Hey, I’m heading to Shades of Green for a weekend getaway at Walt Disney World on this Friday, 30 July. My wife and I are going both for a relaxing weekend and to do some research for the site. We’re jumping in the car Friday morning and making the 6 hour drive. We’re looking forward to it

The last time I was at Shades, Mangino’s was closed so we definitely want to try out their food. We’re going to hit each of the other restaurants too and spend lots of time around the resort. We won’t be going to any of the theme parks (we’ve done that lots) but might head to Downtown Disney or the Boardwalk in the evenings for a little Disney atmosphere. Perhaps we’ll catch the new Summer Nightastic fireworks at the Magic Kingdom from the California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort, or the Electrical Water Pageant from the Polynesian beach

We’ll be taking lots of pictures around Shades and trying to find out as many details as possible. Please let me know by replying to this post or sending me an e-mail if there is anything specific you want me to check out or get some pics of!

I’ll be posting lots of what I found in the weeks after I get back!

Shades of Green

Shades of Green is offering a special package for those who who care for someone i.e. a wounded soldier, a child or a sick family member.

The special is available from 16 August until 15 October 2010. It’s a FANTASTIC $69.00 per night rate.

To me it sounds as if spouses of military members who care for the kids qualify. Call Shades of Green or use the request form linked to below.

The U.S Army Family and MWR Command, Shades of Green Caregiver Special, is designed as a respite for those providing for our country’s wounded and ill Armed Forces members, veterans, and family members.(Please read eligibilty requirements below).

Only $69.00 per night (double occupancy) includes :

• Standard Room Accommodations

*Additional guests 18 and over $15.00 per night
*Only Valid August 16 – October 15, 2010 (Blackout dates may apply)

Eligibility Requirements – Must be Active Duty or Retired military, members of the Guard or Reserve, DoD civilian employees, and Family members of the above groups with a military/Government ID card.

Definition of Caregiver – A Caregiver can be anyone who takes care of someone, a wounded soldier, a child or a sick family member.

Click here if you feel that you are eligible for the Caregiver Special and would like to MAKE A RESERVATION REQUEST.

This follows NBC Universal’s discontinuation of it’s MIlitary Salute at their Orlando Florida Universal Studios Theme Park. The Anheuser-Busch Here’s To The Heros offer at their nationwide theme parks continues through the end of the calendar year. Anheuser-Busch has offered a free one-day entrance to one of it’s theme parks to military members and up to three dependents since 2005. The Disney and Universal offers only ran in 2009 and part of 2010. The last time both parks ran a similar offer was in the economic downturn after 9/11.

Sad to see it end, it was fantastic while it lasted! Hopefully you’ll be able to take advantage of the offer before it ends. Not much time left, you have to buy your tickets by 31 August and start using them by 26 Sept as they will expire on 30 September.

If you can’t make it by the end of this offer be sure to check back here often for info on any military discounts that do become available in the future, whether from Disney, Shades of Green, Universal, Anheuser-Busch, or other military and non-military discounts which will help you save on your Orlando Theme Park vacation. I’m still waiting to hear from Disney Parks Public Relations if they will have a 2011 Disney Military Salute.

Shades of Green Room Rates

Ears of Experience is owned and operated by a military family. They truly are Mouse Experts, they only do Disney travel reservations, which keeps them current and knowledgeable on such a large and constantly changing topic. A great example is their Concierge packages where for an extra fee they provide detailed and personalized itineraries, dining reservations, and texting support during your trip.

You’ll never pay anything extra for your reservations as Ears of Experience is a fee free travel agent. You’ll pay the same as when you spend all the time researching and making the reservations with Disney yourself (Concierge service is extra). They’ll save you lots of time and probably some money too with their great service.

I’ve used them myself and highly recommend them!

Drop by and check out the new site and as always if you make your Disney reservation through the Mouse Experts at Ears of Experience please mention that Military Disney Tips referred you!

Ears of Experience contact page

Ears of Experience’s new website

Click here for more info on the Armed Forces Salute and blockout dates.

Disney Military Salute Comes To An End

Here’s a quick look at them, for a more detailed look at the actual savings go to Shades of Green Package Comparison.

Spring Special Package – Through 23 May 2010

• $289.00 based on double occupancy
• 3 Night Room Accommodations
• 3 Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Gallery
• Children 9 and under free
• Add an additional night (between 8 – 23 May only) for $65

End of Summer Special Package – 13 August – 30 September 2010.

