These articles were originally written in 2011 but they are still applicable as the Disney and Anheuser-Busch offers were extended for 2012 and there is no status change for Universal Studios.
We are half way through the fiscal year, the traditional cycle on which Disney has run it’s Armed Forces Salute (sometimes called Disney’s Military Salute). There are roughly five and a half months left on this current offer, which expires 1 October 2011. I still get lots of questions on Disney’s Salute as well as Anheuser-Busch’s Sea World and Busch Garden’s Hero Salute, and the long departed Universal Orlando Military Salute. So I thought it would be a great idea to post a series of review pieces on each of the different park’s current offers.
 The first installment covers the Disney Armed Forces Salute for 2011.Military discounted room rates and Theme Park tickets.This Salute Offer has been extended now until October 2012. |
 The second installment covers Anheuser-Busch’s Free one-day admission to one of their Theme Parks for military members and their families.This Offer has been extended now throughout 2012. |
 The third installment covers the Military Discounts still available for Universal Orlando’s theme parksNo Changes for 2012. |
 photo © 2006 Jackie | more info (via: Wylio)The fourth installment, There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch, at some theme parks Is a mini history of free military admission to Orlando theme parks. |
 The fifth installment, The Ultimate Post Deployment Orlando Vacation is your guide for combining all of these discounts. |
Hi Steve,
Thank you so much for all of the hard work you put into this site. It has helped me so much in planning our post deployment vacation.
I wanted to let you know that Shades of Green is running a special discount right now for OEF/OIF US Military and DOD Civilians which includes a 20% discount on your room rates as well as 20% off of your dining options at the Shades of Green Resort as long as you were in theater for a minimum of 270 consecutive days. Military & DOD Civilians would have to bring a copy of their orders and present them upon check in.
That brings a $123 room for an E6 down to $98.40 per night. That is a great deal for post deployment families.
http://www.shadesofgreen.org/OEFOIF.htm
Thanks so much Deborah,
I’m so glad you found helpful information on the site! I really enjoy doing it and hearing from others in our military community who enjoy the same things. I’ve made lots of great friends through the site.
The OEF/OIF special is a great deal, Shades has been running it for years. It was even 40% for about a year and a half. That ended last year.
Thanks again! Steve
Hi Steve! Great site and information for all military and former military planning trips to Disney. Just wanted to say our first two trips to Disney we stayed at the Shades of Green and had a fabulous time! This past year, the hotel was booked so we tried a Groupon for Royal Plaza Hotel on Disney complex. Had a horrible experience as the Hotel management refused to redeem the Groupon for the discounted rate. They had rooms available and still refused to book and redeem a coupon we already purchased. I highly suggest military and Veterans stay away from this establishment and book plenty time ahead to get into the Shades of Green (who has amazing service!).
Hi Marie,
So sorry for your bad experience and also thanks for your advice to the MDT readers!
Steve
hi was wondering if my UK military id can be used at all when I travel to Florida with my family before my deployment.
Hi there Brett,
The only Discount for non-US military at Disney is for those stationed here or on temporary orders here, there are documentation requirements. See this post.
Also, I’m not aware of any for SeaWorld or Universal.
I hope all goes well with the deployment!