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

[MAGGIED]

It says the discount applies to retired military as well...is that not the same thing as a vet?

No it is not... to be retired you must have served over 20 years... veterans are those who served in the military....

 

[MAGGIED]

Yeah, I kinda feel like my DH is getting scr*wed out of this offer because he didn't make the Army a career. He still served and was Active of sorts for his reserve years and no benefits whatsoever. We would have really jumped on this offer and made more than the 3 planned trips. He doesn't even qualify for SOG. He was Honorably Discharged and that should say something. So much for serving his country

Suzanne

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?

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

Both my husband and I are veterans as well. I served in the Navy during Desert Storm. My hubby served in the army with the 1st Cavalry and was in Iraq 2004-2005...30% disabled afterwards and neither of us qualify for any type of military discount. This highly upsets me...especially with my hubby being 30% disabled after his stint in Iraq. I should say we were both Honorably Discharged, but neither of us retired military. SOG should be open to all veterans except dishonorable discharged and Disney should have discounts for all military vets except dishonorable discharged as well.

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!

 

[Disney1976]

That's my take on it, too. I'd love to see some studies, because I strongly suspect the average new visitor spends a lot more per person or per day than a frequent visitor. Honestly, as a local I spend as little as possible - the rare merhcandise item and limited food & drink. BUT, advertising to those new markets costs a lot more. Wish I could see some numbers!

As for me, well, if no good discount is available to me (AP, FL res. or otherwise), I simply don't stay overnight and I may well consider Universal when my DS gets older.

As a local, what irks me is that Disney markets the AP very heavily to us -and they never fail to mention the discounts we get with one! But, it seems that they've kept cutting back on those discounts, little by little. Some of them don't even make sense to me. Why is it I can get a discount on merchandise at World of Disney at DTD, but not at Mousegears, or the Emporium, when they sell the exact same stuff?

What WDW has going for it, of course is that they have the ability to attract millions of people every year from around the world -whereas Disneyland seems far more dependant on locals to make its annual goals. Not sure if the discounts for people in California are any better, but I'd like to think so.

 

[wdwmaw]

I agree, but it's just especially hard for DVC members who count on AP rates to finish out the week once they leave their villa. I'm not saying all DVC members do this, but many choose not to waste points with expensive weekend rates and move to other resorts on Friday and Saturday.

We travel with a DVC family and just the past couple of years have things changed so much. We would have a pkg. or room only with a discount and they could not get anything discounted. One year I called with a public code and she called with an AP code or DVC cash price and she got FWC only and I got something quoted at every level for the Sat night before our check in. Needless to say we all booked public.

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

No it is not... to be retired you must have served over 20 years... veterans are those who served in the military....

I may be wrong here, but from what we've been told you either have to be retired veteran of more then 20yrs or a veteran from war. For instance though DH is not retired yet, he is still considered a veteran because he has served overseas in a dangerous enviroment. If he had just stayed home he would not be considered a veteran right now, but they were told before coming home that as soon as they set foot on home ground they were a veteran...... hope this all makes sense, I have a hard time trying to get words out when typing, there all jumbled in my head, but don't always come out right...

 

[MAGGIED]

I may be wrong here, but from what we've been told you either have to be retired veteran of more then 20yrs or a veteran from war. For instance though DH is not retired yet, he is still considered a veteran because he has served overseas in a dangerous enviroment. If he had just stayed home he would not be considered a veteran right now, but they were told before coming home that as soon as they set foot on home ground they were a veteran...... hope this all makes sense, I have a hard time trying to get words out when typing, there all jumbled in my head, but don't always come out right...

I do believe you are correct....and your words made perfect sense .... I still have two nephews who are active duty and both have been to Iraq and back serveral times..... my DH served during Desert Storm and retired about 3 years ago... now he works for the American Red Cross....

 

[GrumpyFamilyof5]

I do believe you are correct....and your words made perfect sense .... I still have two nephews who are active duty and both have been to Iraq and back serveral times..... my DH served during Desert Storm and retired about 3 years ago... now he works for the American Red Cross....

Thank your nephews and DH for serving! My DH is at training right now, alot the next couple months actually, they've been told they will return to either Iraq or Aphganistan(sp) the 1st of Sept.
So needless to say we will be trying to make the most of our time together and hope to have a great spring break this year, so of course every little bit of a discount will help, but regardless I'm going to try to make this a wonderful vacation!!

 

[collcass]

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?

A veteran with an honorable discharge has fulfilled their obligation and served their required time in the military. Someone who has chosen to be career military has made a profession out of it and that is wonderful. It is their career choice after they have actually fulfilled the obligation when they signed up.

Many veterans whi did not make the career into a lifelong profession, but served their country and even fought in wars are being left out of this promotion. What they did to protect our freedom is no less important than what is being done today. They made the same sacrifices as someone who is signed up today makes. A vet who fought in any war has served his country regardless of what time it was and should be recognized as such.

A police officer is not obligated to serve a certain number of years unless he/she wants to retire w/ a pension. SOmeone who switched their profession has simply switched jobs - that's it.

According to the press release from Disney:

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."

Please understand, I have no issue whatsoever with military members being honored. I support the military 100% and Iam well aware of the sacrifices made by the families. What bothers me, however, is that the value of a vet has been lessened. Furthermore, a active military member can purchase tickets for $99 for friends but a veteran gets no discount whatsoever. That's not right.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Veterans vs retired military aside for a moment...

