Disney military and veteran discounts can be confusing because different discounts use different eligibility rules.
If you are trying to figure out whether you qualify for Disney military tickets, Disney military resort discounts, Shades of Green, Disney Cruise Line military rates, or veteran-specific Disney options, the first thing to understand is this:
There is no single Disney military discount eligibility rule.
Some discounts are limited to active duty, retired military, 100% disabled veterans with qualifying military ID, and eligible spouses. Other discounts are available to a wider group through military ticket offices, Shades of Green eligibility, the Equal Access Act, or special veteran access periods.
That is why one person may qualify for Shades of Green but not the Disney Armed Forces Salute. Another may qualify for regular military discounted Disney tickets but not the deepest promotional Salute ticket. A third may qualify only during certain months.
This guide is designed to answer the real question most readers are asking:
Which Disney military or veteran discounts do I qualify for, and what should I do next?
REALITY CHECK: Qualifying for one Disney military benefit does not automatically mean you qualify for every Disney military benefit. The discount, your status, and your ID all matter.
Quick Eligibility Reality Check
This table gives a simplified overview of common eligibility groups and major Disney military discount categories. Use it as a starting point, then read the detailed sections below for the important exceptions and explanations.
| Status or Eligibility Group | Disney Armed Forces Salute | Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets | Shades of Green | Disney Cruise Line Military Rates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Military Retirees | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 100% Disabled Veterans with qualifying military ID | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Veterans eligible under the Equal Access Act | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Non-retired veterans with DD-214 only | No | Limited | January and September | No |
| DoD Civilians | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Eligible Military Spouses | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Important: This table is a simplified guide. Eligibility can vary by discount type, ID category, location, and offer rules. Always read the detailed explanation for the discount you plan to use.
Why Military ID Categories Matter
Many military families and veterans become frustrated when they learn that eligibility differs from one Disney discount to another.
The key thing to understand is that many military benefits are tied to a specific status and ID category, not simply whether someone served.
Military ID card holders receive access to a wide range of military benefits and privileges depending on their status. Those benefits can include military medical care, commissary and exchange access, installation access, military ticket office privileges, morale and recreation programs, Armed Forces Recreation Centers, and other services.
Disney military discounts operate in a similar way.
Many Disney military discounts are tied to agreements and eligibility categories established with the Department of Defense for specific military ID card holders and eligibility groups. That is why eligibility can vary significantly from one Disney discount to another.
MILITARY INSIGHT: The distinction is not whether someone’s service mattered. The distinction is whether the person currently holds the status and identification required for that specific benefit.
Common Eligibility Groups Explained
Before looking at each discount, it helps to understand the major eligibility groups.
Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve
Current military members, including Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members, are eligible for the widest range of Disney military discounts.
This includes members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard.
Military Retirees
Military retirees, including 20-year retirees and medical retirees with qualifying retired military ID, are eligible for most Disney military discounts.
100% Disabled Veterans with Qualifying Military ID
Honorably discharged veterans with 100% permanent service-connected disability and qualifying military ID are eligible for many Disney military discounts, including the Disney Armed Forces Salute.
This is different from simply having a VA disability rating or a Veteran Health Identification Card.
Veterans Eligible Under the Equal Access Act
Veterans eligible under the Equal Access Act include certain veterans and caregivers who receive expanded access to military installations and resale privileges.
This group includes Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war, veterans with service-connected disabilities (any percentage), and certain approved primary family caregivers under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
These veterans commonly use a qualifying Veteran Health Identification Card, often called a VHIC, to access military installations and ticket offices.
REALITY CHECK: Equal Access Act eligibility can open access to regular military discounted tickets and Shades of Green, but it does not make someone eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute promotional tickets.
Non-Retired Veterans with Only a DD-214
Non-retired veterans with an honorable DD-214 have more limited Disney military discount access.
They do not qualify for the Disney Armed Forces Salute based on DD-214 alone.
However, they are eligible to stay at Shades of Green during January and September, and during those stays they can purchase eligible military-discounted tickets that do not require current Disney Armed Forces Salute eligibility.
DoD Civilians
Current and retired Department of Defense civilian employees are eligible for some military travel benefits, including Shades of Green and regular military-discounted Disney tickets through eligible military ticket offices.
DoD civilians are not eligible for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets or Disney Military room discounts.
Eligible Spouses
Eligible military spouses with qualifying military ID can use many Disney military discounts tied to the service member’s eligibility.
Spouse rules vary by discount, so it is important to check the specific offer. For Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets, the spouse may use the eligible member’s allotment when the member is not present, but the spouse does not receive a separate allotment.
Disney Military Discounted Tickets
There are two broad types of Disney military discounted tickets available to the military and veteran communities:
- Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
- Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets
They are not the same product, and they do not use identical eligibility rules.
