[debrahv]

I'm just curious what people have spent on their first trip for souvenirs. Mostly the reason I'm asking is because I got a pin code for a $500 merchandise credit for $395. Has anyone ever gotten one of these? I'm just wondering how restrictive they are. Would you get it?

[lovemysons]

I am not sure what that is. Can you explain it a bit more?

[debrahv]

Here's what the email said...

Now you can add extra shopping fun to look forward to on your upcoming vacation. For a limited time, you can purchase a $500 Walt Disney World Merchandise Credit for just $395*. The credit is valid at over 150 locations with no expiration date!

Since you've already booked your package, just call us to order your Merchandise Credit
at 407-939-7735 Be ready with your PIN

But don't delay—you must make this purchase at least seven days before your arrival date.

See you real soon!

Sincerely,

Dara Trujillo
Walt Disney World Merchandise Marketing

PS Please remember to call us right away at 407-939-7735 because this offer expires January 23, 2009

Purchase of the Walt Disney World Merchandise Credit (the “Credit”) is acceptance of its terms and conditions. The Credit may only be used towards the purchase of merchandise items at select participating merchandise locations that are owned and operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World Resort. The Credit cannot be used towards the payment of a Walt Disney World Resort hotel room night or reservation or a Disney Cruise Line® reservation, or towards the purchase of any food and beverage items, spa services and products, personal services such as face painting, hair braiding, hair wrapping, recreation activities, tours, Disney Gift Cards or Disney Dollars. The Credit is not accepted at Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant locations, including but not limited to, China, Japan, and Morocco Pavilions at World Showcase in Epcot®, or any other locations or kiosks that are not owned and operated by the owners of the Walt Disney World Resort. May not be used with any other merchandise discounts, including but not limited to, AAA member discount, Annual Passholder discount or Cast Member discount. Except and only to the extent required by law, the Credit will not be replaced if lost or stolen and no portion of the Credit balances are redeemable for cash. The issuer of the Credit, Disney Gift Card Services, Inc. is not responsible for unauthorized use of the Card. See www.disneyworld.com/mywshopping or call 1-877-650-4327 for a complete list of the terms and conditions for the Credit.

[lovemysons]

Wow, I have never seen that before. Back to your question about souvenir budget, I think 500 is not an unreasonable amount, if you are planning on buying sweatshirts, t-shirts, autograph books, pins, globes, toys, stuffed animals, etc. I think I could spend $500 in a heartbeat at Disney.

[DisneyTeacher]

The gift cards sound like a good deal. I've never heard of the offer before but since it's through Disney I would trust it.

Five hundred dollars wouldn't be too much for us.

[cinderbella]

I've never heard of that before but please be sure to research that number before you give up $395. I'm not saying it's a scam because Disney is coming out with about a million different discounts lately. I would ignore that number completley and call Disney directly at 407-WDisney and ask one of the CM's about it from there.

But..I would assume it comes in a Disney Gift Card which is pretty much useable anywhere in the resort as far as merchandise etc. You might even be able to use it for food?!? (I'm not sure) ANyways, we never spend much on souveniers but it's just the two of us so we usually just get some coffee mugs and maybe a sweatshirt or a throw or something. However, if given the opportunity..I could spend SO much money on Disney merchandise.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by cinderbella

I've never heard of that before but please be sure to research that number before you give up $395. I'm not saying it's a scam because Disney is coming out with about a million different discounts lately. I would ignore that number completley and call Disney directly at 407-WDisney and ask one of the CM's about it from there.

Good advice, Bella.

[BBEE]

We got that same email for our upcoming trip. It even has other amounts. The more you spend---the more "free" money you get on the card. We're not going to get one because we just don't spend that kind of money on souvenirs, but I think it could be a good deal for some families...and it never expires.

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by BBEE

We got that same email for our upcoming trip. It even has other amounts. The more you spend---the more "free" money you get on the card. We're not going to get one because we just don't spend that kind of money on souvenirs, but I think it could be a good deal for some families...and it never expires.

Hope I get one . . . sounds AWESOME!!

Funny, just tonight (AFTER I BOOKED) I got the Free 3 day offer email!

[lovemysons]

Originally Posted by mickeysgirlz

Hope I get one . . . sounds AWESOME!!

Funny, just tonight (AFTER I BOOKED) I got the Free 3 day offer email!

HA! ME TOO!! I just found it in my email. Maybe we will get the gift card offer too.

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by lovemysons

HA! ME TOO!! I just found it in my email. Maybe we will get the gift card offer too.

I googled and found this:

Jim Hill : Disney World now offering discounted Merchandise Credits to select Guests

Only sent to a select few that have "proven" themselves to be DTD shoppers! I have NEVER spent $500 in one day at DTD . . . Grandma maybe . . . but not me! (I wish)

[lovemysons]

Oh me either. Now, if Dh wasn't with me, I would have no problem spending that kind of money. I'd probably blow it all in the Basin and Christmas stores.

[mickeysgirlz]

Originally Posted by lovemysons

Oh me either. Now, if Dh wasn't with me, I would have no problem spending that kind of money. I'd probably blow it all in the Basin and Christmas stores.

[debrahv]

Thanks for the advice. I got this offer and the 4 days for 3 right in a row. So maybe if you got the 4 for 3 you can be expecting this offer sometime soon. :)

Funny how I've been obsessed with trying to get some kind of discount for our trip(never got anything), then all of a sudden I get these 2 offers. I'm not even sure if I will use them, but then I thought maybe I could go all out and get some Christmas shopping done too!

[LURK]

Originally Posted by debrahv

... maybe I could go all out and get some Christmas shopping done too!

Exactly! And since there is no expiration, you can do the same the next year... and the next... and the next... and the next...