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Military Disney Tips Blog

By Military for Military

Ears of Experience Military Disney Vacation Experts
Home » Blog Posts » Disney Military Tickets – Your 2023 Start to Finish Guide

Disney Military Tickets – Your 2023 Start to Finish Guide

By Steve 87 Comments

The MDT Guide to purchasing and using Your Military Disney Tickets

Disney California Adventure Military Ticket

You Are Going To Disney! Great now you’ve got a lot of things to start thinking about.

Theme park tickets are one of the biggest expenses for a Disney vacation. This post is meant to be your end-to-end guide on all things related to Disney’s Military Tickets.

We’ll start on the purchase process, and then cover things that you should be doing once you have the tickets (Like Theme Park Reservations and Disney Genie), and then we’ll finish up on how to use your tickets.

Let’s jump right in shall we?

Updated February 2022 for the discontinuation of Shades of Green Stars and Stripes Passes

Buying Your Disney Military Tickets

Disneyland Military Ticket Booth

Kinds of Disney Military Tickets

Many people are surprised to discover that there are actually several types of Military Disney tickets. There are actually several types, each with their own rules, prices, and pluses and minuses.

When most think of military tickets for Disney they think of the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets, but Disney military tickets actually fall into 3 types:

  • Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
  • Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets
  • Shades of Green Stars and Stripes Passes (Walt Disney World Only)

Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets – These are special, highly discounted tickets which are offered for a specific time period and have exclusion dates. These tickets have lots of rules, restrictions, and activation procedures due to their high discount. You should review all the rules on our Disney Armed Forces Salute Page!

Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets – These are the slightly discounted tickets that have always been offered to the military community by Disney through Base Ticket Offices. No special rules or activation for these, just buy for yourself or others and use 

Shades of Green Stars and Stripes Passes – These are special, all-inclusive 2 to 10-day passes offered by Disney World through Shades of Green. These are “Length of Stay” passes available for purchase by members of the military community staying at any resort on Walt Disney World Property.

We have a post to help you decide what type of Military Disney ticket is right for you.

Disney World Ticket Increase For Military

 

For More Info See:

Disney Armed Forces Salute

Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets

Regular Military Discounted Disneyland Tickets

Shades of Green Stars and Stripes Passes

Where, How, and When to Buy Your Disney Military Tickets

Where to Buy Your Disney Military Tickets

You’ll have from 1 to 3 options for buying your Disney tickets depending on the type you want:

  • Base Ticket Offices (including Shades of Green) – In Person
  • Base Ticket Offices (including Shades of Green) – Long Distance
  • Directly from Disney – In Person

Base Ticket Offices – In Person: Your local Base Ticket Office can sell you Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets and Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets. They may not stock all or any varieties of these tickets, so make sure you check on their policies ahead of time and plan to make your purchase far enough in advance of when you need the tickets to allow time to order them (typically 2 weeks).

Shades of Green – In Person: The military only resort at Walt Disney World has a Ticket Office and you may buy all 3 varieties of tickets in person there after arrival, whether you are staying at Shades of Green or not.

Base Ticket Offices – Long Distance: For those who do not live near a Ticket Office or whose local office doesn’t sell what they need (usually Disney World vs. Disneyland), there are Ticket Offices that will ship to you for a fee. The caution above regarding allowing them time to order and in this case ship to you applies here as well.

Shades of Green – Long Distance: Will ship to you all 3 varieties of Disney tickets whether you are staying at Shades of Green or not. They also sell and ship special Disney Halloween and Christmas tickets and many other Orlando area tickets, such as Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Legoland Florida, etc.)

Directly from Disney – In Person: You also have the option to wait until you arrive to buy your tickets from Disney. Disney will only sell you the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets; the other 2 varieties are not available from Disney.

Disney Military Ticket Booth

Disney World Ticket Locations:

  • All Theme Park Entrances
  • The Transportation and Ticket Center
  • Disney Springs Guest Relations locations
  • Both Water Parks

Note you will pay State sales tax at Walt Disney World ticket locations!

Disneyland Ticket Locations:

  • The Esplanade between the Theme Park Entrances

You cannot buy Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets from your mall Disney Store, or online/via phone from Disney as part of your room reservation.

