Military ticket experiences--please post here!

[appleorchard]

At McGuire AFB in NJ they were $99, plus $25 for the park hopper upgrade.

 

[mousehouselover]

And to add more confusion to the discussion........

I called SoG on 2/6 and spoke with a manager about these tickets. She stated that 100% disabled service connected former service members are eligible for this offer. I explained we are taking 3 more trips this year and know we have to buy all the tickets at the same time. She said to hold onto the vouchers we are not using until we are ready to use them. The can be activated at any time.

We are not going until May and I will verify this when we are there buying our vouchers. This seems to counterdict what's been posted here and I will be really upset if we buy the vouchers, not activate them and then find out our friends can't use them when we visit with them later in the year.

 

[mamato3princesses]

At the beginning of Feb. we purchased our tickets at Hanscom AFB. We went Epcot on Feb 28th to activate them and it took all of 10 mins. The CM just looked at me and our dd's and told us to step aside while DH answered any questions. She never asked for my ID or anything--only verified DH is active duty, where he is stationed and checked his ID was valid, etc.. She never asked for, nor wrote down his SSN, which I know is a huge concern for all of us.

All in all-great procedure and wonderful benefit. Because of this we only used one park day of our buy 4/3 package and we have the remaining days (no expiry) on that ticket to use at another time!! Thank you Disney for honoring our soldiers and their families!!!

 

[kalliyan1]

A friend of ours bought the companion tix for us when the promotion first started. He is NOT going with us. At the time, there was no mention that they had to be with us. In fact, he was told that he had to show the military id to purchase them so it would not be necessary to show it again.
Now, here we are w/4 vouchers that we paid $400 for that we wanted to use the first of May.....Are we going to be able to use them? What should we do? $400 is alot of money to throw away based on incorrect information.

Any thoughts?

TIA

FOLLOW UP: We are unable to return our tix for a refund per the ITT office where we bought them. Disney said they can not return them because it wasn't "their transaction".
Question, would it be inappropriate for us to once we get to disney w/our vouchers to ask someone to activate them for us? Is that possible?

 

[JoanneNC]

FOLLOW UP: We are unable to return our tix for a refund per the ITT office where we bought them. Disney said they can not return them because it wasn't "their transaction".
Question, would it be inappropriate for us to once we get to disney w/our vouchers to ask someone to activate them for us? Is that possible?

Absolutely inappropriate and highly unlikely that you will find a qualifying member of the military willing to forgo THEIR ability to activate 4 of their 5 tickets to help you out when you clearly were taking advantage of an offer you had no right to take part in. While some parts of this promotion was confusing - the need for the military member or their spouse to be physically at Disney I believe was very clear.

Sorry if I am being harsh but this goes against what the purpose of this promotion was for. Military members and THEIR family to share time at Disney with THEIR family and friends.

 

[Mrsjvb]

FOLLOW UP: We are unable to return our tix for a refund per the ITT office where we bought them. Disney said they can not return them because it wasn't "their transaction".
Question, would it be inappropriate for us to once we get to disney w/our vouchers to ask someone to activate them for us? Is that possible?

not at all.. each SM can only activate the tickets that they purchased.

 

[appleorchard]

I think you're out of luck on this one. I don't think you could even sell your tickets to another military member, because the tickets were purchased in your friend's name.

This is why people should really understand what they're getting into before they lay out a lot of money for something like this, when they don't qualify themselves.

It was nice of your friend to try and help you out, but I'm afraid it backfired.

 

[kalliyan1]

Absolutely inappropriate and highly unlikely that you will find a qualifying member of the military willing to forgo THEIR ability to activate 4 of their 5 tickets to help you out when you clearly were taking advantage of an offer you had no right to take part in. While some parts of this promotion was confusing - the need for the military member or their spouse to be physically at Disney I believe was very clear.

Sorry if I am being harsh but this goes against what the purpose of this promotion was for. Military members and THEIR family to share time at Disney with THEIR family and friends.