AP discounts are neither guaranteed nor are they unlimited. Everything quoted in this thread indicates that the number of rooms for those discounts, when offered, are limited.

As for 'periodic' discounts.. several reputable dictionaries indicate the following synonyms.. periodic: sporadic, intermittent, occasional, fitful ..

Often the word periodic is used in the English language to mean "occasional and intermittent".

Regardless, they are offering room discounts; it just so happens those room discounts don't suit the trip plans of every AP holder.

To which I say - Tell me about it! There are any number of offers that are out right now.. but none of them suit my travel plans for 2009 perfectly.

C'est la vie... or as my mother used to tell me "Gimme Gimme Gimme .... Never Gets..

Knox

 

[collcass]

Veterans vs retired military aside for a moment...

Apologies, I know I got OT!

As for 'periodic' discounts.. several reputable dictionaries indicate the following synonyms.. periodic: sporadic, intermittent, occasional, fitful ..

Or when the company feels the need. LOL. My thought on discounts is any discount is better than no discount. Hopefully one will come my way this year ). Maybe, maybe not

 

[purplepaint]

Both my husband and I are veterans as well. I served in the Navy during Desert Storm. My hubby served in the army with the 1st Cavalry and was in Iraq 2004-2005...30% disabled afterwards and neither of us qualify for any type of military discount. This highly upsets me...especially with my hubby being 30% disabled after his stint in Iraq. I should say we were both Honorably Discharged, but neither of us retired military. SOG should be open to all veterans except dishonorable discharged and Disney should have discounts for all military vets except dishonorable discharged as well.

Why was your not medically retired? It was always my understanding that if you were hurt in combat and could not perform your duties they would medically retire you. SOG does offer each year a certain time when veterans show have not actually retire can book rooms all you have to show upon check in is your DD214( I think that is the form).

 

[collcass]

Why was your not medically retired? It was always my understanding that if you were hurt in combat and could not perform your duties they would medically retire you. SOG does offer each year a certain time when veterans show have not actually retire can book rooms all you have to show upon check in is your DD214( I think that is the form).

I'm pretty sure 30% (which is what my husband is) does not qualify for a medical retirement

 

[Mattsmommy]

while we have only been 7x, and i feel like we deserve something,

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.

 

[purplepaint]

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.

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

 

[MAGGIED]

A veteran with an honorable discharge has fulfilled their obligation and served their required time in the military. Someone who has chosen to be career military has made a profession out of it and that is wonderful. It is their career choice after they have actually fulfilled the obligation when they signed up.

Many veterans whi did not make the career into a lifelong profession, but served their country and even fought in wars are being left out of this promotion. What they did to protect our freedom is no less important than what is being done today. They made the same sacrifices as someone who is signed up today makes. A vet who fought in any war has served his country regardless of what time it was and should be recognized as such.

A police officer is not obligated to serve a certain number of years unless he/she wants to retire w/ a pension. SOmeone who switched their profession has simply switched jobs - that's it.

According to the press release from Disney:



Please understand, I have no issue whatsoever with military members being honored. I support the military 100% and Iam well aware of the sacrifices made by the families. What bothers me, however, is that the value of a vet has been lessened. Furthermore, a active military member can purchase tickets for $99 for friends but a veteran gets no discount whatsoever. That's not right.

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

 

[Mattsmommy]

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

The military discount tickets are NOT for friends they are just for immediate family.

 

[njchris]

I'm not sure why people are defending the AP rates not including weekends.

To me, it's a bad business move. I won't be getting another AP. That means I'm less likely to go two times this year as I have for the past 4 yrs.

That means less money spent in their parks, less souveniers bought (which have also gone down in quality), less food bought, less days stayed when I do go.

So - they lose more than they would gain from me. I can't be alone in this either.

I sent them these comments when I looked up the AP rates in their reservation system and it popped up asking why I didn't book.

They have had a record of providing AP rates. So it is REASONABLE for someone to get an AP to be able to use with room discounts.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

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?

You can't compare these two instances they aren't the same at all. As Collcass said you are comparing apple and oranges.

A veteran with an honorable discharge has fulfilled their obligation and served their required time in the military. Someone who has chosen to be career military has made a profession out of it and that is wonderful. It is their career choice after they have actually fulfilled the obligation when they signed up.

Many veterans whi did not make the career into a lifelong profession, but served their country and even fought in wars are being left out of this promotion. What they did to protect our freedom is no less important than what is being done today. They made the same sacrifices as someone who is signed up today makes. A vet who fought in any war has served his country regardless of what time it was and should be recognized as such.

A police officer is not obligated to serve a certain number of years unless he/she wants to retire w/ a pension. SOmeone who switched their profession has simply switched jobs - that's it.

Thank you, collcass, this is what I wanted to say, but couldn't word it as well as you did.

According to the press release from Disney:



Please understand, I have no issue whatsoever with military members being honored. I support the military 100% and Iam well aware of the sacrifices made by the families. What bothers me, however, is that the value of a vet has been lessened. Furthermore, a active military member can purchase tickets for $99 for friends but a veteran gets no discount whatsoever. That's not right.

I don't think it is at all fair not to inclued veterans if they are going to include friends, lets be fair to all military (maybe not Dishonorably Discharged). My DH put his life on the line just as many others did and was Honorably Discharged. He did serve active duty state side, but he served none the less.

Suzanne

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

The military discount tickets are NOT for friends they are just for immediate family.

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