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Should all military veterans be eligible for Disney’s Armed Forces Salute?

Can non-retired veterans get a Disney military discount?

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Should non-retired military veterans, those who for whatever reason decided not to make the military a career, be eligible for Disney’s Armed Forces Salute?

The question of eligibility for Disney military discounts for non-retired vets is one that I get on a regular basis. This past summer I started to get quite a few of this question prompting an update of my Non-Retired Veterans now eligible for stays at Shades of Green Resort on Disney Property page.

Over the past 2 weeks I started receiving numerous emails on the subject again. Just a couple of days ago a thread topic on the disboards message board asked the question “Should all military veterans be eligible for Disney’s Armed Forces Salute?” several posters replied with some comments and then the thread devolved into an argument which the moderators deleted.

I wanted to get a feel for what my readers thought so I’ve decided to start a poll.

I can see both sides of this and I’ll do my best to outline each as well as add some of my thoughts below.

The Question

The Disney Company extends military discounts to current service members as well as retired (20 year veterans) members but not to those who served for a period less than 20 years and separated prior to retirement.

Do you think that the Disney Company should extend their military discounts to all who served honorably?

Please continue reading before you vote!

Honor Those Who Served

Many who email me ask that Disney honor their service, which while not over 20 years was faithfully and honorably discharged. With our country having been at war for the last 10 years, so many who served their terms and separated are combat veterans. Plus there are still many Viet Nam Vets out there. They risked their lives for our country and feel slighted that they are not eligible for these discounts.

These individual’s service is no different than any young troop today who is on their first enlistment. They are eligible for Disney military discounts, even though they might get out of the military in a couple months without serving 20 years.

You Left The Company

On the other side those who didn’t get out and have continued to serve, deployment after deployment and those who have served 20, 25, 30+ years might feel that those who left the military shouldn’t be eligible for the same discount that they are.

Individuals who have left the military are no longer eligible to use the PX/BX/NEX, commissary, or use military medical care why would they be eligible for other military benefits/discounts.

I’m coming up on 31 years of service, with many combat missions under my belt. Should someone who served just 4 years and then moved on be eligible for the same discount as me?

What is a veteran?

What does the word veteran mean?

It comes from Latin: veteranus, from veteranus, adjective, old, of long experience & from veter-, vetus old

  • An old soldier of long service
  • Person of long experience

Do we misuse the word in America to mean a former member of the armed forces?

Disney’s Bottom Line

Many emails I receive wonder why Disney honors one group of veterans and not another.

I’ve stated many times before, in emails, in the newsletter and here on the blog, that Disney’s offering their Armed Forces Salute was and is purely a financial decision. Disney’s current round of Salutes started in January 2009. Just after the huge slow down of the American economy. The purpose of the discount is to get bodies into the Disney resorts and theme parks.

For those new to the military it might seem as if there has always been an Armed Forces Salute, but not so. The last Salute was in 2002 during the travel industry crash in the aftermath of 9/11.

Prior to that Disney offered 1 free ticket after Desert Storm in the 90′s.

Corporate Deal

At the heart of the Armed Forces Salute is a contract. A contract between Disney and the DoD. Disney looks on this just like they do any other contract. For instance like the one Disney would negotiate with XYZ Corp for reciprocal discounts, where XYZ Corp employees get a discount at Disney and Disney employees get a discount on XYZ’s products. Disney does this all the time, they give their castmembers a list of where they are eligible for discounts.

These contracts state what the discounts are and who is eligible plus any other stipulations. Believe me an employee who worked at XYZ Corp and quit would no longer be eligible for Disney Discounts, while the contract might say that retirees are eligible. This is exactly how Disney looks at it.

For each of these separate Armed Forces Salutes from 2009 till now Disney has negotiated with the military on the terms and eligibility. That’s what held up the FY11 AFS until 24 October 2010, the contract wasn’t signed. I don’t know if any money is involved, but Disney has agreed to offer reduced tickets and rooms to the specified individuals in the contract.

It’s Disney’s Offer

As the entity making the offer should Disney not have the right to decide what they offer and to whom?

Anheuser-Busch’s Here’s to the Heroes offer for SeaWorld and Busch Gardens theme parks is only for current members, retired members are excluded from their offer.

Your Vote

Should non-retired military veterans be eligible for Disney's Armed Forces Salute?

View Results

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Now What?

If you think Disney needs to change their policy there are things you can do.

Numbers Talk! What Veteran’s Organization do you belong to? VFW, American Legion, AMVETS?

If you don’t belong, join one (or more), as a veteran these large organizations advocate for you on so many fronts. Contact their State and Federal leadership and ask that they contact Disney and the DoD to request they change the eligibility requirements.

Call Disney and respectfully request that Disney change their policy yourself.

1-407-824-2222.

Your Thoughts

What are your thoughts on this? I’d love to get a discussion going in the comments section below.

As I mentioned the disboards discussion was deleted as people started bickering back and forth. Please be polite and respectful when replying.

I manually approve all comments and do edit as necessary for clarity and readability and won’t approve comments that aren’t appropriate.

Thanks from MDT

Above all I want to say that no matter what, I appreciate your service to our nation!

We all do out part in our own way, that’s one of the things that makes this country great.

