Ex-Pow Disappointed

[anniee66]

Hi, I have been lurking on these boards for some time. I am just so disappointed that I felt the need to post.

My son-in-law is currently in the reserves, he will be leaving for his second tour overseas in nov. My brother-in-law is an ex-pow from the first persian gulf war.

My mother is a snowbird, she lives in a condo in cocoabeach florida for 3 months out of the year. I am a florida resident.

Here is where the disappointment starts. Every year when the end of march comes along my entire family flocks from chicago down to florida. we spend at least 3 days at disney.

I called disney to book the dates. I found out on these boards about the military discount on tickets and rooms. Which is fantastic!!

Here is my problem and disappointment, my Brother-in-law does NOT qualify for the military discount. How can this be? I was simply stunned. They have four children and this would be an extreme savings for his family. He was medically discharged after he was held captive and returned. Hence he is not 'retired'. Nor is he active duty. I am so disappointed and stunned.
Even the reservationist was shocked. She kept saying to me, If I could I would give him the tickets.

Thanks for letting me vent,
anniee

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I think it is great what Disney is offering military families, but have to agree with you this is wrong. My DH was not a POW, but was medically discharged from the Army after medical problems he went through as a result of being the the Gulf War. He spent 9 years in, and planned to still be in if not for having to get out. We do not qualify. I am very happy for the military families who will benifit from this, but do wish it would have been opened to those who gave in the past, including those who gave of their lifelong healh to serve. My DH will never be the same as I am sure you can relate, and I am sorry for you and thank him for his service.

 

[LilGMom]

I am very sorry that your BIL does not qualify for the tickets and do wish WDW would have taken service members that have been medically/honorably discharged into consideration. Having said that I also think it is great that WDW is even extending any sort of discount to those service members that do qualify - they don't have to do anything.

You said your SIL is a Reservist so he would qualify for the discounts on rooms and tickets. If you can you might want to see about getting everyone together and having your SIL purchase the $99 companion tickets. I'm not sure if your SIL would be able to book more than one room at the 40% discount or not but he would be able to reserve up to two or three rooms at SOG as a sponsor (check HERE to see the particulars about that. Your BIL might also be eligible to stay at SOG which is a deluxe resort at a discounted military rate.

I do hope that your BIL & family can figure out a way to go.

 

[pwdebbie]

Why don't you write to Disney about this? I wrote about something that I felt was disappointing in their policies regarding the Guest Assistance Card and got a very nice and helpful phone call back. I think if you wrote to Disney, told them you were glad that they were honoring the military, and then asked why they would choose to not allow a POW to participate, perhaps you would get their attention. It's worth a try.

 

[anniee66]

I hope I did not give the impression that I did not appreciate Disney's honoring our miliary. Coming from a military family I very much do appreciate and thank Disney for the efforts. It sounded a little like sour grapes when I made the first post. It was not my intent. That said...

I did contact Disney again and verified that he is not qualified. I guess im just a little surprised. although, without a military Id. How would they beable to verify's anyones claims to have served in the past. I do realize that they are doing the best they can for this promotion.

I am very sorry to hear that others out there cannot participate due to injury and early discharge. I am sure that it is not intentional, but that doesn't make it any less surprising. I will write Disney a letter and see if I get a reply.

Thank you for the replies.

Btw. My son in law is using this promotion for some of the family. and Yes, he was able to book 4 rooms using his discount.

 

[goin2themouse]

I wanted to offer an alternate perspective. I may be wrong, of course.

Think back to last time Disney offered the military incentive; it was in 2003, I believe. We were post-September 11 and the economy wasn't the greatest. What better way to boost public opinion of Disney than by jumping on the "honor those who serve" bandwagon (NOT a bad thing by any means, but a clever corporate ploy nonetheless). Then think about it from a purely economic standpoint: both in 2003 and in 2009, the economy is experiencing slumps, yet the average active duty military member's military's income is guaranteed and either unchanged or increasing.

