumstances. On the higher end, it’s on par with the Save Up to 25% Off Walt Disney World Hotels in Spring & Summer 2022. In fact, Annual Passholders can actually save more with those discounts. However, those who are not APs or Florida residents will do better with the PIN code, especially at Value Resorts.
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:
- Order a Free Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Video. (When available.)
- Signing up for the Disney Cruise Line Video might also help. (Again, when available.)
- 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+.
A few notes on these tips. First, always be sure to use your actual name, email address, and your valid mailing address. Some offers come via email, so are via snail mail. PIN codes are tied to your name, email, and zip code. (Sarah still receives some in her maiden name, and we’ve been unable to use those.)
Second, be courteous when it comes to booking ADRs. Book unpopular ones and cancel quickly so you aren’t throwing a monkey wrench into others’ planning.
If my experience is any indication, booking ADRs and immediately canceling them should be enough to help “trigger” a PIN code. While I was working on updating our posts last spring, that’s what I was doing, and that seemed to work. Around the same time, I was also checking a lot of resort availability for Free Dining (getting far into the booking process for multiple resorts).
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!
Yeah, Tom, unless there is something I’m missing, I don’t think Disney is sending out a “Free Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Video” any more. Everything seems to be online now.
Would they ever offer a pin code over Christmas or would that just be unheard of? I guess if you’re going then, you’re just committing to paying higher prices?
What is the timing of the pin code offers. Meaning, I’m looking to book this coming December, would it be too early to start getting pin codes because it might give me for the spring/summer/fall?
Has anyone received a unique offer code LATELY? The reason I’m asking is because I’ve talked to a number of cast members who book reservations and none of them have had anyone booking a reservation use one for sometime. Some say they think that Disney simply isn’t giving them out anymore. I haven’t received one since we got a Disney Visa and I thought it was because Disney knows you’re more than likely going to visit anyway to use your Disney Dollars so there’s no need to send you a code, but now I wonder if it has indeed just stopped entirely.
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I just received a PIN code last week. I had my first Disney trip three years ago, visited for one day last year while on a Universal Trip. This is the 3rd PIN code I’ve received since our first trip. We’re not planning on going back until next year, but the PIN code from last week was very specific and the dates happened to be during my sons birthday. It was hard to turn down and I felt that was very well played by Disney 🙂
What was the offer/discount they were offering you?
I received a pin code offer in email today! For 3 different 4 day, weekday, room only stays options in late April- mid May! I previously visited WDW in August of 2018 (for the first time as the trip planner and\or with a MDE account). I have been lurking around the package booking process in the past week, checking out a stay in August, then received an email today.
If you receive a PIN code that you know you won’t use, is there a way to post them for others to take advantage of, or are they specifically for your account? We aren’t planning to go for another 2 years, but I’d be happy to share a PIN code offer for someone else to use!
I would really appreciate to use the code. If you can please share with me. thanks
Doesn’t the article specifically say the codes are linked you your account and NOT TRANSFERABLE?
I would love to be able to use that pin code
I were passholders and got that same $49/night email last year at the beginning of April for the same dates at the same hotel as your image above. Same first 4 digits for the code, too. Tried to make it work for us, but we couldn’t.
Thanks so much for the advise on the Offer Codes. I did what you suggested in this article for a couple of months. Funny, for some reason I kept thinking I was going to get one of these offers in my “snail” mail, but did not. During the last month or so, I have been very busy with work and family etc, and I had forgotten all about it. 2 days ago I opened up my email and there it was….the offer code for 30% off this summer. You clicked on the link after confirming who you were and it took you to the Disney site with the discount. Luckily, the dates were perfect for us and we got a great room at the Animal Kingdom. Just keep plugging everyone….I really believe this works if you keep at it. 🙂
I do get pin codes frequently and have used them every trip. This time we are planning a bit further in advance if we book then months later receive a pin code, will be able to apply that pin code to the already booked reservation?
Does anyone have a hotel code for May 15th-19th that they are willing to share?
Got another one! 30% off a ocean view at AULANI
Tempting, but a doubt it.
I followed Tom’s advice and signed up for a Disneyworld planning video. My PIN code came about ten days later! It wasn’t one that I could actually use, but I was still really excited!
I have only ever received one. I figured it was because I always book with a military discount and those are as good or better than the PIN codes. I got an annual pass in November and plan to go a lot more this year. I am actually hoping they send me one! I can’t always get military discounts last minute.
Twice I looked at the pin code information and I got a bunch of garbage and weird applications.
I don’t wish they would stop, but I get them all the time. And by all the time, I mean I must get a dozen pin code offers a year, split between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. This month, I got offers for both. In December I got offers for both. Before Thanksgiving I got offers for both. It’s been steady like that for the past three years. We have only ever taken advantage of one of them. They started coming In 2014, after our one and only year of having Premier passes expired, and they never stopped. I actually feel bad that we still get the Disneyland pin code offers, because we choose Orlando these days instead of Anaheim for our Disney trips.
Has anyone outside of the US received a pin code?
Interested to hear if any U.K. guests have ever got one (I’m assuming not…?)
I’m In Australia & despite booking our 4th disney trip in 5 years I suspect I have almost zero chance of getting one 🙁
Yeah, I’m not sure if Disney does PIN/UOCs for markets outside of North America. Sorry! 🙁
When you search your spam folders what do you search for?
I just search for “Disney.” I do it about once a week.
I search frequently, but I get soooo many Disney emails that I wouldnt know which one it was!
One thing you don’t mention, but that I’d suggest is watching the Disneyland video. I did that last month, and I received a 40% off code for Disneyland Hotel. I’ve never been to California, much less Disneyland, so I can’t think of any other reason why they would’ve sent that. Great work on this list of tips.
Hi John,
What Disney land video are you referring to?
Thank you!
I saved about $1000 through using a PIN code for Boardwalk Villas. It was sent via post in a letter “Come Back to the Magic.” I definitely recommend signing into your Disney Experience account and ‘planning’ several vacations, even talking to a CM in their chat bubble. I did this for several weeks before the offer showed up in the mail. Before that I received several emails from Disney Destinations offering 20% off value resorts, but my husband and I wanted to hang in there for a Deluxe option. The patience paid off!
Are comments being removed here, or is there some glitch? Some from yesterday are gone today. I left one offering the theory that those who use PIN codes are more likely to get them in the future. Not here now. Thanks.
Never mind. They are showing up now. Odd. Thanks.
I read through this article and then realized that about five months ago, I got a PIN. It was a 20,25,or 30% discount for Wilderness Lodge, depending on what room was booked, the time slot was narrow in length, this spring. Ha! You needed to agree to a one hr DVC presentation during the stay, We didn’t bite!
“You needed to agree to a one hr DVC presentation during the stay, We didn’t bite!”
Oh wow, I’ve never heard of Disney doing that! Resorting to some ‘typical’ timeshare sales moves, it seems.
Are there pin codes for Disneyland?