Long time Military Disney Tips readers know that I am a great fan of, and often recommend The Walt Disney World Instruction Manual – YourFirstVisit.net. 

As the name implies Your First Visit is a site geared towards first time Walt Disney World visitors, but the information on the site is so detailed and so well researched that even seasoned WDW travelers like me will find new info.

I first ran into Dave, Your First Visit’s webmaster some time in 2009. WE immediately hit it off and quickly discovered that our two sites each filled a gap in the others. It was an easy fit and we both send lots of visitors to each other’s site.

Many military families who read my site are planning their first visit to WDW, so the first time aspect of Dave’s site works out perfectly for them.

Your First Visit provides specific, targeted and precise answers to all the key questions you will face in designing the best possible first family visit to Walt Disney World. Dave gives well thought out and researched advice on exactly what is important for Your First Visit!

Dave’s Summary of Instructions for the first time visitor starts right on the home page with these 12 sections:

1. When to Go to Walt Disney World:

2. How Long to Stay:

3. How Old/Tall Your Children Should be:

4. Where to Stay at Walt Disney World:

5. How Much to Budget:

6. When Your Plans Need to be Firm:

7. How to Eat at Walt Disney World:

8. Where to Eat:

9. How to Spend Your Time at Walt Disney World:

10. What to do When:

11. Families with Special Circumstances

12. More Resources

The WDW Today Podcast

I am also a huge fan of the WDW Today podcast, I’ve been listening for over 7 years now. You can read why here.

I was so excited to hear that the hosts of WDW Today had asked Dave to be on last week,s show.

I just got a chance to listen to it this weekend and it was great. Dave brought up some very interesting points on why his suggestions are sometimes a little different from the average Disney site’s. His recommendations are for first time visitors who don’t know if they will return to WDW or not. The point being to pack the most into the vacation while missing as little as possible.

During the 20 minute podcast they had the chance to cover steps 1 through 4 of Dave’s 12-step program (see above).

I sure hope they’ll have him back soon for the rest of the steps!!!

Resources

You can listen to this episode on the WDW Today site

Download it via iTunes at: WDW Today

Learn why I partner with YourFirstVisit.net

See Dave’s suggestions on: When is the best time to visit Walt Disney World?

Read Dave’s post on his site 

Check out the WDW Today facebook page

And the Your First Visit facebook page

On 2 June 2013 Walt Disney World increased prices on their general public tickets. This unfortunately has the effect of increasing the prices on all of the Regular Military Discounted Disney World tickets available through Shades of Green and Base ticket offices.

New this year is separate one day pricing on Magic Kingdom tickets which are a little more expensive that one day ticket for the other parks.

Prices increased on the various tickets anywhere from 5 – 50 dollars, depending on length and options.

Note this increase does not affect the prices on Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets.

Recently Shades of Green the military owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property, instituted a new security procedure on it’s busses.

All adults returning to Shades of Green via their fleet of busses will have to show either a military ID or their Shades room key or resort ID along with a photo ID card; military ID cards are preferred.

Day use of the resort and its amenities-such as the spa, restaurants, tickets, and AAFES- is still allowed and encouraged by those eligible to stay at Shades (but not staying there).

Shades of Green notes that an ID check for the walking path onto Shades of Green property will be started in the near future.

They also said that the motivation for these decisions has been and always will be to maintain the safety of the Shades of Green guests and employees. The safety of you and your family is always their priority.

Other Shades News

Both the AAFES Store and the Java Cafe which had closed for remodeling have re opened.

This is the new Java Cafe, now located in the Shades of Green lobby

Shades of Green AAFES Store

There seems to be a lot more Disney souvenirs in the Shades AAFES Store now.

Magnolia Pool Location

Work continues on the Magnolia pool renovation, the planned reopening is in the fall.

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

On Monday 20 May 2013, a massive tornado cut a swath through the Oklahoma City area, with the city of Moore Oklahoma taking the brunt of the destruction.

At least 24 people, including nine children, were killed and about 2,400 homes were damaged when the tornado struck.

Military Members In Need

Many military members from Oklahoma City’s Tinker Air Force Base make their homes in Moore and about 340 members of the Tinker AFB community have been displaced. At least 140 homes belonging to military families were totally destroyed.

You’ve seen, I’m sure the awful videos of the destruction on the news and the requests for assistance. Well here is my request to you.

Please help the members of our military community if you can!

All the regular donation methods, like the Red Cross are great, but there are ways you can help these US Airmen directly and get aid right to the members of our military family who need it.

How you ask?

Operation Homefront, who provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors, has set up two methods for you to do so.

You Can:

Donate Supplies - You can donate direct from Amazon.com, just click This Link and you’ll be taken directly to a page on amazon which Operation Homefront has set up. There you can purchase much needed supplies which will be sent automatically to Operation Homefront’s Oklahoma/Arkansas Field Office where they will distribute it directly to these military families in need.

Through Amazon, Operation Homefront is requesting bottled water, first aid kits, plastic containers, energy drinks and batteries.

Donate Money - Operation Homefront always accepts donations but you can sent your donation directly to this relief effort by going to their donation page. Please put Oklahoma Relief or Help Oklahoma in the comments section of your donation.

The Tinker Airman and Family Readiness Center has also set up a method you you to make monetary donations.

Help Our Family

At this time of need, please share whatever you can spare to help our military brethren out! Pick out a few things on Amazon or donate a few dollars, whatever you prefer.

My base is having a collection at all intersections next tuesday. Is your base doing something?

Share some words of comfort below for our OK family members.

Military Discounted Tickets are available for the 2013 Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a special event held each winter on select nights at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park.

Your Disney Armed Forces Salute ticket will not get you into Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, the purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend.

Celebrate the magic of the season in the holiday wonderland of Magic Kingdom theme park. Gather with loved ones for a festive sight and sound filled special event that is sure to make you merry! This festive celebration is filled with live entertainment, spectacular fireworks and an oh-so-jolly holiday parade.

The event is held on select nights in November and December 2013.

Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of the National Guard or Reservists, may purchase discounted Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets for special military priced event nights. They may also purchase additional tickets for up to five (5) family members and/or friends.

These special tickets must be purchased in person (with proper military ID) at Walt Disney World. They can not be pre-purchased over the phone (like the full price tickets) or from military resellers. So you can’t get these at Shades of Green and your base ticket office!

