When can we expect News on Disney renewing their Armed Forces Salute past 30 September 2012 end date?

A Little History

The current Disney Armed Forces Salute runs through 30 Sept 2012. It is basically the 4th year in a row Disney has had a special military discount with steeply discounted tickets and rooms. This round of discounts was prompted by the economic downturn, which began in late 2008. Prior to this the last special offer was in 2002 during the post 9/11 travel industry downturn.

On 4 January 2009 Disney announced and started their Armed Forces Salute, which ran through 23 December 2009. This offer included a free 5-day ticket for the member and up to 5 more for $99.

Then on 21 December 2009, they announced the 2010 offer. Tickets had to be purchased by 31 July 2010 (later extended to 31 August) and the offer only ran through 30 September 2010. This time military members could purchase up to six 4-day tickets at $99. The free one for the member was gone.

All through August and September 2009 Disney officials said they would not be continuing these offers past 30 Sept. Then on 4 Oct after the offer had ended they announced a 30-40% room discount through 30 Sept 2011. The 2011 ticket offer was not announced (because of legal issues with the military) until 24 October. So there was no ticket offer for 23 days in October 2010.

A Major Surprise

On 18 April 2011 Whoopie Goldberg announced on ABC’s The View that Disney was extending the 2011 offer until 30 Sept 2012. It took weeks for me to confirm with Disney officials the details, and for several months the details of the offer changed several times. There were 4 or 5 different versions. Finally things settled down to what we have today.

As I’ve stated many times before, here on the blog, in the newsletter, and in e-mails that Disney’s offering their Armed Forces Salute was and is purely a financial decision. The purpose of these discounts is to get bodies into the Disney resorts and theme parks during a time when the economy is slow.

Disney’ Plan

The Disney Parks CEO is on record having said that their goal is to wean the public off of the big discounts they had to offer in the economic downturn.

When and how quickly I just don’t know…

So When Will We Know?

So having said all that between now and September, I see several different ways this could play out:

1. Disney could make another surprise announcement at any time between now and the end of the current offer. (Probability – Low)
2. Disney could, towards the end of the Summer or early Fall announce that they will be having another discount starting 1 October 2012 through 30 September 2013. (Probability – Medium to Low)
3. Disney could at the last minute (either just as the current offer expires or after the expiration) announce another discount starting 1 October 2012 (or later) through 30 September 2013. (Probability – High)

The problem with all of these scenarios is that, those trying to plan for a vacation after 30 September 2012 have no idea what they’ll have to pay for their Disney Vacation.

I try my hardest to stay on top of this each time around and will get the news out as soon as I know.

I broke the story on the last two offer announcements, so keep tuned, I’ll post about it on the blog and send out an immediate newsletter update when I do find out!

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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Image va.gov

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

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

If you are new to Military Disney Tips Start Here

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Disney 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.”

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!

Did you enjoy this post? If you’d like more like it, please share it through your favorite social media by clicking the buttons below to let me know.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

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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

Many take Disney’s Armed Forces Salute at the title’s face value. That Disney has made this offer due to their support of the troops. While that could factor in to their reasoning they do have other more immediate reasons to make these offers.

Many new to military life may be unaware that the recent semi-constant Military Salute offers are a rarity in the history of the Disney Company. In the past Disney did offer one free ticket to military members after Desert Storm. But during the twenty-first century these offers have only come at times of reduced theme park/resort attendance and are designed to draw more people to the Disney vacation destinations.

Recent History

The current Armed Forces Salute which runs through 30 Sept 2012 is basically the 4th year in a row Disney has had a special military discount with steeply discounted tickets and room discounts. This round of Salutes began 4 January 2009. Prior to this timeframe the previous special offer was in 2002 during the post 9/11 travel industry downturn. This current round of discounts was prompted by the economic downturn which began in late 2008.

Disney Attendance Levels

If you check any Disney Guide Book you’ll note that the timeframes of Disney’s blockout dates are during peak attendance periods. During these timeframes Disney often closes their theme parks during the day due to maximum attendance. Only those staying on property are allowed in, others are turned away. The way Disney looks at this is strictly from a business perspective. If they can fill the parks during those timeframes and actually have to turn away people willing to pay full price, then they’d be crazy to let those paying half price for military tickets to block those spots.

How This Helps You

The above is a pragmatic look at Disney’s reasoning. But here is my positive outlook on the situation.

These high attendance days for lack of better words are simply miserable in the theme parks. There are just way too many people. Lines are unbearable, and you’ll be unable to accomplish all that you’d like to do.

I think it’s really a blessing in disguise that you can’t use your Armed Forces Salute tickets during Spring Break or other peak times. It forces you to re-evaluate your vacation schedule and plan to go at another time. You’ll end up thanking yourself because your experience will be so much better during lower attendance periods.

Yes, this may involve taking the kids out of school, but you can take along class/homework and make opportunities to turn the vacation into a learning experience.

So What Do You Think?

I know this topic has the potential to bring people out on both sides.

Share what you think in the comments below

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Did you enjoy this post? If you’d like more like it, please share it through your favorite social media by clicking the buttons below to let me know.

