Lifetime Passes? About This Page:

[DisneyBri]

So cool!!!

[Caldercup]

During a vacation in May 05, my DH got talking with a lady on a bus (surprise, surprise ) and she told him that her family had lived in Orlando in 1971. Her dad had purchased everyone "lifetime passes" for $150 each. They were *not* transferable to other people, I believe, but she had been traveling to WDW on those passes ever since -- and she now lived very far away from Orlando. Her siblings would come too (with their families) and the savings on those tickets in all those decades has been tremendous!

I'm so jealous! I would've loved to have been in Orlando then
Eileen

[goofysdtr]

Can you imagine if they offered them again? I'd be on the next plane available!

[Suzie]

That was the kind of prize that they used to give away at Disneyland on major anniversaries. I can recall reading about it years ago. I was excited on the 25th anniversary at WDW because I thought they might do something like that there, but they didn't.
How lucky that little girl is!
Suzie

[jimmymac]

That would be sooo cool. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving

[Carousel96]

I'm still worried about this guys relatives -- did they get taken? Not understand what they were buying (DVC points for example)? Or did he get the story wrong? I have a bad feeling about this...

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by Carousel96

I'm still worried about this guys relatives -- did they get taken? Not understand what they were buying (DVC points for example)? Or did he get the story wrong? I have a bad feeling about this...

I think the guy misunderstood his relatives -- I'm sure they purchased into DVC and were fully aware what it was they were buying. (How could you not... you're given so much information!!) DVC points are the only thing I can think of that are "valid" for multiple decades and transferrable to a beneficiary.

I think he just didn't understand what they were telling him and has bungled the story in re-telling it.

Eileen

[ilovedisney0_0]

How cool for Emmalee and her family! I hope the guy figures out what is going on.

[EschaEagle6]

I would just like to have an Annual Pass for Disney. I am asking for that from Santa Mickey this year. Maybe when we are down at the Boardwalk Resort (BWR, I think) for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.
However, if someone came up to me and said that I had a Lifetime Pass for WDW or DL, or both....I sure wouldn't say No!!!!!

[LisaJ]

I would certainly like some more information on this. Sounds a little "goofy" (pun intended). We're missing something here.

[DoraDoug]

I asked him (again) today to find out from his aunt where they got those passes. He said his parents were able to use them to go to the parks while they were visiting, so I'm thinking they really are park passes and not DVC. He knows it's driving me crazy not knowing! As soon as I can get a solid answer, I'll let you know. Maybe they are something they've had for a really long time and he just never knew it until recently.

[DoraDoug]

He finally asked his aunt how they got lifetime passes. They used their Disney reward points from the Visa card and an additional $500. They had ALOT of points racked up and that was offered to them by Visa so they cashed in all their points plus the extra $$. He said they go to Disney at least three times a year and have purchased their trips each time with the reward card so they had an outrageous amount of points, but he didn't say how many. Now I'm thinking about getting one of those cards myself.

[MelissaL]

We were charter cardmembers of the Disney Rewards Visa, and I don't ever remember seeing anything about lifetime park passes. It also seems odd that someone else (the guy's parents) would be able to use the passes, given how strict Disney is about sharing tickets.

It is possible that we never racked up enough points to get that offer, but I'd think Chase would at least advertise its availability so it acted as an incentive for people to use their cards. Or, maybe it's not the Disney Rewards Visa at all but a different premium card with unique perks.

Thanks for the update.

Melissa

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by MelissaL

It is possible that we never racked up enough points to get that offer

I don't think anyone could rack up enough points to get a "lifetime pass."

Here're my calculations:

The *maximum* number of points one can acquire in a single year is 750 points. Since the card has been offered since 2000 (I think I have that date correct), these people could've racked up a total of 6,000 points on a single card (and that's assuming that they've already reached their 750 limit as of 2007)

The relatives threw in $500 - so they're working with $6,500

I'm guessing there are two people needing tickets so, 3,250 points/dollars per person to spend on tickets.

Since an Annual Pass is $462, this would mean Disney would be giving them lifetime passes for the cost of 6-7 APs each.

That doesn't make fiscal sense to me.

Plus, they wouldn't be transferable. Disney just doesn't do that.

I'm still thinking that something is being lost in the translation.
Eileen

[HiddenMickey]

Thanks for doing the math, Eileen. I had the same thoughts....the card and reward system hasn't been around long enough for anyone to wrack up huge point totals.

I think the 'passholder' is pulling a fast one on his relatives.