Military Discounted Prices are offered only on the following nights:

November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17 & 21, 2013

Time: 7 PM to Midnight

Note: While the published start time is 7 PM, you can get in as early as 4 PM with your MVMCP ticket

Military Discount Prices are: 

• Adult: $43.40 + tax
• Child: $39.90 + tax

Additional Information

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party features:

• Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade: 8:15 and 10:30 pm
• Holiday Wishes: Celebrate the Spirit of the Season Fireworks: 9:30 pm
• Celebrate the Season Show: 7:45, 10:05, 11:20 pm
• Castle Dream Lights - See the castle transformed into a beautiful display of holiday lights right before your eyes!
• Live stage shows with Disney characters
• See it “snow” on Main Street!
• Enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cocoa
• Some of the most popular attractions will remain open during the party!
• Meet some of your favorite characters throughout the park
  • Duffy the Disney Bear will be on a float during the parade, as well as greeting guests in Town Square
  • Phineas and Ferb – Tomorrowland
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Frontierland

Additional Dates and Pricing (non military rates):

December 1, 3, 5 & 10, 2013

• Advance Purchase:
  Adult: $62.00 + tax, Child: $57.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase:
  Adult: $67.00 + tax, Child: $62.00 + tax
• Passholder/DVC Discount (Advance):
  Adult: $58.00 + tax, Child: $53.00 + tax

December 8, 12, 15 & 17, 2013

• Advance Purchase:
  Adult: $62.00 + tax, Child: $57.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase:
  Adult: $67.00 + tax, Child: $62.00 + tax

December 20, 2013

• Advance Purchase:
  Adult: $71.00 + tax, Child: $66.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase:
• Adult: $71.00 + tax, , Child: $66.00 + tax

Military Discounted Tickets are available for the 2013 Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a Halloween themed special after hours event held on select dates in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom theme park.

Your Disney Armed Forces Salute ticket will not get you into Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, the purchase of an additional event admission ticket is required to attend.

The event is held on select nights in September through November 2013.

Active and Retired U.S. Military, including members of the U.S. Coast Guard and active members of the National Guard and Reserve, may purchase discounted Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets for special military priced event nights. They may also purchase additional tickets for up to five (5) family members and/or friends.

These special tickets must be purchased in person (with proper military ID) at Walt Disney World. They can not be pre-purchased over the phone (like the full price tickets) or from military resellers. So you can’t get these at Shades of Green and your base ticket office!

Military Discounted Prices are offered only on the following nights:

September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, & 27

Time: 7 PM to Midnight

Note: While the published start time is 7 PM, you can get in as early as 4 PM with your MNSSHP ticket

Military Discount MNSSHP Prices are:

• Adult – $41.30 plus tax
• Child (3-9) $37.80 plus tax

Additional Information

During Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.

In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is filled with special entertainment, including:

Mickey’s “Boo-to-You” Halloween Parade—including Disney Characters and the stars of the Haunted Mansion attraction. The parade begins with a spook-tacular ride by the Headless Horseman.
Happy HalloWishes—a spectacular fireworks show where the Disney Villains go trick-or-treating in the sky.
Many favorite Disney Characters and Disney Villains in special Halloween costumes.
Special lighting, music and theming effects transforms special areas of Magic Kingdom theme park into happy haunted hollows.
The tone of the event is, well, “Not-So-Scary”, and is appropriate for children of all ages.

Additional Dates and Pricing (non military rates):

September 29, 2013

• Advance Purchase: Adult: $62.00 + tax, Child: $57.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase: Adult: $67.00 + tax, Child: $62.00 + tax
• Passholder/DVC Discount (Advance): Adult: $58.00 + tax, Child: $53.00 + tax

October 3, 6, 10, 14, 17, 20, 22 & 24, 2013

• Advance Purchase: Adult: $62.00 + tax, Child: $57.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase: Adult: $67.00 + tax, Child: $62.00 + tax
• Passholder/DVC Discount (Advance): Adult: $58.00 + tax, Child: $53.00 + tax

October 4, 11, 18, 25, 27 & 29, 2013

• Advance Purchase: Adult: $62.00 + tax, Child: $57.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase: Adult: $67.00 + tax, Child: $62.00 + tax

October 31, 2013

• Advance Purchase: Adult: $73.00 + tax, Child: $68.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase: Adult: $73.00 + tax, Child: $68.00 + tax

November 1, 2013

• Advance Purchase: Adult: $62.00 + tax, Child: $57.00 + tax
• Same Day Purchase: Adult: $67.00 + tax, , Child: $62.00 + tax

Non-Military Tickets can be ordered ahead of time by calling 407-W-DISNEY

Since Walt Disney World announced a free dining offer last week for dates from 2 through 25 September 2013, I’ve had quite a few questions as whether this is a good deal compared to Disney’s Armed Forces Salute.

And The Answer Is…

It Depends.

Sorry, but there is no cut and dried easy answer, every case is different. There are lots of variables such as, the number in your party (adults and kids 3-9), the length of your vacation, resort level desired (value, moderate, deluxe), and your eating habits on vacation.

Free Dining Specifics

In order to get the free dining added to your room reservation, you need to be paying the full non-discounted rate for your Disney resort room. You cannot combine free dining with the Disney Armed Forces Salute room discounts. And you must purchase (with your room) at least a 2-Day Magic Your Way Base Ticket for everyone in your room, at the full general public rate.

I Called In The Expert

I touched base with Amy from Ears of Experience on this one. Ears of Experience is my recommended Disney travel agent. Amy Said:

“General speaking larger parties and or those staying for longer periods of time will save with the free dining deal. Those there for shorter trips are better off with the Disney Armed Forces Salute.”

An Example

 A 4-day 5-night vacation Sunday through Thursday night at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, for 2 adults and 2 kids.

Free Dining Plan

• Room at the full rate $952.00
• 4-day Park Hoppers $1297.18 (public price)
• Free regular dining plan
  • Which gives you credits for one table-service meal, one quick-service meal, and one snack per night of your hotel stay plus a refillable mug for non-alcoholic drinks at your resort. You’ll have to pay for any other food items.
  • Total Cost $2249.18 for Room, Tickets, and Dining

Disney Armed Forces Salute

• Room at the 30% off AFS rate $666.40
• 4-day Armed Forces Salute Park Hoppers $624.00
• Total Cost $1290.40 for Room, & Tickets
• This leaves a $958.78 difference from the free dining plan.
  • Based on your families eating habits you should be able to eat for less than this.

Many Variables

As I mentioned there can be so many variables. Adding more people to your party drives up the cost of eating a la carte and makes the free dining more attractive. Longer stays can bring in many different mixes of military discounted tickets to combine with the 2-day minimum Magic Your Way ticket.

Will Free Dining work for you?

Possibly, you can run all the numbers for your situation yourself. Or have a professional do it at no extra cost you. Amy told me she save one family around $900 on their vacation last Friday. There is no guarantee you’ll save that much, but it is worth a try!

Ears of Experience is a Fee Free Disney only Travel Agency. They are a military family owned and operated business and thousands of Military Disney Tips readers have used them over the years.

Click this link to fill out their contact form, or call Amy directly and say that you heard about her here, 1-877-80MOUSE.

It has been another fantastic year for Military Disney Tips!

Military Disney Tips has grown from the humblest of beginnings to the large, very successful resource for military families that it is today. While I have put quite a bit of time and effort into the site, it’s you the readers who make the site so successful.

I wanted to take a moment to say thanks to all of you. I’m so appreciative of your interest, support, and contributions. It’s been my pleasure to try to help you in any way I can to plan for your Disney vacations.

Hang on to your hats, cause this will be a longish post, as I feel we have a lot to brag about this year…

With the growth of the site and its readership (on the site and blog, facebook, and the newsletter) has come a certain clout, which has allowed me to advocate to Disney for our community on both discounts and policies. Good things are coming, but more on that as the next year unfolds.