At this point, who better to market to than the military? And while you're at it, why not offer a few extra 40% off rooms so they can bring their families, who will then pay full price for their tickets and meals as well? I personally can name off at least eight military families I know who are going to Disney this year, staying onsite, some booking multiple rooms for extended family/friends, and all but one is doing the DDP. Non-military? I know of one family, and they're staying off-site. They may plan 1-2 TS meals, but that's it.

Disney's offer to the military is a great deal, no doubt about it, but the bottom line is that the military offer, to those whose pay isn't affected by the economy, is a win-win both for the military & Disney alike. Disney gets to offer higher-than-expected booking numbers to its shareholders and benefits from a massive free publicity boost as well. I can't even tell you how many email forwards, posts on messages boards, and in-person conversations I've heard about it. When a military discount like this comes out, ITT gets hold of it, it's forwarded to First Sergeants, disseminated through spouses' clubs, included in newsletters, the possibilities are endless, and doesn't cost a penny beyond the initial press release push.

To be honest, it's possible that a lot of the ambiguity with the policy is deliberate, so that Disney could decide whether it was advantageous to offer it to other military groups like the reserves, without suffering in the court of public opinion if they opted against it (i.e., it wasn't profitable).

I love all things Disney, don't get me wrong, but in the end, they're a huge corporation. They're NOT in it for the love of all things Disney; they're just hoping that we are.

 

[blissventure]

I wanted to offer an alternate perspective. I may be wrong, of course.

Think back to last time Disney offered the military incentive; it was in 2003, I believe. We were post-September 11 and the economy wasn't the greatest. What better way to boost public opinion of Disney than by jumping on the "honor those who serve" bandwagon (NOT a bad thing by any means, but a clever corporate ploy nonetheless). Then think about it from a purely economic standpoint: both in 2003 and in 2009, the economy is experiencing slumps, yet the average active duty military member's military's income is guaranteed and either unchanged or increasing.

At this point, who better to market to than the military? And while you're at it, why not offer a few extra 40% off rooms so they can bring their families, who will then pay full price for their tickets and meals as well? I personally can name off at least eight military families I know who are going to Disney this year, staying onsite, some booking multiple rooms for extended family/friends, and all but one is doing the DDP. Non-military? I know of one family, and they're staying off-site. They may plan 1-2 TS meals, but that's it.

Disney's offer to the military is a great deal, no doubt about it, but the bottom line is that the military offer, to those whose pay isn't affected by the economy, is a win-win both for the military & Disney alike. Disney gets to offer higher-than-expected booking numbers to its shareholders and benefits from a massive free publicity boost as well. I can't even tell you how many email forwards, posts on messages boards, and in-person conversations I've heard about it. When a military discount like this comes out, ITT gets hold of it, it's forwarded to First Sergeants, disseminated through spouses' clubs, included in newsletters, the possibilities are endless, and doesn't cost a penny beyond the initial press release push.

To be honest, it's possible that a lot of the ambiguity with the policy is deliberate, so that Disney could decide whether it was advantageous to offer it to other military groups like the reserves, without suffering in the court of public opinion if they opted against it (i.e., it wasn't profitable).

I love all things Disney, don't get me wrong, but in the end, they're a huge corporation. They're NOT in it for the love of all things Disney; they're just hoping that we are.

Your post makes great sense. I also think that they don't want to stray from offering something like this only to current, valid military ID card holders. It would be impossible to validate eligibility reliably (on a large scale) any other way.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Both my huband and I served...he Army and I with the Navy. My husband injured himself during his stint in Iraq and is 30% disabled. We both served our country honorably and with pride. We were also disappointed to find that we could not qualify for the Military Discount as well. I can understand not qualifying for SOG, but for Disney to offer a Military Discount to all who have served the country and then add on friends to the discount seemed to be a slap in the face to us. I wrote a letter to Disney maybe 2 months ago and still have not received a reply. Definitely write a letter, don't expect a reply, but if there are enough people writing letters maybe just maybe someone will respond.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Also, the only thing needed to show proof of honorable discharge as an eligibility requirement would be a copy of your DD-214. It would be up to the ex-service member to provide this. If you can't produce a copy then you shouldn't receive the discount.

