Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Extends Discounts for Military Families

 posted on April 19th, 2011 by Thomas Smith, Social Media Director, Disney Parks

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has a long-standing history of honoring military personnel and their families, and today, we’re pleased to announce that we are extending our discounted theme park tickets and room rates for active military and spouses, retired military, National Guard and Reservists through September of 2012. This extension coincides with The Walt Disney Company’s participation in “Joining Forces,” an initiative launched by the White House to bring attention to the unique needs of America’s military families.

Earlier this week, First Lady Michele Obama and Dr. Jill Biden joined the hosts of “The View” to discuss their involvement with “Joining Forces.” They encouraged all Americans to show their gratitude to service members and their families and discussed how companies like Disney and others from across the country are coming together to help military personnel. For more information, go to www.joiningforces.gov to learn how you can get involved.

All areas of The Walt Disney Company are working with “Joining Forces” to support this great new initiative. Disney plans to donate 25,000 Disney/Hyperion books to the USO for the United Through Reading military program, which gives deployed troops the opportunity to read their kids a virtual bedtime story when they can’t be there in person. Disney will also send more than 200 “Operation Disney” care packages filled with DVDs, books and games to USO centers worldwide which will also include 4,000 Disney Digital Book online memberships.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is proud to support the brave men and women who serve our country in a variety of ways. Discounts are available throughout the year on select Disney Cruise Line itineraries and Shades of Green, a resort on Walt Disney World property operated by the U.S. Armed Forces, caters exclusively to military families and provides discounted room rates. And at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida, military personnel and veterans from all branches of the military are honored daily at a special Flag Retreat Ceremony where they are asked to step forward to be recognized as the colors are retired each afternoon.