Disney Announces Military Travel Promotion for 2009

Standing in front of Cinderella Castle, Mickey Mouse greets guests at the Magic Kingdom, a vacation classic where magical storybooks come alive. Combining classic favorites and exciting additions, a day at the Magic Kingdom is an essential part of a Walt Disney World Resort visit.

Disney has kicked off 2009 with many free firsts. Not only is 2009 the year of “What will you Celebrate?” promotion, providing a free ticket to guests on their birthday, but they have trumped their own offer by extending a complimentary five-day park hopper (with water parks) ticket to military personnel in 2009 valid at Walt Disney World or a three-day park hopper pass valid at Disneyland. Further enhancing this military travel offer, Disney is also allowing eligible service members to purchase tickets for family at a heavily discounted price.

With the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer, active and retired U.S. military personnel, including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists, can enjoy complimentary, multi-day admission into Disney’s U.S. theme parks, great rates at select Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort hotels, and additional special ticket offers for family members and friends.

“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.”

At the Disneyland Resort in Southern California:

Through June 12, 2009, each eligible military member 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, the military personnel member 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.

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.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Florida:

Through Dec. 23, 2009, each active or retired member of the U.S. military may obtain one complimentary 5-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” ticket with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options. This 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 may also make a one-time purchase of up to a maximum of five 5-Day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” tickets (one theme park per day) for $99 per ticket, plus tax, for family members (including spouse) or friends. Although this ticket for family members and friends does not include either the Park Hopper or Water Park Fun & More options, this ticket can be upgraded to add either such option, or both, for an additional $25, plus tax, per option. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by Dec. 23, 2009. 

Select Walt Disney World Resort hotels may also be offering special rates for active or retired U.S. military personnel during this offer period.

For information on the “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at Walt Disney World Resort or the Disneyland Resort, or to make reservations, active and retired U.S. Military personnel may call the ITT office on their base. Information about “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute” offer at Walt Disney World Resort is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military.

Sea World and Bush Gardens have also offered a regular promotion targeting military members titled “Hero Salute” for a free one-day pass for eligible personnel and up to three family members, which is generous in itself and welcomed in a tight economy. Valid for one complimentary single-day admission per person, per year, to one of the following Anheuser-Busch Adventure Parks: SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island. Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. To register, visit: www.herosalute.com

Military families can leverage both promotions to create a longer vacation, particularly in Orlando and Tampa area.

Kudos to Disney and other theme parks and suppliers offering special travel promotions as a thank you to our valued military members, especially in a tough economic time and during a time when many families have been separated for long periods due to deployments. Spending time together at Disney is a great way to reconnect and to truly enjoy each other!