Need Help Planning Your Disney Vacation?
Disney military discounts can save families a lot of money, but figuring out tickets, eligibility, resorts, Lightning Lane strategies, and transportation can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s why Military Disney Tips recommends The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists.
The Mouse Experts is a military-family owned and operated Disney-specializing travel agency that has partnered with Military Disney Tips for over 17 years. Their agents personally use the same military discounts that you do and understand the unique challenges military families face when planning Disney vacations.
- Experienced with Disney military discounts and eligibility rules
- Military-family owned and operated
- Same Disney pricing as booking directly with Disney
- Additional planning assistance available for guests wanting more personalized help
- Can help reduce stress, save time, and avoid common planning mistakes
Over 27,000 Military Disney Tips readers have contacted The Mouse Experts over the years for help planning their Disney vacations.
Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
The Disney Armed Forces Salute allows qualified individuals to purchase deeply discounted Disney theme park tickets for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
The Disney Armed Forces Salute is a special temporary offer that runs for a specific offer period. Disney renews and changes the offer by year.
Because the discounts are substantial, these tickets have strict rules, including eligibility rules, activation requirements, purchase limits, and usage rules.
Eligible groups include:
- Current military members
- Military retirees
- 100% disabled veterans with qualifying military ID
- Current and retired U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
- Current and retired NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
- Military personnel of foreign nations and their family members when assigned or attached to a U.S. military unit or installation
- Eligible spouses of the military categories listed above
Applicable to: Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Important links:
STEVE SAYS: If you’ve gotten to this point and you’re thinking, “Wait, what, I’m not qualified?” I know you are frustrated! But please read on, as there may very well be other options for you! If you’d like to delve deeper into the eligibility question, see this post: Why Not All Veterans Qualify for Disney Military Discounts (Explained Clearly) Plus Options.
Regular Military Discounted Disney Park Tickets
Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets are the non-Salute military discounted Disney tickets sold through authorized military ticket resellers.
They are not as deeply discounted as Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets, but they are available to a wider group and can be the right choice when Salute tickets do not apply.
At Walt Disney World, these are now called Military Theme Park Tickets. They are date-based and work much more like Disney World’s public theme park tickets.
At Disneyland, the regular military discounted tickets are still a fixed-price, non-date-based product with longer validity and reservation requirements.
You cannot buy these tickets directly from Disney online. You purchase them through military resellers such as Base Ticket Offices, Shades of Green, and other authorized military ticket locations.
Eligible groups can include:
- Current military members
- Military retirees
- Eligible spouses
- Un-remarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while in retired status with qualifying military ID
- Un-remarried former spouses who were married to military members for at least 20 years while the military member was on active duty with qualifying military ID
- 100% disabled veterans with qualifying military ID
- Veterans eligible under the Equal Access Act
- DoD civilians
- Eligible Shades of Green guests
- Non-retired veterans with honorable DD-214 during January and September stays at Shades of Green
Applicable to: Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Important links:
- Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets
- Disney Discounts and the John McCain Defense Authorization Act
- Shades of Green Stays for Non-Retired Veterans
PRACTICAL LESSON: If you do not qualify for the Disney Armed Forces Salute, do not stop your planning there. Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets may still give you meaningful savings depending on your eligibility category.
Where to Buy Disney Military Tickets
You can buy Disney military tickets based on your eligibility at the following locations:
- Your Base Ticket Office
- Shades of Green Ticket Office
- The Orlando ITT
- Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs
- Direct from eligible Disney ticket locations for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets, with sales tax added at Walt Disney World.
Tickets purchased through participating military ticket offices and Shades of Green are sold tax-free.
Disney Military Discounted Resort Hotel Rooms
Disney military room discounts also use specific eligibility rules. Some room discounts follow Disney Armed Forces Salute eligibility. Others, such as Shades of Green, have broader eligibility.
Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discount
The Disney Armed Forces Salute room discount allows qualified individuals to book discounted Disney resort rooms at Walt Disney World and Disneyland when the offer is available.
This is a temporary offer that runs for a specific offer period and is subject to resort availability, eligible dates, and booking rules.
You can reserve Disney military-discounted rooms through a military-specializing travel agent or by calling Disney directly. These rates are not available for online booking.
Eligible groups include:
- Current military members
- Military retirees
- 100% disabled veterans with qualifying military ID
- Current and retired U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
- Current and retired NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
- Military personnel of foreign nations and their family members when assigned or attached to a U.S. military unit or installation
- Eligible spouses
- Un-remarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while in retired status with qualifying military ID
- Un-remarried former spouses who were married to military members for at least 20 years while the military member was on active duty with qualifying military ID
Applicable to: Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Important links:
- Disney Military Specializing Travel Agent
- Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Overview
- Disneyland Resort Hotel Overview
Shades of Green
Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort located on Walt Disney World property.
