Military discounts?

[RedFoxRunner]

Soo, my girlfriend and I are going to WDW in May and it is her first visit. We were originally pretty bummed as there aren't any great deals going on right (nothing compared to 4/3!!) and it the price to go for 7 days was getting pretty steep!

Well, she works as a civillian on a military base and we just discovered she could get a discount on tickets as she works for the Dept of Defense/Army and would count as a "military personnel." Is anyone familiar with this process?

Would I just book my room online and then purchase my tickets when I get to the hotel? Could they combine my tickets onto my hotel key like normal? I usually book everything together, but don't want to miss out on this discount. Plus, is this discount just for her, or would it be valid for me too? I've heard it both ways.

And finally, could I take advantage of the current deals (30% off or gift card) AND also get the discounted tickets down there?

Thanks :wave:

 

[Rob562]

MouseSavers has a lot of info about the military discounts.

Here's their page about tickets:
http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwtixdiscounts.html#military
(Note that the special offer in the first yellow box does *not* apply to DoD employees, you have to scroll below it)

Unfortunately, these are tickets that have to be purchased separately, and cannot be used as part of a WDW package. (Though the front desk *should* be able to encode them onto your room key after you buy them)

You'll have to do the math to see what's a better deal. Figure out the discount packages available to the general public (including the dining plan if you want it), then compare that to a Room Only reservation and buying the tickets separately.

She's also eligible to stay at Shades of Green:
http://www.shadesofgreen.org/home.html


-Rob

 

[a2grafix]

There is a deal for military getting into the parks - for you and your girlfriend. Disney, Universal, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens are extending their military / hero salutes.

Took advantage of the special in December 2009, last month. Though this year's Disney military salute is a little bit trimmed (4-day park hopper ticket instead of 5-day park hopper), Universal is still offering a free 7-day 2-park ticket and SeaWorld/Bush Gardens are offering free entry in the parks with their hero salute.

Check out Hero Salute for more. Here's some info on the Disney Military Salute for 2010 through the Shades of Green Disney military resort web site, and here's some info on the free unlimited military ticket from Universal Studios.

And have reservations at Shades of Green, right? Room rate is based on your pay grade. The rooms are easily suite-like with two queen beds, a couch/hide-a-bed and a very nice bathroom.

If you did not reserve through Shades of Green, you know that you can get a military room rate at some of the Disney resorts? Although I have not taken advantage of this offer -- stayed at Shades three times -- I heard from fellow military friends that Disney offers 40% - 50% discounts on rooms, or is it $45-$50 room rates at the value resorts? Still a great offer.

Best of luck.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Your girlfriend is actually not elligible for the current military salute. But she can stay at Shades of Green.

Shade of Green is a great place to stay. We have enjoyed all our stays there.

The gift card special is a package, so you can't get that one, without also purchasing full price tickets.

You could get the room only discounts currently being offered, and then purchase the tickets on your own. You won't be elligible to purchase a dining plan, if that matters to you.

Rob is right, you would just want to run the numbers to see what works out best for you. The military discount off of tickets isn't a huge one, so you may save more with a package discount.

I'd be happy to help if you'd like. Just send me an email.