 

[tractorsexy]

I served in the military as well. I didnt even try to look for a military discount. I have a dd214 to show proof but thats it. But any discount to any military personnel who served even if its on the room should be given.

 

[KSG'sDisneyMem]

OP you mention SIL is in the reserves. I believe he would qualify with a military ID and orders if I am correct in what I have read about this deal. He can also purchase up to 6 (or maybe it is 5) of the $99 tix for family members. He would have to be there to activate them though. Will he be attending this trip? I am guessing you are talking about next month. Could son-in-law book rooms and purchase tix from his base? or he can purchase tix at Shades of Green as well or at the park gates (but would have to pay taxes if he did it this way). Not sure how many direct family members (children, wife) SIL has but he can purchase tix for other family members and could book rooms at the 40% off military rate.

 

[DisneyBrat]

I too was surprised Veterans were not included. My DH is retired Navy and to be honest most time discounts we find are for active military. Maybe if DIsney had limited the discounts to 1 or 2 rooms then they could have included rightfully deserved armed forces.

 

[tsal]

I worked in two different resort hotels at major ski resorts out west, and numerous casino hotels in Atlantic City. Now it's been a few years since I've been in that industry so things may have changed, but none of the hotels I've worked at offered any discount whatsoever to present or ex-military personnell. 0, nada, zilch, and it really bothered me. The only time I had any control over this was when I worked in Promotions at the now demolished Sands hotel, on two seperate occasions I had active duty officers, both had recently returned from Iraq and were there for a weekend getaway with their wives. I had to do something for these men, so I comped them and their wives dinner, but I had to justify it in the system so when the manager called me on it I had to defend a dinner comp. for guests with no play history. I simply put in comments that their were problems with their rooms upon check in and I issued the comp. in an effort to make them happy. It worked. Ha, always a loophole. I guess my point is, I've experienced many large companies that don't offer any military discount, really gets me a bit angry. Well best of luck to you all, I hope it works out for you.

 

[anniee66]

Yes, my sil will be going. And yes he was able to secure the tickets and the room discount. He purchased his families tickets. Which is 3 children and his wife, with one ticket left over for 1 other family member.

The problem I was having was the fact that my bil could not get tickets for his family, he has a wife and children that could have benefited from the tickets.

That said My son in law who is currently waiting for his 2nd tour overseas had drill saturday and was discussing this situation. He had 4 people volunteer to drive to disney and purchase the tickets for my brother in law and his family, out of respect. (Its not a long drive from where we live). It brought tears to my eyes the kindness and respect our millitary shows to one of their own. I'm not sure my Bil will take them up on the offer. But he was grateful and touched by the offers.

 

[duncanssweetie]

.... oops i went in to edit and it erased the whole thing.

Just wanted to say that I wish ALL service members no matter their status should be entitled to at least the free ticket + so many for immediate family.

 

[MerissaAndMomLoveDis]

Anniee66,

Did Disney tell you what they look for to determine who qualifies for the free ticket? Are they looking for a specific color Military ID or are there words on the ID they train the CMs to look for? I am curious, because my daughter's daddy was medically retired after 19 1/2 years because he got hurt on active duty and after a year of surgeries they decided he couldn't be "fixed" and forced him to get out. He got a severance pay, benefits, and he is now 100% permanently and totally disabled veteran. Nowhere on his ID card does it say RETIRED (it says something like PTD for permanently and totally disabled), but it does say he gets commissary, MWR, and ITT benefits. It is a light bluish-greenish color. We usually buy our tickets on the base, but IF the MWR lets us get the free ticket/$99 companion tickets vouchers, I don't want to get to the window at Disney to validate it and they say sorry you don't qualify. Sooooo.....I really am curious to know if they told you specifically what they look for on the ID card, and also, what does your DBILs ID card say on it???? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY INSIGHT!!!

