Anyone else agree????

[agoofybeast]

Does anyone else think that Disney does not pay enough respect to Police, Firefighters and EMT? They don't have to go as far as any extent that they do for the military but something like discounts on rooms or tickets or something like that would be nice. I know the swan and dolphin have these discounts and they are nice but some variety would be nice as well.

 

[dmslush]

I understand what you are saying... but where would they draw the line? I work for child protective services, I go in and take children out of homes where they are being raped, beaten and/or neglected. Many times, I'm on the scene of child abuse before a police officer, my investigation is the exact same as theirs, and I work side by side the entire time... so I could be saying, where is my discount?

 

[ShannonMB]

I also understand what you are saying, totally. It would be nice to recognize our everyday heros in such a way. But I also totally agree with the PP -- where to draw the line? I also have a rough job -- taking care of critically ill babies, sometimes removing them from life support and placing them in the arms of their beyond-grief-stricken parents. And the ER nurses/docs etc at our hospital -- taking care of swine flu patients day in and day out without a thought to their own well-being. Even teachers, who spend their days building the future of our country! The list goes on... Bottom line, all of us with these kinds of "occupational hazards" for the most part, return to our families at the end of a rough day/night. Can't say that for a lot of military personnel, and for that, they probably deserve a discount at WDW -- besides, don't they have to stay at Shades of Green to get a lodging discount?

 

[agoofybeast]

You do a wonderful service in protecting children and I have total respect for you but I am refering to persons who knowingly put ther lives at risk every time they put on a uniform.

 

[TDC Nala]

I can't blame Disney for not wading into the business of deciding which professions deserve a discount and cutting it off at the military (an easily defined group).

I don't think Swan/Dolphin has specific discounts for police/firefighters/EMT - they have a general discount for government employees which includes all these groups (state, county and municipal governments are included - and believe it or not I think it also includes foreign governments). I certainly don't expect Disney to go offering discounts to all government employees.

The reason Starwood does government discounts is not because they're trying to be nice to us for our government service - they're trying to get government per diem business travelers, who often don't get enough from the government to pay for lodging at a major hotel chain in a tourist area if they're paying rack rate.

 

[BlovesC]

I can't blame Disney for not wading into the business of deciding which professions deserve a discount and cutting it off at the military (an easily defined group).

Agreed 100%.

 

[agoofybeast]

The point I was trying to make is that police, firefighters, and emt basicly do about the same job that the majority of the military do without traveling away from home. They put their lives on the line every day.

 

[TDC Nala]

Of course they do but I don't think that necessarily ought to translate into lack of targeted discounts equals lack of respect.

I've seen "why does the military get a discount and we don't" before, and really the only answer is to write to Disney with your concerns and see what happens.

 

[fireflymedic]

well I have not forgtton getting in free, I still have the pin of mickey holding a firefighters hand, and a poster of mickey with a FF.

It was back in the 90's when Fla. had all the woodland fires near disney. and of course it was Fla. FF specific but was nice all the same.

I will tell you if it was my choice discount on tickets is much nicer than discount on rooms.

 

[jctwizzer]

Since you asked; I don't agree.....sounds like typical entitlement
mentality to me

 

[MattDisney]

I completely agree with the OP. I appreciate the service they do!

 

[eeyorethegreat]

The reason Starwood does government discounts is not because they're trying to be nice to us for our government service - they're trying to get government per diem business travelers, who often don't get enough from the government to pay for lodging at a major hotel chain in a tourist area if they're paying rack rate.

This is the same with other hotel chains as well. Incidently, I have found that the Military/Goverment rate is not always the lowest rate either.

I don't think that it is a consistent thing for Disney to give discounts to the Military. I know in the last couple years they have but I don't think it is something that they have done all the time and those discounts can end at any time.

I do agree that Police, Fire and EMT workers are heroes doing what they do.

 

[quantumottle]

Does anyone else think that Disney does not pay enough respect to Police, Firefighters and EMT? They don't have to go as far as any extent that they do for the military but something like discounts on rooms or tickets or something like that would be nice. I know the swan and dolphin have these discounts and they are nice but some variety would be nice as well.

Hmmm? Respect? Not enough respect? I am just as thankful for the job firefighters/police/other public service professionals do as the next guy. However, I can't help but feel that since the 9/11 attacks there seems to be some bias toward service professional's, specifically firefighters. Am I out of line? I don't think so.