• $329.00 based on double occupancy
• 3 Night Room Accommodations
• 3 Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Gallery
• 3 Dinner Buffets at the Garden Gallery
• Children 9 and under free

Fall Special Package – 1 – 30 September 2010

• $289.00 based on double occupancy
• 3 Night Room Accommodations
• 3 Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Gallery
• Children 9 and under free

Red White and Blue Salute Package – Through 30 September 2010

• Four to Eight Night Stay
• Standard and Poolside Guest Rooms discounted $5.00 per night
• Garden Gallery Breakfast and Dinner Buffet discounted 15%
• Walt Disney World® Stars and Stripes Theme park tickets~Adult tickets discounted $10.00 and Children (ages 3-9) tickets discounted $8.00

OEF/OIF U.S. Military and DoD Civillian Package – Indefinite

• 20% discount on all available room categories ranging from 1 – 14 nights.
• 20% discount on Shades of Green dining

R&R 40% Special – 1-30 September 2010

• 40% discount on all available room categories ranging from 1 – 14 nights.
• 40% discount on Shades of Green dining

Shades of Green Package Comparison

Shades of Green Packages

NBC Universal Military Sales confirmed for me today that “Universal has no plans for another Salute Program”. This ends the recent era in which all three major Orlando Florida Theme Parks had Military Salutes in effect. Universal Orlando’s ran from January 2009 until last month. Disney World’s has run form January 2009 and ends September this year (tickets must be purchased by 31 July). While Anheuser-Busch has offered their Here’s to the Heros Salute year in year out since 2005.

You can still take advantage of Universal Military Vacation Packages that include room and park tickets.

If you can, take advantage of Disney’s Military Salute this year, it’s likely not to be continued next year.

Disney’s 2010 Military Salute

Anheuser-Busch’s Here’s to the Heros

Wine with souvenir Shades of Green wine glasses
Chocolate delivered to guest room
5×7 Photograph from PhotoMagic
Only $50.00

Pricing is for one guest, Mother’s Day Brunch will be priced separately for guests, gratuity not included; limited availability; other restrictions may apply.

Please call Shades of Green Reservations for more info (888) 593-2242

It’s called the Spring Special

• $289.00 based on double occupancy
• 3 Night Room Accommodations
• 3 Breakfast Buffet at the Garden Gallery
• Children 9 and under free

Regular 3-night prices (No Breakfast)
Category 1 – $285.00
Category 2 – $369.00
Category 3 – $393.00

Please call Shades of Green Reservations at (888) 593-2242

*Additional guests 10 and over $10.00
*Standard Rooms
*Only Valid March 21st -May 23rd, 2010 (blackout dates apply)
*Restrictions apply (can not be combined with any other specials, packages or promotions), please call for further details.

Universal’s Military Vacation Packages continue through 23 December and include admission tickets.

The short answer is: When the kids are in school.

The long answer is that years ago when I worked there it was much easier to predict. Spring Break and Summer were bad times to go, any time else was good. Sunday through Wednesday were the best days of the week, Thursday through Saturday were busier.

But now thats changed so much. The best times to go are getting fewer and fewer and traditional vacation times have morphed. Plus Disney actively tries to get people to come in slower times to even the attendance and cash flow.

Recently I ran across a great site which has a super planning tool called: The Disney World Week Picker App. It helps you select the best time to go to Disney World for your family. It’s located on the The Walt Disney World Instruction Manual web site.

By answering a series of questions you’re guided to picking the best times to go based on your likes and dislikes.

The Week Picker App is located here.

There is also page listing 2010 Weeks to Visit Walt Disney World, Ranked in Order.

The main focus of this site is for first time visitors to WDW but there’s a vast amount of info for everyone. Take some time and look it over!

The Walt Disney World Instruction Manual – yourfirstvisit.net

Here is what their offer includes:

EXCLUSIVE MILITARY 4-Day/3-Night Getaways starting at only $217* per adult
• 3-Night accommodations at a Universal Partner Hotel
• 2-Day Base Ticket^ to both Universal Orlando theme parks – one theme park, per day
• Access to the live entertainment^^ at Universal CityWalk®
• PLUS, Early Park Admission† to experience some of Islands of Adventure’s most popular attractions before the rest of the general public!

Upgrade to one of three AAA Four-Diamond On-Site Hotels and SKIP THE REGULAR LINES^^^ for FREE!
EXCLUSIVE MILITARY 4-Day/3-Night On-Site Hotel Getaways starting at $493 per adult!

Create your own vacation package and SAVE UP TO 40% on:

• Hotel Stays
• Rental Cars
• And much more!

To book your vacation call 1-888-340-4614

Universal Orlando has also extended their Military Salute for 2010 until 26 March.

For full details click: Universal Military Vacation Package details

Universal’s web site

If you can donate something, there are so many ways! Pick the one you like best. Here are some that I’ve seen:

Text Haiti to 90999, this sends $10 to the Red Cross (charged to your phone bill)
Make a donation through iTunes “It’s as easy as buying a song”
Donate your Holiday Inn Priority Club Points
The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund
I even had a link on my Tivo to donate

These are just a couple that I’ve seen from companies that I do business with. I’m sure you’ve seen more!

Take a moment and give what you can!

FEMA’s Website
AFNORTH’s Haiti Website