This post is part of our Frequently Asked Question Series in the Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket FAQ section. The Disney’s Armed Forces Salute offers huge savings on theme park tickets and resort rooms to those Service Members who are eligible to participate. I need more than 6 Armed Forces Salute Tickets. What can I do? Disney’s Armed Forces Salute has […]
All Disney & Universal Military Discounts for 2026
Your Complete Guide to Every Ticket, Resort, Cruise Deal, and More for U.S. Military Families Disney and Universal Orlando both honor the U.S. Armed Forces with a wide range of discounts on tickets, resorts, and even cruises — but understanding which ones you qualify for can get confusing fast. Some are limited to active duty […]
2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute: When Will Disney Announce the Military Discount?
Will there be a 2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute Military Promotional Ticket Discount next year? Yes! Disney World has announced its 2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute Every year around this time, military families start asking the big question: Will Disney offer a 2026 Armed Forces Salute? The Disney Armed Forces Salute is one of the […]
Will There Be a 2026 Universal Orlando Freedom Pass?
Every year, one of the most common questions I get from military families planning a Universal Orlando vacation is: Will Universal bring back the Military Freedom Pass for another year? If you’ve been waiting for news on the 2026 Universal Orlando Resort Military Freedom Pass, the good news is: all signs point to yes! I’ve […]
What to Expect When Disney Announces the 2026 Armed Forces Salute
What to Expect When Disney Announces the 2026 Armed Forces Salute When Disney announces a new Disney Armed Forces Salute, excitement—and chaos—quickly follow. If the 2026 Disney military discount is renewed, here’s exactly what to expect on announcement day and how to handle your Disney resort reservations without losing your sanity (or your savings). Salute […]
Dining Options at Shades of Green – Disney World’s Military Resort
Shades of Green the military-owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property offers many dining options. Both those staying at Shades and those stopping by for a visit* (perhaps to buy Theme Park tickets or shop at the AAFES Store) are eligible to dine at any of the resort’s restaurants. Dining Options at Shades […]
Dining in The Office at Lamplight Lounge – A Secret Pixar Hideaway
Our family’s unexpected Pixie Dust moment in Disneyland’s most hidden dining room. Some Disney memories stand out for years — and sometimes, the magic finds you when you least expect it. During our Disneyland family vacation last June, while staying at Disney’s Grand Californian on our DVC points, we were treated to a truly rare […]
Disneyland Military Tickets 2026: Prices, Rules, and How to Buy
If you’re a U.S. military member or spouse planning a Disneyland vacation in 2025, great news: Disney offers not one but two military ticket programs. First is the powerhouse savings of the Disney Military Promotional Ticket (Disneyland’s version of Armed Forces Salute). Second is the Regular Military Discount Ticket that’s sold year-round at base ticket […]
Best Spots to Unwind After a Day at Walt Disney World
The magic is even better when you take time to relax! A day at Walt Disney World is unforgettable — but it can also be exhausting. After dashing from ride to ride, waiting in lines, and navigating the Florida heat, it’s important to give yourself time to slow down and recharge. Luckily, Disney has built-in […]
Military Discount Prices on Disney 2025 Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios
If you love the holidays at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios now throws its own swanky seasonal party: Disney Jollywood Nights. Like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, this is a separately ticketed, limited-capacity event packed with stage shows, characters, stylish photo ops, treats, and short lines for top attractions. […]
Beak and Barrel: A Pirate’s Hideaway at Magic Kingdom
A lively new watering hole where pirates, parrots, and playful cast interactions bring the adventure to life. On my latest visit to Magic Kingdom, I stepped into Beak and Barrel for the very first time. This brand-new lounge is more than just a spot for drinks—it’s an experience, complete with playful cast members, an audio-animatronic […]
Relaxation at Shades of Green: Where to Recharge After a Disney Day
After a long day of rope drop, parades, and fireworks, even the most dedicated Disney-goer needs a little downtime. For military families, Shades of Green offers the perfect place to unwind once the park day is over. Here’s a guide to the best spots around the resort to relax, recharge, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime. […]
Cinderella Castle Is Returning to Its Classic Colors—and I’m So Glad
There’s a bit of pixie dust in the air today—and I, for one, am cheering! Walt Disney World just announced that Cinderella Castle will soon be repainted to its original color scheme, removing the pink and gold hues added during the 50th Anniversary makeover. This news is music to my ears. While I understand the […]
Is There a Shades of Green in California at Disneyland?
