Ultimate Guide for Military Families Planning a Disney Vacation
Disney's Shades of Green Military Resort
Planning your first family trip to Walt Disney World is incredibly exciting, but it can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to take full advantage of the discounts and benefits available to military families. This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from military-specific options and insider deals to practical tips, ensuring your Disney vacation is not only magical but also budget-friendly. Disney offers exceptional flexibility for military families, catering to their unique needs in numerous ways. From discounted park tickets through the Armed Forces Salute program to specially priced accommodations at the exclusive Shades of Green resort, Disney makes the planning process easier and more affordable for service members. With these tailored options, military families can look forward to a Disney vacation that is not only budget-friendly but also stress-free, filled with unforgettable moments.
When to Start Planning
Military families should begin planning their Walt Disney World vacation at least 6 to 12 months in advance. This allows ample time to secure the best accommodations, purchase park tickets, and make important reservations, such as dining and Lightning Lne selections (with dining reservations opening 60 days prior to your trip). Larger suites at Shades of Green, a popular resort for military families, often book out a year in advance, so early planning is key for those premium options. However, Walt Disney World is also well-suited for last-minute trips, with military discounts and flexibility making it possible to enjoy a magical vacation even with shorter notice. Additionally, with flexible cancellation policies and the option to reschedule your trip if needed, Disney is a highly military-friendly destination.
Setting a Budget
Here's a rough estimate of what you might expect for a military family of four:
Accommodation: Shades of Green or Disney resorts (discounted rates): $120–$400 per night
Park Tickets: $250–$400 per person (dependent on the number of days)
Meals: $50–$100 per day per person (Disney dining plan or à la carte dining)
Transportation: Gas, flights, or rental car fees if needed
Military Discounts on Park Tickets
Disney Military Salute Tickets
For full detailed guide read my blog on Everything You Need to Know About Disney Military Tickets. Disney offers significant discounts on tickets for military members. You can buy these tickets from your local Military Welfare and Recreation Office (MWR), which is often the best option for savings. You can purchase Military Salute Tickets, which are deeply discounted multi-day tickets.
These tickets usually come in 4 - 6 day options:
6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Purchase now through December 15, 2024.
With the Park Hopper Option: $409 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $439 plus tax
5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Purchase now through December 16, 2024.
With the Park Hopper Option: $389 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $419 plus tax
4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket
Purchase now through December 17, 2024.
With the Park Hopper Option: $369 plus tax
With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $399 plus tax
Valid Admission Dates
Receive admission for 4, 5 or 6 days, valid for visits January 1, 2024 through December 20, 2024, subject to the following blockout dates:
March 24, 2024 through April 6, 2024
November 24, 2024 through November 30, 2024
These tickets are a fraction of the cost of regular admission, and you can add the Park Hopper Plus option, which allows access to water parks and other fun experiences throughout Walt Disney World. The best part about the Military Salute tickets is their flexibility—you can use them throughout the year, almost like an annual pass.
The Magic Your Way Military Ticket is an excellent option for military families planning a trip to Walt Disney World. This ticket allows flexibility in creating the perfect park experience by offering a range of ticket lengths, typically from 1 to 10 days. It’s a great alternative to the Military Salute tickets for those who might need more days in the parks or are planning a one-time visit without returning during the year. The Magic Your Way Military Ticket also offers the option to add Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus, which includes access to Disney's water parks and other recreational activities. While not as deeply discounted as the Armed Forces Salute tickets, Magic Your Way tickets still provide significant savings compared to standard ticket prices. These tickets can be purchased through base ticket offices or Shades of Green, making it easy for military families to get their tickets ahead of time. The flexibility and customization options of the Magic Your Way Military Ticket ensure that families can tailor their Disney experience to fit their specific needs and schedule.
My kids visit Disney often, so we usually purchase one Military Salute Park Hopper Plus ticket and one Magic Your Way ticket for each of them, giving them access to 11 days at the parks and 11 days at the water parks annually, which is typically more than enough. If we plan to visit more frequently, we upgrade the Military Salute Park Hopper to an annual pass (we use the DVC Annual Pass, which offers a discount). For non-Disney Vacation Club members, upgrading might only be worth it if you visit multiple times a year, especially at the an out-of-state pass holder price.