It has its own eligibility rules, and those rules are broader than Disney Armed Forces Salute eligibility.
Shades of Green eligibility includes many groups that do not qualify for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets, including DoD civilians, certain veterans under the Equal Access Act, and all non-retired veterans with honorable DD-214 during January and September stays.
Eligible groups include:
- Current military members
- Military retirees
- 100% disabled veterans with qualifying military ID
- Involuntarily separated service members under the Transition Assistance Management Program
- Personnel separated under VSI and SSB programs for two years after separation
- Current and retired U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps
- Current and retired NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
- Veterans eligible under the Equal Access Act
- All veterans with honorable DD-214 for stays during January and September
- Current and retired DoD and Coast Guard civilian employees
- Eligible foreign military personnel attached to a U.S. military unit or installation
- Eligible spouses and family members
Applicable to: Walt Disney World only
Important links:
- Main Shades of Green Page
- Shades of Green Full Eligibility Page
- Non-Retired Veterans Can Stay at Shades of Green
REALITY CHECK: Shades of Green is often the most important Disney-related benefit for people who do not qualify for the Disney Armed Forces Salute. Always check Shades eligibility separately instead of assuming the Salute rules apply.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin no longer offer the old TROOPS military discount package that ran from 2009 through 2016.
The Swan and Dolphin have offered government-rate discounts under rate code GO1. Call to verify current availability.
Call (888) 828-8850 and ask for the government rate code.
Eligible groups include:
- Current military members
- Military retirees
- Current and retired DoD and Coast Guard civilian employees
Applicable to: Walt Disney World only
Important link: WDW Swan and Dolphin Page
Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels
The Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels are third-party hotels located along Hotel Plaza Boulevard near Disney Springs.
These hotels are not owned or operated by Disney, and they use their own discount rules.
Some Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels offer U.S. military discounts of up to 20% off.
Eligible groups commonly include:
- Current military members
- Military retirees
Restrictions and blackout dates apply.
Important link: Disney Springs Hotels Military Discount Info
Other Orlando and Anaheim Area Hotels
Many national hotel chains and local hotels offer military, government, or veteran rates.
Eligibility varies by chain and location. Some rates require a military or government ID at check-in. Others are broader veteran discounts.
Eligible groups: Check with the specific hotel or chain.
Disneyland planning link: Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels
Disney Cruise Line Military Discounts
Disney Cruise Line offers military rates on select sailings when available.
Unlike the Disney Armed Forces Salute, Disney Cruise Line military rates are not always available. They are usually announced closer to the sailing date and are limited by ship, itinerary, sail date, and stateroom category.
Disney Cruise Line military rates are typically available to:
- Current military members
- Military retirees
- Eligible spouses
- Un-remarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while in retired status
- Un-remarried former spouses who were married to military members for at least 20 years while the military member was on active duty
Important link: Disney Cruise Line Military Discount Page
PRACTICAL LESSON: Disney Cruise Line military rates are not a simple “apply discount to my existing cruise” situation. They are limited special rates that often appear close to sailing and may require a new booking strategy.
Other Disney Military Discounts
Disney Springs, Downtown Disney, and Other Disney World Military Discounts
Many non-Disney-owned businesses at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, Disneyland’s Downtown Disney District, and a couple of others at WDW offer military discounts.
These discounts are not controlled by Disney, and eligibility can vary by business.
Full lists:
- Disney Springs Military Discounts
- Downtown Disney Military Discounts
- Space 220 Military Discount
- Cake Bake Shop Military Discount
What If You Don’t Qualify for the Discount You Wanted?
This is where eligibility can feel frustrating.
Many veterans are disappointed when they learn they do not qualify for the Disney Armed Forces Salute. That frustration is understandable, especially when someone sees the phrase “military discount” and naturally assumes it includes everyone who served.
But not qualifying for one discount does not mean you are out of options.
You may still be able to use:
- Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets
- Shades of Green stays
- Shades of Green January and September veteran access
- Disney Springs or Downtown Disney military discounts
- Government hotel rates
- General public Disney room discounts
- Disney Cruise Line military rates, if you qualify
STEVE SAYS: If you aren’t able to use one discount, don’t despair. You’ll most likely qualify for others, and honestly, some of the general public Disney Resort Room Discounts beat the Military ones!
Important link: Disney General Public Room Discounts
Final Thoughts on Disney Military and Veteran Discount Eligibility
Disney military and veteran discounts are valuable, but they are not all governed by the same eligibility rules.
The most important thing is to identify your actual eligibility group first, then match that group to the discounts you can use.
