Winners say 'no thanks' sometimes

**Timbo** · 03-01-2007, 09:59 AM

From the OrlandoSentinel.com:

Winners say 'no thanks' sometimes

Beth Kassab | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted February 28, 2007

For some visitors, Walt Disney World's "Year of a Million Dreams" giveaway is a reason for a million excuses.

The yearlong campaign bestows randomly selected guests at the resort with prizes such as a night in Cinderella Castle, but some folks say "no thanks."

"Sometimes, believe it or not, which I can't understand, people say, 'Nah, I'm leaving tomorrow or I don't want to move my stuff . . .' " said Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. "We have had some guests for whatever reason say that they couldn't do it, so we go to the next person."

Rasulo said he doesn't know exactly how many people have turned down the prizes that range from a stay fit for a princess in the castle to much smaller giveaways such as free popcorn or a pass to the front of thrill ride lines, but "it does happen."

While giving up a night in the castle may be unfathomable to parents of young princess wannabes, Disney has a backup plan for when it happens.

Another winner is simply selected at random.

"It's the most complicated, complex mathematical system you can imagine," Rasulo said of the process developed for Disney by an outside firm.

Each day the system pinpoints an exact location -- such as the seventh person to exit a specific show at the Magic Kingdom -- and whoever is at the right place at the right time wins the prize.

The campaign started last year with more than 1 million prizes, some worth tens of thousands of dollars apiece, such as time-share contracts and trips halfway around the world.

On average, 1,700 to 3,000 prizes big and small are given out on a daily basis, said Disney spokesman Jacob DiPietre.

Beth Kassab can be reached at bkassab@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5448.

Source URL: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busin...tory?track=rss

**Maestr034** · 03-01-2007, 10:32 AM

If I got picked to stay in the castle I would change my flight sleep on the streets the rest of the trip. I guess I would do just about anything to stay in there.

**fungus_01** · 03-01-2007, 11:02 AM

No kidding....who says "I don't wanna move my stuff?" I bet Disney would be happy to move it for you...I could MAYBE understand turning down a big prize (ie night in the castle, the trip around the world, etc.) due to certain circumstances but why would you turn down free popcorn or a free fastpass?

**MandaBella** · 03-01-2007, 02:09 PM

Actually, I can sorta see why someone would turn down some of the prizes for a variety of reasons. Now before you all look at me like I'm nuts (hush up peanut gallery!), my DH and I were once in a position for something I would call an uncommon opportunity in WDW.

I wrote about my experiences, and posted a report on DWT regarding it. So if you want specifics, you can search for it. Anyhow...one hot and very humid Memorial Day in the AK, we were approached to be in the parade. My DH immediately turned it down because he was under the wrong impression of what it would entail for us. After talking with the CM some more and finding out more info, we were able to convince him to be in Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade.

So, I'm wondering if some of these people who are turning down prizes either are just not interested in them and/or can only see the "inconvenient" factor for them instead of the opportunity it can be.

Regardless, the "runners up" are getting a chance to accept those prizes.

**tizzo** · 03-01-2007, 05:44 PM

I would have no choice but to decline a night in Cinderella's Castle. I'm a local and an annual passholder, so when we go to Disney it is for a day trip. We have a sick pet at home that needs medicine every 8 hours. In that particular case, it's a no-brainer -- although I would probably feel a little cheated if I wasn't offered something else (even something small) instead.

I could also understand not wanting to change travel plans -- people have to work.

I do agree that it would seem odd to turn down a prize like that because you don't want to move your stuff. In all likelihood, such people probably just don't appreciate the magnitude of the prize they've been offered.

Tony

**DissyLove** · 03-01-2007, 05:53 PM

I would shave my head like Britney Spears to stay at the castle.....

**First Timer** · 03-01-2007, 06:22 PM

I would walk home LOL

**iwannabeminnie** · 03-01-2007, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Maestr034

If I got picked to stay in the castle I would change my flight sleep on the streets the rest of the trip. I guess I would do just about anything to stay in there.

ME TOO!

**4Mickey** · 03-01-2007, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by DissyLove

I would shave my head like Britney Spears to stay at the castle.....

Let me know so I can take a pic or two!

**Tinker Bell** · 03-01-2007, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by fungus_01

No kidding....who says "I don't wanna move my stuff?" I bet Disney would be happy to move it for you...

They moved our stuff from one room to another at ASM so I'm guessing that would not be an issue.

**lorilovestigger** · 03-01-2007, 07:38 PM

When my mom and I were there in October we watched a family turn down lunch in the castle. After they walked away I said to them "do you realize that you just gave away a $500 prize? (there was like 8 of them)" and the grandpa said "it's not free. there has to be a catch to it" and I'm like "NO! it's free. this is what they are doing". He didn't believe me. I was almost begging people to give me something and then there are all these idiots that don't want them.

Maybe I should go back and try again. seriouslydw can I stay with you???

Lori

**seriouslydw** · 03-01-2007, 07:49 PM

staying with me, huh??

**mini-V** · 03-02-2007, 05:14 AM

Unless you KNOW about YOMD, you probably don't get the whole concept. We are reminded everyday in the real world that NOTHING is free...there is always a catch. Just goes to show you, that no matter where you go on vacation...you should do your homework before you leave and KNOW what your vacation spot has to offer.

**JEDIPRINCESS** · 03-02-2007, 09:23 AM

I would sell my own childern to stay at the castle LOL. I just think these people have no idea about this years celebration so that why they are turning it down.