Military 40% off Rack-Rate rooms

[annnewjerz]

So...I have a trip booked for December of 09. My question is, to get the MYV code, do you have to present your ID at the time of check-in, or do you have to present it at the time of booking?

I ask this because while my DH is in the reserves right now, it is up in August and he hasn't decided it he wants to re-up or not. He would be considered "active" during part of 09, but not upon actual check in if he doesn't continue for longer in the reserves.

Anyone know the answer to this? I would LOVE to get this rate but I'm worried that if we show up in December without a current valid ID, we'll be removed on the spot...or worse, charged full rack rate!!!

 

[LadyZolt]

So...I have a trip booked for December of 09. My question is, to get the MYV code, do you have to present your ID at the time of check-in, or do you have to present it at the time of booking?

You must present the valid ID card at check-in. When you book it, you're booking over the phone and they can't see your ID. So, when you book, they remind you that you'll have to show an ID-card when you check-in. (Shades of Green is the same way -- you can book it online by agreeing that you're eligible, but when you are checking in, that's when they check your ID to make sure you really are eligible.) Sorry!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[disneyandme]

Has anyone tried to book more than one room? My family all usually travels together and my DBro really wants to go back in Fall 2009-- he's due back from Iraq in April 2009. We usually have 3 rooms. Also, does anyone know if Villas are a part of the deal? We couldreally use a kitchen since my daughter's food allergies are challenging.

 

[LadyZolt]

I think someone asked earlier on the ticket thread about whether the 40% off rate was better than the 4/3 rate--I didn't want this to get lost in that big thread. I know I was curious, and I found this post in which someone took the time to calculate it all out. In most cases, when staying 7 days the 4/3 rate wins out. I was quite happy to find someone who figured it out (so I didn't have to! LOL)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29503619#post29503619

But it depends on your dates, so if you're using the military offer, see what they offer when you call and see what you are offered when you plan it out online. For my 7-night GF stay in May, online 4/3 rate (with one-day ticket because it makes you get at least a one-day ticket), no dining, was $2186. The same 7-night stay with the military offer was $2121, but without the one-day park ticket. So, two one-day park tickets for $60 is a good deal if you need the ticket, but if you don't, the military deal is a bit less expensive.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

We booked 3 rooms.

 

[annnewjerz]

You must present the valid ID card at check-in. When you book it, you're booking over the phone and they can't see your ID. So, when you book, they remind you that you'll have to show an ID-card when you check-in. (Shades of Green is the same way -- you can book it online by agreeing that you're eligible, but when you are checking in, that's when they check your ID to make sure you really are eligible.) Sorry!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

That's what I figured. I either booked with the MYV code now and then try to change to AAA if he decided not to re-up his contract..OR, keep the AAA code now and try to change it to MYV if he re-ups. I'm thinking he will get out, so I guess it's a good idea that we did it this way.

Any idea if this works the same with the military tickets for free? We currently have base priviliges and can buy tickets through the base (which we plan to do), however I read that they are "exchange vouchers" that you will get...which you have to exchange at the ticket window on your trip.

Obviously, if we purchased the exchange vouchers, we had to present ID to get them, so will we have to do it AGAIN...or can we just present regular state issued ID at the ticket window on the trip (i.e. driver's license)??

 

[Minnie Lor]

I just received a quote from Dreams Unlimited for a FW cabin for 3/14/09-3/21/09 for $1697.65. With the military discounted tickets, total for 5 would be $2065.65 or so. Right now I have the 4/3 package deal booked for these dates, including 7 day tickets for everyone, for around $2700.

In others' experience, is Dreams Unlimited more expensive than calling Disney reservations directly? While this is a GREAT price, and I am so appreciative of the discounts, I just want to make sure I'm being as "financially responsible" as possible.

TIA!!!!