Start with your status and ID. Then compare:
- Disney Armed Forces Salute eligibility
- Regular military discounted Disney ticket eligibility
- Shades of Green eligibility
- Disney military room discount eligibility
- Disney Cruise Line military rate eligibility
- Third-party hotel and local business military discounts
Once you understand which discounts apply to your situation, Disney planning becomes much easier.
REALITY-FIRST GUIDANCE: Focus on the benefits you can actually use. A realistic plan built around the right discounts is more valuable than a dream plan built around a discount you do not qualify for.
Helpful Topic Overview Pages
- Military Discount Ticket Overview
- Disneyland Ticket Overview
- Rooms Overview
- Dining Overview
- Transportation Overview
- Technology Overview
- Outside the Parks Overview
- Walt Disney World Overview
- Disneyland Overview
- Universal Overview
- SeaWorld Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Which veterans qualify for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets?
Military retirees and 100% disabled veterans with qualifying military ID qualify for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets. Other non-retired veterans do not qualify for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets based on DD-214 alone.
Do all veterans qualify for Disney military discounts?
No. Some veterans qualify for certain Disney military or veteran-related discounts, but not all veterans qualify for every Disney military discount. Eligibility depends on the specific discount, status, ID, and offer rules.
Do veterans eligible under the Equal Access Act qualify for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets?
No. Equal Access Act eligibility can provide access to regular military discounted tickets and Shades of Green, but it does not make someone eligible for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets unless they also have qualifying Salute ID.
Can non-retired veterans stay at Shades of Green?
Yes. Non-retired veterans with honorable DD-214 are eligible to stay at Shades of Green during January and September.
Do DoD civilians qualify for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets?
No. DoD civilians do not qualify for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets. DoD civilians are eligible for Shades of Green and regular military discounted Disney tickets through eligible military ticket offices.
Are NOAA and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps eligible?
Yes. Current and retired NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps and U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps members are eligible for Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets and other Disney military discounts that follow Salute eligibility.
Do Shades of Green room rates change seasonally?
No. Shades of Green room rates change once per year on October 1 and do not vary by season.
How To: Confirm Eligibility and Choose the Right Disney Military Benefit
- Identify your status. Determine whether you are Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, retired military, 100% disabled veteran with qualifying military ID, veteran eligible under the Equal Access Act, non-retired veteran with DD-214, DoD civilian, spouse, NOAA, PHS, or another eligible group.
- Check your ID. Your ID type is often what determines which discounts you can actually use.
- Match your status to the offer. Compare your status to Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets, regular military discounted tickets, Shades of Green, Disney military room discounts, Disney Cruise Line military rates, and other offers.
- Read the specific rules for that discount. Do not assume one eligibility rule applies to every Disney military discount.
- Plan around the benefits you can use. Build your Disney vacation strategy around the discounts that actually apply to your situation.
Links to my content specifically for Non-Retired Veterans
- Veteran Discounts for Disney, Universal, and Other Theme Parks
- Disney Military Discounts for Veterans Who Did Not Retire from the Military
- Do 100% Disabled Veterans Qualify for Disney Military Discounts?
- Disney Veteran Discount and Disney Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- Disney Discounts and the John McCain Defense Authorization Act
- Shades of Green Stays for Non-Retired Veterans
- Why Not All Veterans Qualify for Disney Military Discounts (Explained Clearly) Plus Options
Veterans Get my Veteran Discounts for Disney Overview email series
This article was written by Steve Bell, founder of Military Disney Tips.
Steve is a retired U.S. military member who has been visiting the Disney Parks since 1971 and writing about Disney military discounts and vacations for the military community for over 18 years.
Read Steve’s Full Bio | Follow Military Disney Tips on Facebook
Planning a Disney Vacation?
Military Disney discounts can save families a significant amount of money, but figuring out eligibility, tickets, resorts, transportation, and Lightning Lane strategies can get confusing quickly. These guides are a great place to start.
- Back to Basics Posts – Start here for beginner-friendly Disney planning topics.
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Disney Armed Forces Salute Guide
- Walt Disney World Vacation Planning Guide
- Disney Packing Checklist
More Planning Resources:
Need Help Planning Your Disney Vacation?
Disney military discounts can save families a lot of money, but figuring out tickets, eligibility, resorts, Lightning Lane strategies, and transportation can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s why Military Disney Tips recommends The Mouse Experts Military Disney Vacation Specialists.
The Mouse Experts is a military-family owned and operated Disney-specializing travel agency that has partnered with Military Disney Tips for over 17 years. Their agents personally use the same military discounts that you do and understand the unique challenges military families face when planning Disney vacations.
- Experienced with Disney military discounts and eligibility rules
- Military-family owned and operated
- Same Disney pricing as booking directly with Disney
- Additional planning assistance available for guests wanting more personalized help
- Can help reduce stress, save time, and avoid common planning mistakes
Over 27,000 Military Disney Tips readers have contacted The Mouse Experts over the years for help planning their Disney vacations.
