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!
I followed your tips awhile ago & have received pins twice. The first time it was not as good as a promo that Disney was offering & the second was not a year we were going. I am hoping to get a third, although I don’t expect it. There is currently only 1 promo that applies to me, but I’m continuing to watch & hoping to see something better come up. I am also considering renting DVC points.
I just talked to a cast member and she said pin codes are randomly sent out from an outside company and if your not on that list your out of luck .I am so disappointed.
How can I receive a pin code
I would.love to receive a code
If anyone has received their UOC in an email, what was the sender’s email address? I get so much stuff from Disney, it would be helpful if I could search my email by. sender.
We were able to upgrade from Pop Century to Coronado Springs during Easter week using a Unique Offer Code we got a few months ago and still save some money on the trip. Our travel agent was surprised that we got a code valid during Easter.
Just wondering if there is any pin codes for around end of oct 29 to nov 14, 2020. I’m from canada and I’m looking to save some money and want to stay at all star music resort. Any other ideas on saving money and pin codes would help.
Thanks.
I got a code e-mailed for guests that’s have stayed at all stars . I booked a week in May I was planning on September again. This was very exciting like Disney giving you a gift. Is the party at magic kingdom worth the $129?
So I’m pretty excited. This week, I got not 1 but 2 UOC’ s. One in email and another in the mail! The first one, in email, is nearly a 50% off of Coronado Springs, but ends just before Christmas. The days I’d wanna go are unavailable unfortunately, so I decided I wouldn’t go.
Then, I got a “up to 30% off UOC” for most resort hotels. I know it’s not as good as 50% off Coronado, but it’s available for March through June and I was already looking at possibly going in May, so that works out even better to be able to convince my wife.
We’ve only been to WDW once, last thanksgiving, and I’ve been itching to get back and go to more parks and spend more time in each. Thanks Tom for the great advice on trying to get one of these deals and all the valuable information you provide in each blog post!
I just want to say THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!! I followed all of your tips for the past month and 1/2, and this morning I got a 30% off unique code, that overlapped the week we will be there. I just called and got the code applied and it saved us $1500 ! thank you so very much!!!!
How can I receive a pin code
Read the article, Linda–that’s what it’s about.
This worked! I went all the way through the booking process a few times, made a Skipper Canteen reservation and canceled it right after, and signed up for the planning video, all about a week ago. I just received a code for up to 30% off rooms through August 28th…currently trying to be VERY disciplined and not blow all my money on an impromptu July 4th stay at AoA. Thank you for your tips – I will keep trying and hopefully will get one for dates where I can actually travel!
Couple of months ago, our 8 yr old daughter received a pin code lol. Needless to say, we weren’t able to use it, although….there is the pin that I received 2 weeks ago……
Hoping to book for end of September, beginning October 2020. When should I start actively attempting to get pin code in the hopes of receiving for that time period? For instance, if I start searching now and sign up for emails will the pin code received, if applicable apply for that time period of this year instead? I hope my question makes sense.
Our first time using a pin code was april 2001….I booked the Movies for $49 a day (wow those prices didn’t last long)
The next code was for free dining at Pop….this was full service dining plan for free (this was worth it) We ate at the castle, boma…all the expensive places and odered the most expensive meals I added it up and we saved around $1200
Those days are long gone and we will never see these deals again
I used to get a pin code every year, until i moved. Even though they have always had my updated address, i stopped receiving the pin codes in the mail.
Serenity now, serenity now….A UOC arrived in my mail this week…but unfortunately, it’s for my ex-husband, and we have never shared my current address. No UOC in the mail for me. I booked a 7-day birthday trip at Pop for our daughter last October and invited him to join us, separate rooms of course. Everything was booked through my Disney account (he doesn’t have one), but his name was tied to his room. I used my home address for all of our travel documents and magic bands. So a UOC was sent to him this week and that October trip was his first trip to Disney. It was the third trip for our daughter and me, with a fourth trip booked for November. The real kicker is that he doesn’t even like Disney and he will not use, but I sure would have used it. I know I can’t use his offer…I thought about all of the possible ways but figured I might get stuck when I used a credit card to book with my name on it. In high school, I might have occasionally forged parental signatures on report cards, but I assume I can’t get one over on Disney. UGH! I decided to torture myself and log in with his offer code just to look at the discounts. What a great opportunity to stay at a resort I might not otherwise be able to afford. Hopefully a UOC will come addressed to me someday!
I want to thank you for all that you and Sarah do. I appreciate your work here so, so much. I first took my daughter to Disney World in December 2016. I started researching two years before that and was lucky enough to come across your blog. I quickly realized that the best place for information is right here. Your planning strategies and tips have helped me make the most out of each trip, and I quickly read anything you post. When anyone asks me about Disney planning, I point them in your direction. I can’t WAIT to read what you post about staying at Pop while going to the opening of SWGE!!!
We do feel special when UOC’s show up! It’s like Disney misses us and wants us back (or at least our wallets, which is almost the same thing.
We got a really nifty offer last October for during Christmas we had to pass on, but know better than to hope it comes around this year again. It seems we got a lot more (and better discounted) offers last year than this year? I am not sure why but will blame Star Wars Land and increased attendance in fall.
We also received an UOC in the mail today. We are APs, but also DVC with 2 trips already booked within the next 9 months. I was rather surprised.
Hard to believe, but I got a code in the mail yesterday too. I have NEVER received one before. It specifically said “visit us again” so it is indeed targeted to some extent.
For the first time ever we booked a free dining package last winter so I suspect that is part of the equation. I did also look at some room rates online last week, but I do not think that triggered it as those kinds of marketing materials are usually prepared weeks in advance.
I feel the previous package booking is most likely bet. I have never booked a package, always “a la carte” because I can usually get the components cheaper than a package price. But the “free” dining was a slightly better deal so I took the plunge. (And no it wasn’t truly “free”-more like 1/2 price dining by my calculation for our dates and party size).
For what that’s worth…the downside is the dates in my mailer are for June 2-Aug.28 so before Star Wars opens…obviously they are expecting lower attendance….
Just read your article today and guess what arrived in this afternoon’s mail?
Our UOC!!
We do get these quite often. Just did not realize they are not sent out to everyone. We feel so special!!
Just read your article today and guess what arrived in my mail this afternoon –
My Unique Offer Code!
We do get these quite often, didn’t realize they were not sent to everyone. We feel so special!!