One positive change I was able to get initiated this past year, was a change in the way the Disney World Thanksgiving and Christmas Party military discounts are handled. Many military families used to miss out on this discount, as you had to get your discounted tickets in person and the party could be sold out by the time you arrived at WDW to get them.

The Year In Numbers

The past year has seen continued awesome growth for MDT.

Military Disney Tips received over 564,000 visitors and 1,903,000 pageviews during the last 12 months. Up from 242,412 visitors and 765,159 pageviews the previous year.

Our Newsletter has grown to over 4,125 subscribers, an increase of 2400.

Our FaceBook page has grown to over 5,150 followers this year, up over 3800.

What You Want To Know

The big question on everyone’s mind right now, as it is every year at this time is, will there be a Disney Armed Forces Salute renewal past 28 September 2013?

I have a really good feeling that we’ll see a renewal, make sure to sign up for my Newsletter to get an immediate email announcement about a renewal as soon as I know.

Shades of Green has continued to announce discounts past September 2013. This is a good sign of the Disney Armed Forces Salute coming back as Shades makes these offers to compete with the AFS,

Quite a few of you needed help interpreting or clarifying Disney’s sometimes confusing discounts, especially the Disney Armed Forces Salute as after it was announced last summer they made several changes to it.

I received almost 900 emails this past year, which it was my pleasure to answer. So many of you sent me your very kind thanks and compliments. Thank You!

My Great Partners

This year will be my 5th year partnering with Ears of Experience, an authorized Disney vacation planner and Veteran Owned Business. I’m so proud that 650 of you emailed in to ask Amy for help making your Disney reservations this past year.

My partnership with YourFirstvisit.net has grown much stronger over the last year. Recently I became their Moderator of Military Family Comments. YourFirstvisit.net is a fantastic Disney World site geared towards the first time visitor. A perfect compliment to my site!

This year I started a partnership with Simple Stroller Rental, an independent stroller rental company in the Orlando area. They will deliver your stroller to your resort and pick it up after your vacation is done. Their rates are lower than Disney’s and they offer a Military Discount. So far 50 MDT readers have rented from Simple Stroller Rental

Milestones This Year

This year I was featured in Military Times Off Duty Section not once, but twice talking about the Armed Forces Salute.

(You know the Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times, Marine Corps Times newspapers)

In December I was featured on Semper Feisty Radio the blogtalk radio station of USMCLife.com.

And just last month I was featured on MilitaryOneClick.com Where I did 2 guest posts, one on Shades of Green and the other on Armed Forces Recreation Centers

Big Stories Of The Year

This year I was really excited to cove Disney’s Heroes Work Here Job Program. I attended the Orlando event, covered the program’s web presence and the one year wrap-up.

I made a special intel gathering trip to Downtown Disney and scoped out all the DTD businesses with military discounts for you.

Two new military theme park discounts popped up this past year:

Legoland - With both a regular and special offer.

Universal - Finally Universal came out with an offer better than the basic military discount, though limited in its timeframe.

Image courtesy LEGOLAND

Some of your favorite posts this year were

• Westgate’s fabulous Free Room offer, which sold out in hours.
• A new recognition program for military members in WDW’s Magic Kingdom
• The info on the Orlando ITT and Commissary
• A post to help Disabled Vets figure out what discounts they were eligible for
• Info on the old school regular Disney military discounts

Worldwide Readers

While most of the site’s readers this year have been Stateside, we also have quite a few readers from overseas locations where our military members are stationed or deployed such as: The UK, Canada, Puerto Rico, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Afghanistan, The Netherlands, Qatar, Kuwait, Guam, Iraq, and Bahrain to name a few.

The Rest Of The Web

Because of the one of a kind content found on this site, many sites including other great Disney sites on the net sent visitors our way. I’d like to thank the top referring sites for their support this year.

Yourfirstvisit.net Almost 12,000 referred readers, Dave you rock!

Dis Boards

Pinterest

Disney Food Blog Where AJ has allowed me to guest post

Army Wife 101

The Disney Tourist Blog Thanks Tom! 

The Orange County Register

Mouse Planet

USMC Life

WDW Hints

Military One Click Where I recently did 2 guest posts on Shades of Green and the Armed Forces Recreation Centers

WDW Prep School 

Chip and Company

Looking Forward

As you can see it’s been a busy year here at Military Disney Tips and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming year.

It’s been my pleasure to provide content that I think you might find helpful and I’m so glad that the site’s growth shows you are enjoying it.

Stay tuned for info on an Armed Forces Salute announcement and any other military discounts that become available in the next year. I’ll send out an immediate Newsletter Update as soon as I hear something!

Thanks so much, Steve

Many people are surprised to find out that Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Tickets need to be activated at Walt Disney World.

Just buying them at your Military Base Ticket Office or Shades of Green isn’t all you need to do. These special Disney military tickets won’t work in the theme park turnstiles or at other Walt Disney World venues unless they are activated first.

Why is this?

Disney allows military resellers (Base ITT/ITR Offices and Shades of Green) to sell these tickets based upon a contract. But Disney depends on their own ticketing computer to monitor and control the use of these tickets.

During each individual Armed Forces Salute offer Disney sets exactly how many of the steeply discounted military tickets that each military member is allowed to use. During the current Salute 1 Oct 2012-28 Sept 2013 you are allowed a total of 6 tickets.

When the military member (or spouse) activates the tickets, Disney gathers information on the military member (non-privacy act), which they tie to the tickets in their system. This is what tracks the number of tickets that you have active at any one time.

At Disney World, Once the tickets have been activated the party does not need to stay together. They can go to different parks, at different times, on different days. In the circumstance you asked about the member could spend a day to two and leave whir their friends continued to use the tickets, or not even use the ticket.

At Disneyland the military member must enter the parks with their party each and every time. This process includes an ID check for the member.

The Activation Process

When you activate your Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets you’ll need to bring your military ID, or any picture ID for those in your party without mil IDs. Young children don’t need them. Everyone that you are activating a ticket for must be present to have their ticket activated.

If the spouse is activating the tickets they must have their dependent ID Card (DD Form 1173) which must show a relationship of either “Spouse” or “Unremarried Widow.”

Disney will enter some information into their system which the service member or spouse must provide. This is:  The service member’s name, birth date, base where assigned, and an e-mail address.

Disney will look at everyone’s ID and tie his or her name to a specific ticket. They will have everyone sign the back of their ticket so that they won’t be mixed up.

The first time you use the ticket in turnstile to enter a park or venue, the ticket holder’s fingerprint will also be tied to that ticket.

Why so complicated?

Disney does this to prevent scalping. Sad but true, but these special 4-day military (3-day for Disneyland) salute tickets cost between the price of a 1-day and 2-day regular military discount ticket. That leave lots of room for profit should someone try to resell them.

Where can you activate your tickets?

Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets can be activated at the following locations:

Walt Disney World Locations:

• All four theme park ticket and Guest Relations windows
  • Magic Kingdom (Transportation and Ticket Center)
  • Epcot
  • Hollywood Studios
  • Animal Kingdom
• Both Water Parks
  • Typhoon Lagoon
  • Blizzard Beach
• Downtown Disney Shopping Area
  • Disney Quest
  • DTD Guest Relations

Disneyland Locations:

• Disneyland Armed Forces Salute tickets can be taken directly to the park turnstiles.

