By Angelica Marquez

As a military daughter and now spouse, I love helping military families plan their Disney vacations! Whether you’re squeezing in a trip before a PCS or celebrating a homecoming, Disney offers amazing military discounts on tickets and resorts. In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Disney World military discounts—including who qualifies, how to buy Military Salute tickets, and the pros and cons of Shades of Green vs. Disney resorts.

Did you know Disney offers incredible discounts to military families? I’ve used all of the discounts personally, so I can suggest the best options for your family!

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Who Qualifies for Disney Military Discounts?

• Active duty
  
• Retired military
  
• National Guard & Reserve
  
• Spouses with valid and active IDs

• Click here to see if you are eligible based on your ID! There are other eligible service members such as 100% Disabled Veterans.

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What Are Military Salute Tickets?

• These are highly discounted tickets! You can purchase 4-6 day tickets.
  • Pro tip: Considering two trips in the same year? You can use the days throughout the entire year during the validity period.

• All tickets have the Park Hopper option included. You can pay extra to add on the Plus option.
  • Pro tip: If you are interested in visiting the water parks, get the Plus option! If you purchase a 4-day Plus ticket, you’ll get 4 days of theme park admission and an additional 4 days of water park admission! This is a huge savings and a wonderful way to spend the day as a family.

• Where to buy: Base ticket offices or Shades of Green
  • Pro tip: Purchase tickets online here through Shades of Green! These tickets are pre-activated, so you won’t have to wait in any ticket lines at the start of your trip.

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Where to Stay: Military Options

• Disney Resort Hotels: Operated by Disney
  • Save up to 30% on rooms!
  • Lots of resort options based on what you’re looking for! As a resort expert, I love recommending the perfect hotel for my clients. Want the best pool? Need convenient transportation options? I’ve got you.
  • Pro tip: Did you know sometimes the military rate isn’t the best deal? I monitor prices for my clients to make sure they have the best rate possible!

• Shades of Green: Operated by the Department of Defense
  • I can’t book this for you because it’s government run, but I can recommend if it’s best for your family or not. I’ve stayed here personally many times!
  • Pros:
    • Deluxe resort perks at a lower price
    • Family-friendly
  • Cons:
    • Transportation is bus only
    • Doesn’t have the Disney vibe
    • Some rooms are due for a refurb

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What’s the Catch? (Things to Know)

• There are blackout dates for both ticket and resort discounts! For 2025, Spring Break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are excluded from military rates. I can suggest the best options if you need to travel during these times!

• A valid ID is required at check-in and when using tickets to enter the theme parks. Spouse IDs count too! Make sure they aren’t expired and you don’t forget them.
  
• Military tickets purchased on base need to be activated before entering the theme parks. You can do this at any theme park entrance or at Disney Springs.
  
• Park reservations are still required for Military Salute Tickets.

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Bonus Perks & Tips

• There is also a military discount for Memory Maker! You can purchase it at Disney for only $98. This is a huge savings to capture as many precious family pictures as you can.

• Looking to experience the holiday parties? Disney offers a military discount for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can veterans get Disney military discounts?

A: Yes! While veterans aren’t eligible for Salute tickets, there are slightly discounted, tax-free tickets available. Veterans aren’t eligible for the resort discounts.

Q: How many Salute tickets can I purchase?

A: Each eligible service member can purchase 6 tickets per year. Spouses do not qualify for an additional 6 tickets unless they are a service member as well.

Q: Can I share my discounts with friends and family?

A: Yes! As long as the service member or spouse is traveling too, the discount can be shared.

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Ready to start planning?

• I’ve helped hundreds of military families plan their magical Disney vacations! Want help maximizing your military discount at Disney? I’ve got you covered—reach out anytime!