Welcome to the Military Disney Tips Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ!
Below are many, many questions that are asked all the time about Disney’s Best Military Discount for Tickets and Rooms. We’ve been curating this FAQ list for over 12 years now!
(Updated February 2021)
Note to non-retired veterans; you do not qualify for the Disney Armed Forces Salute, however there are Disney Veteran Discounts that you do qualify for.
You can also check out our: Disney Armed Forces Salute page for full program details. Or see our FAQ Friday Posts.
We’ve divided the FAQ int topics: General, Rooms/Hotels, and Tickets. First we list the topics and just the question, click the question to go straight to the answer. Or below that you can browse all the full questions and answers.
We really hope that this helps!!!
General Armed Forces Salute Questions
What is the Disney Armed Forces Salute?
Am I eligible to participate in the Armed Forces Salute?
What Discounts are offered during the Armed Forces Salute?
What is the time frame of the Armed Forces Salute?
At which Disney Parks is the Armed Forces Salute available?
What are Blockout Dates (sometimes incorrectly called Blackout Dates)?
Can I use the Disney Armed Forces Salute at both Disney World and Disneyland?
Can Non-US Military use this offer?
Armed Forces Salute Hotel Discount Questions
What Hotel Discounts are available during the Armed Forces Salute?
Are these discounts always available?
What Hotels are available with the Salute?
How many rooms may I reserve using the Salute discount?
How many times can I use the Salute room discounts?
How do I make resort reservations using the Armed Forces Salute discount?
Can I add the Disney Dining Plan to my Armed Forces room reservation?
Are there any dates when the Armed Forces Salute room discount is not available?
Can you help me with my reservations and planning?
Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Ticket Questions
What types of Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets are available?
What are the Park Hopper and Water Park & More Options
Who is allowed to purchase the Armed Forces Salute Tickets?
How many Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets can I purchase?
When do the Armed Forces Salute Tickets expire?
Are there any dates when the Armed Forces Salute theme park tickets are not valid?
Where can I buy the Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets?
Can I Add Days to the Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets?
How do I activate the Armed Forces Salute Tickets?
Do I the military sponsor need to be with my guests at all times?
I need more than 6 Armed Forces Salute Tickets what can I do?
Do I have to use my tickets all at once or on days in a row?
I am a Disney Passholder, do I need to buy a Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket for myself too?
Can I use the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets Back-to-Back?
I don’t live near a base, how can I get these tickets?
Can my Disney Armed Forces Salute theme park tickets be linked to My Disney Experienced?
Are the Armed Forces Park Hopper tickets eligible for the Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours?
Are the Armed Forces Park Hopper tickets eligible for the Disneyland Magic Morning?
Are the Armed Forces Park Hopper tickets eligible for Disney Genie and Genie+?
Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Information |
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Disney’s Armed Forces Salute – Our page with full details, learn all the ins and outs Memory Maker and PhotoPass+ Military Discounts FAQ Friday Blog Posts – Even more of your questions answered See Disney World Resorts with these great discounts See Disneyland Resorts with these great discounts Read the Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Military Discount Tickets Also the Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Military Discounted Rooms Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket Activation – MDT’s How To Guide Disney World’s New Tech: Magic Bands, Disney Genie, and all the rest. |
General Armed Forces Salute Questions
What is the Disney Armed Forces Salute?
The Disney Armed Forces Salute is a special temporary offer which runs for a specified time period. It features deep discounts and is totally separate from the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets which are always available.
The Walt Disney Company has been offering various versions of their Armed Forces Salute since January 2009 and previously during part of 2002. During these offers qualified service members or their spouse are eligible for both discounted theme park tickets and outstanding discounts on Disney Resorts.
Am I eligible to participate in the Armed Forces Salute?
Those who are eligible fall in the following categories:
- Current members of the US military
- Active Duty
- Reserve (participating for pay and points)
- National Guard (participating for pay and points)
- Current members of:
- Coast Guard
- Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS)
- Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Reserve and Guard DO NOT need to be on active duty orders (or show any orders)!
- Retired members from the US military
- Active Duty
- Reserve
- National Guard
Gray area retirees of the Reserve and Guard are eligible.