Well that is harsh because if you READ my first post, you would see that he specifically asked and was told that buying them for us would NOT be a problem with him not going. That they were intended for family and FRIENDS so how "I'm taking advantage of an offer I had no right to take part in", I don't understand. I guess your implying we are not friends or just not friends who qualify according to your standards.
With regards to it being very clear, It seems like it was as clear as mud if the ITT base told him he didn't need to be there. That's clear all right!!!
All I know is that I'm holding 4 vouchers that we spent $500 dollars(we added the hopper) on that I cant get a refund on or activate. I'm not trying to take anything away from anyone or take advantage of anything. If I were wanting to do that, I wouldn't have asked the question. I really just don't want to be out the $500. To me, that's alot of money to throw away.
Next time, why don't you just answer the original question with facts and not inject your opinion.
Thanks

 

[appleorchard]

I understand your frustration, Kalliyan. Even those of us who do qualify have had difficulty getting straight answers on what we can and can't do with the tickets.

Unfortunately, the people at the counters at the ITT offices weren't well informed at all about this when it first came out, and some probably still aren't. The place to read the accurate info is on the Disney site or here, where the official "rules" are published. Many of us hesitated to even buy the tickets until we were sure we could use them--retired people, reservists, etc.

Also unfortunately, some of these tickets have been showing up for sale on places like Ebay, where some people may be selling unactivated tickets that are essentially useless. Some of Joanne's frustration may be coming from that situation, not meaning to say yours is the same! It does amaze me that people are so trusting as to buy tickets over the internet from someone they don't know for a promotion they don't really understand.

The "family and friends" were intended to go with the military member, so he wouldn't have to go to Disney alone. That's why the tickets have to be activated at Disney--it's not supposed to be just a nice perk for your friends.

I guess there's no chance that your friend or his or her spouse will be able to use the tickets themselves?

 

[kalliyan1]

I understand your frustration, Kalliyan. Even those of us who do qualify have had difficulty getting straight answers on what we can and can't do with the tickets.

Unfortunately, the people at the counters at the ITT offices weren't well informed at all about this when it first came out, and some probably still aren't. The place to read the accurate info is on the Disney site or here, where the official "rules" are published. Many of us hesitated to even buy the tickets until we were sure we could use them--retired people, reservists, etc.

Also unfortunately, some of these tickets have been showing up for sale on places like Ebay, where some people may be selling unactivated tickets that are essentially useless. Some of Joanne's frustration may be coming from that situation, not meaning to say yours is the same! It does amaze me that people are so trusting as to buy tickets over the internet from someone they don't know for a promotion they don't really understand.

The "family and friends" were intended to go with the military member, so he wouldn't have to go to Disney alone. That's why the tickets have to be activated at Disney--it's not supposed to be just a nice perk for your friends.

I guess there's no chance that your friend or his or her spouse will be able to use the tickets themselves?

Well, I assure you we do qualify under "friends" and I assure you they were bought at the ITT office, not ebay!!!
I don't want to have to defend myself as to whether or not we qualify, I was just looking for some help as to what our options were so I wouldn't have to be out this money. As everyone is saying there is and was alot of confusion r/t this promotion and we got caught up in it. Yes it was MY FAULT for not reading more closely on the disney website, but you would also think the bases selling the tickets would be informed of the rules as well.
For what it's worth, shortly after we found out about our tix situation, I personally called the tix office at Disney and the rep that I talked to the first time, told us the SAME thing that my friend was told at the ITT office. It wasn't until I was reading this board and saw some posts that I called back and got a different answer w/each call. Yes you can use them,,,no you can't use them,,,,etc.

 

[appleorchard]

Well, I assure you we do qualify under "friends" and I assure you they were bought at the ITT office, not ebay!!!
I don't want to have to defend myself as to whether or not we qualify, I was just looking for some help as to what our options were so I wouldn't have to be out this money. As everyone is saying there is and was alot of confusion r/t this promotion and we got caught up in it.

