Absolutely appaulled at Disney !!!

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
I was wondering the same thing.

I'm kind of sorry now that I bothered to e-mail WDW and ask them to reconsider their decision...

Why? Just out of curiosity....it's either a good idea or not, regardless of who's honor in which you launch the email....

Playing Devil's Advocate, taking risk of getting flamed, and making sure to use the phrase "my interpretation" so as to let the lady answer the question herself....

My wife is a civilian Army employee, DoD. She didn't get anywhere near Iraq. She did know quite a few people affected by the 911 attack on the Pentagon, including a friend who's husband died. But that hardly qualifies her for free Disney tickets. I had a good friend who's sister-in-law died in the Trade Towers. That certainly doesn't qualify me for freebies, either.

Regardless, without going into detail my wife has a "higher up" who knows she's going to Disney and basically said it could "be arranged" to get her the paperwork necessary, with her DoD ID, to get the free ticket and a five day for me for an extra ninety nine. I'm working under the assumption the OP was refering to people such as my wife. We did not, by the way, take advantage of this (we already had our tickets, I'd be a liar if I said we wouldn't have thought about it otherwise). I'm also assuming the OP was working from an emotional basis after what she saw as an insult to her husband.

 

[JOC]

I'm also assuming the OP was working from an emotional basis after what she saw as an insult to her husband.

Whether the OP posted that statement from an "emotional basis" or not, her statement is an insult to the active-duty U.S. military who were not deployed to the war but are still able to take advantage of Disney's offer (I'm assuming that's who she's talking about). If she really feels that way (that only those who actively participated in the war and were sent over there should get to take advantage of Disney's promotion), then she's acting like a very bitter woman in my opinion. We may not have deployed to the war, but that doesn't mean we didn't have critical jobs here, supporting those who did have to deploy.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by JOC
Whether the OP posted that statement from an "emotional basis" or not, her statement is an insult to the active-duty U.S. military who were not deployed to the war but are still able to take advantage of Disney's offer (I'm assuming that's who she's talking about). If she really feels that way (that only those who actively participated in the war and were sent over there should get to take advantage of Disney's promotion), then she's acting like a very bitter woman in my opinion. We may not have deployed to the war, but that doesn't mean we didn't have critical jobs here, supporting those who did have to deploy.

It's certainly fair that you feel that way.

I'm betting she's more thinking of people like my wife who sat at a desk doing non military-related work. And just because she sat at a desk doesn't make her work non-critical. I think the OP didn't mean to insult you. I'm also sure Disney didn't mean to insult her. And I'm sure you didn't mean to suggest my wife's DoD work is non-critical because she wasn't in a war-support role. I could take it that way, but I don't. It's all a matter of interpretation, and looking back at her posts my own personal interpretation is that if she's bitter, she's bitter that her husband, who went and got shot at, wasn't recognized. I can deal with that. Doesn't make my wife any less important, but I can see where the lady would get a little red in the face.

This is an example of why large-scale business's like Disney are stepping on a slippery slope when they make a move like this. I guess my point was the lady is upset. She's thinking about those that do rip off the system, those that are, by perchance, military employees in a non-support role for what's being rewarded, rather than critical support teams who weren't deployed. Anyway, I'll give her the benefit of the doubt and hope she writes back and clarifies. I

And my reason for responding in the first place: If it weren't for fear of implicating my wife of violating the Hatch Act, I'd be glad to give you an address where at last count 17 non-military employees of the DoD have already begun planning Disney vacatons based on this offer. So I see where the lady is coming from. Most folks, myself included, often draw conclusions without the whole story. The lady felt jilted, and she's po'd. Unproductive, but a human response, wouldn't you say?

Pat

 

[StephenKay]

then she's acting like a very bitter woman in my opinion

This started out as me "yes a bit emotional last night" putting on a post about how mad I was at Disney. Now I am upset that this post seems to have turned into a personal attack on me. How can you pass judgement like that on me when you don't even know me.

Yes, it would be nice to be given the right to reply.

My husband was in an American Air Base in Saudi Arabia, about 2 miles from the "Bin Laden" family home when the 9/11 disaster struck for a 4 month deployment.

