Disney, Army resort offer affordable vacations for troops

[kittieb]

I didn't know where else to put it.
Take advantage people!!

1/8/2009 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A Disney vacation just got more affordable for military members and their families. With the "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" offer, active and retired military personnel, including active members of the Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reserve, can enjoy complimentary, multiday admission into Disney's U.S. theme parks, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends. At the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, from Jan. 4 to Dec. 23 each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one free five-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" ticket with "Park Hopper" and water park options. The ticket is valid for five days of admission into the four Walt Disney World theme parks, plus a total of five visits to a choice of a Disney water park, DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park or certain other attractions. During this offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase up to five "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" tickets -- good for five days -- for $99 each, plus tax, for family members or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun and More options, it can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. All tickets and options are nontransferable and must be used by Dec. 23. A similar offer is in place at Walt Disney Land in California. More information is available at installation ITT/ITR offices. "For so many of the men and women who serve in our U.S. military, time together with their families is cause enough for celebration," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "We are grateful for their service and hope 'Disney's Armed Forces Salute' will allow our troops to create wonderful, magical memories with their family and friends." Shades of Green, a resort hotel on Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla., is open exclusively to servicemembers, retirees, defense civilians, and their families. It is a safe haven for military families whether they're reintegrating after an overseas deployment, having one last "family fling" before mom or dad deploys, or simply getting away for a weekend. The resort manager, Brian Japak, is a retired Soldier, and his son has survived two roadside-bomb attacks while serving in Iraq. "I have great empathy for the families who we serve here," he said. Mr. Japak said the staff makes every effort to ensure the guests are pampered Disney style -- with just a touch of "home" through the tax-free Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppette and a Mickey Mouse statue decked out in red, white and blue. Security at the hotel complies with standard base force protection regulations, ensuring the troops and families can sleep soundly and not worry about their personal safety. Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center hotel run by the Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command based in Alexandria, Va. The command's mission is to provide military members and their families with the same quality of life they are sworn to protect. Rates are set on a sliding scale, based on rank, and with no shareholders to answer to or profits to be made, the rates are kept low. AFRCs offer four other world-class destinations for families, including Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany, Dragon Hill Lodge in Seoul, South Korea, the Hale Koa Hotel in Honolulu, and the Cape Henry Inn and Beach Club at Fort Storey, Va. (Mr. Bradner works at the Army's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command's Public Affairs Office.)

[Cobysmom75]

Wait! Did they say a Free ticket for 5 days of Disneyworld?

[ForeverYours]

Thanks for the post:
Theres been quite some talk about it already but another reminder never hurts
Check these out :
http://militarysos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264317
http://militarysos.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264224

[kittieb]

Originally Posted by Cobysmom75 Wait! Did they say a Free ticket for 5 days of Disneyworld?

YEP!!!!

[Jackee684]

Wow. We're going to visit DF's family in FL in March. We might need to look into this for my son. Thanks for posting.

[mandizzle]

Okay, my DB was talking about this, but he wasn't sure about what it would mean for me. Since I'm just his girlfriend, I could go for $99.00. Am I reading this correctly?

[sweetheart09]

I sent it to the DF

[Charynda]

Originally Posted by ThatOneHotNurse Okay, my DB was talking about this, but he wasn't sure about what it would mean for me. Since I'm just his girlfriend, I could go for $99.00. Am I reading this correctly?

Only if he is taking you. He has to show his ID at the ticket booth or when redeeming the tickets. You can not go alone.

[Whitney.]

DB and i stayed at shades of green in november for 4 days and it was AMAZING. it was so nice and so clean... everything was really discounted price wise, it was just an amazing time. oh, and the pictures on their website don't do it justice. i looked at them and i was like "eek i don't wanna stay there!" but it was great

[=Mrs.AiNokeA=]

Hmmm this article sounds like Disneyland may be doing something similar as well.

http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/disney/36573/

http://cashmoneylife.com/deals/free-...forces-salute/

Free Disney Tickets - Active Duty Military and Retirees By Patrick on Jan 8, 2009 in Freebies Disney is currently offering active duty military members and retirees multi-day passes to Disney’s US theme parks as part of “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute.” Disney theme park free admission eligibility: All active duty US military personnel, military retirees, active members of the US Coast Guard, and activated members of the National Guard or Reserves. Disney’s Armed Forces Salute includes: Eligible military members can receive complimentary multi-day theme park admission to US theme parks, lower rates at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends. Free Disneyland Tickets Military members can receive one complimentary 3 day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket valid at both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. Free Disney Admission. Tickets good for both Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. Bring friends and family. Ability to purchase adult or child 3-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” ticket for up to 5 people for the price of an adult 1-day Park Hopper ticket. Discounted hotel rates. Expires: June 12, 2009 Free Walt Disney World Tickets. Qualified military members or retirees can receive a complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. Free Disney Admission. Ticket valid for 5 days of admission to Walt Disney World theme parks, plus visits to Disney’s water park, Disney Quest, and more. Bring friends and family. Ability to purchase adult or child 3-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” ticket for up to 5 people for $99 per ticket (add $25 for access to all parks). Discounted hotel rates. Expires: December 23, 2009. Take advantage of this offer if you are eligible! Disneyland Free Admission Expires: June 12, 2009 DisneyWorld Free Admission Expires: December 23, 2009. Hat tip to The Jarhead Online, who recently wrote about free Disneyland tickets for Active Duty and Retired military members. More military discounts: See more military discounts at Military Finance Network and California military discounts at The Jarhead Online.