This is one of the Military Disney Tips Topic Overview Pages. These pages gather helpful posts and planning guides on one subject so you can quickly find the information you need.
This guide focuses on Disney and Universal lodging options most commonly used by military families, including Walt Disney World Resorts, Shades of Green, and Universal Orlando hotels.
Check out all of our other Topic Overview Pages:
Last updated: March 2026. This overview page is periodically reviewed to keep outside-the-parks activities and military discount information accurate for travelers.
Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios – What to Do Outside the Theme Parks
There is far more to a Disney or Universal vacation than just the rides. Shopping districts, restaurants, tours, golf, entertainment, and even cruises can all be part of a well-rounded trip.
This page gathers the best Military Disney Tips resources for activities outside the theme parks, including entertainment districts, recreation options, off-property activities, and Disney Cruise Line. You’ll also find links to posts that highlight military discounts whenever they are available.
Use the sections below to explore ideas for filling rest days, evening entertainment, or extra vacation days before or after your park visits.
Shopping and Entertainment Areas |
Each Disney destination has its own lively entertainment district filled with restaurants, shops, and live entertainment. These areas are great places to spend an evening outside the parks.
- Disney Springs – Walt Disney World’s shopping, dining, and entertainment district
- Downtown Disney – Disneyland Resort’s outdoor entertainment area
Disney itself does not offer military discounts on merchandise inside the parks, resorts, or shopping districts. However, several individual merchants do offer discounts.
- Disney Springs Military Discounts
- Downtown Disney Military Discounts
- Universal Orlando CityWalk Military Discounts
- Cirque du Soleil: Drawn to Life Military Discount
Need a dining plan while you’re exploring? See our Disney Advance Dining Reservations Ultimate Guide.
Recreation |
Beyond rides and attractions, both Disney and Universal offer a surprising number of recreational activities that can add variety to your trip.
- Golf: Disney’s Military Discounted Golf Information
- Mini Golf: Disney Miniature Golf Guide
- Water Parks: Walt Disney World’s two water parks can be accessed with Park Hopper Plus or Water Park & Sports tickets.
- Tours: Keys to the Kingdom Tour
- Nighttime Entertainment: Electrical Water Pageant
- RunDisney Events: Disney Princess Half Marathon
Off Disney Property |
If you want to explore more of the Orlando area, there are many attractions within a short drive of Walt Disney World.
- The Crayola Experience – Orlando
- Military Discounted Golf at Walt Disney World
- Universal CityWalk Military Discounts
- Getting to Universal from Walt Disney World
Disney Cruise Line |
If your Disney vacation extends beyond the parks, Disney Cruise Line often offers some of the best military travel deals available.
For additional cruise coverage visit our partner site Picture the Magic.
Back to tickets: Military Discount Theme Park Tickets
Where will you stay? Hotel & Resort Overview
Eat while you’re out: Disney Dining Overview
Getting there: Disney Transportation Overview
Tech makes it easier: Disney Technology Overview
|
This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible. See Steve and His Family's Content |
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See Our Great Disney Discount and Planning Info:
- Back to Basics Posts - A great place to start, offering basic topics!
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation GuideÂ
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing ChecklistÂ
- Disney Military Tickets – Your Start-to-Finish Guide
- Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
- Dining Overview Page
- Transportation Overview Page
- Technology Overview Page
- Shades of Green, WDW’s Military-Only Resort
 The Mouse Experts is a travel booking company specializing in Disney vacations. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!
|