My husband was in Qatar at the coalition headquarters this year too for the War against Iraq. My husband goes away every year on a 4 month deployment to the Middle East with our "War against Terrorism".

I know that a lot of the coalition forces here in the UK just carried on doing their day-to-day work and didn't actually have any active part in the war, and I know for a fact that there would have been many US servicemen and women, who did not actually take part in preparing for the war either and stayed at home, but they will qualify for the discounts.

That's what I meant. But if you are sorry that you emailed Disney asking them to extend their thanks in our support, then that is your prerogative.



Mary Kay
wife of

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by StephenKay
I can see the point in restricting some people, but men and women who actively took part in this war should be included whether at home or actually in the Gulf.

A lot of people will benefit from this who shouldn't.

Mary Kay
Wife of

Actually, I retract part of my last post. Re-reading the lady's posts, she made it clear above that she supports equal treatment from WDW for all those involved, whether at home or abroad. I think you misinterpreted her.

Pat

 

[jmkst58]

I'll go so far as to say that ANYONE who enlisted should qualify. They are obviously WILLING to put their lives on the line to defend. I think the willingness alone is cause to celebrate their courage and dedication.

 

[JOC]

I know that a lot of the coalition forces here in the UK just carried on doing their day-to-day work and didn't actually have any active part in the war, and I know for a fact that there would have been many US servicemen and women, who did not actually take part in preparing for the war either and stayed at home, but they will qualify for the discounts.
That's what I meant. But if you are sorry that you emailed Disney asking them to extend their thanks in our support, then that is your prerogative.

So what you're saying is that if any military person, coalition or not, just did their "day to day job" then that doesn't count for anything? In your opinion, what does constitute "actively taking part in the war," besides actually being over there? Do you even know what being a part of the military is all about? We work together as a team (this includes DoD civilians too) to get our jobs accomplished; whether it be sitting behind a desk, repairing helicopters, conducting search and rescue operations, or what you term "day to day jobs," everyone does their part and yes, though it may not seem like it to you, "day to day jobs" DID contribute to the war effort.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by JOC
Do you even know what being a part of the military is all about? We work together as a team (this includes DoD civilians too)

It's not my intention to get involved in this, but I can't not comment. I'm not sure why you're attacking this girl. I think as the wife of a guy stationed where missiles were falling, she certainly knows what the military is all about. Doesn't make her above checking her facts, but yeah the guys in the line of fire are in a different situation than stateside support players.

And as the husband of a Civilian DoD wife, I know enough to know that when my wife had to spend a week in Washington on business during the war, I could lay my head on the pillow and not wake up wondering whether she had a SCUD land on her last night. And I knew she'd be coming home, unless Beltway traffic got her. Yeah, she's a team player in a big old team, and her work is critical and important. But who are you trying to kid that a stateside couple is in the same boat as one separate by a battle perimeter?

I think when you say things to the wife of a soldier stationed in a foreign war zone like "Do you even know what being part of the military is all about," it lessens your point. The woman may be misdirecting some anger right now, and I don't support the notion that she's somehow entitled to free Disney tickets, but suggesting the lady is operating in a vacuum is weak.

 

[DancingBear]

Ms. Kay, again, I appreciate the great sacrifices made by your husband and your family, just as I appreciate the police and others who make it their chosen career to protect the rest of us.

Still, I don't think you should be personally insulted that the Disney program does not cover your husband, or should judge that members of the American armed forces who were not deployed in the Gulf do not "deserve" these discounts.

In fact, nobody really "deserves" these discounts, they were just created by Disney, just like they have created discounts for Florida residents, or special codes for residents of other areas. Perhaps it would be a good idea, for marketing or other reasons, for the program to be expanded, but the program was not created as a personal judgment on the value of your husband's contributions to the war effort.

 

[JOC]

I'm not trying to attack her; I just wanted her to clarify who she thinks is entitled to take advantage of this promotion and from all her posts it seems that to her only "those who actively participated in the war" are entitled. I'm very glad Disney didn't see it that way.

 

[StephenKay]

Apologies to anyone who has been offended by any posts over the last 24 hrs. There was no intention to offend any fellow armed forces.