Your salute tickets can not be activated at your Disney resort hotel!

When can you activate your tickets?

Your Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets can be activated at any time. You can do it ahead of time (I recommend this) you do not have to do it the same day that you plan to use them.

I recommend that you activate them the day or evening before you want to use them. For instance on your day of arrival, you could take a fun trip to Downtown Disney for dinner, some shopping and a movie or show. (DTD Locations with Military Discounts) and while you are there activate your tickets.

Then the next morning, when you are trying to get into the theme park as quickly as possible, you won’t have to wait in a long line to get this done!

Disney’s Key To The World

Many readers ask if their Disney Armed Forces Salute theme park tickets can be added to their Key to the World (Room Key) as regular theme park tickets can.

Unfortunately the answer is no.

It’s Easy if you know how

I do get a lot of questions on this. SoI hope this clear up any confusion on the subject of ticket activations!

Shades of Green has a new room only discount for most of February 2014 (Valentines weekend is excluded).

Shades of Green is the military owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property in Orlando Florida.

Dates

The dates for the special are:

February 1st – 13th, and 17th – 28th, 2014

Now reduced to: February 1st – 13th, and 23rd – 28th, 2014

Rates

And the rates are:

• Category 1 guests $87.00 per night stay (E1-E5, Cadet)
• Category 2 guests $97.00 per night stay (E6-E9,O1-O3,100% Disabled Veterans, Widows, Medal of Honor Recipients)
• Category 3 guests $97.00per night stay (O4-O6, CW4-CW6, O7-O10, Active Duty Foreign Military, DoD Active/Retired)

Call Shades of Green Reservations (888) 593-2242 to book your stay.

Shades fine print: February Carnevale Special is available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Valid from February 1st – 13th, and 17th – 28th, 2014. Discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability of discounted rate. Modifying reservation may result in change of room rate. Cannot be combined with any other offer or meeting/group stays. New bookings only.

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

LEGOLAND Florida has announced a new special offer for current military members for the remainder of 2013.

The Military Appreciation Days offer is one free admission ticket for the military member.

For others in the military member’s party LEGOLAND Florida still offers the 50% off tickets (ahead of time through base ticket offices) and 10% off at the gate.

All images courtesy LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND makes this offer in appreciation for their continued service, all active duty military personnel including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists are now entitled to a free one-time single day admission to LEGOLAND Florida throughout 2013 and seasonally at the LEGOLAND Water Park.

Active duty military personnel must present their military ID at LEGOLAND Florida’s ticket window on the day they plan to visit to redeem their free admission ticket.

Family and friends of military personnel receive substantial discounts on admission tickets and should make purchases in advance through participating military base ticket offices.

“It is an honor to launch Military Appreciation Days and provide opportunities for our military men and women to create memorable family experiences as a small way to say thank you for their selfless service,” said Todd Andrus, Sales Manager at LEGOLAND Florida.

For the most current information on operating hours and special events throughout the year at LEGOLAND Florida, visit LEGOLAND.com.

Shades of Green, the exclusive military owned and operated resort for military members on Walt Disney World property has announced discounted rates to coincide with Disney World’s Marathon weekend.

The Pre & Post Marathon Special offers a great 30% off Shades’ standard room rates. The dates this rate is available are January 5th – 8th & 13th – 16th, 2014.

If you are interested in staying at Shades of Green during this timeframe go ahead and reserve you room now. Shades recently announced that under their new discounting policy the best discounts will be offered first and as the period in question approaches the discount will decrease.

Discounted Prices

• Category 1 guests $66.50 per night stay (E1-E5, Cadet)
• Category 2 guests $86.10 per night stay (E6-E9,O1-O3,100% Disabled Veterans, Widows, Medal of Honor Recipients)
• Category 3 guests $91.70per night stay (O4-O6, CW4-CW6, O7-O10, Active Duty Foreign Military, DoD Active/Retired)

Call Shades of Green Reservations (888) 593-2242 to book your stay.

Regular room rates at Shades are:

Shades fine Print: “Pre/Post Marathon Special is available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Valid for January 5th – 8th & 13th – 16th, 2014. Discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability of discounted rate. Modifying reservation may result in change of room rate. Cannot be combined with any other offer. New bookings only.”

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

Shades of Green the military owned and operated resort at Walt Disney World Florida has announced its Escape the Frost Special, for the end of January 2014

This special includes breakfast in the Garden Gallery for 2 adults and 2 kids under 10.

The rate for room and meals is $119.90 per night with a 4 night minimum stay required.

The applicable dates for the discount are: January 21 – 31, 2014.

How Much Does This Save?

The regular prices for the Garden Gallery buffet breakfast is:

• $11.95 adults $5.95 kids 7-9, kids 6 and under free. (drink not included)

So depending on the age of your kids, if any you’ll receive a value between $23.90 (2 adults with or without 2 kids 6 and under) and $35.80 (2 adults with 2 kids 7-9) per day.

It is important to note that if you miss any meals at Shades you will also miss out on the savings. But Breakfast is easy, you can have it before leaving for the day.

Regular room rates at Shades are:

Note: These are the current room rates and it is not know if Shades will raise rates on 1 October 2013, their traditional increase date.

So as you can see there is potential for savings with this discount offer, you need to do the math for your family and make sure you use all the meals.

Call Shades of Green at (888) 593-2242 to make your reservation.

*Escape the Frost Special is available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Valid from January 21st – 31st, 2014. Discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability of discounted rate. Modifying reservation may result in change of room rate. Cannot be combined with any other offer or meeting/group stays. New bookings only..

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

Last month at the annual shareholder’s meeting Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger gave an update on the Heroes Work Here Program which began in March 2012.

He announced that the Disney Company surpassed its goal to provide 1,000 career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over a three-year period – hiring more than 1,300 veterans in just one year.

During the past year specially trained Disney recruiters placed veterans in a variety of jobs – from internships to executive roles – through national career expos and by providing one-on-one assistance to help transition to the private sector.

I was able to attend the career expo held at Walt Disney World. See my writeup

He also committed to a new goal of hiring an additional 1,000 U.S. veterans over the next two years. Which would bring the three year total to 2,300 veterans.

Public Awareness

Disney also premiered a new public awareness video:

Nonprofit Support

Additionally, Disney will continue to invest in select nonprofit organizations that provide training and other support services for veterans. Over the past 10 years, Disney has donated more than $1.2 million to the USO alone.

Kevin Preston, Disney’s director of veteran initiatives and retired Army Colonel explains why the Heroes Work Here program is important:

“We are a veteran-friendly company and the program is about telling veterans that we are interested in them – if that means they find a job at Disney, great; if it means sharing knowledge that will help them find employment elsewhere, that’s great too. We just want to help this diverse group of people find jobs after they have valiantly served their country.”

Disney provides online workshops and coaching via their Heroes Work Here website.

See my post on the Heroes Work Here website

Disney’s official site

Happy April Fools Day!

Did someone catch you yet?