Get Free Disney Military Discount Updates
Stay up to date on Disney and Universal military discounts, ticket changes, resort updates, planning tips, and new guides from Military Disney Tips.
Steve’s free email newsletter helps military families stay informed about the latest Disney and Universal vacation news that matters to the military community.
Hello! Lots of good information here. However, I do have some questions. I am planning a vacation with my family for May 2021. My current end of obligated time ends March 2021. I am currently being evaluated by the VA for service connected disabilities. Am I understanding correctly that I will not be able to use the Salute to Service tickets? If so, how does the John McCain Defense Authorization Act Veterans affect this? Just looking for information. Thank you for your help!
Hi Michael,
Yes if you are separated and it is service connected but less that 100 percent you do not qualify for the Disney Armed Forces Salute.
If you are 100% it needs to be permanent (DAVPRM), not temporary (DAVTMP).
If you are medically retired with a retired ID you qualify for all discounts.
Barring a 100% DAVPRM or medical retirement, there are several ways to qualify for various discounts all listed in this post with links to more information on each.
Here is the link to the John McCain info: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-discounts-and-the-john-mccain-defense-authorization-act/
Give that a read and see if you still need more info.
Hope this helps.
Hi Steve!
The universal studios freedom pass says that a maximum of 6 tickets can be bought. Does that mean the veteran can bring 5 guests using the other tickets. It states that the person eligible for the discount must be present when they are activated and that one of the tickets must be used by that same person. I wasn’t sure if you could clarify. Thanks for your help!
Hi Marsha, sure.
Yes the passes can be used by anyone who you would like to be your guest (family or friends).
When you arrive at the ticket office the first day to activate your passes, everyone you want to activate a pass for must be there. They cannot activate the the pass without you! You cannot activate a pass for someone who is not there.
Once activated, that pass is theirs, they cannot give it to someone else to use.
Hope this clears it up.
Does the. Veteran have to be present at each park the guests go to or just to activate
Just for the activation Patty.
So as a 50% SVC connected vet I’m not qualified for any military discounts at Disney World?
Hi Josh,
As someone who separated, there is at least one category mentioned in this post that you fall into.
There are other qualifying statuses that you might fall into if you read closely.
So does a Purple Heart recipient with 10 years of active special with less than 100% disability qualify for the Veterans Salute packages/pricing or do you have to have 20 years even with a Purple Heart?
Hi Danell,
Those with Purple Hearts qualify for the John McCain Act items. See:
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-discounts-and-the-john-mccain-defense-authorization-act/
This excludes items which require a current or retired Military ID, such as the Disney Armed Forces Salute ticket and room discounts and Universal’s Freedom Pass.
However all other Disney and Universal Military tickets are available as are stays at Shades of Green.
Hi Steve, thanks for all these details! If I’m reading it correctly, my father (30 year retired navy captain) and my mother (spouse to navy retiree AND 5 year veteran with honorable discharge) are each eligible for 6 Armed Forces Salutes tickets. Is that correct? So they can buy a total of 12 highly discounted tickets for our family that is going to Disney? We are all going together with my parents and are all Florida residents. Thank you!
Hi Whitney,
Not quite… For your mom on the service member side, having served but having no other qualifier that you mentioned is only eligible to stay at Shades of Green in Sept and Jan and buy tickets that do not require a valid mil ID to use i.e. Disney Armed Forces Salute and Universal Freedom Pass) with her DD-214 while staying there. There are no other ticket or room discounts for those who just served a period of time. Purple Hearts, Service Connected Disabilities, and POW status add eligibility all the time for tickets that do not require a valid mil ID.
As a spouse she qualifies for all military discounts extended to spouses (Shades of Green, Disney rooms, tickets, etc.).
However the rules for the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets is that the limit is 6 during the offer period for the member. The spouse has no eligibility of their own, they can only use the Salute tickets in place of the member (and technically only 5 as 1 is supposed to be held in reserve for the member).
So your dad may buy and use 6 Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets for your upcoming trip and he or your mom can buy unlimited Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets or Shades of Green Stars and Stripes Passes.
See:
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/regular-military-discounted-magic-your-way-tickets/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/shades-of-greens-stars-and-stripes-tickets/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-military-ticket-and-room-discounts/
Hi! Is brasilian Air Force Military eligible for Euro Disney military discount? If so, how can we buy the tickets?
Hi Virginia,
I’m not sure, I only cover the US parks.
Would I qualify for military discounts? My husband served in Viet Nam in 1969-1970 and was awarded the Bronze star. We were married in 1972 and he passed away in 2005. I have not remarried. My grandchildren love Disney!
Thank you.