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Military 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

• Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Rooms
• Shades of Green Room Rates
• Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Services and Activities

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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

• 2012 Weeks, Ranked in Order
• 2012 Week Picker
• 2012 Price Seasons
• 2012 Crowd Calendar

Check out Dave’s Guest Posts on this site

• Frontierland, Walt Disney, and the American Identity Part 1
• Frontierland, Walt Disney, and the American Identity Part 2

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.

Did you enjoy this post? If you’d like more like it, please share it through your favorite social media by clicking the buttons below to let me know.

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

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Anheuser-Busch  has renewed their Here’s to the Heroes Salute  for 2012

This very popular offer allows Free One-Day admission to Anheuser-Busch’s theme parks for themselves and up to 3 direct dependents.

The parks included in this offer are

• Sea World Orlando
• Sea World San Antonio
• Sea World San Diego
• Busch Gardens Tampa
• Busch Gardens Virginia
• Sesame Place

This fantastic offer has been ongoing since 2005 without any break.

Anheuser-Busch Officials confirmed for me today that the Here’s to the Heroes program has indeed been renewed for 2012.

They apologized that their website herosalute.com has not been updated and said to expect it to reflect the renewal within a few days. As I type this the site says the offer ends 31 December 2011.

The Anheuser-Busch Company also wanted to pass on their thanks for all that the military does for our country and they fully support us and enjoy being able to make this offer available!

For more information on this offer check out the following links:

2012 Anheuser-Busch Here’s to the Heroes Salute

Anheuser-Busch’s Free one-day admission to one of their Theme Parks

herosalute.com

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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Happy New Year from Military Disney Tips!

I’m so thankful for the previous great year and look forward to another super one.

2011

This past Year was a huge year of growth for MDT. We received coverage from many sources, including a national Military Magazine. Traffic on the site grew by 4 times and newsletter readers grew by over 1000!

There was of course exciting news early this year with the extension of Disney’s Armed Forces Salute through 30 September 2012, from 30 Sept 2011. Although it took several months to really sort out the details.

Shades of Green began offering many varied discounts, different prices, different items included, and different lengths. Some announced in advance and some short notice. It was quite a task keeping up with it.

2012

I’m looking forward to another great year.

Here’s what is in store for Military Discounts…

We have the Disney Armed Forces Salute at least through 30 Sept. We’ll see if it is extended again for 2013, but don’t expect to know ahead of time. We could find out last minute just like we did in Oct. 2010. Disney’s decision to renew the offer just depends on how the economy is doing. Rest assured I’ll be on top of it and get the word out as soon I know.

Last night Disney announced their general public One More Disney Day promotion, “Spend an extra night for free at either a Disneyland Resort Hotel or a Walt Disney World Resort hotel when you book a Room and Ticket Package for 3 nights or more, between February 26 and March 10, 2012. Purchase before January 31, 2012.” AND “Starting January 1, 2012, enter every day through February 29, 2012 for a chance to win one of 60 vacation packages for 4 to either Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort.” You can enter here daily.

No Official News on the Anheuser-Busch Here’s to the Heroes offer for 2012, although one reader on Facebook reported talking to SeaWorld Orlando and receiving conformation of the offer. I haven’t heard back from A-B Corporate yet. Each of the past few years it hasn’t been made official until some time the first week of the year. In 2011 it was on 8 January.

No special theme park discounts from Universal Studios for 2012, just the regular Military Discount and their Military Room and Ticket Package.

Shades of Green continues to offer their discounts, check the Shades of Green Discount Packages page to see the latest info.

The Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resorts are continuing their Military Discount for 2012.

Have a great year!

I hope that you and your family have a great year ahead and that if you get the chance you’ll be able to take advantage of these great discounts.

I look forward to another year of helping you find out all the information you need in order to have a low cost, fun vacation!

Happy New Year,

Steve

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

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Shades of Green is offering a Leap Year Special

This offer is for 25% off and applies to standard room rates.

The available dates for this offer are from 26 February through 4 March 2012

The 25% Off Rates Are:

• Category 1 guests $71.25 per night
• Category 2 guests $92.25 per night
• Category 3 guests $98.25 per night

See here for category definitions

These rates are available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Valid for . Guests must book online to receive this offer. The discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

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) :

LEAP1 for category 1 guests $71.25 per night stay (E1-E5, Cadet)
LEAP2 for category 2 guests $92.25 per night stay (E6-E9,O1-O3,100% Disabled Veterans, Widows, Medal of Honor Recipients)
LEAP3 for category 3 guests $98.25 per night stay (O4-O6, CW4-CW6, O7-O10, Active Duty Foreign Military, DoD Active/Retired)

Click here to make your reservation.

See all the current Shades of Green Packages

Shades of Green Links

• Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Rooms
• Shades of Green Room Rates
• Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Services and Activities

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April is designated as the Month of the Military Child, underscoring the important role military children play in the armed forces community. The Month of the Military Child is an opportunity to recognize military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices and continued resilience.

There are 1.7 million American children and youth under 18 with a parent serving in the military and about 900,000 with one or both parents deployed multiple times.

Shades of Green is celebrating the second half of the month by offering a 4-night package.

From 14 through 30 April 2011 these 4-night packages will start at $349.00 (based upon double occupancy).

