Are you a Disabled Veteran?
Then you are eligible for a variety of discounts depending on your exact status,but proper ID is a must.
I get lots of great questions from my readers via email and in comments on my blog posts. Some of the questions can be answered by my Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ, others take some thought or more research on my part.
Occasionally I’ll get several different requests for the same information in a short period of time. When I do, I know I need to get that info out to everyone.
I just received three questions asking me to to clarify if disabled vets are eligible for Disney’s Armed Forces Salute.
Some Are!
100% permanently disabled (DAVPRM) veterans are eligible for Disney’s Armed Forces Salute. They must have a Retired ID card with the code: DAVPRM printed on it.
Here is a link to more info on this discount
Shades Of Green Benefits as well
100% Disabled Vets are also eligible to stay at Shades of Green (the military owned and operated reasort on Disney property) and purchase military discounted tickets there. Shades of Green’s policy says “Honorably Discharged Veterans with 100% service-connected disability (and their families)” are eligible. Required documentation is a DD Form 1173 or DD Form 2765.
Not 100%?
If you are not 100% disabled or retired there are a couple of discounts that you still qualify for.
You are eligible to stay at Shades of Green in the months of September and January with your DD-214, see this information.
Other offers generally appear just prior to November each year, so watch for these.
Shades of Green offers discounted tickets for Disney, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and many more local Orlando Attractions.
Here is some more info on Shades of Green and their ticket sales.
Hope this info helps, be sure to take some time to review the info on my site, there is lots to go through!
Information on Shades of Green the Military Hotel on Disney World property
See all the current Shades of Green Discounts and Packages
A Special Note on Shades of Green Discounts: Something to be aware of is that Shades constantly changes the dates and discounts offered of their specials and packages.
Shades of Green Links
- Shades of Green
- Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green
- Shades of Green Rooms
- Shades of Green Room Rates
- Disney Tickets at Shades of Green
- Links to Everything Shades of Green
- Shades of Green Blog Tour
- Magic Bands for Shades of Green Guests
Planning a Disney Trip? Want to get the best military discounts that are available? Feeling a little confused? See our:
Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. For where to stay see our Resorts/Hotel Overview Page. Disney doesn’t discount dining for the military, but there are a few places on property that do, see the Dining Overview Page to learn where plus more dining info. You can also learn about Transportation Options. Be sure to check out our Technology Overview to learn about Magic Bands and My Disney Experience to see how they work with military tickets. Walt Disney World visitors might be interested in staying at Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort.
See: Top 8 Reasons to Use An Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
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Walt Disney World for Military Families 2020 - Available in Print, Kindle, and Digital PDF Download
The Essential Guide to Shades of Green - Available in Print, Kindle, and Digital PDF Download
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My status is DAV “service connected” but not DAVPRM. Does “service connected” qualify for Disney discounts? Thank You
Edward, that’s one I don’t know… I recommend that you give Disney a call to ask. if you do find out the answer it would be great if you post it here!
Thanks Steve
(407) WDISNEY or (407) 934-7639
I just got off the phone with a ‘cast member’ and she said they only accept Military IDs with “Active” or “Retired” on them. I’m a 40% service-connected DAV and while I applaud Disney for recognizing the sacrifices of our military families, I take exception to them not acknowledging those of us who served and fought and now bare the physical and emotional scars of our service.
Mike, Hi and first off, thanks for your service!
I know this is frustrating, in fact there was a lively discussion on this on the DIS message boards today (which was deleted as it turned nasty).
Most frustrating to me, not only in regards to your specific comment, but also to Disney’s handling of this entire offer is the total confusion and lack of consistency within the company.
The details of the April 2011 extension of the offer were just updated in Disney’s site in November. And this page is very vague.
Meanwhile documents that Disney Ticket Castmembers refer to for this offer state: Note: Permanently Disabled Veterans are also eligible for this offer. These military personnel will have a military ID with a DAVPRM status.
Calling the Disney 800 number several different times can yield you as many different answers…
Have you tried to purchase the AFS tickets at your local base ticket office? If one is nearby.
Unfortunately other than that Mike, the only way to see if you can take advantage of this offer is to go there and buy the tickets.