Dreams Unlimited is cheaper because they actively look for discounts until the day of check in. They have a contest with the other Dreams agents to see who can save a client the most money. Disney doesn't give a hoot if you get a discount or not. If you don't have the code right, they're not going to give the code to you. And if a deal comes up later, disney isn't going to call you about it. Dreams Unlimited will!

 

[Minnie Lor]

My TA at Dreams Unlimited got me $387 for 7 nights at Pop for next December.

 

[btcrane]

Thanks for everyone's help!!!

FINAL DECISION: DH is away at War College and is "hoping" he will be able to join us over spring break. Since he doesn't know for sure, we will stick with the 4/3 deal for spring break, and plan another Disney vacation for summer, just as soon as we can figure out dates that we can both take a vacation.

WOOHOO! TWO trips to Disney!!!!!

 

[hoosiergirl7]

We booked a 7 night stay in October for Dec 2009 at BWI Club Level with DDP. In our original package we had park tickets w/ park hopper option included (no waterparks). The total at that time for 4 adults and 1 child was just under $7K. After the discount rate for the room, it brought our package down to $4K but that doesn't include park tickets. The guy helping me said we had to purchase our park tickets at a military installation and that they couldn't be included in the package (he also had no clue as to the fact that the dining reservations were a 90-day out, not a 180-day out anymore). Not that it really bothers me but I'm not really sure what to think. We were actually looking to do the free ticket for DH and then the $99/5 day ticket promo for the rest of us. But not sure how that would really work.

Anyone doing both the room discount and the ticket deal?

 

[LadyZolt]

Any idea if this works the same with the military tickets for free? We currently have base priviliges and can buy tickets through the base (which we plan to do), however I read that they are "exchange vouchers" that you will get...which you have to exchange at the ticket window on your trip.

Obviously, if we purchased the exchange vouchers, we had to present ID to get them, so will we have to do it AGAIN...or can we just present regular state issued ID at the ticket window on the trip (i.e. driver's license)??

Yes, you will have to do it again. It says that you have to present military ID when you purchase vouchers if you purchase them on a base or at SOG, and again when you exchange them for tickets at a ticket window, and as I read it, yet again when you "activate" them. The wording is, "required to present valid military identification .... for all ticket transactions (including to activate tickets, and/or redeem exchange certificates for tickets, at Main Entrance theme park ticket windows. A valid ID may also be required for admission."

Again, sorry -- but if you can do your trip earlier, check out the 4/3 deal because it's giving some fabulous deals.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[LadyZolt]

After the discount rate for the room, it brought our package down to $4K but that doesn't include park tickets. The guy helping me said we had to purchase our park tickets at a military installation and that they couldn't be included in the package .... We were actually looking to do the free ticket for DH and then the $99/5 day ticket promo for the rest of us. But not sure how that would really work.

Anyone doing both the room discount and the ticket deal?

Yes, you have it right here and I'm doing the same thing. You get the "room only" 40% off (or you can add dining, but not deluxe dining, if you wanted it). Military folks can get vouchers for the companion tickets (up to five 5-day passes for $99 each; add PH for $25; add WPF&M for $25) at a base or at SOG. The totally free one for the military person can only be gotten at the ticket counter at WDW, and that's where you'll have to go to exchange the companion certificates anyway. So, yes, you are on the right track. Have a fabulous trip!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Minnie Lor]

Dorothy ~

You seem to have the answers. I'm doing the 40% discount on a room only. I want to purchase the 5 day PH 'companion' ticket but I don't have a military base near me. This is going to be a solo trip. I have a dependent ID. Can I just go over to Shades on my first night to purchase the companion ticket? I don't need DH with me ~ correct?

TIA

I'm reading more on mousesavers. Looks I can't purchase it. Only DH can? I'm so confussed.