That works out to $87.25 per night a big savings on the regular category 1 price.

The tie-in to the Month of the Military Child is that besides the great room rate, for each paying adult at Shades of Green restaurants a child under 10 will eat for free.

Call Shades to reserve your package: (888) 593-2242

Shades of Green Links

• Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Rooms
• Shades of Green Room Rates
• Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Services and Activities

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Here’s a fun website for you and the kids. NORAD’s Santa tracker website is already online and ready for use 24 December 2011. This is a service NORAD has provided for more than 50 years.

“The tradition began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief’s operations “hotline.” The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.”

On the site you’ll find lots of content including: videos, a kids countdown, info about Santa and NORAD, plus lots more content which comes online 24 December.

Join the experience at noradsanta.org as NORAD counts down to Santa’s takeoff.

Also, for up-to-the minute updates on Santa’s whereabouts on Dec. 24th, be sure to call the NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) to speak to an official Santa tracker.

Track with NORAD so you know when Santa’s going to arrive at your home!

New this Year

The NORAD Tracks Santa iPhone App, available for free at the iTunes Store.

This app has a countdown to Christmas eve feature, handy links to the NORAD website, and a neat Toss the Elf game, where you help the elfs ski down a candy cane and drop packages in Santa’s sleigh.

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The Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels are seven hotels located near the Downtown Disney entertainment area in the Walt Disney World® Resort, are celebrating America’s military with a 20% room rate discount at all of its member hotels.

With the “Celebrate the U.S. Military” offer, both active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservist, can enjoy up to 20% off the best available room rate at all of the member hotels, when booking directly.

The Downtown Disney Resort Hotels:

• Best Western Lake Buena Vista Resort Hotel
• Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
• Doubletree Guest Suites
• Hilton Orlando Resort
• Holiday Inn
• Royal Plaza Resort
• Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort

Please see the Downtown Disney® Resort Area Hotels website for booking links and hotel info.

Restrictions and black out dates may apply. Discount is not valid with any other offer.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

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I recently stayed at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort on Disney World property.

The Swan and Dolphin resorts both of which are operated by Starwood hotels are part of Disney’s Epcot Resort Area. Starwood members may earn or use points at these hotels.

The Swan and Dolphin are categorized as Deluxe Disney Resorts and they offer military discounts on their rooms. It’s important to note that because they are not operated by Disney the Swan and Dolphin just like Shades of Green are not decorated with Disney Theming.

More pictures from my stay

Swan and Dolphin Amenities

While the Swan and Dolphin hotels are not Disney Hotels they do offer some of the same benefits.

Disney World Amenities extended to Swan and Dolphin Guests

• Complimentary Disney World Transportation
• Extra Magic Hours
• Free Theme Park Parking
• Guaranteed Park Admission
• Package Delivery

One amenity not extended to Swan and Dolphin guests is charging privileges. By this I mean you can’t charge items from Disney locations (theme parks, merchandise, restaurants) to your room. This is a convenience that those staying at Disney resorts have. You can charge at internal Swan and Dolphin locations though.

Swan and Dolphin Description

Guest Rooms

The Swan and Dolphin are located in the Epcot resort area which is conveniently located between Epcot’s World Showcase and Disney Studios. You can take Disney’s free boat transportation to either theme park or choose to walk (the walk isn’t too bad). Transportation to other Disney World destinations is by the Disney bus system.

The Swan and Dolphin are large resorts. The Swan has 785 guest rooms and the Dolphin has 1509. The resorts were opened at Walt Disney World in 1989 and although the guest rooms have had a recent renovation our room felt like it was old. You could just tell the building was older.

The rooms are decorated in pastels and have very comfortable beds. The room offers a large flat screen TV, wireless internet, a mini fridge and coffee maker. The bathroom is split with a separate sink and mirror area. Unfortunately the lighting in this “vanity” area was awful, ant the bathroom wasn’t much better.

Other Swan and Dolphin Amenities

The Swan and Dolphin have many dining options available:

• Shula’s Steakhouse – Located on the Dolphin lobby level, reservations are accepted. Dinner only.
• Fresh Mediterranean Market – In the Dolphin – breakfast (buffet) and lunch (buffet), .
• BlueZoo – in the Dolphin is a seafood restaurant by Todd English – Late lunch and dinner.
• Dolphin Fountain – Burgers, ice cream, and shakes – Lunch and dinner.
• Picabu – In the Dolphin – Cafeteria service plus the hotels 24-hour convenience store.
• The Cabana Bar & Beach Club – Poolside dinning – Burgers and salads
• Garden Grove – In the Swan – Character breakfast buffet and standard lunch and dinner. The Garden Grove at the Swan offers a morning character breakfast buffet.
• Kimonos – In the Swan – Asian specialties and sushi.
• Il Mulino New York Trattoria, – In the Swan – Italian cuisine.
• Splash Grill – Located near the pool – hamburgers, hot dogs and snacks. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner.
• Room Service is available 24 hours a day. Breakfast, all-day dining and late night menus are available.

For more information on dining please see the Disney Food Blog

Swan and Dolphin Pool

The Swan and Dolphin share a pool and recreation area.