- Retired members from:
- Coast Guard
- Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS)
- Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Other Eligible Persons:
- 100% Permanently Disabled Veterans are also eligible for this offer. Permanently Disabled Veterans must have a military ID with a DAVPRM status
- Spouses of eligible members (Listed above) are able to participate in place of the member (not in addition to)without the member being present
- Non-remarried spouses of deceased eligible members above
- Active Military Foreign Affiliates who have been issued a US CAC with a blue band are also eligible
Not Eligible Are:
- IRR Non-Participating “Reservists”
- Unaccompanied non-spouse dependents (children)
- prior service members who did not retire
- foreign military members without US issued CAC
- DoD civilians
- Service connected disabled who are DAVTMP
- Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018
There are other programs for various disability categories.
Service members who did not retire may be eligible for other discounts.
See the Disney ID requirements.
What Discounts are offered during the Armed Forces Salute?
During these offers qualified service members or their spouse are eligible for both discounted theme park tickets and outstanding discounts on Disney Resorts.
What is the time frame of the Armed Forces Salute?
Walt Disney World Disney Armed Forces Salute Dates
2022 Tickets – 1 January – 16 December 2022
2022 Rooms – 1 January – 16 December 2022
2023 Tickets – 1 January – 15 December 2023
2023 Rooms – 1 January – 15 December 2023
Disneyland Disney Armed Forces Salute Dates
2021 – 2022 Tickets – Purchase 7 July 2021 – 12 December 2022, Use by 16 December 2022
2021 – 2022 Rooms – 7 July 2021 – 17 December 2022
2023 Tickets – 9 January – 15 December 2023
2023 Rooms – 9 January – 15 December 2023
At which Disney Parks is the Armed Forces Salute available?
The Armed Forces Salute discounts on both resort rooms and theme park tickets are available at Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida and at Disneyland in California.
Disney theme parks outside of the US do not participate in this offer though there may be discounts available through local base ticket offices.
What are Blockout Dates?
Blockout dates are days that Disney does not honor the Armed Forces Salute. These fall in both the ticket and resort discount categories.
On Ticket Blockout Dates you may not use your Armed Forces Salute Tickets for entry to the theme parks or use your Water Parks and More Options. If you want to go to the parks on these days you’ll need to buy a general admission ticket or a regular military discounted one from Shades of Green or an ITT Office.
Walt Disney World Blockout Dates
Disney Armed Forces Salute TICKET Blockout Dates at Disney World
None were announced for the 2022 Walt Disney World Armed Forces Salute Ticket Offer
But there are for 2023:
- 2 – 15 April 2023
- 19 – 25 November 2023
Disney Armed Forces Salute ROOM Blockout Dates at Disney World
- None were announced for the 2022 Walt Disney World Armed Forces Salute Room Offer
Disneyland Resort Blockout Dates
Disney Armed Forces Salute TICKET Blockout Dates at the Disneyland Resort
- 2 – 15 April 2023
Disney Armed Forces Salute ROOM Blockout Dates at the Disneyland Resort
- None were announced for the 2021-2022 Disneyland Armed Forces Salute Room Offer
See this detailed page on Blockout Dates
On Resort Blockout Days the Armed Forces Salute Military Resort Discounts do not apply at all. If you have a reservation that bridges these dates your room will revert from the discount rate to the regular rate on these days.
Options:
If you want to visit a Disney theme park on a day that the Disney Armed Forces Salute is blocked out there are other option:
Here are other options to the Disney resorts which offer military discounts:
- Shades of Green, the military owned and operated resort on WDW property
- The Disney Swan and Dolphin
- The Disney Springs Area Hotels
- The Armed Forces Vacation Club
Can I use the Disney Armed Forces Salute at both Disney World and Disneyland?
Yes, you can take advantage of the offer at both Disney Resorts during the same offer period. The 2 offers are totally independent.
Can Non-US Military use this offer?
Yes those stationed in the US who have a US issued ID card (CAC with blue stripe) are eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute.
Those who in no way support the United States are not eligible.
Armed Forces Salute Hotel Discount Questions
What Hotel Discounts are available during the Armed Forces Salute?
Disney is offering outstanding discounts on their resort rooms for Military Members and their families.
At Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida – Up to 40% off Deluxe Resorts, Up to 35% off Moderates and Fort Wilderness Cabins, and Up to 30% off Value Resorts.