DAVPRM means Disabled American Veteran- Permanent. The VA doesnt even like this classification anymore- they will give 80% service connected/ 20 % unemployability to 67 year olds before they hand out PRMs. Also, your VA card IS NOT SUFFICIENT for the discount, even if it stated disabled on it- you could be 10 -90 % disabled. Finally, having it stamped on your military id is sort of outmoded too- no one gets a military id unless retired sooo….good luck all.
I have used my VA card numerous times for discounts at various places before I received my 100% rating from the VA. Then the VA finally changed my rating to 100%, I then received a DOD ID card (tan) and it states DAVPRM on it.
Hi Fran,
I’m sure that’s correct anywhere else but Disney. Most people in the general public wouldn’t know the difference between a VA card and a retired military ID, which each have entirely different purposes and entitlements.
Disney however signs a contract with the DoD and is required to stick to the eligibility requirements that the DoD sets.
Hi Steve,
Question for you. My sister and her family are joining us on vacation in Orlando and we would love to take advantage of the Armed Forces Salute.
Here’s her situation:
She’s a Disabled Veteran (USMC), on 100% disability. Her military ID card does not say DAVPRM, but she does have a letter stating she is 100% disabled. As I understand it, the discount is only for retired career military, however, her ID card does say USMC Retired, so not sure if that would qualify her.
Unfortunately calling Disney hasn’t been very helpful, the onlly answer I got was “I’m sorry, I don’t know…contact your local base ticket office.” Problem is, the closest base to her is 4 hours away. So, if by some chance she is eligible, would she be able to buy tickets at SOG, even though we’re staying off-site?
This whole thing is so confusing, but I appreciate your input!
Hey there Amanda,
She has a retired ID so she’s eligible for the Armed Forces Salute and Shades of Green. The fact that she is medically retired isn’t relevant as long as she has the “Retired ID.”
The DAVPRM is sort of a gray area anyway, it’s Disney required text on an “ID” but I’m not sure what type of ID. Some sort of VA card for non-retired disabled vets??? I’m not sure how much luck people have had with this…
So to wrap up sounds like she is retired and drawing retired pay (I’d assume) so she’s good to go in my opinion.
Have Fun!
Oh and yes any eligible member can buy tickets at Shades, whether they are staying there or not. I do it all the time. She just needs to show her ID at the guard shack and they’ll give her parking directions.
DAVPRM Means Disabled Veteran- Prior Military. At least, that is how I have always understood it and what the VA told my husband.
I spoke with a Disney employee (my husband, USMC vet, is 60%) and he said he got in touch with the Disney liaison in charge of all the military offers. Per that individual, the military is the one specifying the DAVPRM needs to be on an ID.
We’ve got a 100% disabled friend that wants to go (which is why I looked into this) and he’s placed several phone calls. RAPIDS locations in OH, NY, WV and PA he’s called have told him that they didn’t know what he meant by “an ID that states DAVPRM”
Go figure.
Hi Betsy,
Thanks for checking in!
Well everything I’ve seen defines it as Disabled Veteran Permanent, and this is also how Disney defines it: “Note: Permanently Disabled Veterans are also eligible for this offer. These military personnel will have a military ID with a DAVPRM status.” which is what matters in this case.
Besides all veterans are prior military, so don’t know why it would mean that…
Yes the military specified that these are the only veterans eligible (although not retired) as they are the ones still eligible for base access. When Disney makes these offers they sit down with the military and come to an agreement on all the details and then sign a contract. That’s what the rep you talked to meant when they said “…the military is the one specifying the DAVPRM needs to be on an ID” Disney goes by who the military says is an eligible military member.
The DAVPRM will be on a military retired ID in the rank square, as in: DAVPRM/E6, not a VA card which is why they don’t know about it I imagine.
As a 100% DAV your friend is eligible for the Shades of Green Resort the military owned and operated resort on Disney World Property and is eligible to purchase the regular military discounted tickets there. While not as good as the Armed Forces Salute, it’s still something.
Your Husband, as someone who served is eligible for Shades of Green in September and January with his DD-214.
Hope this helps!
I read your articles and wonder about one thing. I am a Disabled Veteran and was discharged without being retired. Most of us are. I am now rated at 50% and wonder how I can take advantage of the Disney Disabled Veteran Discount. I do not have a “retired” ID Card, I do have a VA Disabled Card that indicated that I am “Service Connected”. Does this count??
I look forward to your reply.