At Military Disney Tips we don’t usually do a April Fools post as it would be too tempting to lead with a headline like:

Disney Renews the Armed Forces Salute for 2014!

That would just be too mean, when so many people are waiting to hear if Disney will in fact make a renewal announcement that they’ve extended the very popular military Disney ticket and room discount.

A while back we did do an April Fools that was related to Shades of Green.

But enough about pulling peoples legs, on to serious news.

Dave at YourFirstVisit.net has an announcement today about the newest Disney Vacation Club resort.

Shades of Green the military owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property in Orlando Florida has just announces the closure and remodeling of their Magnolia “Quiet” Pool.

Last summer when I interviewed the Shades of Green Sales and Catering Manager she said they were planning to start the pool remodel in the fall of 2012, but this project has been delayed until now.

Shades Concept Art For The New Magnolia Pool

The Magnolia Pool will close on 1 April 2013 and is scheduled to be closed for 4 months. Once this pool has reopened the Mill Pond “Mickey” Pool will close for its remodel.

UPDATE Courtesy of MDT reader Brian: the Magnolia pool (zero-entry) will not complete in August as planned and will continue into late Fall. Therefore, Millpond (Mickey pool) resurfacing will not begin in August and may be pushed back as far as January or Spring 2014.

When the Magnolia Pool reopens it will feature a new free-form shape (it is currently rectangular), a zero entry shallow end, and an attached Hot Tub. Bathrooms are also supposed to be added to the pool area.

The Magnolia “Quiet” Pool” at Shades of Green – Pre-closure

Will The One Pool Be Crowded?

Many on facebook have expressed concern that having the Magnolia closed during June and July will cause large crowds at the Mill Pond Pool. Keep in mind that Shades is a smaller resort than the Disney resorts with much fewer guests. During a typical day the two pools they have now usually have no more than 20 people total using both of them. Evenings and after the parks start closing is another thing, as those returning from the parks often take a dip. But both day time and night time are much less crowded than at Disney resort pools.

Other Shades Remodels

Shades recently finished a remodel of their lobby, featuring new slate floors and a less congested feel.

Just this month Shades closed their AAFES store for a remodel and relocated it to a smaller location for the duration of its remodel.

Also one section of the Evergreen’s Arcade was turned into seating for the sports bar.

See this post for info and pictures of these changes

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

Walt Disney was a proud American, who not only embraced, but exemplified the American Spirit of Exceptionalism. This is evident still today with attractions like The Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure. Visitors to Disney theme parks will notice that each park has a large flag pole proudly flying the American Flag.

Retreat Ceramony

The Magic Kingdom theme park holds a daily Flag Retreat Ceremony, which I highly recommend you watch if you can fit it into your touring plan. The ceremony is conducted by Disney Security cast members with an assist form a veteran touring the park that day, who is chosen at random.

Epcot’s American Flag

While each theme park has a large flag at the entrance, nowhere is the American Flag more evident than on Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom. The Magic Kingdom flag pole stands on Town Square and every building is topped with many smaller flags. Standing on the second floor of the Main Street Train Station looking towards Cinderella Castle you’ll see the Red, White, and Blue on every building leading up the street. It’s a very moving sight for me!

Main Street USA’s American Flags

US Flag Flies At Night?

As I mentioned there is a daily Retreat at 5 PM during which the large flag on Town Square is taken down for the night. But what about all the others?

The US Flag Code says:

“It is the universal custom to display the flag only from sunrise to sunset on buildings and on stationary flagstaffs in the open. However, when a patriotic effect is desired, the flag may be displayed twenty-four hours a day if properly illuminated during the hours of darkness.”

The flags on the top of the Main Street buildings don’t have any special illumination so why would they be left up all night?

American Flags at the Magic Kingdom’s Town Square

A Bit Of Trivia

Well here is a bit of Trivia for you, courtesy of the Keys to the Kingdom Tour which I took for the first time last November. The flags on the tops of the buildings, which are never taken down, are not American Flags. They do not have 50 stars (count them) only 45, so they are not American Flags!

It was really nice to hear that Disney put such detailed thought into the proper and respectful display of our Nation’s Flag while still being able to have the American Spirit added to the show.

Patriotic Disney Series

I hope you enjoyed this post, it’s part of the Patriotic Disney Series, check out the rest!

• Walt Disney Theme Park’s American Flags
• Frontierland, Walt Disney, and the American Identity Part 2
• Frontierland, Walt Disney, and the American Identity
• Veterans Can Participate In Disney’s Magic Kingdom Flag Retreat
• Walk Through America’s History In Disney’s Liberty Square
• Have a Patriotic Meal in the Liberty Tree Tavern
• The American Adventure at Epcot’s World Showcase
• Walt Disney World’s Liberty Tree

What, I can’t use my Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets at Disney World or Disneyland during Spring Break?

This is a common response that I hear when military families learn that their military Disney tickets are not valid on certain days.

Since 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 or for resort discounts. 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 the Fourth of July.

Each year the Blockout Dates are slightly different, depending on the school schedule.

The remaining Blockout Dates for the 2013 Armed Forces Salute are:

At Disney World

• 24 March – 4 April 2013 (No Park Use)
• July 4, 2012 (No Magic Kingdom only)

At Disneyland

• 25 March – 5 April 2013 (No Park Use)
• 4 July 2013 (No Park Use)

Hotel Blockout Dates at Disney World & Disneyland

25 March – 4 April 2013

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 definitely is a 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 28 Sept 2013 is basically the 5th 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.

Prior to the Salute offers all we in the military had in the way of a Disney discount was the regular military discounted Magic Your Way tickets.

Disney Attendance Levels

Disney’s main purpose behind the blockout dates is to dissuade you from coming then, as there are already way too many people in the Disney theme parks!

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.

Click here to read about finding the best time to go to Disney World

So What Do You Think?

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

Please share what you think in the comments below.

Shades of Green the military owned and operated resort at Walt Disney World Florida has announced its annual Deck the Palms Special

This special includes breakfast and dinner in the Garden Gallery for 2 adults and 2 kids under 10.

The rate for room and meals is $119.75 per night with a 4 night minimum stay required.

The applicable dates for the discount are: November 1st – 7th & 16th – 22nd and December 9th – 18th, 2013.

How Much Does This Save?

The regular prices for the Garden Gallery buffets are

• Breakfast: $11.95 adults $5.95 kids 7-9, kids 6 and under free. (drink not included)
• Dinner: $14.95 adults $5.95 kids 7-9, kids 6 and under free. (drink not included)

So depending on the age of your kids, if any you’ll receive a value between $53.80 (2 adults with or without 2 kids 6 and under) and $77.60 (2 adults with 2 kids 7-9) per day.

It is important to note that if you miss any meals at Shades you will also miss out on the savings. Breakfast is easy, you can have it before leaving, but you have to get back to Shades in time to eat your dinner.

Regular room rates at Shades are:

Note: These are the current room rates and it is not know if Shades will raise rates on 1 October, their traditional increase date.

So as you can see there is potential for a good savings with this discount offer, just make sure you use all the meals.

Call Shades of Green at (888) 593-2242 to make your reservation.