 

[collcass]

Why don't you write to Disney about this? I wrote about something that I felt was disappointing in their policies regarding the Guest Assistance Card and got a very nice and helpful phone call back. I think if you wrote to Disney, told them you were glad that they were honoring the military, and then asked why they would choose to not allow a POW to participate, perhaps you would get their attention. It's worth a try.

I wrote them expressing this exact thought. Please don't get me wrong in thinking that I was mad I didn't qualify. I was upset at the exclusion of the many men and women who fought in wars and were excluded. I completely understand that TWDC has to draw the line somewhere, but it just seemed as if the wording made it seem like their fighting for our freedom was lessened. so I wrote TWDC. After, I was telling my husband (who was in the Gulf during Desert Storm) and he just kind of looked at me then said, "

I didn't serve to get a discount at an amusement park".

Another gentlemen on these boards said the same thing. Then I felt kind of bad for being irritated to begin with until I got the response

It took a few weeks to receive an email. I was more than miffed by the actual response. I'm not sure that I kept it but it basically said we are sorry you are being greedy but you do not qualify. Several times in my email I stressed that I was not a veteran nor was I looking for the discount. I was merely expressing my disappointment in the fact that a friend of an active member of the military qualified yet someone who served and fought in the
1st Gulf war (or any other war for that matter) was excluded.

I am sorry that you SIL doesn't qualify. It does stink especially with the four kids. I feel for them as we have four children also and the $2,000 park entrance costs...well, it's a bit much for us to handle this year.

 

[collcass]

Anniee66,

Did Disney tell you what they look for to determine who qualifies for the free ticket? Are they looking for a specific color Military ID or are there words on the ID they train the CMs to look for? I am curious, because my daughter's daddy was medically retired after 19 1/2 years because he got hurt on active duty and after a year of surgeries they decided he couldn't be "fixed" and forced him to get out. He got a severance pay, benefits, and he is now 100% permanently and totally disabled veteran. Nowhere on his ID card does it say RETIRED (it says something like PTD for permanently and totally disabled), but it does say he gets commissary, MWR, and ITT benefits. It is a light bluish-greenish color. We usually buy our tickets on the base, but IF the MWR lets us get the free ticket/$99 companion tickets vouchers, I don't want to get to the window at Disney to validate it and they say sorry you don't qualify. Sooooo.....I really am curious to know if they told you specifically what they look for on the ID card, and also, what does your DBILs ID card say on it???? THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY INSIGHT!!!

Here's the email I received. I still laugh because nowhere in my letter did I request to take part in the promotion

We appreciate your desire to obtain the promotional tickets offered
through this current program. Disney?s Armed Forces Salute is available
to active and retired members of the U.S. military as well as retired
and 100% permanently disabled military personnel who retain benefits.
Unfortunately, only those U.S. military personnel mentioned are able to
take advantage of this particular offer. Given the eligibility
requirements of the program, we regrettably are unable to assist you
with your request. We would like to assure you that your comments were
taken seriously and they have been shared with the appropriate areas.

Hope this helps!

 

[blissventure]

I so wish that rather than feel excluded, veterans would consider that Disney is requiring a current, valid photo ID to verify eligibility--something that is very important. It's nothing personal against folks who served and then separated. If the rules of this program don't work for a family, keep checking other offers like general public codes, Disney Visa, AAA, and so on.

Selfless service to our country is so appreciated.

 

[MerissaAndMomLoveDis]

Collcass (and everyone else who wrote to me regarding my question),

THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING!!!! Woohoo!!! I am so happy to know for certain Disney said 100% permanently disabled veterans are included in the offer. I am rather shy and did not want us to be mortified at the ticket window. It also helps a lot with planning our trip, as we would get seven day-no add on tickets instead of a 5 day ticket with the Waterparks and more option if we were paying regular prices.

I can never say enough to express how much I appreciate these boards and all you fellow dis'ers soooooo much!!!!