More on Military Discounts

2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute

Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ

Shades of Green the Military Hotel on Disney World property

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resorts Military Discount

Anheuser-Busch’s Here’s to the Heroes

Universal Studios Military Vacation Packages

Disney World Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels offer Military Discounts

Military Discounted Hotels – Military Deals in the Central Florida Area

Non-Retired Veterans now eligible for stays at Shades of Green Resort on Disney World Property

Non-US Military Members Eligible To Stay At Shades Of Green

 


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Military Discounts Available at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii

Military Discounts Available at Aulani  a Disney Vacation Club Resort in HawaiiDisney is offering Military Discounts at Aulani, their new Disney Vacation Club Resort located in Hawaii.

Amy at Ears of Experience reports that 25% military discounts are available at Aulani through the end of the year, subject to availability so book early.

These discounts are on regular rooms, one and two bedroom villas but NOT on 3 bedrooms or parlors.

Aulani translated from the Hawaiian language to English means “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.”

DVC Aulani MIlitary Discounts in Hawaii

Disney says they “…want this resort destination to reflect the vibrant culture that surrounds it. The name ‘Aulani’ expresses a connection to tradition and deep story-telling – and its roots are here in this land.”

Aulani’s centerpiece is the Waikolohe Valley complex, an 8,200-square-foot water-play area dominated by a large pool and a two-channel lazy river. Other amenities include a snorkeling lagoon, a water-play area called Menehune Bridge and a nightly “hui,” a guest event/gathering with entertainment. Four restaurants, two lounges and an 18,000-square-foot spa are also on the property.

See Disney’s Aulani Site for more information on the resort and if you are interested in making a reservation consider using Ears of Experience, the military family owned, Disney only Travel Agents. Where you’ll not only a great rate on your Aulani vacation, but also the service Amy offers her clients such as; dining reservations. itinerary planning, one text away from a “mouse expert” while vacationing, and she’ll continue to check for price adjustments that could save you even more!

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If you are new to Military Disney Tips Start Here

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute FAQ

Information on Shades of Green – the Military Hotel on Disney World property

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2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute Blockout Dates

2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute - Military Disney Ticket and Room Discount

Why can’t I use my military discount tickets at Disney World / Disneyland during Spring Break?

I get a lot of e-mail questions and this is a very common one that I’m asked.

Since it’s beginning in January 2009 the Disney Armed Forces Salute has always had days that the special military discount tickets were not able to be used for admission to Disney’s theme parks. Disney calls these days Blockout Dates (some people refer to them as blackout dates).

They are typically a week during Christmas, 2 weeks during Spring Break, and a few days around the Fourth of July. Each year the Blockout Dates have been slightly different.

The remaining Blockout Dates for the 2012 Armed Forces Salute are:

At Disney World

1-12 April 2012 (Magic Kingdom only)
4 July 2012 (Magic Kingdom only)

At Disneyland

17-19 February 2012
2-14 April 2012
4 July 2012

Many very frustrated readers have contacted me both recently and over the last couple of years, to ask why this is so. They always want to know, “Why won’t Disney allow me to use the discount military tickets during the only time I can go to Disney?”

Many feel that since it’s a military salute there should be no date exclusions. They don’t want to pull the kids out of school to use the discount at another time when it is available.

Disney’s Motivation for the Salute

(more…)

Shades of Green Offers A Discount for Military Appreciation Month

Shades of Green Resort - Wallt Disney World FloridaMilitary Appreciation Month is May 2012 and Shades of Green will be offering discounted room rates during part of the month.

The dates that this discount is available are 1-19 May and 27-31 May 2012

Black out dates are May 20th – 26th.

The Discounted Rates Are:

  • Category 1 guests $89.00 per night
  • Category 2 guests $99.00 per night
  • Category 3 guests $99.00 per night

See here for category definitions

To reserve your reservation follow the below link and use one of the following codes and insert in the group code box (please do not use the military/civilian grade box) :

MILAPP1 for category 1 guests $89.00 per night stay (E1-E5, Cadet)
MILAPP2 for category 2 guests $99.00 per night stay (E6-E9,O1-O3,100% Disabled Veterans, Widows, Medal of Honor Recipients)
MILAPP3 for category 3 guests $99.00 per night stay (O4-O6, CW4-CW6, O7-O10, Active Duty Foreign Military, DoD Active/Retired)

Click here to make your reservation.

Military Appreciation Month Special is available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Must book online to receive this offer. Discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

See all the current Shades of Green Packages

Shades of Green Links

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YourFirstVisit.net – A Great Resource For First Time WDW Visitors

Those of you who have been reading this blog for a while may remember that I am a big fan of YourFirstVisit.net, a site created and run by David Hobart. Your First Visit is designed with the first time visitor to Walt Disney World in mind. The site takes a very practical look at what are and aren’t good ideas for your first time traveling to WDW, where best to spend your time and money, and where to focus your attention.

Frequent visitors to WDW will also find volumes of useful content on Dave’s site. He spends lots of time creating great content and extremely useful tools with which his readers can determine the very best time to visit WDW based upon their individual preferences.

Dave’s hard work was recently recognized by his site’s inclusion in this year’s The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 by Julie Neal. It’s quite an honor for a web site to be featured as a Great Resource in print media!

 

Check out Dave’s great planning products

 

Check out Dave’s Guest Posts on this site

 

I find YourFirstVisit.net a great compliment to MilitaryDisneyTips.com, I think you will too!

You’ll find The Complete Walt Disney World 2012 as well as many other great Disney Planning Guide Books on Amazon.com.

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Disclosure – MDT receives a small referral fee for all Amazon purchases made through our links