A C
Hello Allen,
Well, as a non-retired, non-DAVPRM, who is less than 100% there is only one offer that you qualify for. It’s this offer at Shades of Green in the months of September and January.
If you read this post you’ll find a good summation of all the available discounts.
Hope this helps.
Steve,
Your title in your post was overly ambitious and you stumbled into a very sad grey area that is something of a modern day coverup. I’ll use myself as the example.
At 30% disability upon medical seperation you get “medicaly retired.” This is how you get the stamp you are refering to. The stamp is the same thing as saying retired, its just indicating you were medicaly retired. How ever in addition to deals like this, the military branch is also on the hook for retirement benifits including medical. Hence why you all get base access with this trip. Now even though VA money and military medical benifits come from the US budget, its a game of “whos going to pay the bill.”
Sadly the military and in my case specificaly, the Marines, they choose to “cut their losses.” Losses in this case are there own disabled veterans.
In my case “repetitive motion” of any activity with my legs causes me great pain. I can no longer run, or even walk long distances. (at age 24 this was very traumatizing to deal with…) I’m 29 now and have done some research into how all this happens.
Basicaly the Marines low balled me, gave me 10% disability per leg so that under reason for seperation I showed 20% disabled, they did not have to retire me, I was seperated for “medical reasons under honorable conditions” and do not qualify for any retired benifits or base access.
The VA looks at your case and has to review everything for disability raiting (THE SAME GUIDLINE THE MILITARY IS MANDATED TO USE!!!!) I was rated 20% per leg (should be retired) and am at 70% overall.
Of coarse they are not going to tell Disney, “Hey we really should let these disabled veterans use it too, we really shorted them when we separated them.” But Disney has been asked this question so many times and had stories like mine explained to them enough that I am realy saddened they have not chosen to open their own eyes.
Hello Jason,
Thanks so much for your service!
Your story is very disheartening and I feel for you brother!
But the issues you bring up are well beyond the scope of my humble site. My goal with the post is merely to lay out the info on what the requirements are for the various discounts that are available.
As I understand the process Disney goes through when making one of their offers is that they enter into negotiations with the DoD/MWR and it is the military who set who is considered eligible, not Disney.
I do so wish it was less convoluted and all who served could partake.
Take care!
We’re going to Disney World in 3 weeks so I’m trying to plan ahead. My dad is a retired military, 100% disabled and we called shades of green today to make sure my dad could use the armed forces salute and the lady on the phone said no he wasn’t eligible because he doesn’t have the brown id card. His military ID does state he is retired and all the websites i’m seeing say he’s eligible if he’s retired. So my question is what does he need to get the armed forces salute discount?
Hi Brittanie,
I’m a little confused…
What kind of ID does he have?
You said he is retired, so he receives retirement pay right? If he is retired he would have a blue retired ID or a red retired reserve ID. These both qualify for the discount.
If he doesn’t have those and he is 100% I think he should have the tan 100% disabled veteran ID. A tan ID needs to have the DAVPRM code on it to qualify for the Armed Forces Salute.
But 100% disabled veterans do qualify to stay at Shades and buy the regular military discounted tickets there.
Not all disabled veterans are retired, we are considered former military with service connected disabilities. So are we not eligible for veteran discounts? Not all combat veterans get retirement, we just get the scars, a thanks and an honorable discharge.
Hi Tony,
Thanks for your service!
Unfortunately there are very few discounts for those who didn’t retire or who are not 100% DAVPRM.
If you are not 100% disabled or retired there are a couple of discounts that you still qualify for.
But you are eligible to stay at Shades of Green in the months of September and January with your DD-214, see this information.
And SeaWorld Parks just came out with this offer
I sent this message before but i have not seen it on your site ???? #1 You have to be 100% disabled Veteran , you do NOT have to be retired from military. # 2 The ID you need is part of the DERE Program called rapid ID. # 3 You can find a listing on line of the rapid ID sites in your state. # 4 You do not need any paperwork but you do need two forms of ID. ( If you are 100% disabled they have all your information in their computer.) My site was in South Bend Indiana and it took me all of 10 minutes to get my ID. GOOD LUCK TO ALL
Hello there again Lawrence,
Your pervious comment is here!!!!
Disney does require a military issued ID: CAC, DD Form 2, DD Form 1173, DD Form 1173-1, or DD Form 2765. Shades of Green requires the same IDs or a DD-214 for non-retired vets in the months of Jan and Sept.