See Disney World Resorts with this great discount
Expected at At Disneyland in Anaheim California if they ever open – Up to 40% off the Grand Californian, Up to 35% off the Disneyland Hotel , and Up to 30% off the Paradise Pier.
See Disneyland Hotels with this great discount
Are these discounts always available?
There are Blockout Days, days during which Disney does not offer the Disney Armed Forces Salute rates. Any stays during these dates would need to be either the full rate or another discount (if available).
Also, Disney only sets aside a certain number of rooms per night at each resort and of each room type. So, your desired resort or specific room request may not always be available. Note: desirable rooms (Princess or pirate) rooms sell out fast.
See this detailed page on Blockout Dates
Here are other options to the Disney resorts which offer military discounts:
- Shades of Green, the military owned and operated resort on WDW property
- The Disney Swan and Dolphin
- The Disney Springs Area Hotels
- The Armed Forces Vacation Club
What Hotels are available with the Disney Armed Forces Salute?
Disney offers discounts at its Deluxe, Moderate (including Fort Wilderness Cabins), and value resorts. See them all here
WDW Resort Hotels included in This Offer
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites only
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios only
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (Cabins only)
WDW Offer excludes the following Resorts and room types:
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- 3-bedroom villas
- Suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels
- Campsites
- Cabins at Copper Creek Villas
- Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
Disneyland Resort Offer excludes the following:
- Concierge rooms and suites, except Paradise, Artisan, Junior and Regal suites
How many rooms may I reserve using the Salute discount?
You man reserve up to 3 rooms at Walt Disney World and 2 rooms at Disneyland Resort using the Disney Armed Forces Salute. All rooms must check in the same day at the same resort and the military sponsor must stay in one.
How many times can I use the Salute Room discounts?
As many times as you like during the offer period. There is no limit.
How do I make resort reservations using the Armed Forces Salute discount?
You can call the Disney central reservations numbers yourself and ask for the Armed Forces Salute room only discount. You can not make these reservations online.
Or you can work through a travel agent. Military Disney Tips recommends the military family owned and operated, Fee Free, Disney specializing travel agency Ears of Experience.
Disney Reservations: Disney World 1-407-934-7639, Disneyland 1-714-781-4565
Can I add the Disney Dining Plan to my Armed Forces Salute room reservation?
Absolutely, just ask to add whichever paid dining plan that you’d like to your Armed Forces Salute room only reservation.
However these military rates may not be combined with the Free Disney Dining Plan offers that Disney makes available from time to time.
There is a way around this, typically Disney requires only a minimum of 2-day tickets for everyone in the room. If you are staying 6 nights you could opt for the full price room, 2-day regular ticket and the 4-day Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets.
Are there any dates when the Armed Forces Salute room discount is not available?
Yes, see Blockout Dates above!
Plus, Disney’s room discounts are offered on a sliding scale on an as available basis. See how this works
There are other locations that offer military discounts:
- Shades of Green, the military owned and operated resort on WDW property
- The Disney Swan and Dolphin
- The Disney Springs Area Hotels
- The Armed Forces Vacation Club
Can my Disney Armed Forces Salute theme park tickets be linked to My Disney Experience (Magic Bands)?
Yes they can be linked to your My Disney Experience account see our My Disney Experience Page.
Can you help me with my reservations and planning?
While Military Disney Tips does not currently offer vacation planning assistance, we do recommend Ears of Experience, a Disney only, military family owned small business. Thousands of satisfied MDT readers have used Ears of Experience over the years.
Ears of Experience – Military Disney Tips’ Recommended Disney Only Travel Agent.
Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Ticket Questions
What types of Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets are available?
For 2022 Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida
- Four-Day or Five-Day Park Hopper Option, which allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day
- Four-Day or Five-Day Park Hopper Option with Genie+
- Four-Day or Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Option, which allows 4 entrances to a variety of non-theme Park Disney venues in addition to your 4 theme park days
- Four-Day or Five-Day Park Hopper with Plus and Genie+ Options
For 2021-2022 at Disneyland in Anaheim California
- Three-Day or Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets
For 2023 Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida
- Four-Day or Five-Day Park Hopper Option, which allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day
- Four-Day or Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Option, which allows 4 entrances to a variety of non-theme Park Disney venues in addition to your 4 theme park days
For 2023 at Disneyland in Anaheim California
- Three-Day or Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets
- Three-Day or Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets Genie+
What are the Park Hopper and Park Hopper Plus Options?