Hi Jane,
You would be if you have a military issued dependent ID with Spouse, SP, or DEC_DB on it.
How would I get that Steve?
Hi Jane,
I’d think that you would already have an ID if you were eligible for one. He didn’t have a retired military ID based on a disability did he? If he did, then you’d have one too.
Shades of Green, the military Hotel at WDW has the same eligibility, but states it al littel different:
“Unremarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while in retired status ID is DD Form 1173 or 1173-1
Un-remarried former spouses who were married to military members for at least 20 years while the military member was on active duty ID is DD Form 1173”
Hello, I would like to know if I am eligible to purchase military discounted theme park tickets. I was an RN with a medical unit in the Air National Guard. I have an ‘indefinite date of expiration’ ID card, I am not disabled and did not have enough credits to retire. I had to separate from the service bc my 20-years of service WWII Veteran father was dying and I had to care for him while still working at my full=time job.. I am now taking care of his wife, my 96 yo mother. IMO everyone who voluntarily served and put their lives at risk for our great Country should be eligible for a Military Salute discounted ticket. I don’t understand why there are so many restrictions. It seems we have earned this rather small reward when viewing what we risked by volunteering. Thank you for your service. .
Hi Dianna,
Thanks, and thanks for yours!
I don’t understand why you have an ID card if you are no longer a member and are not retired, did you not turn it in when you out-processed? Or is it your IRR ID?
All companies decide if and to whom they will offer discounts. To whom sets the size of the pool of people who are eligible and how much it will cost the company. They then factor this into a loss leader equation to see if it is profitable.
In Disney’s the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets have to be sold through Base Ticket Offices and that requires a contract with DoD MWR. The DOD sets the eligibility, based I’m sure on the size of the number of people Disney want’s to offer the discount to. Offering it to everyone who ever served is a Huge pool of people vs current and retired military.
So, as this post and all the other linked veteran posts relate, your DD-214 gives you access to Shades of Green stays in Jan and Sept, as well as non-special military ticket purchases (there are 2 special ones – Disney’s Salute and Universal’s Freedom Pass) while staying there. Other eligibilities that you might have grant further discounts under the McCain Bill.
You mother as a retiree’s wife should have her spouse ID which grants her full benefits.
If you’d care for some further avice we could carry on via email, just use my contact page (see the menu).
Hello – We bought the 4 day park hopper military tickets. The tickets expire at the end of the year. I have heard a lot of mixed responses about credits with the tickets. If something happens and we can’t go this year, can we use the amount we paid for the tickets towards new tickets in 2023? We really need to know, and have researched so many sites. No one has an answer. Thanks
Hi Ann,
Sorry, the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets are valid only within their individual offer period and lose all value after expiration at the end of the offer.
Once and only once since Salutes began in 2009 was there any official exception to this and it was caused by the 2020 shutdown and the debacle that followed.
Any other Disney ticket retains value after expiration, but the Salutes do not.
Having said that, you could plead with guest relations and possibly get a one-time exception, but you can’t count on it.
This is very helpful. Thank you for clarifying the rules on the tickets.
My fiancé is an Army veteran. His military ID is expired but he does have his Florida license with the veteran status on it as well as his DD214. Would those be sufficient to obtain tickets?
Hi Angela,
There are discounts that he could be eligible for including some types of tickets (depends on is specifics).
Please see my posts for non-retired veterans:
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/veteran-discounts-for-disney-universal-and-other-theme-parks/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-veteran-discount-and-disney-military-discount-eligibility-guide/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-military-discounts-for-veterans-who-did-not-retire-from-the-military/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-discounts-and-the-john-mccain-defense-authorization-act/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green/shades-of-green-stays-for-non-retired-veterans/
My father-in-law is retired from the Air Force but already has a Disney annual pass. If we go with him can he buy and activate the Armed Forces Salute tickets? It says one tickets needs to be for the military person but he will already have an annual pass. Thank you!
Hi Debra,
Yes he can. APs are the exception to this rule.
I have an AP and have always used the Salute tickets for others.
My husband who was 100 disabled veteran died. Do widows qualify for any discounts I have not re-married.
Hi Nancy,
Do you have a military spouse ID?
yes.
Then you would be qualified for all Disney Military Discounts!
Hello!
First, I’d like to say thank you so much for providing so much information on your site. I’m a bit overwhelmed so I really appreciate the run down you provide!
Second, my partner is a veteran with a rating of 90% for his service connected disabilities, however, he was approved for TDIU benefits. Would that count as being 100% disabled?
Hi Ashley,
Thank you!
This topic has become more complicated since the implementation of the new ID cards.
In the past if you were 100% permanent disabled, you had DAVPRM on your retired ID and this is what Disney looked for for eligibility. Those who were 100% temporary (DAVTMP) were not eligible as well as those less than 100%.