 

[hoosiergirl7]

Yes, you have it right here and I'm doing the same thing. You get the "room only" 40% off (or you can add dining, but not deluxe dining, if you wanted it). Military folks can get vouchers for the companion tickets (up to five 5-day passes for $99 each; add PH for $25; add WPF&M for $25) at a base or at SOG. The totally free one for the military person can only be gotten at the ticket counter at WDW, and that's where you'll have to go to exchange the companion certificates anyway. So, yes, you are on the right track. Have a fabulous trip!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

Thanks Dorothy! That's what I thought but we all know well the Disney personnel are in the "know"

So I guess we'll be heading to SOG to get our tickets/vouchers rather than trying to do it at a base. DH is active duty but currently he's working a Defense Contract job that is NOT on a base but rather with Lockheed-Martin and the nearest AFB is 2 hrs away. We do have friends down there we could go visit and get our vouchers then.

 

[LadyZolt]

I'm doing the 40% discount on a room only. I want to purchase the 5 day PH 'companion' ticket but I don't have a military base near me. This is going to be a solo trip. I have a dependent ID. Can I just go over to Shades on my first night to purchase the companion ticket? I don't need DH with me ~ correct?

Correct. I know you're confused, but I think it's because of the "complimentary" ticket -- only the military person (in your case, your DH, right?) can get that one. That's the one that is a free 5-day PH WPF&M. But spouses can present their own military ID cards and purchase the "companion" ticket for $99. That's a 5-day ticket. You can then add PH for $25, and WPF&M for another $25 if you want. You can buy the companion ticket at Shades of Green at Disney World when you get there if you don't have a base nearby to use. I also believe that you can just buy it at the ticket counter, but you would then have to pay tax on it. If you go to SOG, you can buy a voucher and then at the ticket window, you exchange it for a ticket. You do need to show your ID both times, so just keep it handy. Hope this helps, but post again if you have any questions.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[Minnie Lor]

Correct. I know you're confused, but I think it's because of the "complimentary" ticket -- only the military person (in your case, your DH, right?) can get that one. That's the one that is a free 5-day PH WPF&M. But spouses can present their own military ID cards and purchase the "companion" ticket for $99. That's a 5-day ticket. You can then add PH for $25, and WPF&M for another $25 if you want. You can buy the companion ticket at Shades of Green at Disney World when you get there if you don't have a base nearby to use. I also believe that you can just buy it at the ticket counter, but you would then have to pay tax on it. If you go to SOG, you can buy a voucher and then at the ticket window, you exchange it for a ticket. You do need to show your ID both times, so just keep it handy. Hope this helps, but post again if you have any questions.

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

I understand now. The wording is confusing until realize that there's two offers. One for the service person - free ticket. Another for the service person and spouse - the companion ticket. Thank you for the clarification.

 

[LadyZolt]

I understand now. The wording is confusing until realize that there's two offers. One for the service person - free ticket. Another for the service person and spouse - the companion ticket. Thank you for the clarification.

Yeah, the wording is confusing, especially because everything starts with "Disney's Armed Forces Salute." LOL! Glad I could help. Have a great time! I'm looking forward to going myself!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[kristilew]

Ok, if a spouse purchases the companion ticket, does she have to have copies of orders in addition to military ID? Do the people at the ticket counter understand all the levels of the IDs?

 

[Minnie Lor]

Kristi ~

I'm no way an expert here. I did find a whole DIs discussion on this here:http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2048938&page=9 Satart with post 129.

Then I also found the official word from Disney: http://bookwdw.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/specialOfferDetails?name=Promo&promotionCode=fy09military&market=fy09military&CMP=VAN-WDWFY09MilitaryOfferVanity There's also a link to a PDF file with additional info.

If you're worried, plan to buy the companion ticket at Shades of Green. Good luck!

 

[BabyFu18]

I'm a little confused about the 40% room, I called (wanting to book two rooms) but was told we could only book one at the 40% off rate. Even though we have a big family and need two rooms, one would have to be rack rate. Anyone experienced anything like this or had a representative tell them they could book more than one room?

The woman I spoke with was very nice, but said we could only book on room, any additional rooms would have to have additional military personal in them.

Please help! We need two rooms, but it seems that may not be possible.