I struggle to understand the comparison of someone who does their job, regardless of how dangerous, or important, or low-paying that job may be, to a service member who is in the military and defending our nation.

The point I was trying to make is that police, firefighters, and emt basicly do about the same job that the majority of the military do without traveling away from home. They put their lives on the line every day.

I am thankful for the work these brave people do, but this is a part of the job they chose to take and it was well known before they pursued the position. I have 2 friends that are firefighters/EMT's and both of them say the threat of danger was a major attraction to the job. Again, just my opinion.

 

[Jennasis]

I think Disney DID offer a discount to Police/Fire/EMT post 9/11 for a while didn' they?

While I am very appreciative of the job they do, putting themselves on the line to protect others (police/Fire), I don't see why that should equate to a discount. It's a slippery slope. They defend lives...doctor's save lives. Where is their discount?

I don't think ANY particular group should have a discount.

 

[MissionMouse]

The point I was trying to make is that police, firefighters, and emt basicly do about the same job that the majority of the military do without traveling away from home. They put their lives on the line every day.

I understand the essence of the danger aspect you are trying to make, but the two professions do not come close in comparision. The issue you bring up though does align with what others have stated since two of the deadliest civilian professions are found in the fishing and logging industries followed by transportation, construction industry...

 

[ILuvTinkerbelle]

I gree with the OP...and yes I also think that since 9/11 much is made of rescue personnel...and it should be. My brother is a FF and EMT and he was there on 9/11 digging through rubble to resuce anyone he could find when the 3rd building came down. Whether or not he joined for the danger factor or not, these men and women do risk their lives every day when others would not be willing to which can also be said for the military, which my husband is retired from. The men and women also CHOOSE to join the military. So yes I do think a one day free pass for a FF or emergency worked might be a great idea, much like the volunteer pass.

On another note you do NOT get a discout at SoG, you pay per what rank you are....we are coming in Dec and we would have had to pay $123 a night at SoG and we are paying $58 a night at the All Stars....and the SoG isn't any better then All Stars.

Edited to add that Disney does not always have a military discount like they are running now. They come and go, one year we all got in for free, right after 9/11 and one year nothing, this comes and goes but is nice to have. SeaWorld also does a free day for the military person and family. And Universal gives a free 7 day ticket for the military and a discount for other family members. None are as generous as Disney and we thank them!

 

[jb01]

Thats a tough one. Like others said where do you draw the line?

 

[quantumottle]

I gree with the OP...and yes I also think that since 9/11 much is made of rescue personnel...and it should be. My brother is a FF and EMT and he was there on 9/11 digging through rubble to resuce anyone he could find when the 3rd building came down. Whether or not he joined for the danger factor or not, these men and women do risk their lives every day when others would not be willing to which can also be said for the military, which my husband is retired from. The men and women also CHOOSE to join the military. So yes I do think a one day free pass for a FF or emergency worked might be a great idea, much like the volunteer pass.

My guess is that this issue is particularly strong for people who have family members in the public service professions. I hope you'd thank your brother and husband for their service for me, especially your husband as his military service defended the right and freedom your brother has, as a free American citizen, to choose his own profession.

 

[kpgriswold]

The point I was trying to make is that police, firefighters, and emt basicly do about the same job that the majority of the military do without traveling away from home. They put their lives on the line every day.

While I respect and admire and am VERY grateful for the jobs that these folks do, it is that "without traveling away from home" part that is the huge difference in terms of Disney.

Cops and firefighters may work long shifts, but they are not separated from their kids for 6 or 12 or 18 months at a time. Military families have an incredibly hard time reconnecting when one parent comes back after a long absence. The marriage is often strained and the parent-child relationships are chaotic for a while, while everyone tries to fit Mom or Dad back into the daily routines.

Disney is a safe, fun place to get away from that. Everyone has fun together. Grown-ups don't fight about who cooks or cleans up or takes out the trash, and kids have something to DO with the parent they miss but may not really know right now.

Police, fire and EMTs can take a long weekend at the Jersey Shore to escape. Military families sometimes need a little more.

 

[Doctor P]

Absolutely not. There are an awful lot of critical jobs in our society, including a lot that are not compensated as well as firefighters or police. While I am exceedingly appreciative of the work of public safety employees, and depend upon them, I don't think they are any more worthy of special discounts than other people who work hard for a living.