I’m not really sure what you are trying to say. BTW it is DEERS – Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, which is a system accessed by Base ID Offices.
Thanks
Hello Steve
This is just a small thank you for your help for all veterans no matter what status they are. Its individuals like you who spend 99.9% of their time doing all the leg work to make the vet and family have a great vacation.
I am 100% with the brown I.D. and in the space that denotes status/grade is the DAV/PRM/E5 . This was issued to me and my wife at a military base in Chattanooga Tn. All i know about the I.D. is that it does allow us both to utilize a commisary on military bases. I do not know if it allows us to receice any other considerations like discounts to Disney or not. Thanks again for all that you do for us. Robert
Hello there Robert,
Yes with a DAVPRM ID you are definitely entitled to Military discounts from Disney and Shades of Green.
Please check out these pages:
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disneys-Armed-Forces-Salute-FAQ.html
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Shades-of-Green.html
Is there an age limit to who can use the discounted wdw tickets? My dad is retired military and wanted to take us but I am over 18.
Hi Jamie,
The military member may use their extra Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets for anyone they’ like, family or friends.
Joining the U.S. Army for 30 years was easier than getting a simple price for a disabled Veteran. Just put the price list down rather that asking question after question. Geeze
Hello Kenny,
If you were in the Army for 30 years you have no need to worry about this post for non-retired disabled veterans, just read about the Disney Armed Forces Salute: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html
Hello, I am 100% disabled Veteran. I have the DD2765 card. My question is relative to the park. What information will be required at the park to gain disability status at the park for fast pass entrance. I will not be able to wait in a long line. Please advise, I can bring the letter from the 100% letter from the VA. I will be staying at the Shades of Green,
Yes bring your ID and letter Gene.
And also see this page: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-theme-park-accommodations-for-guests-with-disabilities/
Do you have any idea what a DAVPRM Spouse needs for these tickets? Disney called today in response to an email and told me to just make sure I have everything required of DoD because they control the discount. That doesn’t really clarify anything for me. I have a dependent ID but it does not list his status…
Should I travel with his DAVPRM ID, just in case?
I am sure it will all work out but I am nervous.
Thank you!
Hi Paige,
As long as you have a current dependent ID you’ll be fine. You could bring his ID as well just to feel secure.
If you’d like to be 100% sure, just buy your tickets ahead of time through Shades of Green, see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/
Why do they just single out 100% disable and retired? What about the other ones getting disability from the VA? I would say that only 5% of people retire from the service. We all signed the same line no matter how long we served. A Veteran is a Veteran, period.
Hi Jessie,
The DoD gives 100% DAVPRM a military ID. A military ID is required for this offer. Retirees of course have an ID as well.
The VA and any interactions with that agency has nothing to do with this.
At the end of the day it is cheaper for large and small corporations to only allow retirees and 100% Veterans to receive discounts. It allows them to look like heroes and honor veterans. I served in the military for 12 great years and due to mental health issues was not able to retire or qualify for 100% disability. I think separation of percentages is wrong but no one is speaking up about it because they are receiving their slice of the pie. I will pay full price for the tickets. Thats no problem but, I am just getting a little tired of being treated as if my combat tours of duty and active duty service is less valuable than a retired or permanently disabled veteran. I respect the fact that they are retired but, non retiree veterans are not second class military. I love and respect all veterans that have ever worn the uniform in the defense of the United States.
Thanks Bernard,
A well written and heartfelt comment!
Hi, I’m trying to make heads or tails of this and I am a medically retired veteran rated at 90% and I only have a VA card so as I’m understanding Disney does not recognize disabled veterans unless they are rated at 100%? I’m trying to purchase 2 hopper passes.
Thank You
Dan
Hi DAn,
Yes, sorry that is correct.
There are no discounts available directly from Disney for your situation right now.
There is the this one discount available for non-retired veterans which is from Shades of Green. It is only for the months of January and September though. Here is my post with details including what documentation is required: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Shades-of-Green/Non-Retired-Veterans.html
Hi Steve,
My question is for another group of disabled vets, who are 100% disabled, but not retired out. So no brown id, just a DD214, but again are rated at 100% through the VA? Do they qualify for the full discounts or do they fall under the Jan/Sep discounted months?