I’m told the new ID cards just say “100% Disabled American Veteran” for all disabled military and I’m not sure how Disney is handling this.
I will attempt to reach out to them to see if I can find out. Note, they have become more and more non communicative re military discounts over the recent few years.
Hi Ashley,
I posed the question about TDIU status to Disney Media Relations and Public Relations over 5 weeks ago and have not even had an acknowledgment of my question let alone an answer. I did receive a call the other day from someone in guest relations who stated she had no answer and could not contact Media Relations, Public Relations, Ticketing, or anyone who might have an answer. She was just asking me if I’d heard back…
At this point I do not expect Disney to step up and help in this situation or answer me.
I recommend that you contact senior leadership at various levels of the company (see the link).
If you hear back I would appreciate being copied!!!!
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/how-to-contact-disney-and-disney-officials/
Hello, I found an answer from Disney that pertains to New Generation USID.
“The rollout of the Next Generation Uniformed Services ID Card should not impact your ability as a 100% Disabled Veteran to purchase and use Military Promotional Theme Park Tickets. Because these tickets are purchased on base, they will verify your eligibility at the MWR or other on-site ticketing office. Then, when you activate the tickets at a Walt Disney World Resort Guest Relations window, you will show your valid and active military ID. I checked with a Cast Member, who confirmed that their verification process is just checking that you have a military ID and that it is you in person.”
Hi Katherine,
Thanks so much for reaching out. I really appreciate when folks do this!
You did not mention where this info you quoted came from. I assume one of the Guest Relations communication methods (phone, email, chat).
I do have a couple comments on this.
First the people who work in these rolls have received no training on their company’s military discounts. (See this)
Second their reply contains a basic misunderstanding of the discount so the rest of what they say is suspect. Actually, these tickets can be purchased directly from Disney at the ticket and GR windows. Not just on base.
The cast member they checked with is also misinformed, Disney cast members working at the window have a guide sheet to look at to verify eligibility, they are no just looking for a military ID, they are looking for an eligible military ID.
Having said all that I do feel that you would have no issue as this is the right thing for Disney to do, and the new ID’s have been out for a while now and they should be up to speed at the ticket windows. But if you can print a copy of the email (if that is where you received this) you should take it with you.
It just irks me when cast members pass off their best guess as fact.
I know the first day when the tickets are activated, the eligible service member or their spouse must be there to activate the tickets (plus the entire group), but is that a one-time thing for the trip? What we are trying to determine is if our group can choose to split up the second day? Will it be a problem if the college-age youth go to one park but the service member and spouse go to a different one on the second day?
Hi Kat,
Yes, it’s a one time thing. Once activated the Salute tickets are just like any other ticket. Others can use them at different parks and even on totally different days from you.
Thanks!!
Hi,
I found this site after purchasing my Disneyland California tickets through a base ticket office.
I am a DoD civillian but my base allowed me to purchase the 3-day armed forces salute tickets. I have since redeemed those on my Disney account and scheduled a park reservation.
Based on your site it looks like I shouldn’t have been able to purchase them and my ticket office may have misunderstood how to apply the John McCain act here.
Do you think I will still be allowed in the parks? Does a park reservation constitute “activation?”
Thanks
Hi Adam,
So, as you’ve discovered you really are not eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets, they should have sold you the Regular Military Discounted Disneyland Tickets (which offer much less savings).
One option is to see if your ticket office will let you exchange them plus more cash for the Regular Military Discounted Disneyland Tickets. Then link the new tickets and delete the old ones in the app (or call and have Disney delete them).
Linking them in the Disneyland app does not constitute activation. At Disneyland activation takes place at the turnstile. When the cast member scans your ticket or QR code on your app that first time they will get a notice to check your ID.
Now, Disney does not have the best training and there are way more turnstile workers than ticket sales workers (who are the ones that check IDs at Disney World). My point being, that when you flash your civ CAC they might not notice that it isn’t a mil one and you will be good to go.
If not, you’ll need to work with Guest Relations on a solution. The best being, that since you paid for them that they show you some pixie dust and let you use them. The worse solution would be letting you use the value towards full price tickets.
Some tips: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/faq/my-military-sponsor-can-no-longer-go-to-disney-can-i-use-the-disney-armed-forces-salute-tickets-they-already-purchased/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/linking-disney-military-tickets-and-theme-park-reservations/
Hello, I wanted to reach out so that you can update your information.
We had a trip booked for September 2023 at Shades. My husband served 8 years with the army and has a DD214. We have previously stayed at Shades 3 times prior to him separating from service.