For More Info See:

Your Base Ticket Office

Shades of Green’s Ticket Office

Orlando ITT

Buying Military Tickets Long Distance

Military Ticket Overview Page

How to Buy Your Disney Military Tickets

Base Ticket Office Military Tickets

You can purchase your tickets with cash, credit, and debit cards (of course), but I’m often asked if the Star Card or Disney Gift Cards can be used to purchase your tickets.

The Military Star Card – You can use your Star Card to purchase Disney tickets at Walt Disney Worlds’s Shades of Green’s Ticket Office. You cannot use the Star Card to purchase Disney tickets anywhere else.

Disney Gift Cards – Neither Base Ticket Offices or Shades of Green accept Disney Gift cards. These gift cards are only valid at Disney locations.

Note – Waiting until arrival to buy your Walt Disney World tickets using a Disney Gift Card will put you at a big disadvantage for theme park reservations, instead buy your tickets via another means prior to your trip and use the gift cards for food, merchandise, or Disney Resort Hotels.

When to Buy Your Disney Military Tickets

There are different guidelines based upon where you are going and the tickets that you want.

NOTE: Both Disney World and Disneyland are currently using a Theme Park Reservation System, necessitating purchasing your ticket as far ahead as possible!

You will need to have your tickets in hand prior to making your Theme Park Reservations so buying them ahead of time is essential, no matter the type.

Disneyland

Disneyland Theme Park Reservation System

Regular Military Discounted Disneyland tickets can only be purchased from Base Ticket Offices, so you’ll need to buy your tickets prior to your departure.

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Theme Park Reservation System

Once You Have Your Disney Military Tickets

Ticket Security

Disney tickets are a big investment and you need to take the appropriate safeguards to protect that investment.

There are 2 very important things to do as soon as you have your tickets in hand.

First, after buying your tickets, do not discard your receipt! There are bad situations in which you may need it. Keep it in a safe place, perhaps where you keep your important documents.

If you lose or forget your tickets or they are stolen the receipt may be the only thing that keeps you from having to buy new ones.

Second, take pictures of the back of each of your tickets. Keep the pictures in a couple places (on your phone, your spouse’s phone, your computer, a thumb drive, etc.).

If you lose or forget your tickets or they are stolen these pictures will be the primary way to get new ones.

Then keep your tickets in a safe place, perhaps where you keep your important documents (and ticket receipt).

Disney Military Ticket Back

Don’t lose or forget them

I’ve heard horror stories!

Among them, the family who flew to California to go to Disneyland, only to realize after landing that they’d left their tickets in Hawaii.

Put tickets and ticket receipt on your packing checklist!

For More Info See:

Disney Military Ticket Physical Security

Link Your Tickets

In order to make Theme Park Reservations, you will need to link your tickets to your My Disney Experience account or Disneyland Account.

You should do this in advance of the day you will need to make reservations, just in case there are technical issues with linking them.

Linking-Military-Disney-Tickets-for-FastPass

For More Info See:

Linking Military Tickets to My Disney Experience

Make Your Theme Park Reservations

With your tickets linked, you mat then make your Theme Park Reservations.

See our Post on making Theme Park Reservations

For More Info See:

Disney Technology Overview

All You Need To Know About Disney World FastPass Plus For The Military Traveler

Packing Your Tickets

Do Not pack your tickets (or Magic Bands) in checked baggage or luggage that will be separated from you! Ideally keep them on you in your wallet, which is where you should have the ticket receipt. Magic Bands go on your wrist (as a badge of honor stating that you are on the way to WDW) you will need them to check in for Disney’s Magical Express.

Remember those ticket photos? Two or more people in your party should have copies on their phone. If you have no phones with picture capability, print the pictures out.

Here is another sad story. A large multi-family military party arrived in Orlando and made a supply stop at a local store on their way to WDW. While inside their rental car was broken into and some of the luggage was stolen, including the bags with their tickets. One family was able to get their Base Ticket Office to fax a copy of the receipt and had their tickets replaced, the other family was not so lucky and had to buy new tickets.

