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Disney offers free passes to active and retired U.S. military*

By Robert Niles
Published: January 5, 2009 at 1:30 PM
Disney is reviving its "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" program, with free five-day passes to Walt Disney World now available to all active and retired U.S. military personnel.

The offer is good through Dec. 23, 2009. Personnel should show their military ID at a ticket window to get the free ticket, as well as to buy additional five-day passes for $99 each. (Note that these are not park-hoppers.)

I haven't seen a specific announcement about Disneyland, but the last time Disney ran this promotion, free tickets at Disneyland also were available with a military ID.

Disney's run this promotion in previous years, and Busch has had a long-standing policy of free admissions for U.S. military at its theme parks (Busch Gardens and SeaWorld). Busch's offer does include family members, too, if I recall correctly.

*Update: The details from Disneyland...

Through June 12, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military can receive one complimentary three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" Park Hopper ticket valid for admission to both Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure parks. During the offer period, active or retired U.S. military personnel also may make a one-time purchase of an adult or child three-day "Disney's Armed Forces Salute Companion" Park Hopper ticket for up to five family members (including spouse) or friends for the price of an adult 1-Day Park Hopper ticket. [Currently $94 - added by Robert]

Disneyland Resort hotels are also offering special room rates for active or retired military personnel. For example, at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel, active or retired members of the military and their families may find hotel rooms starting at $119 per night during value season, with great savings during other times of the offer period. This offer is available through June 12, 2009, and the number of rooms available at these special rates is limited.

For information regarding "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" at the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, military personnel may call 714-956-6424.

Readers' Opinions

From Amanda Jenkins on January 5, 2009 at 10:14 PM
I think it is great that Disney decided to bring this back. I think our military should be rewarded more often with free items, especially if they involve something they can enjoy with their families.
From Amy Tupper on January 6, 2009 at 6:12 AM
Three words: It's about time!!!

Our family will DEFINITELY be taking advantage of this! Yay!

EDIT: Saw this article regarding the deal for Disneyland: http://www.just-spotted.com/2009/01/disney-salutes-armed-forces.html

One more thing - other articles I've read say that the tickets ARE park-hoppers, but you can't add-on the "no expiration" option. And, there are discounts available for companion tickets.

This is GREAT news!!!

From W McDougal on January 6, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Isn't this the kind of stuff that would be done in the Soviet Union and Communist China to give the solider class a higher standing than other citizens? It's shameful that this disgrace occurs in the US, and that citizen soldiers would actually accept these handouts for performing a duty they choose to undertake. Instead of free tickets to theme parks, all these soldiers' families should receive a free copy of a George Marshall biography to learn from and aspire to emulate a true American citizen-solider.
From Robert Niles on January 6, 2009 at 5:09 PM
Whaaa?
From Deidre Dennis on January 6, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Yea, what was that all about?
From Joshua Counsil on January 7, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Wow, since when did this site become a YouTube comments page?
From Robert Niles on January 7, 2009 at 9:03 PM
If getting a theme park discount is all one needs to get a "higher standing" in society, then we're living in a Lake Wobegon world ("where all the children are above average").
From Laurence Turley on January 8, 2009 at 11:02 PM
To: W McDougal

Military is a different class of citizen and deserve all that is given. Other than "LEACHING" off of this country by the fact that you were born here, what have "YOU DONE" to keep this country safe over the last 7 years since we were attacked? What have "YOU DONE" to promote freedom and democracy? Have you risked your life? When you "actually do something", such as spend years away from your family or risk your life and not just be lucky enough to be born here, than you can criticize. At this point, you are no different than a leach, feeding off of the accomplishments of the military.

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