The Park Hopper Option allows you to visit multiple Disney Theme Parks during the same day. For example: You can start your day in one theme park and then switch a different park, perhaps with a mid-day break in between.
The Park Hopper Plus Option: Allows a number entries equal to the theme park days on your ticket to the following:
- Typhoon Lagoon
- Blizzard Beach
- General admission into the Wide World of Sports Complex
- 9 Holes of Golf at Disney’s Oak Trail 9-Hole Golf Course
- At Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course, one round of golf per day prior to 4pm
For more on the Park Hopper Plus option see this page
The Walt Disney World Armed Forces Salute tickets come with either one of these options or both.
- Hopper only tickets can not use the Park Hopper Plus venues
- Park Hopper Plus only tickets can not park hop. you may only go to one park per day. You may leave and go back to the same park though
- Tickets with both options can of course do booth
The Disneyland Armed Forces Salute tickets come with just the Hopper option as they have no water parks.
Who is allowed to purchase the Armed Forces Salute Tickets?
Those who are eligible fall in the following categories:
- Current members of the US military
- Active Duty
- Reserve (participating for pay and points)
- National Guard (participating for pay and points)
- Current members of:
- Coast Guard
- Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS)
- Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Reserve and Guard DO NOT need to be on active duty orders (or show any orders)!
- Retired members from the US military
- Active Duty
- Reserve
- National Guard
Gray area retirees of the Reserve and Guard are eligible.
- Retired members from:
- Coast Guard
- Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS)
- Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Other Eligible Persons:
- 100% Permanently Disabled Veterans are also eligible for this offer. Permanently Disabled Veterans must have a military ID with a DAVPRM status
- Spouses of eligible members (Listed above) are able to participate in place of the member (not in addition to)without the member being present
- Non-remarried spouses of deceased eligible members above
- Active Military Foreign Affiliates who have been issued a US CAC with a blue band are also eligible
Not Eligible Are:
- IRR Non-Participating “Reservists”
- Unaccompanied non-spouse dependents (children)
- prior service members who did not retire
- foreign military members without US issued CAC
- DoD civilians
- Service connected disabled who are DAVTMP
- Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018
There are other programs for various disability categories.
Service members who did not retire may be eligible for other discounts.
See the Disney ID requirements.
How many Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets can I purchase?
Walt Disney World
“Eligible Service Members” or spouses may purchase up to a maximum of 6 2020 theme park tickets per military member to be used during the initial 2020 Salute offer period (1 January 2020-18 December 2020).
“Eligible Service Members” or spouses may purchase up to a maximum of 6 2020 theme park tickets per military member during the 2020 Salute Ticket Extension period (19 December 2020-14 February 2021) to be used during the 2021 calendar year.
“Eligible Service Members” or spouses may purchase up to a maximum of 6 2021 theme park tickets per military member to be used during the initial 2020 Salute offer period (1 January 2020-18 December 2020).
Disneyland
“Eligible Service Members” or spouses may purchase up to a maximum of 6 2021-2022 theme park tickets per military member to be used during the 2021 calendar year. (through 17 December 2021). Note: Tickets purchased during the 2020 Salute Ticket Extension period count towards this limit.
It is either the member or the spouse, not both.
When do the Armed Forces Salute Tickets expire?
Walt Disney World
2020 Salute Tickets Now valid through 26 September 2021
2021 Salute Tickets 15 February through 17 December 2021
2022 Salute Tickets 1 January through 16 December 2022
2023 Salute Tickets 1 January through 15 December 2023
Disneyland
2021-2022 Salute Tickets 7 July 2021 through 16 December 2022
2023 Salute Tickets 9 January through 15 December 2023
If you will be unable to use any remaining days, consider upgrading the Salute ticket to an annual Pass. It will then be valid for 1 year from the date you first used your Salute ticket.
Are there any dates when the Armed Forces Salute theme park tickets are not valid?
Yes there are what Disney calls blockout dates, dates on which the tickets may not be used. they are
Ticket Blockout Dates at Walt Disney World
- 2 – 15 April 2023
- 19 – 25 November 2023
Ticket Blockout Dates at Disneyland
- 2 – 15 April 2023
If you want to visit a Disney park on a day that the Disney Armed Forces Salute is blocked out there are other options:
Where can I buy the Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets?
The Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets must be purchased in person either by the eligible service member or their spouse. A military ID is required.
The tickets may be purchased at any of the following locations:
- Your local Base Ticket Office
- Shades of Green (the military hotel on Disney World property)
- The Orlando ITT Office
- Via Phone/FedEx
- Disney Theme Park Ticket Windows
- Disneyland Resort Front Desks
You will pay no tax at the military resellers (Base Ticket Offices (MWR.ITT) and Shades of Green) or at Disneyland ticket booths. But local sales tax is added at Disney World ticket booths.
Tickets purchased at military resellers (except Shades of Green) must be activated (for no extra cost) at Disney’s theme park ticket windows prior to first use.
You can purchase Disney tickets via phone/FedEx See this Post!
Can I add Days or Options to the Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets?
Yes you can in a sense; you can upgrade the shorter or non Park Hopper Plus tickets.
2021 Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets – As always, the 4-Day Salute Ticket with Park Hopper may be upgraded to a 5-Day Salute Ticket with Park Hopper, a 4-Day Salute Ticket with Park Hopper Plus, or a 5-Day Salute Ticket with Park Hopper Plus. You must do this in person at Disney World (alternately those who purchased from Shades of Green may upgrade there). To upgrade you’ll pay the price difference (with sales tax through Disney).
2020 Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets – 2020 Salute Tickets may be upgraded to any 2021 version! This includes both length and Park Hopper Plus option. This can only be done through Disney! We have had a report of one longtime reader doing this over the phone, they upgraded their 2020 Salute Tickets with the 26 Sept 2021 expiration to 2021s with the 17 Dec 2021 expiration. They were told it would be for the price difference, but then the cost was waived!
Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets purchased from Disney or Base Ticket Offices must be upgraded at a Disney World ticket or Guest Relations window, for the price difference plus tax. Some have had luck calling Disney to get their 2020 Tickets upgraded to 2021 versions!
Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets purchased at Shades of Green may be upgraded there to a ticket with the Plus Option, or to annual or seasonal passes , for the price difference (no tax).
How do I activate the Armed Forces Salute Tickets?
Simply take the ticket or exchange voucher you received from your Base Ticket office to a ticket window at any of Disney’s theme parks, the Disney Springs Guest Relations office, Disney Quest, or the 2 WDW water parks.
There they will check your military ID ask you a few questions and activate your tickets.
Learn more about the activation process
All members of the party must be present for activation.
Does the military sponsor need to be with my guests at all times?
No, once the tickets are activated the party can split up. For example some go to Epcot and some to MK (or Disneyland / California Adventure), or even use the tickets on different days. The Military ID is checked only upon ticket activation.
I need more than 6 Armed Forces Salute Tickets during this offer what can I do?
The policy at Disney ticket booths has always been that exceptions should be made for immediate families larger than six people.
Disney will allow you to buy and use enough tickets for your entire immediate family.
For example, if a family has five children, Disney will allow all members of the family to purchase the 4-Day Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets (for Mom, Dad, and the 5 kids).
Disney defines immediate family as: Dependent Children!
Grand children, adult children, and extended family do not qualify.
Military ticket resellers may not allow you to buy more than 6 tickets.
See this post for more info: I need more than 6 Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets What Can I Do?
If you do not fall under this exception, then you can still purchase the regular military discounted Magic Your Way Tickets from your base ticket office or Shades of Green.
Do I have to use my tickets all at once or consecutive days in a row?
No. You can certainly use them every day until they are finished, or you can spread them out over a longer vacation while taking a day or two off, visiting Universal Studios, Sea World, or Legoland. You can even use some days on one trip and the rest on a later trip as long as it is before the offer ends.
I am a Disney Passholder, do I need to buy a Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket for myself too?
Passholders do not need to buy their own salute tickets. I’m a Silver Passholder and only buy salute tickets for those going with me.
Can I use the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets Back-to-Back?
Yes, For example, a party of two using two 4-day tickets, followed by another set of 4-day tickets, for a total of 8 park days. This is of course up to your limit of 6. Always compare use of multiple tickets figuring the cost multiple ways using the Disney Armed Forces Salute and Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets.
I don’t live near a base, how can I get these tickets?
