Freebies in Florida

[Now a 'J' Bloke!!]

Hi Gang;

Now then...I thought this finished last year...but;

I was informed by a colleague that the theme park free entry in Florida to service families may still be open...Is this true or is he joshing me...It would be nice to save a bundle of $$$ to spend on more frivolous gadgets...

Regards...SFS

Edited for red wine speeling...

[MajorMadMax]

Try: http://www.militarydiscounts.com

But this is for US force, I am not sure if any/all apply to our cousins...

Cheers! M2

[Muppet Show]

Busch Gardens

I think you're talking about Busch Gardens:

http://www.buschgardens.com/buschgar...spx?pr_num=698



"St. Louis (Feb. 3, 2005) - Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc. today announced its "Heroes Salute" to honor the U.S. Armed Services by offering free single-day admission to its SeaWorld or Busch Gardens parks to active duty military, active reservists, U.S. Coast Guard, National Guardsmen and as many as three direct dependents beginning Feb. 7 through Dec. 31, 2005.

"In our own small way, we're giving something back to the brave men and women and their families who make sacrifices every day for our country," said August A. Busch IV, president, Anheuser-Busch Inc. "As a salute to America's heroes, we wish to extend a message of thanks and an invitation."

Any active duty, active reserve, ready reserve service member or National Guard is entitled to free admission under the program. He or she need only register, either online at www.herosalute.com or in the entrance plaza of participating parks, and show a Department of Defense photo ID. As many as three direct dependents of military personnel also are entitled to free admission."

Good ol' August Busch has extended the invite to us providing you can show your ID at the gate. Looks awesome, when's the next Ex in Florida?

[L1A2 discharged]

Got into the parks at 'employee rate' by showing ID - not too obviously - and explaining thatw e couldn't use the freebie as we were still 'over there' when it was on.

Also got a free book at the airport by asking for mil discount, buy one get one free sort of deal.

Thankfully the US citizens support their forces, wish ours did to the same extent.

[Now a 'J' Bloke!!]

Hi There;

Saw the 'herosalute' thing but you need a US address. I'd rather find out before I go because if we cannot get any freebies, then a cut-price tourist deal is still better than paying the gate price...

Might buy the Universal tickets here and try my luck at SeaWorld...and if it works there, then I can chance the escapade to Busch...

Regards...SFS

[SirToppamHat]

Thought of trying EBay?

I know it may sound a bit daft, but I recently spent couple of days at Alton Towers in a party of 9. I bought some 2 for 1 vouchers from Ebay and saved a load of dosh. I would think the same sort of thing is available on the US Site.

Edited to add

Just did a search:

Disney Tickets Orlando

I would also try emailing them ... what's the worst that can happen?

The thing about the Service Discount Book I have found is that there are often better deals available to the general public if you know where to look.



STH

[adr]

It's worth knowing that some (if not most) of the cut-price ticket sellers in Florida are reselling unused portions of previous visitors' multiday tickets; and that some of the attractions are now losing patience with that practice, even to the extent of taking biometrics of visitors to link individual tickets to individual persons.

adr

[Muppet Show]

J Bloke, I think I read about it in the RAF Inflight magazine of all places (back of a VC10, rather bored); fairly certain it's the current edition (Summer 05). It said that Brits were included in the 'deal' and had to complete a short form at the gate. If you want to make sure, try and get your mits on a copy. Enjoy your hols! Rgds MS

[MAD Boom]

There is an ITT office in the Navy Exchange on Tradeport Drive (10 min drive from airport). By showing your UK military ID you can save about 10% on all the Disney/Universal/Busch/Kennedy attractions.

Not a massive saving but every little helps!

[pilot watcher]

Show your 1250 in any Hooters on a Tuesday and get 10% discount "As a thank you for the great job our troops are doin out there"
Its not much but pays half the tip. Downside is that the girls don't wear the traditional orange outfit that day, but a sort of camouflage hot pant/bra little number.......not bad!

[propulike]

Would it be this outfit by any chance?

[Overtorque]

I've just got back from the States. Anheuser-Busch parks are definitely free for all military - that's Busch Gardens and Seaworld. There was even a separate ticket booth so we didn't need to queue. You can take up to about 5 dependents in with you. However we elected not to stand up at the 'Shamu' show, where all military were asked to stand so that they could be cheered!

At the Anheuser-Busch parks, your military ID also entitled you to 20% off all food in the park.

[Davey Stott]

Overtorque, seeing that brought back memories.