There are two beautiful pools plus a kiddy pool. The Grotto pool has water slides and a play area. Besides the pools there are hot tubs, volleyball (water and land) . You can even rent a swan shaped paddle boat to take a spin in. Tennis and Basketball are also available

Each resort has its own health club offering saunas, whirlpools and aerobics.

Our Impression

Overall staying at the Swan was a nice experience, but I don’t think that we’d do it again. We missed the Disney feel we’ve become used to staying at the other Disney resorts. The convenience of being close to Epcot was nice, we were there for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, but there are other Disney resorts just as close which we love to stay at such as the Beach Club.

More Swan and Dolphin Pictures

Check here for the Swan and Dolphin military discount cost breakdown.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

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The Disney Armed Forces Salute Offer for 2010-2011 was originally set to expire on 30 Sept 2011. Then in a surprise announcement it was extended until 30 Sept 2012. Details of this “extension” have been hard to gather and changed several times during the first months of the extension. On top of that the lack of training Disney provides its employees on the details of this offer lead to further confusion when they are asked about the details. The often mislead military members about the offer unintentionally due to their lack of training.

Disney Armed Forces Salute Military Discount Tickets Extended

One of the incorrect statements that Disney castmembers have made to military members is that tickets for the original 2010-2011 offer have expired. Several readers have relayed this to me. While the original tickets do have a 30 Sept 2011 expiration date printed on them, if any of the original 4 days of admission are unused then the ticket can be used until 30 Sept 2012.

How to use these tickets

There are specific procedures required in order for you to use the remaining days on these tickets.

On a recent trip to Walt Disney World I performed a test on how to do this. I had an Armed Forces Salute Ticket with a 30 Sept 2011 expiration that had 2 days of park admission left on it.

First in order to see if the ticket would work as is, I went to a theme park turnstile to try it. It didn’t. The castmember there said “Your ticket has expired.” When I told her the offer was extended she ran it through again and said “all I see is that it is expired.” She recommend I try a ticket sales window.

At the window the conversation was exactly the same as at the turnstile, the ticket when scanned showed that it was expired. I again explained that the offer had been extended and this person recommended that I try Guest Relations.

At guest Relations the person working there knew exactly what I was talking about. He even went through a little script from memory saying that “Disney got together with the First Lady Michelle Obama and extended the offer into 2012.” He exchanged my plastic Armed Forces Salute logo ticket with a standard Disney paper ticket which had the two remaining days loaded on it. He then said “This is a onetime extension of this ticket until 30 Sept 2012.”

So if you do have one of these tickets with the 30 Sept 2011 expiration date that still has days remaining on it go straight to a Disney Guest Services in order to be able to use it.

Disney World Guest Services Locations

• Magic Kingdom – Located to the left of the ticket windows near the self serve ticket machines
• Epcot – Located to the far right of the turnstiles before you enter the park and at the far left ticket window at the International Gateway
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Located near the main entrance to the left of the turnstiles
• Animal Kingdom – Located on the left before and after the entrance turnstiles
• Downtown Disney – Located in Downtown Disney West Side, near Characters in Flight and the Marketplace, between Arribas Brothers & Team Mickey
• Disney Water Parks – Both Water Parks have a Guest Relations

Water Parks and More

his applies to the Water Parks and More option if you purchased it on your ticket. You can extend your ticket right at the Water Parks, or Downtown Disney id you are going to Disney Quest.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

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Shades of Green will be offering a thanksgiving Buffet Meal in the Garden Gallery Restaurant on Thanksgiving Day, seating times are from 1:30pm until 8pm.

The price for the buffet is $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for Children (4-9)

Make your reservations at Shades of Green’s Guest Services Office or call ahead (407) 824-2437

Soup

Pumpkin
Chicken Noodle

Salad Bar

Mixed Greens and Assorted Toppings
Mushroom Salad
Grilled Vegatables
Cranberry Sauce

Carving Station
Roasted Turkey with Gravy
Baked Ham with Honey Mustard Glaze

Main

Grouper with Mango Papaya
Beef Tips with Red Wine Vinegar
Penne Pasta with Tomato Bacon Alfredo
Corn Bread Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Topping
Baked Squash with Brown Sugar
Green Beans
Baked Carrots with Dill
Baked Sauash with Honey

Deserts

Chef’s Selection of Assorted Deserts

Shades of Green Links

• Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Rooms
• Shades of Green Room Rates
• Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Services and Activities

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Are you a Disabled Veteran?

Then you are eligible for Disney’s Armed Forces Salute and other discounts if you have the proper ID.

I get lots of great questions from my readers via email and in comments on my blog posts. Some of the questions can be answered by my Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ, others take some thought or more research on my part.

Occasionally I’ll get several different requests for the same information in a short period of time. When I do, I know I need to get that info out to everyone.

I just received three questions to clarify if disabled vets are eligible for Disney’s great Military Salute.

Yes They Are!

The eligible veteran should have a Retired ID card with the code: DAVPRM printed on it. DAVPRM stands for Disabled Veteran Permanent status.