*Deck the Palms is available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability of discounted rate. Modifying reservation may result in change of room rate. Cannot be combined with any other offer. New bookings only.

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

This week I was in Central Florida and had the opportunity to drop by Shades of Green to check out what’s going on.

Last year Shades of Green announced a modernization project with which they were going to update many of their facilities.

So, during a quick trip through the resort here’s what I saw.

AAFES Moved Down The Hall

Tight Quarters at the AAFES Store

The AAFES store has been closed for remodeling and has been relocated to across from the ticket sales office. This location is much smaller than what the store previously occupied. So selections will be somewhat limited for the time being. But once the remodeling is done I expect to see a much bigger store with a lot more variety. The store hours are from seven in the morning until nine at night.

UPDATE Courtesy of MDT reader Brian: The AAFES re-opening will probably not happen by Memorial Day as expected but should happen in June or early July.

The videogame arcade located by Evergreens, Shades of Green sports bar, has already been remodeled. They have a whole new compliment of larger more high-tech video games for the kids to play. But the size of the arcade is been reduced, one of the rooms that the arcade was located in has now been given over to dining space for Evergreens.

Remote Control Boats Gone

Shades used to have coin operated remote control boats and four-wheel-drive vehicles for the kids to play with, but these are long gone. First the four-wheel-drive switch relocated by evergreens disappeared and recently the boats located right outside of Mangino’s have disappeared as well. These used to be a big hit with the kids, But were holdover from when the resort actually belong to Disney World and I imagine Shades had a hard time keeping them running.

Great New Lobby

Last month Shades finished their lobby renovation and it looks really great! It’s a little more spacious feeling that it used to be.

I pop in there every couple of months just to check on what’s been happening and I haven’t seen any evidence yet of the pool renovations that they talked about during my exclusive interview with Shades of Green last year.

That’s all the happenings at shades of green as of this week. After I was done at Shades I popped over to the Magic Kingdom and it was very crowded so I just grab some of that great Magic Kingdom popcorn and left.

Stay tuned I’ll be back down that way in April and will report on anything that’s going on at Shades of Green the military own and operated resort on Walt Disney World property.

UDATE: The Magnolia Pool closed for renovation1 April 2013.

Evergreen’s Arcade

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

The Shades of Green Resort is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on Walt Disney World property near Orlando Florida.

Shades of Green opened it’s doors on 1 February 1994 in what was the Disney World owned Disney Inn previously.

Shades has always set their room rates based upon military pay grades, just like the other AFRCs. There are 3 different price categories.

For most of its history these prices were very attractive compared to Disney resort room rates.

Enter The Armed Forces Salute

In 2009 Disney began their almost constant offering of steeply discounted rooms to the military as part of their Armed Forces Salute. This new discount began to undercut the low rates at Shades of Green. Shades responded by beginning to offer their own discounts.

Shades offers long, mid, and short term discounts, which are announced periodically through the year.

Shifting Discounts

Over the last year or so Shades has begun to alter their discounts from what they initially announce.

• They will make an initial announcement with the dates and discount details, but as rooms fill up they will start altering the offer in different ways.
• They will reduce the discount percentage. For example, the initial 40% off will shrink to 30% or 20%
• They will reduce the dates the discount is offered, a full month offer is suddenly only available for a week and a half.
• A percentage off offer for all categories will be changed to a dollar value per night which is above the original percentage off for category 1 members

Get Your Deal Early

So the take-away from this post is that if you are planning to stay at Shades of Green, jump on a discount for your dates as soon as it is announced!

Look at this discount as an example, by booking early you’ll save around $20 more per night!

You can find a list of the current Shades of Green discounts here.

For more info on Shades of Green check out the links below:

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

Yesterday Shades of Green announced on their facebook page a New England Clam Bake.

This event is scheduled for the 1st and 15th of March.

Served on Mangino’s Patio from 5:00 – 9:30pm. Seating will also be available in Mangino’s

Manginos is the Shades of Green premier Italian restaurant.

The Clam Bake menu consists of:

Clam Chowder for an appetizer and a bucket of seafood containing,

• New England Clam Chowder for your appetizer
• Lobster
• Shrimp
• Clams
• Muscles
• Corn on the Cob
• Red Skin Potatos

Specialty drinks will be available.

No reservations are required.

The cost for the Clam Bake is $25.95 per person.

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

Shades of Green the military owned and operated resort at Walt Disney World Florida has announced its new Shades of Fall Special.

This new discount rate of $59.95 per person will be available from 1 through 31 October 2013.

This is the first discount announced for dates after the end of Disney’s Armed Forces Salute, which ends on 28 September 2013.

This rate is really only a discount for category three members, as this discount is based on double occupancy. This brings the per night room charge to $119.90. Currently category one members pay $95 per night and category two members pay $123 per night. So the only real savings is for category three members.

Shades has now announced that this rate  includes breakfast for two adults and two kids. This makes the pricing more reasonable.

Read more about Shades of Green’s categories here.

One thing to note is that this rate falls after 1 October which is the date that Shades of Green traditionally increases their roommates. It’s been four years since Shades has increased the roommates so there’s a high possibility that they could this year. This would reduce the amount that you will be able to save at this rate.

Below is shades of Green’s standard disclaimer on the special:

Shades of Fall Special is available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Valid from October 1st – 31st, 2013. Discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability of discounted rate. Modifying reservation may result in change of room rate. Cannot be combined with any other offer or meeting/group stays. New bookings only.

Call Shades of Green at (888) 593-2242 to make your reservation.

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

Shades of Green has recently begun putting out very limited information on their new Shades of Jazz – Food, Wine, and Art Festival.

This new annual event will be held on 15 and 16 February 2013 from 5 to 11 PM. Featuring, World Cuisine, Live Jazz, and Local Artists.

 At first nothing more that the name of the event, date, and time was released. But recently the cost and menu has come out. 

The cost of the buffet meal will be $15.95 per adult,  children ages 7 -10 for $7.95, and children 6 and under are free with every paying adult. There will be prizes given away throughout the night and entertainment for Children to enjoy.

Buffet Menu

Spanish Cuisine

Paella Valenciana
Tapas (Spanish Appetizers)

• Chorizo con Pimentos
• Tomatos Roma Rellenos
• Caldo Gallego
• Tortilla Espanola

Italian Cuisine

Antipasto Station
Pasta Station

• Alfredo Carbonara
• Marinara Sauce
• Pesto Sauce

Stewed Red Peppers and Tomatoes
Cod in White Wine Sauce
Chicken Marsala

California/New Orleans Cuisine

California
Deconstructed Cobb Salad
Pear Walnut Gorgonzola Salad

New Orleans
Crawfish Boil
Gumbo

Asian Cuisine

Chap Chae
Beef and Broccoli
Sweet and Sour Pork
Oriental Noodles
Stir-Fried Vegetables
Stir-Fried Rice

Jazz, Wine, & Art?

Shades has yet to release any info on any special wines, hopefully from the same countries as their menu, or on the music and art you’ll be able to enjoy during the event.

