Active Duty Military and DVC

[j6010]

I was recalled to active duty with US Military in Europe, release date is late July 02 -- owner in OKW, going to BCV in early August. Had heard that Disney was doing park admissions gratis for Operations in Europe and Central Asia. Program had expired. Anybody know whether park admissions gratis can be recaptured since active duty has been from Nov 01 to Jul 02? How would this be done when check in BCV? Ordinarily, when travel to OKW, just buy park admissions when check in?

 

[Dean]

I hadn't heard anything about active duty miltary getting free admission. The only issue I'd heard was that THOSE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE 9/11 issue were getting in. They had to have documentation that there were DIRECTLY involved, like cleaning up at the towers. During Desert Storm I don't think Disney gave any perks either. A few years ago there were a lot of fires and they gave like half price admission to the firefighters from the state for a while. So the first question is whether they were actually doing what you heard, which I doubt. Then can you get it after it expired, which I also doubt. Call Disney directly, I'm sure someone will have the best department/phone to call. Good luck.

 

[PamOKW]

j6010 wasn't dreaming. They did, indeed, offer a special program for the military. Here's the info Disney Military Salutue

The program ended April 30. You could try contacting Disney and see if they'll extend the offer to those who were truly out on active duty during that time.

And j6010....Thank you.

 

[Dean]

Great, though still sounds like you missed it. Give it a try anyway, you have nothing to lose.

 

[JSjoquist]

As another member of our armed forces, I can tell you that the program that gave you a free admission and 50% cut for the rest of your party has indead expired. I have heard it MAY show up again later this fall, but that was very weak "Rumor Control". However you can still take advantage of The Shades of Green ticket office which is relocated to the North Garden Wing of the Contemporary Resort during the expansion of Shades.

 

[j6010]

Thank you for all your info. I have email wife in US with attached url for her to contact Disney and see if there is anything that can be done -- looks like offer had expired. Do you know of anyone at Disney to contact? Guest Services? Shades of Green? DVC? I, of course, could not get off active duty since I was mobilized and forward deployed during offer period. And could not go (or even make DVC reservations) until demobilized. By the way, do DVC personnel read these posts and threads? Thanx again.

 

[sumessefui]

The program for the military did exist and did end the last day in April. My BIL is a colonel in the Army National Guard and was activated. He used the progam in April and got a 7day hopper plus, free and my sister got her's for half price. He had to show his military ID and a copy of his orders. He was also able to get the same basic deal at US/IOA. Jerry.

 

[RobDoc]

The Military program was not offered by DVC, but was handled thru CRO. That might be a resource to try.

I don't think it was something administered at check-in at a resort, but through a special office set up for this program.

Good Luck!

 

[Coastie]

Write an email to WDW.Guest.Communications@disney.com and explain your circumstances. They will extend the offer to you, provided you meet the following criteria...

You were deployed during the time of the offer: Jan - Apr 30, 2002 or you were not authorized REGULAR leave during this time period. You MUST have a copy of your orders and/or a signed letter by your commanding officer on DOD/Command letterhead stating the above.


I am active duty Coast Guard and was not able to take advantage of Disney's program. They gave me an extension good till December 2002. Believe me, I was totally floored when I received a confirmation number from them. All we have to do now is go to guest relations next month, show them my letter and military ID and we get our tickets (mine is free, spouse and kids, 50% off). This is saving us a boundle

I hope this helps and good luck! Please send me an email if you would like to see the email and the responses.

 

[PamOKW]

Glad to hear WDW may be making exceptions for those of you who were unable to take advantage of the program because you were deployed. Thanks again to all of you!