Proof of purchase is essential in a bad situation! The ticket number (from the back) is also a huge plus.

For More Info See:

Disney’s Magical Express

Using Your Disney Military Tickets

Ticket Activation

Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets (with the exception of Salute tickets from Shades of Green) have to be activated in person after arrival at Disney prior to use.

At Disneyland you will do this the first time you enter a theme park. Your ID will be checked and the ticket activated as it is scanned. You cannot activate tickets ahead of time at Disneyland.

At Walt Disney World you will need to activate your tickets at a Ticket/Guest Relations Window. You can do this the first day of use or at anytime prior. Many like to do this ahead of time in order to be able to enter the park quickly on their first day.

If you are able I recommend doing this your arrival evening if you will not be going to the parks that day. You could go to Disney Spring have a nice meal and activate your tickets.

Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets may be activated at:

  • All Theme Park Entrances (except the Rainforest Cafe entrance to Animal Kingdom)
  • The Transportation and Ticket Center
  • Disney Springs Guest Relations locations
  • Both Water Parks

Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets (for Disneyland and Disney World), Shades of Green Stars and Stripes Passes, and WDW Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets purchased form Shades of Green do not require activation. Just head to the park entrance on your first day.

Fast Pas Plus and Military Tickets © Disney

For More Info See:

Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket Activation Guide

Well that’s it for our A to Z Ticket Overview. Be sure to check out the links in this post for more info.

If you can’t find what you need after exploring, just leave your question in the comments below.

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
Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. See our Topic Overview Pages:
  • Resorts/Hotel Overview Page
  • Dining Overview Page
  • Transportation Overview Page
  • Technology Overview Page
  • Shades of Green, WDW’s Military Only Resort

Military Disney Tips' Recommended Disney Travel Agent

Save on your Disney Vacation With Ears of Experience

Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts!

 
   


Filed Under: Disney Military Discounts Tagged With: Disneyland, military discounted tickets, Walt Disney World

Comments

  1. Richard Murphy says

    31 August 2017 at 07:39

    If I purchase a multi day salute ticket, can I break up the ticket by using some days and then later in year using the remaining days?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      31 August 2017 at 07:44

      Absolutely Richard! You have until the end of the offer to use all days on the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets. for 2017 that is 19 December.

      Reply
  2. Holly says

    1 September 2017 at 12:08

    I can’t seem to find the answer to this question: Can Armed Forces Salute ticket holders enjoy extra Magic Hours?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      1 September 2017 at 17:03

      Hi Holly,

      Yes. Extra Magic Hours are not based upon the ticket type, rather on where you are staying: Disney Resorts, Shades of Green, Swan and Dolphin.

      Reply
      • Holly says

        1 September 2017 at 18:53

        Bummer! Thanks.

        Reply
        • Steve says

          2 September 2017 at 07:30

          So just to be sure: Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets can use EMH when staying at the right place.

          Reply
  3. Joseph Sullivan says

    20 September 2017 at 21:49

    Are the Mickey’s not so Scary Halloween discounted tickets only for military and family or can you buy them for your sister and her child as well at Shades of Green?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      21 September 2017 at 08:59

      Hi Joseph,

      You may purchase for your party, whomever you like.

      Reply
  4. Janice says

    25 September 2017 at 08:52

    Hi Steve,

    I recently became a Florida resident. I still have two days remaining on my 2017 military salute ticket. I was wondering if I could upgrade it to an annual pass or if I could have only done that prior to the ticket’s first use. Thank you for any insight that you can provide.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      25 September 2017 at 09:41

      Hi Janice,

      You can upgrade at any time prior to using the last day (I’ve even done it the day after using up a ticket).

      I just upgraded a 5-Day Salute to a FL Silver (the one I recommend) last week after using 2 days.

      Reply
      • Janice says

        25 September 2017 at 10:04

        Thank you Steve! That is awesome news! I appreciate your quick reply!

        Reply
      • Janice says

        25 September 2017 at 20:38

        I forgot to add that it has been more than 14 days since the ticket’s first use. Will they still upgrade to an annual pass, possibly backdating to first day use? Sorry I forgot to add this to my original post. Thank you so much for all of your help!