I went to Sea-World Florida a month after the September 11th attacks. During the Shamu show, all service personnel (And Coast Guard) were asked to stand and milk up the frenzied cheering, whoops, 'Hell Yeah's' and finally, the National anthem.

For some reason, this struck a nerve in myself and my grandfather (who served in WW2, RN, now RIP). We both stood up, looked at each other in disgust, and promptly walked out. It seemed so crass to us Brits.

Now the strange thing is, we used to love the Royal Tournament, which was a far, far greater willy waving display than the Shamu show will ever be.

It must be a pompous British thing, stiff upper lip and all that....

[Two's in]

It's worth asking anywhere in the US for a military discount - Hotels, Car Hire, restaurants etc. Get over being British about it, people here not only expect you to ask, they are genuinely pleased to offer you the discount. It might only be a couple of % but it's better than a poke in the eye... etc.

DS's mail about US patriotism is a common problem for Brit's over here - the news is that this is the US and they have a very different view on public displays of support for the services. Whatever your views on the Commander in Chief; as a nation, the US are 100% behind every serviceman and servicewomen and are proud to display that. Don't participate if it makes you feel unconforatable, but recognize it for what it is - genuine public support.

[Ali Barber]

Have to agree with the different way they treat their military and the way we think it is odd. 2 examples: Was in a shopping mall in northern Florida when a PA broadcast said there was a 25% discount for serving military personnel. We chanced our arm and asked if it was only US mil and was told they make no distinction (well before GW1/911/etc). Other was watching changing of the guard at Kennedy's grave. Sgt came out and told everyone this was a solemn event before the change of the guard, then the circus routine of bouncing and spinning rifles began. I couldn't keep a straight face and had to leave before I burst out laughing. No disrespect intended as I've heard the guards remained at their post during a hurricane despite being ordered to take cover. They just do things differently over there.

[Check 6]

Two's in is spot on. We Americans not only appreciate and respect our military members and veterans, but we also appreciate and respect the service members of our allied nations. This is especially true in Florida where my permanent home is located.

This definitely includes you Brits!

Thank you for your service!




Check 6

[Now a 'J' Bloke!!]

Overtorque et al;

Thanks for the advice...

Will definately be going to SeaWorld...but had a reply back from Universal saying 'no discounts currently'.

I cannot get hold of a copy of the Brize mag..anyone scan the page or direct me to an on-line version???

Regards...SFS

PS Can't go to Hooters...she won't let me!!!

[Dr Illitout]

Just got back this morning from Orlando (get prioritys right, family in bed overcoming jet lag, me on PPRUNE!!). Seaworld was doing a "Hero salute" thing. Before the fish show there was a video saying that they were offering free entry to the park for U.S. forces and thier familys. The presenter of the fishy bit then added his thanks to both the U.S AND the U.K. armed forces.
I deffinatly think you should turn up with your dusty combats on, flash your pass and try and try to get a discount

Rgds Dr. I

[Talking Radalt]

Show your 1250 in any Hooters on a Tuesday and get 10% discount

In the Santa Monica TGIFridays-with-tits I "accidentally" let slip that I was military, adpoted my best Leslie Phillips/Pierce Brosnan/Prince Charles (delete as applicable) accent and got free beer all night!
The down side was I missed their annual "Miss Wet Hooters" contest by one day.

[Roadster280]

I can back up the claims about the US people being 100 percent behind their military. Some examples:

I travel a lot within the US, and the respect shown to those in uniform is immense. Often the FAs on the plane will ask for a round of applause for the militaries on the plane. Old boys coming up to the guys in uniform, shaking their hands. I watched agog as a guy walked into the smoking lounge in Atlanta, where there was at least a company of infantry (about 100 guys). He cleared his throat loudly, and then offered to buy a drink for every man in uniform. The captain informed him that they could not drink alcohol in uniform, but 100 cokes later, everyone was happy.

Just yesterday, I drove past a high school at about 3pm, kicking out time. The cadets, or ROTC etc were doing the flag lowering ceremony. Can you imagine that at the local Comprehensive in Carterton?

This is typical of this country, intensely patriotic, and not afraid to show it. It's just different from what we are used to in the UK.

Now when I read of little f***ers defacing war cemeteries and memorials etc, I would like to see what would happen to them here.

So, ask for the discount, you will be pleasantly surprised by the respect shown to you. Just don't tell them you are crabs ;-)

[Edited because being ex-army, I couldn't count how many examples I gave :-) ]