Hi Meghan,
They would fall into the non-retired vet category and be eligible for the Jan/Sept Shades of Green eligibility.
The 100 DAVPRM is a military rating not a VA one, hence the military ID which is required for all discounts from Disney.
This is so confusing to me. Perhaps, because my husband hasn’t replaced his ID yet. However, I’m under the impression that he will qualify for a blue retired ID card, even though he’s currently on the TDRL, according to this: http://www.cac.mil/uniformed-services-id-card/
(he is in receipt of retired pay)
I guess part of my confusion is that above you state, “100% permanently disabled (DAVPRM) veterans are eligible for Disney’s Armed Forces Salute. They must have a Retired ID card with the code: DAVPRM printed on it.”
But, if ‘retired’ automatically qualifies, then disability status wouldn’t matter.
The tan ID cards are much more general, since both 1173 and 2765 are tan in color.
Also, anyone who left the military with at least 30% disability would have qualified for retirement, so 100% DAV would need to be something that was established years after leaving the service through the VA, and exceedingly rare. For example, my husbands current disability through the military is 60%, but through the VA is 100%, but due to the nature of his conditions neither percentage is currently considered permanent. Pieces of it are…but the bulk is not.
I feel as if every time I dive into this issue, I come up with a different answer. A few months ago, I was convinced that my husband won’t qualify for Disney discounts, while on the TDRL, but once they make his status permanent within 3 years, he will. But, now that I read through the comments again, it seems that since he retired, he will qualify, regardless of disability status.
Hi Becca,
If someone is retired (medical or regular), drawing pay, and has a retired ID, disability does not matter at all.
The VA and their disability status (as opposed to military disability status) have nothing to do with this situation.
The people who this matters to is those who are not medically retired and did not serve 20 years. Some of these people are less than 100% so not qualified and some while 100% are not permanently disabled so also not qualified.
For those who did not retire, only those with 100% DAVPRM are qualified for discounts from Disney.
I have a DD 2765 tan ID Card. It states DAVPRM/E5. I think I am eligible for discounted hopper passes at Disney World.. Does anyone know where you can get advance tickets from a military base or do you have to go to Downtown Disney to get the tickets? Also I’m planning on taking my wife and my daughters family. Is there a limit on how many tickets can be purchased at the discounted rate and would I be able to get tickets for my daughters family, not living with me?
Hi Don,
Yes those with DAVPRM in their ID are eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute.
First you need to review all the info on the salute: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html (6 ticket limit, prices, and all the other rules)
Then get more info:
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/top-ten-things-you-need-to-know-about-disneys-armed-forces-salute-military-discount-tickets/
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-armed-forces-salute/top-ten-things-you-need-to-know-about-disneys-armed-forces-salute-military-room-discounts/
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/ (advance tickets)
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/how-to-activate-your-disney-armed-forces-salute-theme-park-tickets/
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/whats-the-right-military-discounted-disney-ticket-for-me/
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/military-discount-on-disney-memory-maker-photopass-for-2017/
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-resorts/top-8-reasons-use-authorized-disney-vacation-planner/
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Special/Disney-World-Military-Discount-ID-Guide-For-Veterans.html
There is a change coming January 1 ,2020 that makes it so any service connected disabled veteran is able to use the commissaries, exchanges and MWR. It seems like someone finally agrees that as far that if you rate a service connected disability you should be able to get the same discounts as retirees and those who are 100% disabled. They say that more information will be coming later this year. Is it a huge stretch to hope that this will at least make it so all disabled service connected veterans can stay at Shades of Green anytime there is room, and that whatever discounts are available they would also be able to get them?
Hi Suzie,
Shades of Green says they have not received guidance if they will participate in this at all or to what extent.
My guess is they would not be eligible for Salute and Disney military rates since the last article I read stated that VA health cards would be used to gain access to the base and eligible facilities on base.
Shades of Green has updated their eligibility to include all service-connected disabled vetereans regardless of percentage.
shadesofgreen.org/accommodations/eligibility
That’s correct Brian,
Please see: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-discounts-and-the-john-mccain-defense-authorization-act/
My husband has a blue I’d card with a code of DD Form 2 retired on it .He is 80% disabled. Are we eligible for the Disney salute and the shades of green resort.
Hi Marlene,
Yes absolutely. Because he is retired, the percentage does not matter. It only matters for those not retired.