It’s a holiday vibe like never before. Sights of sparkling décor, sounds of modern beats over classic holiday songs, tastes of craft cocktails and decadent dishes. It’s nostalgic and it’s glitz and glam galore. This is Disney Jollywood Nights – a new, separately ticketed event from 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on 10 select nights November 11-December […]
Disney Blocks Popular Monorail Access for Military Families
As of May 1st 2023 Guests staying at Shades of Green, Disney World’s Military Only Resort, no longer have the ability to take the scenic half-mile walk to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort with its easy monorail and boat access to the Magic Kingdom and wonderful dining and shopping venues. The walkway in question dates back to the […]
The USAF Thunderbirds are Scheduled for a Disney World Fly Over
The USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds are scheduled for a Walt Disney World flyover tomorrow 27 October 2022! During the flyover the Thunderbirds will make two passes over the park beginning at 9:30 a.m. (weather permitting), and culminating in their famous delta maneuver behind and above Cinderella Castle, will where they will accelerate in […]
Disney World Cast Member, Korea and Vietnam Veteran Passes Away
Alex Stromski, a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander and Walt Disney World Cast Member passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on 6 August 2022. Alex retired from the U.S. Navy in 1967 after having served in Korea and Vietnam. Later in life Alex, a longtime Disney fan, became a cast member at Pinocchio Village Haus, […]
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Returns to Walt Disney World Resort This Fall
Walt Disney World has announced that Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will be returning this Fall! Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party will returning to Magic Kingdom Park this fall during the resort’s 50th Anniversary celebration! This fall, ghosts and ghouls of all ages are invited to don their favorite costumes and celebrate all things haunted during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Taking […]
Walt Disney World Totally Drops Mask Mandate
Masks are no longer required on Disney World’s Buses and Monorails! 19 April 2022 – Walt Disney World has announced that “Given recent guidance and trends” (meaning a court order) they are dropping the mandatory use of masks on their monorail and bus fleets! These 2 modes of transportation were the last vestiges of WDW’s […]
Disney Drops Face Mask Requirement
Starting Thursday 17 February 2022 both Walt Disney World and Disneyland are dropping the requirement for indoor face masks! Outdoor face masks were dropped late in 2021. This follows Universal Orlando dropping face masks on 12 February. Disney just announced minutes ago: Face coverings will be optional for fully vaccinated Guests in both outdoor and […]
Westgate Resorts to Give Away Free Vacations for Military Families On Veterans Day 2021
For This Veteran’s Day, Westgate Resorts Will Again Be Giving Away Free Vacation Stays to Military Families! This super offer has always been one of the very most popular posts that I do each year on Military Disney Tips. This offer first started in 2011 and each year since then Westgate has offered free vacation stays to […]
Win a Seven-Night Stay at Shades of Green or Another AFRC Resort!
Enter to win a seven-night stay at an Armed Forces Recreation Center Resort! AFRC Resorts has partnered with the Military Star Card to provide service members a Getaway Giveaway that you will want to win. Enter online now for a chance to win a seven-night stay at the AFRC Resort of your choice. Shades of […]
When Will Disney’s Theme Parks Reopen?
That’s the big question on everyone’s mind! (Updated 12 June) UPDATE 3/26: Intel from Disney cast member channels is that Disney is looking at Mid May for reopening and will be cutting staff to 2008/2009 recession levels! UPDATE 3/27: Disney is only going to pay cast members through 18 April. UPDATE 3/29: Walt Disney World’s reservation system […]
Disney’s US Parks and Cruise Line Closed! Plus DoD Travel Ban!
Disney has announced that their US parks, Hotels, Cruise Line, Aulani, and Adventures by Disney are closed due to the current health concerns. (Updated 12 June, will continue to update as needed) Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are Closed Until Further Notice! Updates: 3/15 – Reservation fees change fees waived for check ins through […]
Walt Disney World’s Retreat Ceremony Continues in 2020
Even though the Disney parks are closed Disney Security continues to honor the U.S. Flag. Raising the flag each morning and lowering it at the end of the day just like always! Walt Disney World Resort President Josh D’Amaro said: “While our world looks very different today, one thing endures…the American flag still flies over […]
The 2020 Edition of Walt Disney World for Military Families is Available!