Yesterday when I called Shades regarding the halloween party and through a post being pulled from a shades Facebook page I was told that we are not allowed to buy tickets from Shades ticket office until 30 days prior to our trip. They would make an exception for the halloween party but not the park tickets. They claimed this is due to cancellations. My husband is deeply upset about the policy since he served his country, they offer the stay and Disney now requires park reservations. They told me “you should be fine”. How is the right? I wanted to let you know because I have followed you since 2012. I am emailing Disney about Shades Policy as well. Their policy could be modified to always add tax to a purchase with a hold of credit card if you cancel and not rebook at shades. We are extremely disheartened with this dangling carrot. It quit shameful.
Hi there Jeninfer,
I do mention Shades of Green’s ridiculous 30 day rule elsewhere, though I guess it is not on this page so I’ll add it.
Keep in mind, you can just tell them any date you want!!! (within the next 30 days). Or just use Patrick or the Orlando ITT, see: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/
Oh and thanks so much for being such a long time reader!!!
Hi there both myself and my husband are in the Irish military and have military OD, would we be eligible for the discount to Disneyland park Paris tickets.
Hi Suzanne,
The answer is probably no. There is on exception, but you did not mention it.
See: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/are-there-foreign-military-member-disney-discounts/
My husband purchased Disney military promotion my MYW tickets from Luke Air Force base. When we used them in the park they said his military ID did not say retired so they would not honor the tickets. He is a veteran and has his DD14 paperwork showing honorable discharge. When we got to the park they said they would not honor the discount. According to you website information it looks like we should qualify. Any ideas on how we can get Disney to honor the discounted tickets?
Hi Bobby,
Sounds like there was a problem here!
First I’m going to state the basics of the 2 different Military Ticket Types for you as there is language from both types in your question and what you encountered at Disney is only for one offer and not the other. So I’m not quite sure what was purchased.
The Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets, that are also referred to as the Military Promotional Tickets, are highly discounted and can only be used with a military ID (current or retired, member or spouse). These are not MYW tickets! These require activation at Disney if purchased on base. The base ticket office will check ID to verify eligibility to purchase and Disney will check during the activation process as well before allowing the tickets to be used.
The slightly discounted Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets can be purchased by the same folks as above PLUS those eligible for the McCain Equal Access Act, DoD Civilians, military non-spouse dependents (with mil ID), and at Shades of Green by those with a DD-214 while staying at Shades of Green in January and September. The only ID check for these tickets is during the purchase! These tickets can be given to anyone to use, they do not need to be a person who is eligible to buy them! When you arrive at Disney you go straight to the entry point and use the ticket, just like any other non-military ticket (this is key as they can be given to anyone to use).
OK, now on to what happened.
As a non-retired veteran I assume your husband has one of the qualifiers for the Equal Access Act to, 1. be able to get on base and 2. to be able to buy tickets at the ticket office that do not require a current Mil ID for use.
This is why I’m confused: The ticket office is not allowed to sell him the Disney Armed Forces Salute/Military Promotion Tickets as he is not eligible! They should only sell him the Regular Military MYW tickets.
With the regular mil MYW tickets there is no need for Disney to be involved at all, you just go to the gate and use them, so why were you talking to someone at all who said that you could not use them?
You did not say the number of days on the tickets, the options (park hopper, etc.) AND the price for each, can you tell me? This will let me know what you purchased.
This is going to take some back and forth to figure it out!
But either you were sold tickets that you could not use or something went really awry when you were at Disney…
Disney Armed Forces Salute info – https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-military-ticket-and-room-discounts/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-the-best-military-ticket-discount/
Equal Access Info – https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/regular-military-discounted-magic-your-way-tickets/
I HAVE BEEN 100% DISABLED SINCE MAY 2021 WHAT DOES THIS ALL ENTITLED ME ANY SPECIAL SERVICES FOR GETTING INTO ATTRACTIONS INSTEAD OF WAITING IN LONG LINES? DOES THIS COVER MY FAMILY MEMBERS?
Hi Ronald,
As noted right on this page, those with 100% permanent disability are eligible for all military discounts for Disney with their military issuer (retired) ID.
You need to read about each of these discounts (I”m not going to retype that huge amount of info here):
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-military-ticket-and-room-discounts/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world/
Discounts have nothing to do with lines. See:
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-theme-park-accommodations-for-guests-with-disabilities/
Hello!
My husband is US military 100% disabled T&P (same as retired – we have purchased the Military Salute tickets in the States (not the MYW, but the big discount tickets)).
I am planning to take my daughter to Disneyland Paris without my husband.
Will our military dependent IDs work to get us the discounted military rate tickets at Disneyland Paris? I can’t find any answers online!
Thanks so much for any info you can give!
-Tori
Hi Tori,
I don’t really follow the non-US parks.
I’d reach out to a “local” ITT like Ramstein to see what they offer. rtttravel.com | facebook.com/gowithRTT/