I'm really mad... Disney is going to lose my business!!!

[LoveTwoTravel]

Apparently, TWDC doesn't consider veterans on the same level as an active member of the military. It is extremely irritating because he served just like anyone else. They all served their country and should be recognized for such - not just current active personnel.

I agree with you. It's disappointing! You'd think they'd want to include ALL veterans b/c it's the current ones (who may not be active any longer) who are more likely to have younger families. I'm thrilled that retirees are included but I know many retirees who would not be interested in this type of a trip while lots of our friends are veterans (of DS or OIF) but ETSd out and would definitely go if they were included.

I'm happy some military get to take advantage of it, though.

 

[Mattsmommy]

Yes, they do include friends.

According to the press release from Disney:


Quote:
As Disney Parks ask "What Will You Celebrate?" and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America's military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney's U.S. theme parks.
With the "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney's U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.

"For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are grateful for their service and hope 'Disney's Armed Forces Salute' will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends."

Thank you collcass for the Press release info.


Suzanne

That has been revised http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2051676

 

[lisalonglash]

Yes, they do include friends.

According to the press release from Disney:

Quote:
As Disney Parks ask "What Will You Celebrate?" and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America's military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney's U.S. theme parks.
With the "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney's U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.
"For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are grateful for their service and hope 'Disney's Armed Forces Salute' will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends."

Thank you collcass for the Press release info.

Suzanne

And this is what is posted here on WDWinfo about this:

Disney World Ticket Discounts for Military Personnel
Special Offer

Active and Retired U.S. Military, also includes members of the U.S. Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists. They may obtain one complimentary 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Ticket (Base Ticket with the Park Hopper® option and Water Park Fun & More Option) the no expiration option is not available with this tickets. In addition the military member may also purchase 5-Day Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion Tickets for up to five (5) family members and/or friends for $99 plus tax (Park Hopper® Option and Water Park Fun & More Options may be purchased for an additional $25 + tax for each option - the no expiration option is not available with these tickets). Tickets must be purchased at the theme park ticket windows. They are not available online or by phone with WDW. These tickets are valid through December 23, 2009.

Active or Retired Military must show a valid United States Military ID card. Activated members of the National Guard or Reservists must present their orders in addition to a Military ID card. Military personnel must have been active for any length of time between Jan. 1, 2008 and the end of Dec. 23, 2009.

 

[lovemygoofy]

There are some really crab apple people on here. I'm sorry that you aren't happy about the military discount. My goodness it's only Jan 8th. Disney could change it's mind a hundred times and put out AP discounts. Yes, short notice for some but a discount is a discount.

Thanks to this military discount, some friends of ours with their children are finally going to be able to go. Between 3 year long deployments and constant training, they haven't had the time to go anywhere. I'm so happy they can take advantage of this.

There are tons of 40% discounts floating around apparently and not just military. I received one in my email and they have no idea that I'm a military family, unless they read here. I've never booked a reservation using my email. Not everyone is getting those discounts either.

I guess I just don't see people who purchase APs as special. No, I don't see the military as paritcularly special enough to receive a discount but it's pretty damn nice considering all the stress that these families are going through right now.

I guess the days of counting your blessings that you have the monies and times and your whole family together to even go on vacation is something of the past. A little dose of humility never hurt anyone, especially some around here. While some of you are on your 10th trip this year, some are still going to be waiting on word that their loved one is safe and sound for the day.

I apologize in advance for all the toes I step on with this posting. Blessing to you on all your travels.

 

[collcass]

That has been revised http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2051676

I am relatively sure that you this is being interpreted incorrectly. An active service member can purchase 5 companion tickets for friends or family. If their immediate family is larger than that number, they can purchase up to 10.

I feel like I've now completely taken away from what the OP intended this thread for. I was not intending to get in a debate over who deserves a discount and who doesn't - I do think it is great they are offering a discount to military members and their family. These families make many sacrifices. Hopefully many of them can take advantage of it.

Again, I apologize for taking the thread totally off track.

 

[lisalonglash]

There are some really crab apple people on here. I'm sorry that you aren't happy about the military discount. My goodness it's only Jan 8th. Disney could change it's mind a hundred times and put out AP discounts. Yes, short notice for some but a discount is a discount.

Thanks to this military discount, some friends of ours with their children are finally going to be able to go. Between 3 year long deployments and constant training, they haven't had the time to go anywhere. I'm so happy they can take advantage of this.

There are tons of 40% discounts floating around apparently and not just military. I received one in my email and they have no idea that I'm a military family, unless they read here. I've never booked a reservation using my email. Not everyone is getting those discounts either.

I guess I just don't see people who purchase APs as special. No, I don't see the military as paritcularly special enough to receive a discount but it's pretty damn nice considering all the stress that these families are going through right now.

