Community saves with vacation discounts

By Tim Cherry, Belvoir EagleMay 31, 2012

FORT BELVOIR, Va. (May 31) -- Leisure Travel Services offers discounted movie tickets, vacation packages, cruises and hotel booking among other travel related attractions, at reduced rates, to authorized patrons.

Active duty, retired, Reservist and National Guard military personnel, as well as Department of Defense employees, contractors and Family members, can use the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation service with a DoD or DFMWR ID at the Fort Belvoir Community Center.

"It's is an easy way to get cheap tickets," said Tiera Burford, LTS recreation assistant.

LTS sells tickets admissions to businesses in Virginia, Maryland, Florida and Washington D.C.

As of May 1, DFMWR customers can purchase tickets to with savings from $3 to $30 per person to places such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, the Newseum, Six Flags, and the American Multi-Cinema movie theaters.

Two of the most popular are the Disney Armed Forces Salute and the Anheuser-Busch Parks free one day ticket, according to Yesica Morales LTS Supervisor.

The Disney service provides access to Walt Disney World Resort with a 4-Day Park Hopper ticket. U.S. active, retired, National Guard and Reservist military personnel may purchase up to six tickets at $135 per person through Sept. 30. The same ticket costs $298 on Walt Disney World's website.

"In addition to the tickets you can get up to 40 percent off on hotel rates that you book directly through us," Morales said. "It's a wow factor to customers."

As of May 1, DoD employees and contractors will pay $292 per ticket for the 4-Day Park Hopper.

Throughout 2012, the Anheuser-Busch service provides military members, and as many as three direct dependents, one complimentary ticket to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens or Sesame Place.

According to the Anheuser-Busch Here's to the Heroes website, the service is open to active members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard and Reservists.

Customers can also travel to New York during one of LTS's day trips, June 23, August 18, October 20 and November 17. For $45 per person, Morales said customers get six hours to shop, attend plays or sight see among other tourist attractions. Departures are at 8 a.m. from the Fort Belvoir Community Center.

Deals on vacations and cruise packages include locations in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. LTS also provides tickets and vacation packages offered by external businesses, restrictions among the businesses vary.

"People should take advantage of what we have to offer here on post," Morales said. "If you're about saving, why not use our service?"

A link under the website category on LTS' DFMWR webpage allows customers to register for destinations.

The LTS office is located at the community center's front desk and the hours are 8 a.m. through 7:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m., Sunday.

Visit the office during these hours to arrange travel plans and purchase discounted tickets and hotel rooms.

Credit cards are accepted and all sales are final, no refunds or exchanges.

Prices are subjected to change without notice and are subjected to availability.