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

Many people over the last year have asked me if I knew which restaurants and shops in the WDW Downtown Disney entertainment area offer military discounts and I didn’t have the answer. I did do a post a while back on the La Nouba by Cirque Du Soleil  military discount, but other than that I had very little info, just one or two places mentioned to me by readers.

A Priority Mission

So I decided it was time to suck it up, stop procrastinating, and go to Downtown Disney for a day of fun, I mean research…

This past Monday I had the opportunity to spend quite a few hours there and got the scoop on all of the businesses.

The Situation Report

Rations while on duty at Downtown Disney @ 20% off!

Let me preface this by saying that food or sales locations owned by Disney do not offer military Discounts. So my list consists of only non Disney businesses.

Disney only offers military discounts on resort rooms, theme park tickets, and their Halloween and Christmas parties.

I went to each business and asked if they offered a military discount. Some did and some didn’t. What I came up with is a list of 16 businesses which offer anywhere from 10% to 25% off and others which offered dollar amounts off. These fell in all three categories, food, merchandise, and entertainment.

Some highlights are:

• 25% off your bill at House of Blues
• 10% off at Orlando Harley Davidson
• Cirque Du Soleil’s $15 to $36 off based on ticket category

The List

Please click the following link to see the full list of Downtown Disney Businesses offering Military Discounts. I’ve put the list on the site versus the blog to have better control over the look of the list and to more easily maintain the list with updates as things change.

Military Disney Tips reporting for duty at YourFirstVisit.net

Or: How a military discount blogger wound up assisting one of the most popular Disney Sites on the net.

Today I’m proud to announce that I’ve become the “official” moderator of comments and questions on YourFirstVisit.net’s military family pages!

Read the announcement on yourfirstvisit.net

Your First Visit is a hugely popular Disney World site which as the name suggests is geared toward the first time visitor to Walt Disney World, but there is great content there for even the seasoned WDW traveler.

A Match Made In Heaven

During the first year or so of running this site Dave, the brains behind Your First Visit, and I had a chance meeting on the internet. We quickly determined that we could each help each other’s audiences in ways the other couldn’t. The rest, as they say is history. We’ve formed a very great working relationship and friendship and I think our readers greatly benefit from it.

One of the things I’ve been able to help Dave with is answering blog comments/questions of a military discount nature when he is stumped by the very complex and sometimes very confusing eligibility requirements of Disney Military Discounts.

A New Role (Title)

A couple weeks ago Dave said “We should formalize your role here at YFV.net and give you a title.” Never the one to pass up on a good title I heartily accepted.

So stop by the Your First Visit Military Families page, Dave has a lot of great content for you which branches out from there.

Every Year in January I start to get questions on when we can expect The Walt Disney Company to announce if they will be offering their popular Disney Military Discount on dates falling after 1 October 2013.

A large part of the time I spend on the site is answering questions people send in, either in the comments here on the blog, on the Military Disney Tips Facebook Page, or directly in emails, and questions about this have started to come in regularly again.

So I decided to do a post to get the word out.

Military Families Want To Know

At this time of year people are naturally looking forward and trying to plan their fall through Christmas vacations for the coming year. Not knowing if they can expect a renewal of these fantastic military discounts on Disney resort rooms and theme park tickets makes it very difficult to budget or even know if they will be able to go at all.

Every year I try to impress on my Disney contacts that we in the military community would appreciate knowing much sooner. But to date that hasn’t had much effect.

Disney Wants To Know

The Walt Disney Company is first and foremost a publicly traded company. Their primary responsibility is to be profitable for their stockholders.

Before deciding to renew or extend any discount offer they need to access their capability to meet their attendance/reservation goals without offering discounts.

Unfortunately this early in the year Disney does not yet know to what extent their resort rooms will be booked in October & December 2013 and certainly not well into 2014 (June, July, August). Making a year long discount offer is a big commitment, so they will wait until they are sure whether or not they will need the boost in the number of bodies a 50% ticket and 30-40% room discount will provide compared to not making the offer.

It is smart business, but frustrating to those waiting to make plans

A History of Disney Armed Forces Salute Renewals

Since January 2009 when the Armed Forces Salutes started there have been 5 renewals or extensions

• The 4 January – 24 December 2009 Armed Forces Salute
  • Renewed for part of 2010 on 21 December 2009
• The 3 January – 31 July 2010 Armed Forces Salute
  • Extended through 31 August 2010
  • Extended through 30 September 2010
  • Allowed to expire, then Renewed on 27 October 2010
• The 27 October 2010 – 30 September 2011 Armed Forces Salute
  • In April 2011 there was a surprise extension through 30 September 2012
  • It was part of the then new White House’s Joining Forces Campaign
• The 1 October 2012 through 28 September 2013  Armed Forces Salute
  • Renewed for FY 2013 on 8 August 2012

So you can see that the Disney Armed Forces Salute discounts for military members have been far from constant and guaranteed. But for the most part the announcements have come fairly close the the expiration date.

 So What Should You Do?

Go ahead and make your reservation for your desired dates at the best rate you can find now!

Then when there is an announcement from Disney on a new Salute offer you can switch over to the better rate. Disney has been very good about this in the past.

One thing some people ran into this past August though was that if they had a very specific room type (such as a princess room) there were some problems getting the discount on the same type room.

You can do this yourself, or if you use a Disney specializing travel agent like Ears of Experience they can handle getting the reservation switched for you.

“Right now I’m expecting an August renewal, but will encourage Disney to commit earlier.”

UPDATE: I had a meeting with Disney World Media Relations at the beginning of March and did ask that their supervision consider announcing early, or better yet making this a permanent discount! 

We’ll see…

The best way for you to be informed about a renewal is to sign up for my email newsletter, I will send a notice as soon as I find out about a renewal of the offer.

What If Disney Doesn’t Renew The Offer?

Well sad as that thought might be, we will be back to using just the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets and Shades of Green’s Stars and Stripes Passes for theme park entry. For resort discounts Shades of Green and their Overflow Rates will become the best we can get.

Fingers crossed!

But with the economy the way it I’m sure they will renew (for the next 4 years or so)

Shades of Green the Military owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property has announced their September 2013 Special.

With this room only discount they are offering 40% 30% (Shades has reduced the discount) off of their already low standard rates during the entire month of seprember 2013.

Combine With Ticket Savings

September is currently the last month during which Disney is offering their Armed Forces Salute. You could combine the fantastic ticket discounts of the AFS with this Shades of Green room discount for a low cost Disney vacation.

To make your reservation click this link and use one of the following codes in the group code box, do not put anything in the military/civilian grade box

• 30OFF1 for category 1 guests $57.00 $66.50 per night stay (E1-E5, Cadet)
• 30OFF2 for category 2 guests $73.80 $86.10 per night stay (E6-E9,O1-O3,100% Disabled Veterans, Widows, Medal of Honor Recipients)
• 30OFF3 for category 3 guests $78.60 $91.70 per night stay (O4-O6, CW4-CW6, O7-O10, Active Duty Foreign Military, DoD Active/Retired)

The September Special is available on standard rooms only on a first come first serve basis. Discount will be taken from applicable room rate based on category. Subject to availability of discounted rate. Modifying reservation may result in change of room rate. Cannot be combined with any other offer. When booking this promotion the first night deposit is non-refundable. New bookings only.