If you’ve stayed at Shades of Green in Florida, you know what a valuable perk it is for military families visiting Walt Disney World. So it’s natural to ask: Is there a Shades of Green resort near Disneyland in California? Short answer: No. There is no Shades of Green or Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) […]
Military Disneyland Tickets (2026): Armed Forces Salute vs Regular Discounts — Complete Guide
Military Disneyland Tickets (2026): Complete Guide to Discounts If you’re a U.S. military family planning a California trip, good news: Disneyland offers two ways to save—year-round Regular Military Discounted Tickets and the deeply discounted Disney Armed Forces Salute (AFS) tickets. This guide explains eligibility, key differences, where to buy, how Lightning Lane works with military […]
Ultimate Guide to Disney Reservations (Walt Disney World & Disneyland)
Planning a Disney vacation isn’t just about buying tickets—you’ll want to know exactly what to reserve and when. From resort rooms and dining to Lightning Lane and special experiences, a smart booking plan saves time (and sanity). If you’re a U.S. military family, a few specific items—like the Disney Armed Forces Salute and the Shades […]
Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale: Disney’s Adventurers Club in a Glass
If you’re a beer lover at Walt Disney World, there’s a hidden treasure waiting for you: Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale. This African-inspired amber ale pays tribute to the legendary Adventurers Club, the beloved Pleasure Island hangout that still has a cult following to this day. It’s not just a drink—it’s Disney history in a pint […]
Can You See Magic Kingdom Fireworks from Shades of Green? (Full Guide)
Many military families staying at Shades of Green wonder if they can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks without going back into the park. While the resort isn’t an official viewing location, there are still ways to catch glimpses of the Disney fireworks from Shades of Green and even better options nearby for a full experience. […]
Choosing Where to Stay at Walt Disney World
Planning Your Disney Vacation When you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to stay. Your resort choice can set the tone for your entire trip — and for military families, it can also affect your budget, benefits, and convenience. As a rule of thumb, Disney-owned resort […]
Try Disney Vacation Club Without Buying In: Why We Recommend the DVC Rental Store
Want to stay in a deluxe Disney resort without paying deluxe prices—or committing to a timeshare? Here’s how the DVC Rental Store makes that possible. Buying into Disney Vacation Club is a big commitment. Even if you’re a seasoned Disney traveler like we are, it’s something you want to be sure about before signing on […]
Can I Upgrade or Change My Disney Military Tickets After Purchase?
If you’re like many military families planning a Disney vacation, you’ve likely asked: “Can I upgrade my Disney military tickets after I’ve already bought them?” Maybe you want to add a water park day, stay longer, or even convert your ticket into an Annual Pass. The good news? Yes, you can make changes to your […]
Using the Walt Disney World Theme Park Reservation System
In this Tech-Related Post, we will walk you through making a Walt Disney World Theme Park Reservation. This is a really simple and quick process, as you’ll see, and is a needed step for Military tickets at Walt Disney World and all tickets at Disneyland. As a reminder, you will need to have your tickets […]
How Far Is Universal Orlando from Walt Disney World? (And the Best Ways to Get There)
How Far Is Universal Orlando from Walt Disney World? (And the Best Ways to Get There) Short answer: Universal Orlando is roughly 12–17 miles from Walt Disney World, which takes about 20–25 minutes by car in light to average traffic. It varies by where you start at Disney: for example, Old Key West/Riviera → Universal […]
Why We Finally Bought Into DVC After Years of Saying No
After decades of Disney travel and dozens of resort stays, we finally joined Disney Vacation Club. Here’s what changed—and why it finally made sense for our family. For years, we told ourselves Disney Vacation Club just wasn’t for us. We’re seasoned Disney travelers. Between military discounts, Shades of Green stays, and years of knowing how […]
Can Military Families Use Military Star Card or Disney Gift Cards Toward a Disney Vacation?
Planning a Disney trip as a military family often brings up many questions! One such question that I’m often asked is: Can we use our Military Star Card—or Disney gift cards—to cover vacation expenses? The answer is a bit nuanced, so let’s sort it out. ️ Military Star Card The Military Star Card, issued by […]