Geekgirl611’s Weblog

So, after going to Monkey Joe’s and learning of their awesome military discount, I figured I would call the one down here and ask them if they did the same. I assumed they would because Orlando is the number one tourist destination in the world. Sea World, upon request, mails out free passes once a year to Military families.

So, when I called and got some uber-rude chick on the line that said they offer a 10% discount – I was like, “huh?!”

Don’t get me wrong, 10% on a party reservation that costs $220 is awesome, but on a regular admission fee, it would save me $.80.

So, I got down about the crappy discount, and pissed at the rude girl.

So, me being the ever-so-shy me (joke, people, laugh!) I wrote an e-mail to the management.
The e-mail was as follows:

To whom it may concern:

I am very disconcerted at the lack of consistency in your prices as a company. My husband is a Marine, and we just recently were in North Carolina. We visited a wonderful Monkey Joe’s in Wilmington, and when we went there and showed our Military IDs, we were only charged $5 per person, regardless of age or day of week. Now, when I call your branch, I am told you offer a 10% discount. On an admittance fee of $8, I will save $.80.

A military family needs outlets such as Monkey Joe’s, when a mother of two or three children has gone months without a husband due to deployment, and needs to let the kids run around a bit. But to know that you think so little of military families, that all you offer is 10% off, is ridiculous. I could understand 10% off parties and whatnot – that’s wonderful. But off the main door fee? If you want to attract military families, and appear as though you support our military, you might want to reconsider how you treat and welcome us.

Thank you for your time.

Natalie Scott
Proud Wife of a U.S.
Marine

A little harsh, I admit…

Lo and behold, with in ONE HOUR, I receive a reply, not from the management whom I e-mailed, but the OWNER of the 5 Central Florida locations. I was speechless.
This is why:

Dear Natalie,

I am sorry about that. I never thought about the military families coming to Mj’s. We don’t have a lot of military in Orlando. I had a military appreciation night last May and only one family showed up, but I plan to now make it an annual event. I am also going to send you a frequent user card which is good for 10 entries. I am also going to institute a military discount as you described. I love the military, I am an Navy man. I’m sure your husband will be pleased by that fact LOL. I also love this country and I will be honored to help out in ANY way I can. Please send me your address and I will have my manager send you that card. It is good at any of my central FL locations. Thank you for your email Natalie. I am sorry that I did not think about this sooner.
Michael Carter
Owner, Monkey Joe’s CFL

Wow.
So, I wrote this back:

Dear Mr.
Carter,

Thank you. I have to admit, I am pleasantly surprised (astounded!) at your attitude. Thank you so much. It’s not often we run into such welcoming arms in a town without a base. There aren’t many military families here, but now that I know how friendly you are to us, I will spread the word to every military family that I know, and I am sure you will get more business from military families. I participate in a website aimed towards Marine spouses, and I will make sure to put a link to the CFL Monkey Joe’s, for anyone that may come to visit or move down here. I know of a few recruiters in particular, in this area, that have kids and would be very pleased to learn of this. Thank you so much for your cooperation in making your business more military friendly. I hope I was not too harsh in my e-mail, but I guess I had expected more, with the things that Sea World and Disney offer.
Sea World actually sends Military families free passes upon request! Also, thank you very much for your own service to our country as part of the USN!

Even had my e-mail not personally helped myself out, I enjoy the thought that I might have paved a way to make things easier for other Military families.
Thank you again! Have a good day, God bless!

Sincerely,

Natalie Scott
Proud Marine Wife

I just wanted to put this up too, for three reason:

1) To show the friendliness, showing there is yet hope for this wretched world of ours

and

2) To inspire any of you, if you ever run into a similar situation, to not be afraid to say something – you never know what may come of it

and

3) To share the benefits! Visit Orlando’s Monkey Joe’s!

in case you aren’t aware of the wonderful company:

http://monkeyjoes. com/

We are all about kids having fun, jumping, sliding and playing in the best indoor playground you have ever seen. Kids come first and parents are a close second.

Monkey Joe’s is also about keeping kids healthy. We make exercising fun. We guarantee to burn off that excess energy before they leave Monkey Joe’s. Rain or shine, there is not a better place to bring your kids than Monkey Joe’s. It is the perfect place to come inside and still feel like your kids are getting all the fun of being outside.
Monkey Joe’s teaches kids to play with other kids. They run, jump, slide, climb and most important laugh until they drop. Kids and parents are guaranteed to have a good time at Monkey Joe’s.

Now, I know for a fact that the one in Wilmington, NC offers a Military discount. Show your ID and you only pay $5 per person as opposed to the $8.

But, Central Florida Monkey Joe’s also does this now as well.
So, it’s a great, fun place to go to let the kids run around, while you get to sit down in AC and use their free Wifi! Def, check it out if there’s one near you!