On the 2013-2014 Armed Forces Salute Watch!!!

[Steve TLT]

I love the idea of Shades, and it worked out so well for our young family, years ago when I was lower in the rank structure and there was no Disney Armed Forces Salute.

But then we started staying at Disney resorts, first through Shades overflow rates and then with the fantastic AFS discounts. We just prefer the immersive experience at Disney resorts.

Don't get me wrong, Shades is great in it's own way: quieter, slower pace, big rooms, friendlier guests.

Everyone needs to consider their situation and decide what is right for their family.

 

[BeerMe]

I love the idea of Shades, and it worked out so well for our young family, years ago when I was lower in the rank structure and there was no Disney Armed Forces Salute.

But then we started staying at Disney resorts, first through Shades overflow rates and then with the fantastic AFS discounts. We just prefer the immersive experience at Disney resorts.

Don't get me wrong, Shades is great in it's own way: quieter, slower pace, big rooms, friendlier guests.

Everyone needs to consider their situation and decide what is right for their family.

We use military discounts at Disney resorts, stay at Shades sometimes and use AFVC condos. All work out well depending on what we're doing. On a trip in Feb/Mar we stayed at POP, Shades and offsite condos all in the same trip.

 

[jusero]

I have considered staying at a Disney resort for the "immersive" experience. But when DH and I wandered the resorts just checking things out, I found it to be too much for me. I much prefer the quiet and slower pace of Shades. My DD, however, stays only at the value resorts. She loves the faster pace and all things Disney.

I am just happy there are so many choices so every taste can be accommodated.

Can't wait to get back to my home away from home!

 

[Steve TLT]

I am just happy there are so many choices so every taste can be accommodated.

Very true jusero, there is room for everyone in the world!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Here's hoping we hear something this month!!!!

 

[goofynut41]

Here's hoping we hear something this month!!!!

YES!!!!!!!!

 

[goofynut41]

Come on Military Discounts..... Were Waiting....

 

[Mousemommy1]

Come on Military Discounts..... Were Waiting....

Thinking the 2014 package rates will come out first, and then hopefully followed by the word on military discounts.

 

[goofynut41]

Thinking the 2014 package rates will come out first, and then hopefully followed by the word on military discounts.

COOL...

 

[Steve TLT]

No News yet...

I sent a query this week.

I'm thinking about a $10 increase on the AFS tickets and I'd say the same discounts on rooms.

 

[Mousemommy1]

No News yet...

I sent a query this week.

I'm thinking about a $10 increase on the AFS tickets and I'd say the same discounts on rooms.

Oooooooh.....got all excited when I saw you had updated the thread...

Same discounts and the ticket prices would be great!!!

 

[BeerMe]

A little off topic, but any idea what plans Universal might have for the year?

 

[jusero]

A little off topic, but any idea what plans Universal might have for the year?

I think they still have the free day for active military, but I think it is only through June? Not sure about that. I think you can find out more on the Shades website.

I would love to hear more about their new Transformer ride.

 

[AllieKG]

Fingers crossed for a 2014 military discount! We PCS next Spring and I NEED a WDW vacation after two years in Korea! Lol

 

[Steve TLT]

A little off topic, but any idea what plans Universal might have for the year?

Well, Universal's current offer ends this month. It was a free 3-day ticket for the member and 3-days for the price of 2 for family/friends. You had to get them by the end of April. They hadn't had anything as good since March 2010. after Harry Potter boosted attendance.

I assume their attendance was off this year and they needed the boost. We'll have to see if after the summer they roll out something else.

 

[goofynut41]

Just thought I would keep the thread up to date.... still lurking to see the updates...

 

[Mousemommy1]

Just thought I would keep the thread up to date.... still lurking to see the updates...

I'm still lurking too!!!! I just wish I could book already.....

We have actually decided that we are going to go in August 2014 instead of April 2014 for a bunch of reasons....but I just want to have that deposit on the books already....

 

[goofynut41]

I'm still lurking too!!!! I just wish I could book already.....

We have actually decided that we are going to go in August 2014 instead of April 2014 for a bunch of reasons....but I just want to have that deposit on the books already....

You know you can book 499 days in advance and then when the military discount opens up call and apply it. I havnt checked to see when the exact date is but there is a counter online that can tell you.

 

[goofynut41]

You know you can book 499 days in advance and then when the military discount opens up call and apply it. I havnt checked to see when the exact date is but there is a counter online that can tell you.

But you probably already knew this.....

 

[Mousemommy1]

You know you can book 499 days in advance and then when the military discount opens up call and apply it. I havnt checked to see when the exact date is but there is a counter online that can tell you.

Yes....but this would make no sense for me, since I would stay somewhere totally different without the discount....I would just rather know the price and book so I can start my monthly payments to Disney...