Here is a link to more info on this discount

Shades Of Green Benefits as well

Disabled Vets are also eligible to stay at Shades of Green (the military owned and operated reasort on Disney property) and purchase military discounted tickets there. Shades of Green’s policy says “Honorably Discharged Veterans with 100% service-connected disability (and their families)” are eligible. Required documentation is a DD Form 1173 or DD Form 2765.

Shades of Green offers discounted tickets for Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and many more local Orlando Attractions.

Here is some more info on Shades of Green and their ticket sales.

Non Retired Veterans who are not disabled and didn’t retire while not eligible for Disney’s Salute are eligible to stay at Shades of Green during January 2012, see this post.

Hope this info helps, be sure to take some time to review the info on my site, there is lots to go through!

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

Shades of Green Links

• Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Rooms
• Shades of Green Room Rates
• Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
• Shades of Green Services and Activities

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Picture Post

I snapped this photo from the Epcot Monorail Station. There was a nice breeze making the flag look great in front of Spaceship Earth.

The American Flag flies proudly over Disney World's Epcot

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On 18 April 2011 the extension into 2012 of the Disney Armed Forces Salute Military Discount was announced.

Since then Disney has made major changes to the details of the offer at least 3 times. Changes effecting the number of times military members could participate, the number of tickets available during the offer, and how many tickets could be active at once.

Details recently appeared on the Disney World site stating: No more than twelve (12) Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased, activated and/or used by any Eligible Service Member or spouse during the life of this promotion, and no Eligible Service Member or spouse may purchase, activate and/or use more than six (6) Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets during any single week of the promotion.

Disney fails to define what a “week” is though on the page. I’ve emailed Disney to attempt to clarify.

Meanwhile the Disney Military Sales page and the Disneyland site still have the information that was posted in October 2010 stating the offer ends Sept 2011.

While it’s been frustrating that the details have been so hard to discover, it’s great that Disney did extend this great military discount into 2012

If you plan to use the Armed Forces Salute Military Discount in 2012 and are trying to decide when would be the best time to go, then check out the 2012 Disney Crowd Calendar on YourFirstVisit.net, or the 2012 weeks ranked in order page.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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Disney has changed their Armed Forces Salute, now allowing the purchase of up to 12 military discounted tickets (24 October 2010 – 30 September 2012). This is a really great offer, but you have to be careful not to get carried away. While you can buy up to 12 tickets, the question is, should you?

Readers Ask

I get lot’s of great questions from readers in my email and when I get a few similar questions I’ll turn the answer into a blog post. I know that if several people are asking the same question, the there must be many more out there who’d like to know the answer too.

So here’s the break down on what’s the right ticket to buy based on the number of days you’d like to visit the Disney Theme Parks during the course of the current Disney Armed Forces Salute Offer.

All Tickets and Passes are available at the Shades of Green or your Base ITT Office, Armed Forces Salute tickets are also available at Disney ticket windows (with sales tax added)
* Eligibility for Florida Resident Passes requires Florida residence or being stationed in Florida

For this comparison I compared the Armed Forces Salute $138 Park Hopper Ticket to the Park Hopper version of regular military discounted Magic Your Way Ticket prices and military discounted pass prices.

See here for more info on the Armed Forces Salute

Military Discounted Magic Your Way Ticket Prices

Annual Pass and Florida Annual Pass Prices

Shades of Green has many other military discounted ticket prices see here.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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Last month I was contacted by Krystel the hostess at ArmyWife101.com to share some Disney discount information with her readers.

ArmyWife101.com is a great resource and community for military spouses. Krystel shares all kinds of helpful information on the site on topics like PCS info, deployments, money, and kids. On her Facebook page wives gather to support each other.

You should check out her site, while Army is in the title I’m sure wives of all services will find useful info.

Check out my guest post on armywife101.com here.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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I get lots of emails and comments on my posts with questions from my great readers about Disney’s 2011/2012 Armed Forces Salute.

I know its confusing this time around, what with Disney continually changing the offer. So I’ve consolidated the most asked questions that I receive, added some more useful information and created the 2011/2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ.

I really hope that this helps you find the answer to any question that you might have, but as always don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything that I can help you with!

I know lots of people are making reservations at Disney for late 2011 and early 2012. 2012 still seems like a long way off to me, but you have to plan ahead for a Disney vacation. A great tool to help you decide what might be a good time to visit Walt Disney World is the Walt Disney World 2012 crowd forecasts at YourFirstVisit.net.

I’ve mentioned Dave’s great site before including his 2011 Disney World Week Picker, but when I saw the new 2012 Crowd Forecasts in the new easy to read bar graph format, it was obvious when I wanted to go to Disney and when I didn’t.

Planning a Disney vacation can be daunting, I hope that these two tools help!

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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Last month I reported that I’d received info that Disney was now allowing an unlimited number of Armed Forces Salute theme park ticket purchases.

UPDATE – The offer keeps getting changing. See here for the most up to date details

But, I have new information that changes this unlimited amount, unfortunately to a total of 12 tickets.

This 2011/2012 extension of the 2009/2010 Military Ticket Discount has been constantly evolving since it was first announced and contacts both official and unofficial that I have within Disney have at times contradicted each other.

But all my sources agree on this important new update to the military ticket discount offer.

From the Disney Military Sales Dept.

