Military Ticket Question please.

[WiWe]

I just bought tickets from Shades of Green and they arrived already activated. I did have to email the names of everyone in my party however so each ticket was preassigned. A friend bought theirs from Shades and didn't have to assign names so it might be who you deal with at Shades.

 

[subtchr]

If I found a CM that wouldn't activate my tickets without everyone present, I would politely say thank you, and then find another CM at another booth. The only thing consistent with CM's is that they are chronically inconsistent. I've never had everyone with me when I do, I'm the only one that doesn't mind standing in line and waiting around forever for them to be active.

...or you could just tell them to suck it up, and wait in line to have the privilege of half price tickets. The rule is that everyone must be present for activation. If you have found CMs willing to bend that rule, that's okay. But it does sound as if they are attempting to stick to the policy more consistently now. We have never waited long at all, just a couple minutes at the window at DS.

When Salute tickets are sold or activated, we create what's called an "association" record - there's a new list for Salute each year. The information recorded is the military member's name, their DOB, their base or installation, and the number of tickets. That's how the 6 maximum is enforced.

But, the process is subject to CM error - people don't know what a spouse ID looks like, for example, so they create a record with the spouse's name/DOB and not the sponsor's. Or they create a new record for someone who's already activated 3 tickets previously because they didn't bother to check existing records first. Or they input the name in a way that isn't how it appears on the ID, so the next CM looking that person up doesn't find it and creates a new record. There are people who do go through and audit this behind the scenes, though.

Thanks for the insights, I figured it was something like that. I'm glad to hear that there is a system in place to track it, even with a few potential flaws.

 

[wilkeliza]

If I found a CM that wouldn't activate my tickets without everyone present, I would politely say thank you, and then find another CM at another booth. The only thing consistent with CM's is that they are chronically inconsistent. I've never had everyone with me when I do, I'm the only one that doesn't mind standing in line and waiting around forever for them to be active.

If they are being trained to follow policy then how would you react if every single one says sorry all ticket holders must be present? More often then not the inconsistency is from people deciding to sprinkle pixie dust, in this case the party not being present when activating, and then people expect it.

 

[crostorfer]

...or you could just tell them to suck it up, and wait in line to have the privilege of half price tickets. The rule is that everyone must be present for activation. If you have found CMs willing to bend that rule, that's okay. But it does sound as if they are attempting to stick to the policy more consistently now. We have never waited long at all, just a couple minutes at the window at DS.



Thanks for the insights, I figured it was something like that. I'm glad to hear that there is a system in place to track it, even with a few potential flaws.

Meh, I've used this tickets twice a year for the last 6 years, and I've never had to have every person with me. I'll continue to do it that way. I sincerely doubt there is going to be an issue.

 

[crostorfer]

If they are being trained to follow policy then how would you react if every single one says sorry all ticket holders must be present? More often then not the inconsistency is from people deciding to sprinkle pixie dust, in this case the party not being present when activating, and then people expect it.

I have zero doubts that its ever going to be an issue.

 

[William Ades]

Salute Tickets do not expire 14 days after first use. They are good until mid December, when the offer period expires.

Wow!! I honestly did not know that, and I apologize for the bad information. Thanks for letting me know!!

 

[DLgal]

I just bought tickets from Shades of Green and they arrived already activated. I did have to email the names of everyone in my party however so each ticket was preassigned. A friend bought theirs from Shades and didn't have to assign names so it might be who you deal with at Shades.

I ordered from SoG and they mailed them to me. Already activated. I did not have to give anyone's name except mine. The tickets were not preassigned upon receipt.

 

[WiWe]

A friend of ours did not have theirs preassigned either. My husband teased me that I must of stepped on someones toes to have to give all names. . I am just looking forward to visiting again.

 

[TnTWalter]

Thanks for all the tips. This is the first time since we knew about these tickets that we've been able to be at WDW the same time so I'm so grateful for this deal...my dad wanted to make sure it would all be ok.

 

[dmband]

Am I the only one who hardly ever uses salute tickets because they are too short and end up not being a good value?
I think out of about ten trips we used them twice and one of those was Disneyland.

 

[sharonabe]

Am I the only one who hardly ever uses salute tickets because they are too short and end up not being a good value?
I think out of about ten trips we used them twice and one of those was Disneyland.

I doubt you're the only one, but we LOVE them. Add the WP&M option, and we have more than enough to keep our vacation busy and for a VERY reasonable price. When you also add in the very generous room discount Disney gives, I think it's a great value!

 

[subtchr]

Am I the only one who hardly ever uses salute tickets because they are too short and end up not being a good value?
I think out of about ten trips we used them twice and one of those was Disneyland.

I'm just glad they added a 5-day option for this year. Makes a visit much more relaxed!