Military Salute - Sea World, Busch Gardens, etc.

[kindredspirit]

I just spoke to someone at Us/IOA and they ae offering a free 5 day pass for mil. and can purchase up to 5 additional tickets for $50.00. The number is 1-888-322-5541. I can't remember all the details. I was just so excited had to post!! We have never been but now the kids are older, I think we will have to go!!

 

[mikkiblueeyes]

I'm so glad that Disney and the others are supporting our troops but what about the retired military? Where was Disney when they were active duty, fighting and working for the freedom of our country? Where was the reward then? I'm so tired of the retirees of the military being overlooked. I'm sure that when people think of retirees of the military they think of the older ones but what about the ones like my husband who was only 35 when he retired? There are many more like him in this country that are just not being recognized. When I've complained about this I was told that retirees had their own special month or recognition but I have yet to hear of anything.

I'm happy for everyone on here who can take advantage of this special but let's not discriminate.

thanks

 

[JOC]

Thanks for posting about Universal's promo! Did you happen to get the dates of this promo?

 

[strawberryblonde]

Thanks for posting about Universal, I've been waiting to hear. I called and the promotion starts today and runs through Dec. 19th. Tickets are purchased at the gate and expire 5 days later. HTHs

 

[ToriLammy]

Originally posted by mikkiblueeyes
I'm so glad that Disney and the others are supporting our troops but what about the retired military? Where was Disney when they were active duty, fighting and working for the freedom of our country? Where was the reward then? I'm so tired of the retirees of the military being overlooked. I'm sure that when people think of retirees of the military they think of the older ones but what about the ones like my husband who was only 35 when he retired? There are many more like him in this country that are just not being recognized. When I've complained about this I was told that retirees had their own special month or recognition but I have yet to hear of anything.

I'm happy for everyone on here who can take advantage of this special but let's not discriminate.

thanks

As a retiree from the Air Force I don't consider this any form of discrimination. If anything I'm more disappointed they didn't include coalition forces instead of retirees. Depending on when your DH retired he had opportunities after Operation Desert Storm and after 9/11. It is not Disney's fault if he was unable to participate. We participated in the Operation Desert Storm promotion but were unable to take advantage of the 9/11 one. Not all military families will be able to participate in this offer. Disney has always supported our military with discounted tickets available year round that retirees are entitled to use, there is also SOG. I'm just happy Disney, Anheuser-Busch, and soon Universal recognize the day-to-day sacrifices our active military, guard and reservists make and are honoring them.

 

[Longsx3]

Originally posted by mikkiblueeyes
I'm so glad that Disney and the others are supporting our troops but what about the retired military? Where was Disney when they were active duty, fighting and working for the freedom of our country? Where was the reward then? I'm so tired of the retirees of the military being overlooked. I'm sure that when people think of retirees of the military they think of the older ones but what about the ones like my husband who was only 35 when he retired? There are many more like him in this country that are just not being recognized. When I've complained about this I was told that retirees had their own special month or recognition but I have yet to hear of anything.

I'm happy for everyone on here who can take advantage of this special but let's not discriminate.

thanks

While I sympathize with how you feel, my dad was retireed Army and my husband is half way to retirement. I see thissituation is different. Disney isn't just offerring a Military Day and excluding retirees, this Miliary promotion is in response to a specific event and is honoring those who participated.

 

[travelitis]

I must agree with Longsx3. Well said!

 

[LIFERBABE]

I am a veteran of 10 years and an active reservist. I am happy that Salutes such as these are offered even if they don't always include everyone. It is not Disney's responsibility to take on such a monumental task of offering the millions of service men and women (whether retired, coalition, reserve, etc.) who serve our country selflessly discounted admissions.

SOG and the tickets sold on the bases are discounted and tax free. This offers a savings year-round and the parks that participate in these offers are showing their appreciation.
I don't qualify for the current Salute, as I was not activated or separated from my family during this time. Nor was I looking forward to it. It is part of my duty and if called I will serve.

I look at these salutes as more of a gesture of good will and Disney and Universal and Sea World are large companies that set the standard that others will follow.

Some of our men and women serving have made the "ultimate sacrifice" and won't get to go at all and I'm sure their families are in no state to go either. I try to keep everything in perspective and will be more than happy to pay the discounted rates at the base for our trip this year.

I don't look at this as a reward, to do so would demean the honor of serving our country. There are many non Disney related benefits in serving and many sacrifices also.

WDW will touch many lives with this current Salute. It may not be mine or yours but some military families will benefit and that was the nature of their offer.

This is just one service members opinion and I in no way am speaking for all.

 

[joyfull]

Anyone have a link to a webpage that talks about the universal offer?

 

[JOC]

Universal's link:

http://themeparks.universalstudios.com/orlando/website/heros_salute.html

 

[travelitis]

Liferbabe - Yes, thank you for saying more of what I was thinking. I was afraid I'd stirred up a fight with what I'd posted, but those who disagreed stated simply that.

My active duty Navy husband said that the retirees paid their dues and made the military a better experience for our families, and we are doing the same for future military. My dh served toward the end of Desert Storm, left the military then returned a month before 9-11. This is the first time he's been able to utilize Disney's offer to military, although he qualified for the previous 2.

The 9-11 salute was totally free admission, but they didn't run it very long. Am I upset that now that we can go, we don't get admissiong totally free? No. I'm happy that by discounting the tickets for dependents that the promo can run longer and impact more people.

 

[joyfull]

I am so excited that Disney and Universal are offering these great deals to military members and their families. But make no mistake about it....both Disney and Universal will be making plenty of money with this offer. Many many people who didn't even think about a vacation at these parks will packing and going this summer season which only means $$$ for both companies. Lets face it everyone has to have a place to stay and food to eat. I am also sure that the shops will be doing a booming business with more customers coming to the area. The travel industry is down for the third straight quarter and I am sure these parks are feeling the pinch. All I am trying to point out here is that although I am grateful for the discount, I also understand that this move is just good business. Disney should really rethink letting coalition forces and retirees join in in the savings.......It can only mean more $$$$ for them this summer season! No money is made with empty hotel rooms.....

And as everyone on this board knows....It is easy to get hooked on Disney and Universal.

Just my two cents....

 

[travelitis]

Coalition and retirees can take advantage of the 41% discount (per mousesavers - largest offered to general public) offered with the Fairytale Magic pkg. It might give the SOG discount competition.