Some military installations or National Guard locations don’t have a ticket office. If you are in this situation there are other options.
For Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND in Orlando Florida, you can purchase tickets at both Shades of Green and the Orlando ITT Office (see below). Shades of Green Ships tickets!
For Disneyland, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and LEGOLAND in California, you can use these ticket offices:
Los Angeles AFB, FSS though the ITT Office
Camp Pendelton, Oceanside, CA will sell Via Phone/FedEx
Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu/Port Hueneme, CA
If I buy the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets while I’m active duty can I activate them after I separate?
Absolutely not, these tickets are only for current or retired members. Leaving the military makes you ineligible for the offer or to to activate previously purchased Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets.
Are the Armed Forces Park Hopper tickets eligible for the Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours?
Yes. It is not the ticket that matters, rather it is the resort you are staying at which qualifies you for these programs.
Early Entry
The following resorts are eligible for Early Entry:
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Yacht Club Villas
- Shades of Green
- Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
- Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
- Waldorf Astoria Orlando
- B Resort & Spa Lake Buena Vista
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando
- Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
- Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
- Holiday Inn Orlando
- Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
- Wyndham Lake Buena Vista
- Four Seasons Resort Orlando
Extended Evening Hours
In addition, guests staying at Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts at Walt Disney World including Shades of Green will also be able to enjoy Extended Evening Hours on select nights in select theme parks. Extended evening hours will begin in early October 2021.
Extended Evening Hour Resorts:
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa
- Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Disney’s Riviera Resort
- Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
- Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Copper Creek Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
- Disney’s Beach Club Villas
- Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
- Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
- The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Yacht Club Villas
- Shades of Green
- Walt Disney World Swan, Dolphin, and Swan Reserve
Are the Armed Forces Park Hopper tickets eligible for the Disneyland Magic Morning?
No
Are the Armed Forces Park Hopper tickets eligible for Disney Genie and Genie+?
Yes. It is not the ticket that matters, rather it is the resort you are staying at which qualifies you for these programs.
See out Disney Genie Announcement
Don’t See Your Question Here? See our FAQ Friday Posts
Well that’s it for our FAQ!
Let us know if you have other questions in the comments section below!
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This MDT Post By: Steve Bell Steve is the the Military Disney Tips Founder. He a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way. Check out Steve's Bio. Subscribe to Steve's email newsletter to get website updates and news by clicking this link. |
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:
- Disney Veteran & Military Discount Eligibility Guide
- The Military Family’s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide
- Military Disney Tips Disney Packing Checklist
- 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
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Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent
Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts! |
3 people are in our party but one does not want 6 days in parks. Can we get two 6 day passes and one 4 day?
Yes you sure can Nicole.
We have dates that we want to go, but we may have to switch dates. If we get rooms through our base, if we end up needing to switch will we be able to?
Hi Morgan,
Your Base Travel Agent is just like my recommended Travel Agent Ears of Experience, or any other one. If you had to change dates they would work with Disney’s reservation department to find you another reservation based on availability and price for the new dates.
I’d humbly ask that you consider using Ears of Experience instead of a third party, to help keep the flow of free information coming from this site…
Can the active duty member be present for the activation of the salute the troops ticket but not actually have a ticket for themselves and then leave wants the activation is complete?
Hi Stef,
Nope, that’s not possible. The member (or spouse) must have a ticket of their own (unless they are an annual passholder). They could leave after activating all the tickets, theirs included…
The reason being that these very special, highly discounted tickets are for the purpose of the member spending time in Disney’s parks with family and friends, not to let those who aren’t eligible use them.
The slightly discounted Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets are OK for that purpose. There is no activation and these may be used by anyone without the member being present.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/regular-military-discounted-magic-your-way-tickets/
What happens if we bought too many tickets? I previously bought three and my husband just bought 5 and it wasn’t until after we realized we got tickets for the same promotion? The tickets on base say they are non refundable.
Hi Jessica,
Well, you have a problem…
Sorry.
You and your husband don’t have 6 dependent children do you? In that case you could use them all.
Barring that, you are going to have to negotiate with Disney, most likely in person, about the tickets.
Per the rules, there are no refunds as you’ve mentioned. There were some accommodations of various sorts for 2020 tickets due to covid, but we are way past that now.