        Reply
        • Steve says

          26 September 2017 at 12:34

          Hey Janice,

          There is no 14 day limit on the Salute tickets, you’ll be all set. Yes the AP will begin on the first day you used the Salute ticket.

          Reply
  5. Janice says

    26 September 2017 at 12:39

    Wonderful, thank you so much again! You are always a wealth of information!

    Reply
  6. Belinda says

    28 September 2017 at 09:56

    Hi Steve,
    I apologize in advance if this is covered somewhere but I could not find it. We are only going to be using 3 our of the 4 days from our passes at Disney World. Can we use that last day at Disneyland as long as its before Dec 16th?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      28 September 2017 at 12:00

      No sorry Belinda.

      They are 2 totally separate offers (and really separate companies)

      Reply
  7. Carolina says

    29 September 2017 at 08:34

    Hi, Steve!

    I just wanted to thank you for running this site! It’s been very helpful. I got the newsletter, and was able to book yesterday! We were lucky too bc the operator we got knew exactly what we were talking about and remarked, Oh, yes, that just came out today.” Lol

    Thanks, again!
    Carolina

    Reply
    • Steve says

      29 September 2017 at 08:49

      Awesome Carolina, thanks!

      Reply
  8. Debbie says

    6 October 2017 at 18:35

    I know there is a limit of six Armed Forces Salute tickets per military member. Is this per visit or for the entire year? i.e. Can I go to Disneyland twice in 2018 and purchase six tickets each time? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      7 October 2017 at 07:31

      HI Debbie, it is for the offer, 6 total from 1 Jan – 19 Dec 2017. Then during the next offer another 6 from 1 Jan – 19 Dec 2018 At Disneyland.

      The Disneyland and Disney World offers are not connected you can also get 6 total from 1 Jan – 19 Dec 2017. And another 6 from 1 Jan – 19 Dec 2018 there.

      Reply
      • Debbie says

        7 October 2017 at 09:34

        Thank you!

        Reply
  9. sal says

    10 October 2017 at 19:08

    Steve can I purchase stars and stripes 2 day ticket if staying 4 nights at shades. staying Sunday through wed and will be visiting park Monday and Wed..

    Reply
    • Steve says

      11 October 2017 at 06:18

      Hi Sal,

      At Shades they know how long you are staying there and would sell you at least a 3 day S&S. They are technically supposed to be length of stay. That’s the problem with these tickets, you can’t take a day off.

      If you are not staying at Shades they go by what you tell them your length of stay is though.

      But in 2017 the 4-Day Disney Armed Forces Salute Hopper Ticket plus the Water Park Fun and More Option is $246 while the 2-day S&S is $254. So the Salute ticket is a cheaper option that you could potentially use through Dec 19th also.

      Reply
  10. Sally Rouse says

    11 October 2017 at 23:19

    Thanks for all the great information! I have a question about Disneyland. I purchased the Military Salute tickets on base today and I tried scanning them to add them to my Disneyland app so that I could have them stored on there to purchase the Maxpass and be all set for when we get to the park but it’s not linking them on my app. Can I not do this ahead of time? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Steve says

      12 October 2017 at 06:29

      Hi Sally,

      Try calling the My Disney Experience Tech Support phone. If they can’t help you perhaps they can point you in the right direction, 800-848-6413, option #3.

      This may be a quirk of the military tickets and you might have to have it done there. I know those using Salute tickets have used MaxPass.

      Reply
  11. Maygen Cardona says

    19 October 2017 at 15:24

    What ID do they need to check at the gate at Disney to activate? I’d rather not pack my military ID around with me at Disney, but will have my driver’s license.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      20 October 2017 at 09:14

      They will need your to see your military ID Maygen. Your drivers license doesn’t prove that you are eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute.

