As some of you know, this is the year for military families to head to Disney, as they now offer an “Armed Forces Salute” special. They are offering a free five day ticket for Active Duty, retirees, or anyone who has been on active orders since January 2008. In addition, those eligible will receive five, five-day tickets for $99 per person, which can be upgraded to include the Park Hopper® Option and/or Water Park Fun & More Option.
Walt Disney World® Armed Forces Salute
What a lot of people don’t realize is they are also offering great Disney hotel discounts. As you can imagine with this military offer, Shades of Green (The on-site Military Disney resort) is extremely full. If they are unable to accommodate you, Shades of Green can then book you at a Disney property hotel in what is called an “overflow rate”. In the past, this was lower than the normal rate at that hotel; however, in this economy, things have changed. According to a Shades of Green reservation agent I recently spoke with, the overflow rate is not as low as Disney’s own military discount. I actually saved $80 per night at the Polynesian Resort in March using Disney vs. the Shades of Green overflow rate!
Deals get even better with Disney’s own specials, which are going on right now. I just booked three nights in June, peak season, at the Port Orleans Riverside for $111 a night! This is not a value resort. It is a moderate resort. That is less than my rate at the Shades of Green! Not to mention, there is free parking, free transportation to and from the airport if you have flown in, AND you can add the dining plan to these rates if you choose. If you tend to eat most of your meals on Disney property, you will save about 20-30% on dining by adding the dining plan. The above mentioned perks to staying at a Disney resort hotel are not applicable when staying at Shades of Green.
I have stayed at Shades for Green six times and I think it is fantastic resort, especially with all the upgrades. However, I do own a Disney agency now and have to admit, I like the themed resort hotels and the one-stop “Key to the Kingdom”. This is one card that acts as your ticket, your room key, charge card, and even dining card. At the end of the trip, I get one itemized bill and I know what the bottom line is. I am also a budgeter. I like how I can add my dining plan to the package and it is paid for before I leave, so I don’t have any surprise charges once I get home.
So if you are thinking about a Disney vacation this year, take my advice and do it! With the “Armed Forces Salute” tickets, hotel discounts, and available dining plan, there has never been a better time to go. I have been in the industry a long time and this is one deal we military families need to take advantage of. They simply do not offer this to everyone. Also, the Disney hotel discounts were not offered in the last military specials we saw back in 2002. You will save hundreds of dollars booking these discount Disney vacation packages with us. http://www.themouseexperts.com/.
Discover the magic of Walt Disney World® Resorts and parks on a Walt Disney World® family vacation and share the joy of Mickey Mouse and company with your kids. Let Ears of Experience plan the perfect Disney trip for you and your loved ones. Contact us today at 1-800-80MOUSE. We look forward to sending you on the magical vacation of a lifetime.
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