Hi there, I’m so excited to be able to announce that the 2020 version of Walt Disney World for Military Families has been released. I have to wait each year for the new Disney Armed Forces Salute information to come out in order to be able to finish it up. Walt Disney World for Military […]
The 2020 Edition of Disneyland for Military Families is Available!
Hi there, I’m so excited to be able to announce that the 2020 version of Disneyland for Military Families has been released. I have to wait each year for the new Disney Armed Forces Salute information to come out in order to be able to finish it up. Disneyland for Military Families 2020 All the […]
The Last Full Measure Movie Review
I recently had the privilege to see an advance screening of The Last Full Measure an upcoming movie to be released on January 24th. The movie, which is based on the actual events revolves around the heroic actions of Senior Airman (SRA, E-4) William H. (Pits) Pitsenbarger in Viet Nam, for which he was eventually posthumously […]
Hurricane Dorian Walt Disney World and Shades of Green
Hurricanes, Severe Weather, and Thunderstorms at Walt Disney World and Shades of Green. Walt Disney World Rarely Closes for Inclement Weather But rest assured that they have plans in place to shelter their guests if it is required! Shades of Green which is a military facility also has plans for these situations. If a hurricane […]
U.S. Navy Blue Angels Scheduled for Epcot Fly Over
The Blue Angels are scheduled to fly over Walt Disney World’s Epcot on Thursday 2 May. The team is expected to make two passes above Spaceship Earth sometime in the morning. After the flyover the Blue Angles Demonstration Team will continue on to their destination, the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, which is scheduled for 4 […]
Make This Mickey Mouse Hands Magic Band Display
You Can Make This Mickey Mouse Hands Magic Band Display You’ll be the envy of all your disney friends and have a great place to keep your Walt Disney World Magic Bands from your Disney trips. I’ve seen lots of pics of people putting their Magic Bands on all kinds of things around the house, but this […]
Walt Disney World Toy Story Land Welcomed Special Members of U.S. Military Prior to Opening Day
Toy Story Land recently opened at Walt Disney World to huge crowds. But before it opened Disney welcomed several members of the U.S. military and their families to the new land, allowing them to tour it prior to the general public! During the visit, Sarge and his Green Army Patrol joined Disney Parks leaders to welcome […]
Military Disney Tips is going to Toy Story Land!
I am honored to have received one of the coveted invitations to the Toy Story Land Media Event, just prior to the opening of this new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando. On the evening of Thursday the 28th of June I’ll be trying out the new Slinky Dog Coaster and the other attractions […]
Military Disney Tips Is Now Ten Years Old!
Military Disney Tips turns 10 Years Old this month! (May 2018) Let’s take a look at where we are and also back at where it all started back in May 2008. Wow, It is hard to believe that it has been a decade since Military Disney Tips first appeared! Military Disney Tips has grown from […]
Siemens Epcot VIP Lounge Access For Shades of Green Military Family Customers – NO MORE!
Here is a little known benefit for those who purchase tickets at Walt Disney World’s Shades of Green. Siemens graciously allows Shades customers and their guests access to their lounge. The VIP center is located inside Spaceship Earth. An access card is required for entry!!! UPDATE: Sadly, Siemens has stopped this offer! Once more military families found […]
Trip Report – Westgate Free Military Vacation
Did you know that every year Westgate Resorts offers free vacation stays to military members? For the last few years Westgate has been offering these free stays at their resorts on a first-come-first served basis to a set amount of people. The notice is usually short that the offer is coming, usually just a day […]
The Walt Disney Company’s Veterans Institute
You may have seen my earlier posts on Disney’s Heroes work Here program, Here’s to the Heroes ia a fantastic initiative with which Disney committed to hiring 2,300 veterans (so far). beginning with their initial job fairs Disney first committed to hiring 1,000 vets, but within a year had hired over 1,300. At the one […]
Heroes Work Here One Year Update
Last month at the annual shareholder’s meeting Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger gave an update on the Heroes Work Here Program which began in March 2012. He announced that the Disney Company surpassed its goal to provide 1,000 career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over a three-year period – hiring more than 1,300 veterans […]