No one's saying you're not friends, just that the friends were meant to accompany the service member so he wouldn't have to go alone! No one is saying you bought the tickets on ebay, either.

Like I said, I understand your being upset. I think your friend should make a huge effort on the base to get them to take them back, since they gave him false information. They really should refund the money under the circumstances. Or find a way to use them himself.

 

[kidshop]

Well, I assure you we do qualify under "friends" and I assure you they were bought at the ITT office, not ebay!!!
I don't want to have to defend myself as to whether or not we qualify, I was just looking for some help as to what our options were so I wouldn't have to be out this money. As everyone is saying there is and was alot of confusion r/t this promotion and we got caught up in it. Yes it was MY FAULT for not reading more closely on the disney website, but you would also think the bases selling the tickets would be informed of the rules as well.
For what it's worth, shortly after we found out about our tix situation, I personally called the tix office at Disney and the rep that I talked to the first time, told us the SAME thing that my friend was told at the ITT office. It wasn't until I was reading this board and saw some posts that I called back and got a different answer w/each call. Yes you can use them,,,no you can't use them,,,,etc.

If you can get the military member or spouse to go with you can use the tickets. Maybe that person will buy them back from you to use themselves? Otherwise, no. The tickets were meant for the military person and his family to go with his friends, not for the friends to go alone. It's a shame that someone gave you wrong info, but unfortunately you are paying the price. The written rules that Disney gave were very clear that the member OR spouse had to activate in person at WDW. I think this is an expensive lesson.

 

[JoanneNC]

Well that is harsh because if you READ my first post, you would see that he specifically asked and was told that buying them for us would NOT be a problem with him not going. That they were intended for family and FRIENDS so how "I'm taking advantage of an offer I had no right to take part in", I don't understand. I guess your implying we are not friends or just not friends who qualify according to your standards.
With regards to it being very clear, It seems like it was as clear as mud if the ITT base told him he didn't need to be there. That's clear all right!!!
All I know is that I'm holding 4 vouchers that we spent $500 dollars(we added the hopper) on that I cant get a refund on or activate. I'm not trying to take anything away from anyone or take advantage of anything. If I were wanting to do that, I wouldn't have asked the question. I really just don't want to be out the $500. To me, that's alot of money to throw away.
Next time, why don't you just answer the original question with facts and not inject your opinion.
Thanks

I am sorry for injecting opinion but I also did state facts as well. Companion by mere definition does mean accompanies which would support the requirement to have the military member with you during some point and Disney opted for the activation. I realize it does suck to be out the money and I feel that your argument is with the ITT - and I suspect that you will need to have your military friend go to bat for you with them. Appleorchard is correct in her statement over where some of my frustration comes from which I realize is non-related to you.

 

[KJMAX1]

Well for some reason the search feature on here is wacky. So I will post my question again, and sorry in advance if it was already answered.

I had posted that my husband's uncle lives in Ohio, and is active AF. He was notified that the may be deployed back to Afghanistan. That being the case, he had already made plans with us over Christmas to go to WDW with us to celebrate our newest additions to the family through celebrating our children's adoption.

He was going to buy the kids tickets as a gift. Thats huge for us because we are paying for the attorney fees! Nice gift! Come to find out I read the email he got, and told him to wait because if he might be deployed I dont want to get there on our trip and he cant make it and we are out!! Well he is going down to Ft Walton to visit his son a few months ealier than us, and is buying him a ticket, and going with him...Fine....

Someone said, he could get our tickets for us while there, but not activate them through a gate, and that way if he cant come in Aug, we would still be okay.....I am really hoping he can come, as he was adopted, and he has a special bond with our kids, but I am sure you can see where Id want to make sure we wouldnt be stopped entering the gates if he isnt with us.

We have 5 kiddos this time, so this wouldnt be just an extra couple hundred bucks for us..

Thanks!

 

[JoanneNC]

Well for some reason the search feature on here is wacky. So I will post my question again, and sorry in advance if it was already answered.