“Qualified Military Members are eligible for twelve total “Salute” tickets throughout the life of the promotion (October 3, 2010-September 30, 2012). They may never purchase/activate/utilize more than six per day.”

Disney will continue to collect military Guest information during the ticket booth activation process in order to track proper utilization.”

I started receiving info on this a week ago but held off releasing it as the details I received from Disney Military Sales were discriminatory towards those who had already purchased some Salute tickets. Their initial email said that there would be a limit of two purchases/activations with a max of 6 tickets each. So those who hadn’t purchased salute tickets since 3 Oct ’10 could buy a total of 12, while those who had purchased tickets (like me I bought 2 last fall) could only buy 6 more as the second visit. I queried them on this part of the policy and they decided to change the offer to be equitable to all as stated above.

I was also able to get a confirmation today on the Disney Military Room Discount Blockout Dates. They are exactly the same as the ticket blockout dates.

Disney World Room & Ticket Blockout dates:

26-31 December 2011
1-12 April 2012
4 July 2012 (Magic Kingdom only)

Disneyland Room & Ticket Blockout dates:

24 December 2011-2 January 2012
17-19 February 2012
2-14 April 2012
4 July 2012

This “extension” of the 2009/2010 offer has been frustrating, as the details have been constantly changing and hard to discover. Hopefully we are now at a point where the offer won’t change any more.

One thing to be aware of is that Shades of Green and your local Base’s ticket office must abide by the contract they have with Disney as to the ticket sales process. With these many changes since the offer was announced, who knows the way that contract reads and when or if it will be updated to match the most recent Disney decision. So it might be that the only way to use the offer as stated above is to use the Disney ticket offices, as your Base and Shades may be working off old info.

For full details see this web page on the 2011/2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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Last March a new poolside snack bar opened at Shades of Green.

Lucky’s Snack Bar is located right next to Evergreens Sports Bar by the Millpond pool.

Lucky’s Serves cold drinks and snack type food. Hot Dogs, Pizzas, Wraps, and Salads.

They are open until 5 PM to take the place of Evergreens which now opens at 5.

For the full Menu click here.

If you are new to Military Disney Tips Start Here

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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Just a quick update, Amy a Ears of Experiencecalled to let me know that the Disney Reservations Office is again able to book the Armed Forces Salute room discount combined with dining plans.

The reservation system had experienced an issue last week which caused the room to revert to full price when a dining plan was added.

UPDATE Disney World Room Blockout dates:

26-31 December 2011
1-12 April 2012
4 July 2012 (Magic Kingdom only)

Disneyland Room & Ticket Blockout dates:

24 December 2011-2 January 2012
17-19 February 2012
2-14 April 2012
4 July 2012

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Disney Military Discounts For 2012

The news that Disney has extended their very popular Armed Forces Salute Military Discounts through 30 September 2012, has been out for a while. This offer includes both steeply discounted theme park tickets and room rates.

Yesterday I received exciting news from the Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows.

There is a great new change to the military theme park ticket policy. This is an official Disney ticketing department policy change which has been distributed to all ticket windows.

UPDATE – This great Disney military discount offer has changed several times. This particular revision only lasted about one week. Click this link for the most up to date details

Military members may now purchase the Military Salute Tickets as often as they wish as long as no more than six (6) tickets are sold in each transaction.

All other details of the 2011-2012 ticket offer remain the same. See here for full details on the Disney Armed Forces Salute.

An important consideration is that the 4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets may be upgraded to Premium Annual or Annual Passes. And for Florida residents to Premium Annual, Annual, Seasonal and Weekday Select Passes. You may upgrade the tickets by paying the difference between what you have already paid for the military ticket and the price of the pass you are upgrading to.

This needs to be accomplished at Disney’s ticket counters at the regular rates of the above passes. If you do upgrade to the above passes they will expire 1 year from the date of first use of the military ticket.

So if your stay at Disney will require more than 4 days in the parks or you are returning for a second visit within the 1 year time frame, compare the cost of additional Military Salute tickets to the prices below.

Premium Annual Pass Adult $669.89 / Child (3-9) $603.86
Annual Pass Adult $531.44 / Child (3-9) $479.25

Florida Resident Premium Annual Adult $531.44 / Child (3-9) $479.25
Florida Residents Annual Adult $403.64 / Child (3-9) $364.23
Florida Resident Seasonal Adult $275.84 / Child (3-9) $249.21
Florida Resident Select Seasonal Adult $185.31 / Child (3-9) $167.21

Compare to
Military Salute Ticket Prices
Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets or Four-Day Water Park and More Tickets for $138.00,
Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets plus the Water Park and More Option for $165.00.

Other Disney Military Discounted ticket prices

Just an example: 3 of the 4-Day military tickets (12 days worth) go for $414.00 while 4 tickets (16 days worth) go for $552.00 compared to an adult annual pass (non Florida resident) sells for $531.44.

You’ll just have to access your particular situation and decide what’s most cost effective for your particular situation.

I will probably buy the $138 Hoppers and upgrade them to Florida Resident Seasonal passes on my second visit for an extra 137. 84.

Note: it could take a while for this information to flow to you local base ticket office, Shades of Green should be on top of it right away though,

What do you think will work best for you?