Being a force wife myself, I DO know what the life is like and what the job entails. It doesn't matter which country we serve in or what country we are fighting against, we all stand united for a free world.

Isn't one allowed to get a little annoyed that we have been excluded?

I think we should just put this one to bed.

PAT ELLIOT - thanks for your support, it is very much appreciated. Sometime the fingers just rattle away on the keys and you just can't quite express what you are trying to say on a blank canvas with emotionless text.

Kind regards

Mary Kay
wife of

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by StephenKay
Sometime the fingers just rattle away on the keys and you just can't quite express what you are trying to say on a blank canvas with emotionless text.

Mary,

I think this says a mouthful. When the fire starts flying on a chat board, one is often limited to broken thoughts, and it's up to the reader to fill in the blanks. It's so much easier to sit in a room where eyes can meet, isn't it?
And yeah, you're allowed to get a little annoyed! No matter how you make it to Disney and what ticket you use, enjoy yourself to the fullest. That, in the end, is what Disney and these groups are about.

Pat

 

[STINKY PETE]

let me say this first . i appreciate our armed forces . now why does everybody think disney which is in business to make money,needs to give hand outs to anyone.i'm tired of seeing posts about people complaining about disney not giving away freebies just because people think they are owed something.I go to work everyday and save lives.because i do this does disney owe me a free trip! signed get over it and pay like everyone else !

 

[Tinky]

I normally stay wwwaaaayyy clear on these types of debates but I have to say I understand Ms Kay's position. War is very personal to everyone in how it effects your loved ones, your friends, your life, etc... its a big sacrafice for everyone. I totally agree that coalition forces should be included. JMHO

Now if it was a member of the French armed forces......

 

[nativetxn]

I'm going to move this to our Community Board for you. This is a discussion of policy and not really relevant to planning a trip.

I truly appreciate our British allies and believe that Disney should recognize your contribution to this conflict as well as recognizing the US military.

I urge you to email Disney regarding this issue.

Katholyn

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by StephenKay
Apologies to anyone who has been offended by any posts over the last 24 hrs. There was no intention to offend any fellow armed forces.

Being a force wife myself, I DO know what the life is like and what the job entails. It doesn't matter which country we serve in or what country we are fighting against, we all stand united for a free world.

Isn't one allowed to get a little annoyed that we have been excluded?

I think we should just put this one to bed.

PAT ELLIOT - thanks for your support, it is very much appreciated. Sometime the fingers just rattle away on the keys and you just can't quite express what you are trying to say on a blank canvas with emotionless text.

Kind regards

Mary Kay
wife of

Just wanted to chime in that I fully support you and all countries involved in the anti-terrorism effort. I don't blame you for being upset and emotional especially knowing that Universal chose to include other countries...it's like a slap in the face.

Gook luck and take care and try not to get upset by the posts trying to debate you.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Gook luck and take care and try not to get upset by the posts trying to debate you.

Speaking only for myself, I'm not trying to debate her - I understand why she is irritated, though I think the term "slap in the face" is overly dramatic. We are talking theme park tickets here - these are not life and death issues.

My problem was that at the same time she is griping about Disney deciding that coalition forces don't "deserve" the tickets, she is making the exact same determination about others that she feels don't "deserve" them.

Am I the only one that sees the irony in that?

 

[HookdonWDW]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
Am I the only one that sees the irony in that?

Nope

 

[Olaf]

It seems to me that there are some people who are putting words into Mary Kay's mouth. I believe she's perfectly capable of speaking for herself.

FYI just because someone in the armed forces wasn't deployed to the Gulf, doesn't mean they weren't working their behinds off here at home. One example: the pilots/crews who fly airlift have been stretched to the breaking point flying back and forth. Their support people are also being tested in a huge way. Let's face it being in the armed forces right now isn't a cake walk, and it doesn't matter where you're stationed.

Let's hope Disney get's their heads screwed on straight and fixes this situation. It would be a great PR move on their part.

 

[gepetto]

Have you checked to see if there are similar discounts at Disneyland Paris for the overseas troops? It would make more sense for Disney to offer the discount there than here.