Free Entry to Disney Parks (Florida)

[freudian slip]

Having just booked a holiday to Florida, someone informed me that several theme parks give reduced or free admission to HM Forces.
Has anyone been recently that can shed light on this ? Which parks etc and other interesting places to spend my overinflated dollars.

[roverboy]

Don't know if it's any help, but whenever I've been on det to the States, the base we've been at has had either free or concessionary tickets to local attractions available in their version of the HIVE. It depends on if you want to find a nearby military establishment. There shouldn't be any problem getting onto a base on production of F1250

[K9 FORNICATOR]

Don't know if it's any help, but whenever I've been on det to the States, the base we've been at has had either free or concessionary tickets to local attractions available in their version of the HIVE. It depends on if you want to find a nearby military establishment. There shouldn't be any problem getting onto a base on production of F1250

In the States they generally hold their Services with higher regard and subsequently dish out higher rewards. Most stores on enquiring as to whether they give 'Military Discount' will invariably on production of your F1250 give a reduction in the price.

[Vim_Fuego]

In the States they generally hold their Services with higher regard and subsequently dish out higher rewards. Most stores on enquiring as to whether they give 'Military Discount' will invariably on production of your F1250 give a reduction in the price.

Very true...at every opportunity you must ask 'do you give any military discount?'...I find that up to a third off is fairly standard in hotels, some clothes shops, car rentals (often they'll give you an upgrade instead)...

The last time we did Disney et al we got some discounts although Sea World gave us naff all...and it ended up being effing expensive...

If I have time I always try and manufacture me going near one of their bases before going into Kissimee...I once drove up to Jacksonville...This is to utilise their ITT (kind of like a naafi travel agent) to sort out my trip for me...they book your hotels for you and sell you the park tickets all in one go in front of you...They got us into the Howard Johnston 'Main Gate' for 3 nights at $5 each!! (this is 5 mins from the main gates of Disney and not far from International Drive where most everything is incl. Wet 'n' Wild)...

[Vim_Fuego]

Their is a Naval Exchange in Orlando so a bit of tax free and/or subsidised shopping could be on the cards....here is a link to their price list which is a little dated but their phone number is on the top so give them a bell...From the list you can see that the discounts are minimal at that time but it may have changed...They are always helpful to Brits...They can help with cheap accom as well usually from hotels to, if there are any spare, rentals...

http://www.protocoltraining.com/Seminar%20files/NAVY%20MWR%20TICKET%20PRICES.pdf

[Maxmeister]

The last time we did Disney et al we got some discounts although Sea World gave us naff all...and it ended up being effing expensive...

I went to Disney Florida last year. Sea World has a special lane for armed forces, My wife and i went up to the counter and on production of the magical 1250 entrance was free. i believe this is up to 4 family members plus yourself. This also works at Busch Gardens.

[Humble Scribe]

My boss has just got back from Florida, and confirms that Sea World is the only place with free entry to Brit Forces. Some discounts elsewhere so don't be afraid to ask.

[insty66]

As already stated there are lots of discounts available but you do have to sort in advance if you can as there is no way of knowing if Luan from Bdiddlyboing Owidaho will know what a 1250 is.
A NATO travel order is a handy tool too as most NaATO personnel know what that is (hmm)
Enjoy your holidays I'll offer only one tip: Don't spend it all driving from park to park you'll be bu&&ered by the time you get home!

[freudian slip]

Thanks for the help goaters. I was not sure whether to pre-book and save money or try it on at the gate, i was unsure which would be the cheaper option. Certaintly sea world and Busch gardens will be getting a visit. Will try and gain entry to Navex aswell. Cheers

[Swingwinger]

Just got back from Florida 2 weeks ago. My advice is buy tickets from used ticket places on Int Drive. They sell cheap tickets that are only part used. Saves you loads of money. You can sell them back too if you dont use them all and they are still in date. Hope this helps.

[desertammohunk]

I was in Florida during Sep 05 and Las Vegas of Jun 06 and yes its F1250-a-gogo.

Seaworld and their sister companies (Busch Gardens & Wet n Wild) are particularly good although embarrassing. They have the "USA salutes our heroes" program which I think is free entry plus at some point during your day there (usually in front of a large crowd e.g. at the Shamu Killer Whale show) they will make all members of Americas Armed Forces (and their allies) stand up while they play the National Anthem and give you all a sitting ovation!! Can you imagine this back in good ol Blighty? No because it might offend all the PC do-gooders and Al Qaeda members...

New York New York in Las Vegas upgraded our rooms for free and we got free entry into certain bars/clubs etc.

I think general rule of thumb is dont be shy getting your 1250 out at any possible occasion you think it may save you cash.