Our journey through the sea of Disney Internet sites is turning
the corner and in this session, let’s look at a Disney web site
that is quite different from the others we have discussed. The
site is Mousesavers (at www.mousesavers.com), and its charter
is to educate and help visitors get the most out of their Disney
vacation dollars.
Mousesavers founder Mary Waring
Mary Waring, the founder of Mousesavers, brought the idea of providing
money–saving ideas to the Internet as recently as February
2001. The idea originated after Mary had returned from a trip
to Orlando. Having loved Walt Disney World, Mary immediately started
thinking about planning a return trip. However, as her trip was
still fresh in her mind, so were the costs. She decided to do
some research into how to reduce the overall expense of a Walt
Disney World vacation.
When Mary found deals that helped lower costs, she shared this
information with friends and relatives by posting them on a special
page on her business Web site. This page became quite popular.
Within three months, the site had logged over 150,000 visitors.
Requests soon came in for more information. What about Disneyland?
What about all things Disney? What about airfare? What’s the best
deal on rental cars?
Mary knew she not only had an audience craving for this information,
but she also realized that it was necessary to separate this information
from her business site.
With that, she launched Mousesavers.
A Star is Born
Mousesavers first appeared in April 2001. This time, the information
was open to the entire universe, and not just Mary’s friends and
relatives. The site became very popular to the point that it was
featured in a front-page article in the Orlando Sentinel,
as well as mentioned in the Miami Herald.
Used by permission of MouseSavers.com
Word spread fast regarding Mary’s site, and last year, Mousesavers
was mentioned in Bob Sehlinger’s popular book, 2002 Unofficial
Guide to Walt Disney World.
The popularity of the site continued to grow. By the fall of 2001,
Mousesavers was enjoying as many as 100,000 visitors every month.
Mary began adding information on other Disney destinations like
Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, Disney’s Vero Beach, and others.
She also provided money–saving information on Disney software,
magazines, music, and videos.
It got even better. Mary was able to negotiate and get special
Mousesaver rates at many of the Walt Disney World-area hotels.
On her sitem Mary says, “My motto became ‘a first-class vacation
at the best possible price.'”
Mousesavers has received mention in such places as PassPorter
Guide to Walt Disney World, The Cheapskate’s Guide to Walt
Disney World, Family Fun magazine, the Wall Street
Journal, USA Today, and Southern Living magazine.
As of January 2003, MouseSavers receives over 350,000 visitors
per month and maintains a newsletter mailing list of nearly 35,000
opt-in subscribers
The Appeal
So why has this site taken off in such little time? The explanation
is simple: The site is straightforward, with a very simple navigation
design. Mary has constructed the site to allow her visitors to
get to their specific area of interest as quickly as possible
without having to visit some unnecessary stops along the way.
Best of all, the information is fresh and constantly updated.
Maybe one of the site’s greatest draws is its ability to satisfy
the needs of its guests in such a speedy fashion. It’s a quick
trip — you’re in and out in no time. Mousesavers is a no–nonsense
Web site. No glitz, no fancy banners, no expensive Web layout
— just information.
The site has conveniently placed links in all the right places.
As Mary describes the latest information, she also provides you
with a link for more information usually right there where you
would want it. You can then whisk yourself right to the details
you need.
Mary is constantly revising Mousesavers to satisfy her guests and
their needs. You can find information on resort codes to all Disney
sites, codes for hotels not owned by Disney, car rental information
and rate codes, great deals on meals, admission media, entertainment,
and even hints on finding the best airfare.
Mousesavers also has an FAQ (frequently asked questions) section
that just about answers every question you can imagine on saving
money.
When you visit Mousesavers, be sure and visit the money section
where Mary offers her readers extra information on planning sites,
planning software, time saving hints, and advice on equipment
and tips on clothing for your vacation.
Who Ya Gonna Call? Mousesavers
When I’m asked questions on the latest best deals for Walt Disney
World, the first word out of my mouth is “Mousesavers.” When anyone
decides to go to WDW, the first place to go for information on
saving money is Mousesavers. I’ve been a fan of Mousesavers from
the beginning, and without Mary’s help I certainly would not have
gotten such great car rental deals.
I’m sure you’ve heard about the Imagineers sitting in a table tossing
around ideas and wondering, “What would Walt think?”
Well, if you think you’ve got the best deals on your vacation you
may want to check out Mousesavers and ask yourself, “What would
Mary think?”
Next time
We are not quite finished with our spotlight on Disney Web sites.
Next time, we’ll be looking at a site that offers a little bit
of everything.
Class dismissed.