Military Discounts on Resorts and Disney Promotions
Disney frequently offers room discounts at their resorts, and military families can take advantage of these deals to save on their vacation. Throughout the year, Disney runs various promotions like up to 30% off select rooms during slower seasons or discounts tied to special events and holidays. Military families have access to even deeper discounts with the Armed Forces Salute program, which offers up to 40% off room rates at select Disney resorts. These discounts apply to most resort categories, from value resorts to deluxe accommodations, giving military families flexibility to choose what best fits their budget and needs. Keep an eye out for other seasonal promotions, such as "Free Dining" offers or discounts on packages that include both tickets and accommodations. Booking early during these promotions can result in substantial savings, helping to make your stay both magical and affordable.
In addition to military discounts, Disney also offers room promotions for Disney+ subscribers and Disney Visa cardholders. Throughout the year, Disney+ subscribers can take advantage of exclusive deals, such as discounted stays at select Disney resorts, with savings often ranging from 20% to 35%. These promotions are typically available for a limited time and can apply to a variety of resort categories, making it a great option for families already subscribed to the streaming service.
Disney Visa cardholders also enjoy their own set of perks. Disney frequently runs promotions offering discounts on room stays, with up to 20% off at select resorts. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy 0% financing for up to six months on vacation packages booked through Disney, helping to spread out the cost of the trip. Disney Visa members also have access to exclusive character meet-and-greets and special merchandise discounts in the parks, further enhancing their Disney experience. By combining military discounts with these additional offers, military families can maximize savings and create an even more affordable Disney vacation.
The Military Resort on Disney Property: Shades of Green
Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located right on Disney property. This resort is exclusive to military families and offers deeply discounted rates, making it one of the best-kept secrets for military personnel. Here's what you need to know:
Eligibility: Active-duty, retired military, and their families.
Room Rates: Rates are based on rank and range from $154 to $369 per night, significantly lower than many Disney resorts.
Location: Situated in the Magic Kingdom area, with convenient access to the parks via bus and monorail.
Dining Options: Shades of Green offers several dining options, including Mangino’s for Italian cuisine and the Evergreen Sports Bar for casual dining.
Other Perks: Guests staying at Shades of Green can take advantage of Disney's Extended Evening Hours and Early Theme Park Entry, just like those staying at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. Another great benefit is the ability to book Lightning Lanes 7 days before your Disney vacation for your entire stay, up to 14 days in advance, just like Disney Resort guests. Shades of Green offers the perks of a Deluxe Resort at a fraction of the price, making it an exceptional value for military families who want to enjoy luxury-level benefits without the hefty cost.
Be sure to book as early as possible—this resort tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Purchasing Tickets Through Military Welfare and Recreation Office
Attraction Tickets and Tech Lounge at Shades of Green
Your MWR office is an excellent resource for purchasing discounted tickets.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You must purchase tickets in advance
- Some MWR offices may offer different options for ticket bundles, such as including memory maker photo services or dining credits. I have never had this but I have read this happened pre-pandemic.
- The MWR office can also assist with lodging reservations and other discounts in the Orlando area.
Other Disney Discounts for Military Families
Memory Maker: This is Disney’s photo package, which allows you to download all your professional photos taken in the park. Military families can purchase this for around $99 instead of the regular price of $199.
Disney Dining Plan: If you plan to eat mostly at Disney restaurants, the Disney Dining Plan is sometimes available for military families at a discount. This plan covers meals and snacks at participating restaurants. Pre-pandemic when you would bundle with your room you also would get the military discount on the meal plan. I have not confirmed if they still do this but I would still always ask as disney is always changing their policies.
Other Orlando Theme Parks with Military Discounts
In addition to Walt Disney World, Orlando has other theme parks that offer military discounts:
Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios offers military members a 20% discount on everything, including park tickets, dining, and merchandise. You can also check your MWR office for discounted Universal tickets. If you want to explore more beyond Disney, this is a great option for families who love thrilling rides.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld offers military families free single-day admission through their Waves of Honor program. Active-duty military and their families can use this benefit once per year, and it includes complimentary access to SeaWorld's sister parks like Busch Gardens.
LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND offers military discounts on park tickets and free admission for active-duty military members. It's a great option for families with younger children who are into LEGO-themed attractions.
Final Tips for Military Families
Plan Early: Whether it’s buying tickets or booking hotels, the earlier you plan, the more availability and discounts you’ll find.
Know Your Benefits: Always carry your military ID, as you’ll need it for discounts and entry into military-exclusive areas like Shades of Green.
Split Your Time: Consider splitting your vacation between Disney, Universal, and other parks in Orlando to make the most of military discounts and free admissions.
By utilizing military discounts, planning ahead, and choosing budget-friendly accommodations like Shades of Green, your family can enjoy a magical and affordable Walt Disney World vacation.
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I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