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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Great news for those of you waiting to make your Disney military discounted resort reservations!

Amy at Ears of Experience just let me know that Disney has released the fare codes, which travel agents or Disney reservationists need to book the Armed Forces Salute room rates.

They have only released through the end of the 2011 calendar year so far, so if your dates are in 2012 you’ll have to wait a while longer.

I’ll see if I can find out when those might be released.

Also I’ll post blockout dates as soon as I get them.

UPDATE Disney World Room Blockout dates:

26-31 December 2011
1-12 April 2012
4 July 2012 (Magic Kingdom only)

Disneyland Room & Ticket Blockout dates:

24 December 2011-2 January 2012
17-19 February 2012
2-14 April 2012
4 July 2012

Our Reader Tia reports: Disneyworld is having issues with the newly released codes for FY 2012 room discounts. Apparently if a “package/room and dining” is booked the rooms will revert back to full price. They said they are aware of the glitch in the system and should be able to fix it by next week.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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I Salute Disney! I’ve been in contact with a couple people within the company and now have all the details on the 1 October 2011 through 30 September 2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket Offer.

UPDATE – The offer keeps getting changing. See here for the most up to date details

For those waiting on details about the extended Armed Forces Salute Disney Resort Room Military Discounts you’ll need to wait just a little longer. While Disney has announced that the discounts will be the same (30% on Value Resorts, 35% on Moderate Resorts and Fort Wilderness Cabins, and 40% on Deluxe Resorts Including Disneyland) the blockout dates have not yet been set. Expect these mid June as well as the release of the “fare codes” which will allow your travel agent or Disney reservations to book your room at these rates past 1 October 2011.

So here are the details on the “Extended Offer.”

It’s much like the current offer.

Up to six park tickets may be purchased including a ticket for the military member (only five if the spouse is purchasing with out the member).

There is a maximum purchase of six theme park tickets per family for each offer period. However, Disney states – Exceptions should be made for immediate families larger than five people. For example, if a family has six children, they will allow all members of the family to purchase 4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets.

The tickets available are:

At Walt Disney World

• Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets or Four-Day Water Park and More Tickets for $138.00
• Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets plus the Water Park and More Option for $165.00
• These tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green, Your local Base Ticket Office, or Disney Theme Park ticket booths (Tax will be added at Disney ticket booths).

At Disneyland

• Up to six three-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $99.00
• These tickets can be purchased at Your local Base Ticket Office, or Disney Theme Park ticket booths (Tax will be added at Disney ticket booths).

There are 2 separate offer periods, the current one, which ends on 1 October 2011, and the fiscal year 2012 offer which will start right afterwards and runs through 30 September 2012.

Theme park tickets currently being activated have an expiration date of 30 Sept. 2012, members will be eligible to buy 6 more tickets starting 1 October 2011.

Disney has stated to me that “…if a customer buys six tickets now but does not use them prior to the original expiration date (of Sept. 30, 2011) or only uses a few of the six tickets, they may purchase an additional six tickets beginning Oct. 1, 2011 and activate more than the originally dictated six at a single time.”

4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets may be upgraded to add the Park Hopper® Option and Water Park Fun and More option. These options may be added any time prior to September 30, 2012. The no-expiration option is not available. Additional days may not be added to this ticket.

4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets may be upgraded to add the Park Hopper® Option and Water Park Fun and More option. These options may be added any time prior to September 30, 2012. The no-expiration option is not available.

Additional days may not be added to this ticket.

4-Day Disney Military Promotion Tickets may be upgraded to Premium Annual, Annual, Seasonal and Weekday Select Passes by paying the difference in price.

Disney World Ticket Blockout dates:

• July 4, 2011 (Magic Kingdom only)
• December 26-31, 2011
• April 1-12, 2012
• July 4, 2012 (Magic Kingdom only).

Disneyland Ticket Blockout dates:

• July 1-4, 2011
• December 24, 2011-January 2, 2012
• February 17-19, 2012
• April 2-14, 2012
• July 4, 2012.

For details on military discounts for the other Orlando theme parks see these posts:

Sea World Busch Gardens Military Salute 2011 – Orlando Military Discounts Series
Universal Orlando Military Discount 2011 – Orlando Military Discounts Series

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

Related posts:

1. Details Announced – 2012 Disney Armed Forces SaluteDisney officials confirmed for me today the details on this...
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Disney officials confirmed for me today the details on this outstanding Disney Military Discount. Last month Whoopie Goldberg announced the extension of the current military discounts on resort hotels and theme park tickets through September 2012, live on The View.

I’ve seen lots of posts lately on the various message boards asking if there were more details available. People want to find out if they’ll be able to use these discounts during their vacation dates. And if using the offer this year would exclude them from using next year’s offer.

So today I got in touch with the Sales Director at Disney’s Military Sales Department to check on if he had any updates to pass out. And he did have some great information to share. Here is what I found out:

UPDATE – The offer keeps getting changing. See here for the most up to date details

“Military members who purchase their tickets during this “Salute” period (originally ending 1 Oct 2011), will be eligible to take advantage of next year’s promo as well…they are NOT mutually exclusive”.

