Posted on 05/13/2003 7:48:36 PM PDT by Kieri
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Universal theme parks in Florida and California are offering free admission to active duty U.S. military personnel.
From now until December 19, military personnel will get free admission for five consecutive days to two theme parks in Orlando - Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure - as well as to City Walk, the Orlando resort's dining, shopping and entertainment complex.
The offer also applies to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Up to five family members and friends of each military member will also get discounts when purchasing multi-day passes.
Military personnel will also receive a 40 percent discount at Universal Orlando's three onsite hotels.
"The war in Iraq reminded us once again of the commitment, dedication and bravery of each member of our military," Tom Williams, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Parks & Resorts, said in a release. "We want to thank them and their families for what they do."
Right on both counts. They do deserve it, and this will increase the popularity of Universal parks with patriotic non-military folks. Result, more ticket sales. And those military families will still buy hotdogs and other things at full price, and more of them will go to Universal than other nearby attractions (like Disney).
This is good for the military family.
As for Universal, the cash registers will fill to overflowing.
I think this is a win-win situation.
Not so fast condemning Disney...
Disney Parks Offer Free Passes For Military
Discounts Offered On Disney Cruises, Hotel Rooms
POSTED: 2:20 p.m. PDT May 13, 2003
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- A "salute" to America's armed forces is underway at Disneyland and the California Adventure, with complimentary, multi-day passes for U.S. military personnel and other discounts.
The promotion will run through Dec. 19 and include special offers for family members and friends, according to Disney.
Military discounts on Disney cruises will be offered between June 19 and Dec. 18.
"Our company has a longstanding tradition of supporting our armed forces, even as far back as World War II, and today we continue that commitment by honoring these men and women who have served their country," said Jay Rasulo, president of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.
Members of the Coast Guard and activated members of National Guard and reserves are eligible for the deals, as well as members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.
Each military member can get one free 3-day pass, valid for Disneyland and the California Adventure. Additional 3-day passes, for up to five family members, will be available for $39 each.
Disney is also offering military discounts on its hotel rooms.
Military to get free theme park tickets
Military families are receiving a special thank you from Anheuser-Busch, owner of several theme parks in the United States.
The company announced that it will give free one-time admission to active-duty military, active Reservists, U.S. Coast Guard and National Guardsmen and up to four of their direct family members beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing until Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The offer has also been extended to coalition forces serving with American troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
''The men and women in our armed forces have made tremendous sacrifices, risking their lives and enduring separation from their families during the war,'' said August Busch III, chairman of Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc., which operates nine theme parks in the United States. ''We wanted to express our deep gratitude for their service and this gives those who serve and their families some much-needed relaxation and enjoyment.''
''Operation Salute'' will give free admission at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, SeaWorld San Antonio and Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa.
''It is our privilege to offer this to the men and women of the armed services,'' said Patrick Stokes, president and chief executive officer of the company. ''It is a small gesture of thanks for the hardships endured every day by our military members and their families.''
yah. but what the fine print on this offer says is that its the free passes are only good -- on gay days, and only if the Military wear tight fitting uniforms...
or do they get the short shift again?
However, regarding Disney...this "offer" has been very interesting, to say the least!
You are correct!! Right now, Disney has extended their offer of free passes to active duty military personnel with proof of orders. Dh and I have been addressing this with Disney directly since Monday, trying to get them to make an official statement regarding their choice as to why they will NOT extend free passes to Reservists and Guard members. In our example, dh has not been activated, except for his 2 week AD period each year, however he has been flying in the Reserves about 6 days/month, on average.
Something else confusing about the Disney offer, is that the original Reuters Disney statement offered free 5 day passes, while last night, my Google searches began turning up passes for 3 days. Funny how members of the Air National Guard and other Reserves were good enough to protect the airspace over WDW...and, oh yeah...anywhere else in the rest of the world within a second's notice. Has Disney forgotten this?
There are seven U.S. military Reserve components: The Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve. The purpose of these Guard and Reserve forces is to provide combat-ready units and individuals to the nation's military forces when necessary. They are being called upon in more cases and more places than ever before. In the post-Cold War era, we have come to rely heavily on our National Guard and Reserve, not just as Reserve forces in waiting but as critical contributors to the work of the Total Force. Every day around the globe thousands of active duty men and women in uniform risk their lives and make tremendous sacrifices in the national interest. Increasingly, reservists are there alongside, serving extended tours away from their homes, families and jobs. These absences present tremendous challenges to reservists and their families. The Department of Defense continues to seek new ways to reach out to Guard and Reserve families and is working hard to minimize the disruptions and hardships associated with Reserve component service. http://dticaw.dtic.mil/prhome/das_ psfe.html :
For more info Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, 1500 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20302-1500.
I'd encourage FReepers to help light up WDW's switchboards today -
WDW Community Relations -
407-828-4777
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