I guess the days of counting your blessings that you have the monies and times and your whole family together to even go on vacation is something of the past. A little dose of humility never hurt anyone, especially some around here. While some of you are on your 10th trip this year, some are still going to be waiting on word that their loved one is safe and sound for the day.

I apologize in advance for all the toes I step on with this posting. Blessing to you on all your travels.

Well said, well said

 

[collcass]

There are some really crab apple people on here. I'm sorry that you aren't happy about the military discount. My goodness it's only Jan 8th. Disney could change it's mind a hundred times and put out AP discounts. Yes, short notice for some but a discount is a discount.

Thanks to this military discount, some friends of ours with their children are finally going to be able to go. Between 3 year long deployments and constant training, they haven't had the time to go anywhere. I'm so happy they can take advantage of this.

There are tons of 40% discounts floating around apparently and not just military. I received one in my email and they have no idea that I'm a military family, unless they read here. I've never booked a reservation using my email. Not everyone is getting those discounts either.

I guess I just don't see people who purchase APs as special. No, I don't see the military as paritcularly special enough to receive a discount but it's pretty damn nice considering all the stress that these families are going through right now.

I guess the days of counting your blessings that you have the monies and times and your whole family together to even go on vacation is something of the past. A little dose of humility never hurt anyone, especially some around here. While some of you are on your 10th trip this year, some are still going to be waiting on word that their loved one is safe and sound for the day.

I apologize in advance for all the toes I step on with this posting. Blessing to you on all your travels.

Here is my OP:

It would be great if it was more than just another marketing ploy. After all, TWDC is a for profit business which is what I remember when I get irked by their absolutely ridiculous rates, there "promotions" that extend to certain people only ,etc.

First, we knew we'd love WDW so we bought our AP on our 1st family trip down there last year. Although the rates we received last 4th of July were great and did save us money, we really were hoping for good rates this year to make it worth while. Obviously, that won't be the case.

I am sure I am going to get flamed by this if it is taken wrong: Please understand I support the military 100% and I am not saying military personnel don't deserve to be thanked

my husband was in the Army (82nd Airbourne) for 5 1/2 yrs + 4 reserves. He fought in Desert Storm. He served his country. Apparently, TWDC doesn't consider veterans on the same level as an active member of the military. It is extremely irritating because he served just like anyone else. They all served their country and should be recognized for such - not just current active personnel.


Again, it isn't that I don't support the military. My annoyance is more toward TWDC marketing dept who are strictly attempting to boost attendence and using this discount as bait. Of course, that is their job and they do it well

I am not angry one bit that people are getting discounts. Nor am I a crab apple. I also am well aware of the sacrifice made by these families seeing as we were once a military family. I also count my blessings every day....and thank God each and everytime my husband runs into a fire and still comes home. I certainly know about humility. I'm glad your friends can utilize the discount.

 

[purplepaint]

Did anyone ever stop to think that maybe the “friend clause” was put into place for those single service men and woman who do not have family to travel with? Why shouldn’t they be able to bring their boyfriend are girlfriend with them. Also believe it or not there are many homosexual service members and shouldn’t they also be able to enjoy Disney with their partners.

 

[collcass]

Did anyone ever stop to think that maybe the “friend clause” was put into place for those single service men and woman who do not have family to travel with? Why shouldn’t they be able to bring their boyfriend are girlfriend with them. Also believe it or not there are many homosexual service members and shouldn’t they also be able to enjoy Disney with their partners.

No, I did not think of that. Of course they should be able to. That makes total sense.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

i agree. My husband is considered 30% disabled after his visit over there! For me it isn't even not getting the discount that bothers me, it's more that it seems they are saying your service was less important or dignified because it wasn't 20+ yrs. It's even more of a slap in the face that they actually offer the $99 tickets to friends of active servicepeople but not to veterans. That is crazy

Oh well, I am completely off topic again - sorry.

Yep!!!! Exactly how I feel!!!

My hubby's disability may go up even higher. His leg is getting even worse than it was when he first returned. He's suppose to meet with the DAV to help him fill out new forms to push through the VA. He did 5 1/2 years active with the 1st Cav and then 4 years inactive ready reserve. I did a total of 4 years plus 3 inactive reserve. It's definitely a slap in the face to military veterans who served their country proudly and honorably not to qualify for anything. Even SOG's once a year deal with the limited time frame for all veterans is a slap in the face.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Just a quick question... lets say you work for a police department......lets say NY City Police Department just for the sake of naming someplace... you work there for 6 years and then you leave to take another job.....then a few years later Disney is offering to all current and retired NY City police and their families free admission... do you feel that you would be entitled to free admission because you worked there before?

Yes, especially when an active duty military personnel is injured during war and can NOT re-enlist because of his injuries. Yes, I feel my husband should be entitled to any discounts the military receive.