“Somebody who purchases “Salute” tickets between now and end of September will absolutely have the option to purchase again during the Oct 11-Sept 12 period”.

“Tickets being distributed now do have the extended expiration date on them, but that doesn’t exclude the Guest from purchasing again for the use in the following year, after this promotion’s original end-date”.

Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets (including any options) for the Walt Disney World Resort may not be used on the following blockout dates: July 4, 2011, December 26 – 31, 2011, April 1 – 12, 2012 and July 4, 2012 at Magic Kingdom Park.

Disney says they will maintain limited demographic info at the ticket windows in order to keep track of who uses tickets and when.

I’m still waiting to hear about Disneyland and Disney Resort discount blockout dates. I’ll update on this post as soon as I have them! Check back Wednesday…

See this page to see the full details of the 2011-2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute.

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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A great question came up recently from Jim one of our new readers who found his way here from the disboards as many have in the last couple of weeks. The question is if you want a longer stay at Walt Disney World than the Armed Forces Salute 4-day military discounted ticket allows, what’s the best ticket option to buy? Also the opposite question would be, if you can’t stay as long a 4 days when should you not buy the Salute ticket.

In essence Jim’s question is; if you want to spend 5, 6, 7, or more days in Disney’s theme parks, what’s the cheapest way to do it. When is it cheaper to combine the Armed Forces Salute tickets with other regularly discounted Disney World tickets, and when is it cheaper to go with a single regularly discounted Magic Your Way ticket? This is a very interesting question and required a bit of research and some Microsoft excel work.

NOTE: the prices quoted in this post are prior to the June 2011 ticket price increase, I’ll update soon.

The key point to Disney’s Magic Your Way tickets is that the majority of the cost is incurred in the first three days of multi-day tickets, while the latter days only cost a few dollars.

There are so many varieties of Magic Your Way Tickets: 1 Park, Park Hopper, Water Park Fun & More, Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More, and the no expiration option on all but one day tickets. For this discussion I won’t talk about the no expiration option as this adds quite a bit of cost to the tickets and we are assuming that we are talking about one longer vacation at WDW rather than coming back later for a second (which is why you’d get the no expiration).

The results are that almost any time you want to go to the parks for more than 4 days it’s cheaper to just buy a Military Discounted Magic Your Way ticket for the number of days you desire, either through Shades of Green or your base ticket office. You can buy them from Disney but they add sales tax. Only with the Adult 5-Day 1-Park, Park Hopper, and Water Park Fun & More tickets is it cheaper to buy the Salute ticket plus the additional day (a $9 savings). Six days and above go with the Magic Your Way.

Also on the flip side if you are unable to stay for 4 days in the theme parks it’s still cheaper to buy the Armed Forces Salute ticket than it is to buy a 2 or 3 day ticket. There are only 4 tickets that are cheaper than the salute ticket: all 1-Day tickets: the 1-Park tickets (adult and child), the child park hopper, and the child water park fun & more.

You can see my results here (Microsoft Excel file)

Shades of Green Ticket Options
Shades of Green Ticket Prices
On Base Ticket Offices

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

Related posts:

1. More Details – 2012 Disney Armed Forces Salute Military TicketsI Salute Disney! I’ve been in contact with a couple...
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photo © 2006 Jackie | more info (via: Wylio)As a webmaster/blogger some neat data that I see is search terms that people have used to find my site. The variations of Disney Military Discount mixed with other words are endless. But I’ve noticed a small but steady amount of people searching for “Free Disney Military Tickets.”

While there was a time that Disney and Universal Orlando offered a free theme park ticket to military members, unfortunately free tickets are a thing of the past. Only Anheuser-Busch continues to offer free tickets to their theme parks.

Disney offered free military theme park tickets three times in the past.

In 1990 after Desert Storm Disney World gave members a free 1-day park-hopper ticket.

The next time Disney offered a free military ticket was in 2002 after the events of 9/11, this was one free 5-day park-hopper for the military member. You could then purchase up to 5 additional 5-day tickets for friends and family. Either basic tickets for $99 or park-hoppers for $124.

Since 2009 military members have had to purchase their own Armed Forces Salute Tickets as well as those for their guests and the price has risen.

Universal Orlando’s most recent free admission for military members ended on 30 March 2010. The member received a free multi-day multi-park theme park ticket and could purchase the same tickets for their guests for $88.

Our good friends at Anheuser-Busch are still offering free admission to their theme parks for the military member and their guests (up to 3 guests), an offer they have had every year since 2004. My hat’s off the Busch theme parks!

So as you can see currently the Orlando Theme Parks run the full spectrum in their offers for the military. From totally free admission to no special Military Salute tickets.

To see each Theme Parks current offers see the previous posts in this series
1. Disney Military Discount 2011 – Orlando Military Discounts Series
2. Sea World Busch Gardens Military Salute 2011 – Orlando Military Discounts Series
3. Universal Orlando Military Discount 2011 – Orlando Military Discounts Series

Keep tuned, there will be one more installment in this series – The Ultimate Post Deployment Orlando Vacation.

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

For up to the minute news follow us on facebook and twitter.

Free Disney Planning & Reservation Checklist

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