Best case you can get a Disney ticket window to give you a refund (unlikely), middle case they will let you use the purchase price towards other ticket options (for later use)(most likely), worst case Disney says thanks for the purchases. If that’s the case, you’ll either lose out on those tickets or you could extend your trip or do a second trip and use them (that’s if they are 2022 and not 2021 so you have time to use them).
If I bought a three day pass for me and my family but am unable to attend the second and third day of the ticket. As long as I am with them the first day will they be able to use the other days without me?
Yes, that’s correct Derek.
As long as you are there for the activation process, they can then use the tickets without you.
If a family member used a ticket one day but can’t go the next two available days on ticket, can ticket be used by a different family member who can go?
Hi Carol,
No, sorry. All Disney Tickets are non-transferable.
See: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/faq/why-cant-people-share-a-disney-ticket/
Hello,
I have 2020 Disneyland Military Promotional 4 Day Park Hopper Tickets. I know the expiration date was extended but I’ve scene conflicting dates. Some say Sept. and some say Dec. 2021. Can you please confirm the NEW 2020 expiration date and the best way to use them? Do we need to make a resi or exchange them or just show up at the park/Disney Hotel?
Thank you in advance,
Jaime
Hi Jaime,
It is 16 Dec. 2021
See DL’s link, last bullet bottom of page: disneyland.disney.go.com/experience-updates/park-reservations/
I just realized our base sold us 12 salute to service tickets! My husband bought 6 tickets in February (enough for our immediate family and my father) and then some family asked to join us (my brother and his family), so I called a few months later about getting 6 more tickets at whatever discount was available and picked them up. I linked all of the tickets to the party members, made reservations, and then locked the tickets away without thinking much of what kind of tickets they were. I dug them out after reading this article and realized they are all Salute to Service tickets!
So how screwed are we going to be?
Hi there Laura,
When in February? It matters a great deal to your situation.
Read this post: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-armed-forces-salute/using-disney-armed-forces-salute-tickets-in-2021/
Then let me know if you are good to go or still need advice.
Do you know if me and my husband active duty can buy Florida resident tickets for ourselves and use the military promotion tickets for my parents? We would be present with both IDs but the Florida resident tickets are currently less expensive. Thanks!
Hi K W,
Unfortunately this is uncharted territory.
Since the start of the Salutes, passholders have not had to have their own Salute tickets. But I’ve never heard the same for tickets.
When I was a FL Resident I had the Silver Pass (now called something else) which was about the price of 2 Salute tickets, and I was covered for most of the year. But passes are not on sale currently.
Sorry, I just don’t know what to tell you on this one.
I’d communicate with Guest Services to get their response. do so via email or text that you can print and take as backup if you get a yes.
Since we don’t live near Disney World we will need to buy tickets through a base near us. I read they will give us vouchers to activate once in Disney. Can we use those vouchers to make park reservations ahead of time? We are going the week of Easter. Thank you for your help!
Hi Crystal,
Yes you absolutely can!
You can also buy long distance, see: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/ (salute tickets from Shades of Green come activated).
Also see:
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/linking-disney-military-tickets-and-theme-park-reservations/
My husband is military and my sisters husband is military. My sister was planning on going to wdw this year and had already bought salute tickets for her family. Some things have charged for them and they can no longer go. Can I take her tickets that were bought and use them myself with my ID or are these tickets somehow linked to only her and her husband’s military ID. They have not been activated yet.
Hi Rachel,
So the answer is probably… But there are variables, so I will shotgun all the potential info.
Where did she buy the tickets and have the tickets been linked to her My Disney Experience account?
Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets are sold unactivated by all military resellers (base ticket offices) except Shades of Green. The tickets are tied to a person in WDW’s ticketing system upon activation. Shades of Green does this just like a WDW ticket booth does (using a Disney terminal) when either of them sell the Salute Tickets.
If she bought them from Shades of Green, she will need to call WDW Guest Relations to try to get them to unlink/deactivate them in the ticketing system and unlink them from her My Disney Experience account (if linked). I’ve no experience or feedback on this ever so don’t know the potential outcome. But she should emphasize the inability to go (noting military reasons, potentially) and wanting to gift them to another military family. Asking to speak to a supervisor and then manager may be required.
If they were not purchased at Shades, this is not a problem.
Then
Did she link tickets purchased on base to her My Disney Experience account? She would have done this in order to make theme park reservations (if she got that far in her planning).