 

[JDinCO]

It would be great if all veterans were apart of this deal, but could you imagine the nightmare the CM's would be going through let alone what they are dealing with already? Let alone all the requests for missing DD214s so people could go. At least Disney is doing something.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

OMG your kidding me...that is so wrong. My DH was in Iraq as well 04-05, he is still in and will retire, but not the point. You both served our country and your DH is now 30% disabled, there should be something from that. Have you looked into disabled veterans. I know we have a place around here where they meet. I'd look into it, they would know exactly where and what kind of discounts or benefits there are!
Thank-you both for serving, highly appreciated!

Thank your husband as well for us!!!

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

It would be great if all veterans were apart of this deal, but could you imagine the nightmare the CM's would be going through let alone what they are dealing with already? Let alone all the requests for missing DD214s so people could go. At least Disney is doing something.

I am happy that Disney is giving a discount to military. They wholeheartedly deserve it!!! I say if you can't produce a DD214 or Military ID then you shouldn't receive the discount.

 

[justtobeme2]

No - retired is someone who served 20+ yrs - or was career military. They are considered retired veterans. A veteran is someone who served less than 20.

In my husbands case he served 5 1/2 yrs plus the 4 reserve (think it was called inactive reserve or something like that where they can call you back up) Anyhow, he most likely would have gone career but injured his back during Desert Storm and could no longer "technically" jump out of airplanes. Apparently he was an adrenaline junkie since he is now a career firefighter- certainly won't ever hold my breath for TWDC to give them any kind of discount

I believe Disney had the same offer when your hubby was serving so you culd have gone then. In fact I think it might have been an even better offer. I'm sorry you didn't get to go then.

I live in Fayetteville, so I know about the 82nd and being a army brat myself. My brother broke his back on a jump also but continued his military career and retired CSM just a couple of years ago. He was terribly upset he couldn't jump anymore but they told him that if he did he'd most likely end up paralyzed. Thank goodness there were still jobs for him as there were your husband I am sure, of course he had to become a "leg". Having said that I totally understand your hubby getting out. BTW every soldier is on "inactive reserve" status when they ETS. Funny note they sent my 64 year old uncle a "we need you come back" letter...haha...He was a mailman, not sure what they wanted him to do.

 

[justtobeme2]

I agree with you about purchasing for friends.... I think it should only be for the military member and his/her immediate family...

I disagree because the military member may wish to take his parents or grandparents/girlfriend/fiance or even friends to help him/her enjoy their vacation even more.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

I believe Disney had the same offer when your hubby was serving so you culd have gone then. In fact I think it might have been an even better offer. I'm sorry you didn't get to go then.

I live in Fayetteville, so I know about the 82nd and being a army brat myself. My brother broke his back on a jump also but continued his military career and retired CSM just a couple of years ago. He was terribly upset he couldn't jump anymore but they told him that if he did he'd most likely end up paralyzed. Thank goodness there were still jobs for him as there were your husband I am sure, of course he had to become a "leg". Having said that I totally understand your hubby getting out. BTW every soldier is on "inactive reserve" status when they ETS. Funny note they sent my 64 year old uncle a "we need you come back" letter...haha...He was a mailman, not sure what they wanted him to do.

Yea, it was a shame that we weren't able to vacation at that time, but we were scrimping and saving money to fly myself and the children back to Ft. Hood, Texas for when they returned from Iraq. At that point in time that was more important.

My husband lost his hearing, he injured his leg and back and his legs are constantly going out on him. It's getting a lot worse as time goes on.

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother!

 

[d1gitman]

Why do you feel that you deserve something? I have been to WDW many times and never felt I deserved anything. You have to pay to play. If you don't want to pay rack rates on the weekends then don't go. Disney is in business to make money. It's up to them to offer the discounts. I don't see the point in arguing and complaining about it. Many people go without any discount codes and free dining.

Um...did you read my entire post...obviously the quoted portion of my post, by itself, is out of context.

while I "feel" that i deserve something for being a loyal customer, I don't expect anything or complain about it, as you suggested i do. Read my entire post before commenting..thx.

 

[d1gitman]

Yes, they do include friends.

According to the press release from Disney:


Quote:
As Disney Parks ask "What Will You Celebrate?" and invite guests to turn their personal milestones into magical family vacations in 2009, America's military personnel will have one more reason to celebrate: Free multi-day admission to Disney's U.S. theme parks.
With the "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney's U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.

"For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are grateful for their service and hope 'Disney's Armed Forces Salute' will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends."

Thank you collcass for the Press release info.


Suzanne

tsk..tsk...tsk...seems like Mattsmommy jumps the gun on commenting on posts...

 

[d1gitman]

I was thinking the same thing!!!! It seems to me that Disney can not win especially here on the DIS.

seem like us DIS'rs can't win. before you jump on the bandwagon, read my entire post...Mattsmommy is taking an excerpt from my post and it is out of context on it's own.