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

Have you seen Disney’s new contest? It’s called the Disney Time Sweepstakes.

You can enter daily and they select one winner per day. Winners get to pick a 5-day/4-night stay for four people at either the Walt Disney World or Disney land. Airfare is covered if you live more than 250 miles from your selected destination.

The prize includes both a basic package and an add on enhancement.

If you win and select Walt Disney World® Resort you will receive

• A five (5) day / four (4) night trip for winner and three (3) guests to Walt Disney World® Resort
• Hotel accommodations (one standard room/quad occupancy, including room tax) for four (4) consecutive nights at a Walt Disney World® Resort hotel selected by Disney
• Up to four (4) 5-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option
• A Disney Gift Card with a value of five hundred dollars (US$500)
• Products from Disney’s PhotoPass® service  (value of US$250)

Plus the winner’s choice of one of the following enhancements:

1) Character Cuddles and Happy Happenings

• One  Disney’sMagical Celebration “in room” décor, as chosen by Sponsor, in winner’s Walt Disney World® Resort hotel room [winner’s room only]
• One  Disney Character Dining experience for four persons
• VIP viewing for one Disney Theme Park parade or show for four persons. Parade and/or show selection and date of experience is at the discretion of Disney. Based on availability. Restrictions apply

2) New Discoveries and Magic Makeovers

• One Disney’sMagical Celebration “in room” décor, as chosen by Sponsor, in winner’s Walt Disney World® Resort hotel room [winner’s room only]
• Up to two Bibiddi Bobiddi Boutique Princess Package makeovers (Guests ages 3 to 12 can choose from 3 hair styles—Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess) or up to two Pirates League experiences;
• Disney’s Family Magic Tour for up to four people
• One Disney Character Dining experience for four persons

3) Wild Fun and Amazement

• Ticket upgrade to include the Water Park Fun & More Option
• Wild Africa Trek for up to four people. Must be at least 8 years old and at least 48” inches tall
• Fantasmic! Dining Package for four persons. Subject to show performances, and based on availability. Restrictions apply

4) Big Thrills Beyond the Theme Parks

• Ticket upgrade to include the Water Park Fun & More Option
• One  Disney Shopping Spree with a maximum value of five hundred dollars (US$500)
• Choice of recreational experiences such as, but not limited to, boat rentals, kayaking, bass fishing, spa, miniature golf with a total a value up to five hundred dollars (US$500).

5) Grownup Fun and Romance

• Ticket upgrade to include the Water Park Fun & More Option
• Signature Dining experience for up to four people
• Choice of spa experiences or one round of golf for up to four people with a total value of eight hundred dollars (US$800)
• A night at Downtown Disney Area, featuring unique shopping and dining, as well as exciting nighttime entertainment, for four people with a total value of four hundred dollars(US$400)

Or if you win and select the Disneyland ® Resort

• A five day / four night trip for the Group to the Disneyland® Resort in Anaheim, California
• hotel accommodations (one standard room/quad occupancy, including room tax) for four consecutive nights
• Up to four 5-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® tickets (subject to restrictions); ­­­­[c] a Disney Gift Card with a value of five hundred dollars (US$500); [d] products from Disney’s PhotoPass® service as chosen by Sponsor (value up to US$250)

Plus the winner’s choice of one of the following enhancements:

1) Character Cuddles and Happy Happenings

• “In room” décor, as chosen by Sponsor, in winner’s Disneyland® Resort hotel room [winner’s room only]
• One (1) Disney Character Dining experience for four  persons
• VIP viewing for one (1) Disneyland® Resort parade or show for four persons. Parade and/or show selection and date and time of experience are at the discretion of Sponsor. Based on availability. Restrictions apply

2) New Discoveries and Magic Makeovers

• “In room” décor, as chosen by Sponsor, in winner’s Disneyland® Resort hotel room [winner’s room only]
• Up to two (2) Bibiddi Bobiddi Boutique Princess Package makeovers (Guests ages 3 to 12 can choose from 3 hair styles—Fairytale Princess, Disney Diva and Pop Princess)
• Discover the Magic Tour for up to four people
• One (1) Disney Character Dining experience for four persons

3) Wild Fun and Amazement

• World of Color Dining and viewing for four persons (subject to show performances and based on availability)
• One (1) one-day Adventures By Disney® Lights! Camera! Magic! Tour of Hollywood for four persons
• Fantasmic! V.I.P Seating with desserts for four persons. Subject to show performances, and based on availability. Restrictions apply

4) Big Thrills Beyond the Theme Parks

• One (1) one-day Adventures By Disney® Lights! Camera! Magic! Tour of Hollywood for four persons
• One (1) Disney Shopping Spree with a maximum value of five hundred dollars (US$500)
• World of Color Dining and viewing for four persons (subject to show performances and based on availability)

5) Grownup Fun and Romance

• Signature Dining experience for up to four (4) people
• Choice of spa experiences at Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa for up to four people with a total value of eight hundred dollars (US$800)
• A night at the Downtown Disney® District, a lively promenade featuring unique shopping and dining, as well as exciting nighttime entertainment for four people with a total value of four hundred dollars (US$400)

Go to disneytimesweeps.com to enter daily! Good Luck

Once again Disney’s new Aulani Resort in Hawaii is offering great military discounts!

The promotion starts today and runs through the end of the year. Discounts range from 25 to 40 percent off the regular price.

What are the Rates?

Starting today through 10 March 2013 receive from 30-40% Off (President’s Weekend excluded)

Receive 25% off the rest of the year (Subject to availability)

Call Disney at (866) 44-DISNEY, or your travel agent to reserve your dates. Military Disney Tips recommends Ears of Experience a military family owned, Disney only, fee free travel agent.

 AULANI – The place that speaks for the great ones

The term “Aulani” comes from the local Hawaiian language and means either “the place that speaks for the great ones” or “the place that speaks with deep messages.” Kind of fitting for our military, don’t you think?

Walt Disney Imagineers worked hand in hand with locals to create Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina—a Hawaiʻi Resort that celebrates Hawaiian culture, history and traditions. From contemporary Hawaiian art and design to myriad recreational activities, entertainment, excursions and more, Aulani immerses Guests in the legends of the islands so you can experience the true enchantment of Hawaiʻi.

This beachfront Resort is nestled between the lush green mountains and beautiful ocean waters in Ko Olina on the leeward side of the island—far enough away from the crowds but close enough to enjoy all the wonders of Oʻahu. The resort is located fairly close to Hickam AFB and Pearl Harbor.

Enjoy an exciting array of all-inclusive vacation elements during your stay at Aulani. Make a splash in the Waikolohe Valley. Meet some popular Disney Characters. Reconnect with loved ones as you explore the many wonders of Aulani.

RESORT HIGHLIGHTS

In addition to the all-inclusive vacation elements at Aulani, you can enhance your vacation with Premium Experiences and upgraded activities that are available at a fee.

Premium Experiences and upgraded activities offer more relaxation, more interactive playtime and more cultural immersion—for the ultimate in Hawaiʽi vacations!

Aulani Official site