If linked she will need to get Disney to unlink them. I’ve heard they don’t like to do this and push back. But if she is persistent and explains why, they will do it.
Call the Disney Internet Help Desk at 800-848-6413, option #3 to unlink them.
Once unlinked, you can link them, make your theme park reservations, and activate them with your ID on arrival.
Note, some base ticket offices like to write names on the back of tickets. This means nothing as far as Disney is concerned. You can cross off the names if there. When you link the thickets in MDE you set the ticketing system up for the activation. When you go to activate you can hand the castmember all the tickets at once, the system knows who’s is who’s.
Rachel, I would really appreciate feedback on how this turns out (and actually what your actual situation is now (the missing details))!
Please come back here, or use my contact form to let me know after this works through so that I might help others better!
Hello,
We have used the Salute tickets many times before but our next trip (April 2023) is a little different now because this is the first time we’ve had to use the reservation system. The issue I’m having is to pay $2900 for 5 days for 5 of us through Disney since ticket prices opened today and I can go ahead and make the reservations once I add the tickets to our vacation package. Or do I wait until this fall for Disney to hopefully renew the Salute tickets for 2023. By time they get renewed and I get them in my hand will that still be enough time to make reservations for April 2023? So far it only looks like the reservation calendar is yellow for June and green for the rest of the year. Have you seen a trend in the parks filling up months in advance. I really want to save as much money as I can but I don’t want to wait too late to buy park passes and the reservation system book up.
Hi Taryn,
Theme Park Reservations are a challenging subject as you know. During normal to light attendance periods they are not really an issue even close to your dates. It’s early June and all of July is still green.
However for higher attendance periods (usually holiday periods) you’d want to get them well in advance, there are already 2 days in the Columbus Day follow-on week that are yellow with DHS not available.
You didn’t say when in April, the first half of April is traditionally some of the highest attendance days of the year, while the second half is only on the high side of low.
I’m betting since you’re concerned that it is in early April.
You’ve got 3 choices:
For packages (room and ticket): There is a $200 deposit, final payment of the entire remaining balance (room, meal plan, tickets, etc) is due 30 days prior to your check-in, but you can change or cancel your reservation without penalty prior to that.
So what I mean by work the system, would be to make that expensive reservation with tickets now and make your theme park reservations.
Then you can wait to see what happens with a 2023 Disney Armed Forces Salute. If it’s renewed you can then buy Salute tickets and link them to each person in your party. Once you link the Salutes you can modify your reservation to a room only hopefully with a Salute discount! They really don’t modify regular reservations to Salute one, it’s a cancel and rebook.
As I understand it, Disney’s only cares that a person who makes or has a theme park reservation has a ticket or pass, the ticket number is not relevant. Reservations will even stay in effect for a couple days when a ticket or room reservation is removed! The system will email you to say you need to add the missing item or the reservation will be lost (this has happened to me). Just trivia as you will always have tickets this way.
The only risk I see would be keeping your desired resort and room type with the conversion/cancel & rebook.
This is as I understand it and not a guarantee. Couldn’t hurt to call Disney and ask. You might have to try a few times to get an honest answer.
Hi Steve,
Thanks for this amazing website! It’s very helpful when planning my future Disneyland trip. I’m hoping that the Salute Disneyland tickets come out soon, and in the event it does… Am I able to buy 2023 Disneyland Salute tickets to use Jan 6th, even though I bought four 2022 Disneyland Salute tickets that I used in February? I remember surfing the web a few months back and thought I recalled an incident where someone was told that the 6 Salute tickers are per year, meaning that I would only have 2 left if I purchased them now and the tickets wouldn’t be accepted at the park.
Hope this makes sense.
Thank you for your help.
Hi, I have looked through the FAQs so I’m just wanting a confirmation to my question. I am a military spouse going to WDW in place of my husband. Can I still purchase the Armed Forces Salute tickets at the WDW ticket office without my husband present as long as I have my dependent ID? Or if I purchase them with my husband on base, will he need to be present to activate them when I go to the park? Thank you so much for all this helpful information on your website!
Hi Raquel,
Thanks.
You will be fine without him there. You are eligible to use them without him.
FYI don’t wait till you get there, you need the ticket in hand to make the required theme park reservations ahead of time.