I had posted that my husband's uncle lives in Ohio, and is active AF. He was notified that the may be deployed back to Afghanistan. That being the case, he had already made plans with us over Christmas to go to WDW with us to celebrate our newest additions to the family through celebrating our children's adoption.

He was going to buy the kids tickets as a gift. Thats huge for us because we are paying for the attorney fees! Nice gift! Come to find out I read the email he got, and told him to wait because if he might be deployed I dont want to get there on our trip and he cant make it and we are out!! Well he is going down to Ft Walton to visit his son a few months ealier than us, and is buying him a ticket, and going with him...Fine....

Someone said, he could get our tickets for us while there, but not activate them through a gate, and that way if he cant come in Aug, we would still be okay.....I am really hoping he can come, as he was adopted, and he has a special bond with our kids, but I am sure you can see where Id want to make sure we wouldnt be stopped entering the gates if he isnt with us.

We have 5 kiddos this time, so this wouldnt be just an extra couple hundred bucks for us..

Thanks!

1st off Grats on the adoption

2nd - He "might" be able to get all 5 companion tickets and activate them for you without you present but I wouldn't 100% rely on it. Based on responses from Disney - all parties must be present at the time of activation BUT actions are speaking louder then words as many real life accounts are coming back with contradicting stories.

Personally - I would have him try. Now I wouldn't try and save a few tax $$ by buying them at SOG when he might be forced to have everyone present. Instead I would go to one of the parks or DTD and inquire about getting his and his son as well as 4 more for later arriving family. There is a good chance they will be fine. He won't use those tickets through the turnstiles so he can send them to you for your family trip.

 

[appleorchard]

Someone said, he could get our tickets for us while there, but not activate them through a gate, and that way if he cant come in Aug, we would still be okay..

Actually, for you to use them, he HAS to activate them--not use them by putting them through the turnstile, but activate them at Guest Services. Then when you use them at the turnstile the first time(without him, if he can't make it) you should be ok.

This is assuming everyone doesn't have to be present together at the time of activation, and the official Disney line is that they do. The thing is, it seems not be really enforced, which is what's causing so much speculation and confusion!

 

[hopeandtink]

Has anyone had experience traveling without their AD military member and using the tickets?

My husband is not traveling with us. I have been assured repeatedly that I can activate the tickets as the spouse, but I'm nervous for some reason. I'd feel better hearing from someone who has traveled without their spouse and done it without issue!

My DD and I just returned last night. I had my ID and that is all I needed. I bought my tickets at DTD. The CM asked for duty station and our names. Our tickets were the regular paper tickets with our name already printed on them and stated that they were military tickets with Dec. 23 2009 exp. I guess that he activated them also because when we went to the parks the next day the ticket counter CM said that they were ready to go and nothing else was needed. I hope that helps!

 

[JoanneNC]

Does anyone know how early the Guest relation offices open at DTD?
And can the free military ticket and/or the companion tickets be activated at the water parks?
And, 3rd can I activate an PAP bought at SOG at these locations as well?

Thanks in advance

 

[KJMAX1]

Thanks for answering. Its a nice offer from my husband's uncle, but I am just so nervous of relying on them, and then it not happening. The good thing is, we would know in July! OK Ill wait awhile longer and keep watching the thread before he leaves to visit his son, and then see what comes up....Maybe by then Disney will be enforcing the "everyone present" thing a little more.

Thanks for the congrats....It will be an adventure taking 5 kids all under 10 to WDW this time!

 

[parmtoo]

I am sorry for injecting opinion but I also did state facts as well. Companion by mere definition does mean accompanies which would support the requirement to have the military member with you during some point and Disney opted for the activation. I realize it does suck to be out the money and I feel that your argument is with the ITT - and I suspect that you will need to have your military friend go to bat for you with them. Appleorchard is correct in her statement over where some of my frustration comes from which I realize is non-related to you.

I agree with this statement. Companion does mean that you would be traveling with the SM. Hope you get your money back