As many of you know, the Disney Club and its many benefits expire at midnight on December 31st - just a few days away. I have commented many times before about how much I lament this club - one we paid for - being taken away from us, and instead being required to add another credit card to the pile. For many, getting a credit card isn't an option. The fact is there AREN'T any options. Disney, in essence, now requires you to qualify financially in order to receive any discounts or extra benefits.

But that's not why I'm writing this. ;)

Instead, with that background in place, I will relate my visit to my local Disney Store yesterday (Sunday). It was at Weberstown Mall in Stockton, California. The mall was very busy, although the Disney Store was not as crowded as I had seen it in years past. I picked up two character Christmas Stockings and a Christmas Dopey and headed into the rather short line.

3 CMs were working the registers. I was called up politely by a young lady, who quickly rang up my purchases and read me the total. I then took my Disney Club card out of my wallet and handed it to her for my 10% discount.

She looked at the card, a slightly confused look on her face, then at her register, then over to the other CMs. They were busy and did not acknowledge her. I just stood there patiently.

She swiped the card through the machine, then stated something I still have a problem believing she said: "I'm going to have to keep this card."

Excuse me? This is a Disney Club Card, not a credit card. After my initial shock, I explained that the card was important to me (It was the last version, with "One Man's Dream" on it and our family's name with "Member since..." printed. I wasn't going to give the card up. I wanted it back.

She said because the card was no longer valid after the 31st, they wanted to make sure I wouldn't use it any more. She said this with a look of slight disdain, as if I was breaking some rules.

I stood there, in my WDW Mickey's 75th Denim Jacket, and smiled. I said simply, "Well, it's not the 31st yet, is it?" Her face went from indignation to surprise. "I still have a few days to use it. And besides, there is no way I would let you keep MY card regardless."

She slowly handed me the card back and said, "You're right. You can still use it until then. But it's no good after the 31st." Her eyes dropped as she said, "Sorry about that. " I paid her and wished her a very merry Christmas.

Now I don't know who to be upset with about this. Was it a misinformed employee, over-stressed by the crowds (that apparently fled right before I arrived?) Was it misplaced anger by the Disney Store management, trying to make executive decisions on a ship rapidly taking on water? Or was it a directive issued from Eisner and team to make sure that not only were the Disney Club members shown the door of the club house, but we have to turn in our cards and secret decoder rings before receiving a large boot to the back of our pants? "What?! You don't want to go into debt using our Disney Visa Card?! How dare you!"

Sigh..... I would recommend guarding those Disney Club cards, folks. Apparently there's a bounty out on them... Comments? :(

Originally posted by marklodi
She said because the card was no longer valid after the 31st, they wanted to make sure I wouldn't use it any more. She said this with a look of slight disdain, as if I was breaking some rules.

I found this comment amusing. To ensure that the card is not used after its expiration date on the 31st, they just have to make sure that none of their employees accepts them. Easy, huh?

Originally posted by marklodi
Now I don't know who to be upset with about this. Apparently, when she scanned the card, a message popped up saying she needed to take it from you. I'd blame whoever put that message on the system too early.

I'm only a seasonal CM, but I'll bite. :)

Normally there's a general rule of thumb, mainly towards gift cards, that when something's used up, you confiscate the card to avoid any confusion the guest might have that the item can be used again. All store managers have informed their CMs about the expiring Disney Club cards, but some stores may handle it differently. I'm betting she was a seasonal CM, who, in general, are less informed and more prone to making mistakes. (Then again, any new CM anywhere is bound to start off like this.)

I say, give her a chance, she wasn't out to get you personally. Heck, most of us CMs LOVE collecting old "keepsakes" that should have been thrown away ages ago. She was trying to do the right thing.

-Mr. Fusion