      Reply
  12. Rachel Hery says

    22 October 2017 at 22:26

    Question for you– I would like to purchase more than the 6-ticket limit. For the past two years, the way that I have understood the system is that you can only buy up to 6 Armed Forces Salute tickets per sponsor. After that, you can buy tickets on base at a discount, but they are not as good of a discount as the Armed Forces Salute tickets. Am I correct? I just want to verify, because every year, I have to be super picky on how to use those 6 magical passes, and then once I get beyond those 6 passes, I’m sunk and have to pay close to gate prices (which is sooo expensive!) Thank you for clarifying!
    Also, for the base tickets (NOT the Armed Forces Salute tickets), do you need a military ID for redeeming those at the gate as well?
    -Rachel

    Reply
    • Steve says

      23 October 2017 at 11:13

      Hi Rachel,

      Yes you have it right.

      There are 2 different kinds of tickets you are talking about, the Disney Armed Forces Salute and the Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets.

      Six is the limit for the 2017 and 2018 Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets.

      Besides the Salute tickets you may as many Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets as you’d like, No limit, no ID check at the gate.

      Reply
  13. Mitchel t says

    17 November 2017 at 17:47

    Can you add days to your salute tickets I have two days left and need two more days

    Reply
    • Steve says

      18 November 2017 at 08:46

      HI Michael, check out this podt: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/faq/can-i-add-a-day-to-the-disney-armed-forces-salute-ticket/

      Reply
  14. Rachel says

    25 November 2017 at 00:08

    Hello,
    I just want to make sure, for the regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets, do you have to show a military id at the gate?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      25 November 2017 at 07:53

      Hi Rachel,

      No you don’t. they work just like any other non military ticket.

      Reply
  15. Thomas Owen says

    5 December 2017 at 08:20

    Hello,

    I am stationed in Germany and would like to visit Disneyland Paris with my family on 24-25 Dec 2017. Does the “Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets” cover those dates? We are hearing rumors they do because it is Disneyland Paris. Is this true?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      5 December 2017 at 10:28

      Hi Thomas,

      The Disney Armed Forces Salute is a stateside offer only!

      There is nothing comparable in Paris as far as I know. Check with your local ticket sales office if you are stationed in Europe, or call Ramstine if you aren’t.

      Reply
  16. Trisha Taylor says

    4 January 2018 at 18:26

    Hi Steve,
    Thank you for this website and all of the info available! I have a question… we are FL residents and veterans.. my husband is retired Army. Can we get a FL resident discount AND military discount on annual passes?
    Thank you!
    Trisha

    Reply
    • Steve says

      4 January 2018 at 18:43

      Hi Trisha,

      My pleasure!

      This is a slightly odd topic…

      Because WDW doesn’t give a military discount on APs. But, Florida resellers do offer them with discounts and Shades of Green gets them from one of these resellers. SO you can get them from Shades at a nice discount with no sales tax.

      http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tickets/WDW-Annual-Pass.html

      This requires payment in full vs the monthly credit card charge WDW offers FL residents.

      One option through Disney, if you want to spread the cost out (without a discount) is to get the 4 or 5 day Salute ticket and then prior to using the last day upgrade to the FL AP of your choice and spread the remainder of the cost out. the AP’s start date would be the first day you used the Salute ticket.

      Reply
      • Trisha Taylor says

        5 January 2018 at 15:24

        Thank you!

        Reply
  17. Marion Slimmer says

    27 March 2018 at 08:19

    Can I get a discount on my annual pass for this year . It expires in May. And I will be there in May, thank you. [email protected]

    Reply
    • Steve says

      28 March 2018 at 06:06

      Shades of Green sells discounted passes so you could drop by there.

      http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tickets/WDW-Annual-Pass.html

      Reply
  18. Yvette Fletcher says

    4 April 2018 at 21:55

    Hello Steve. Thank you for all your time and effort answering everyone’s questions.
    Another question for you, do you know the prices for a one day ticket to Disneyland and how much do they cost?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      5 April 2018 at 05:52

      Hi Yvette,

      Thank you! Love doing it.

      I sure do. Please see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tickets/Disneyland-Military-Tickets.html

      Reply
  19. Amy Grazioso says

    12 June 2018 at 15:38

    Hello Steve,

    In the past, I know the Disney Armed Forces Salute was limited to 6. When making reservations the other day, the agent told me that the veteran can get up to six, as well as their spouse. I questioned that policy. I was put on hold so he could speak to a supervisor. He came back and said that was correct. Is this true??

    Reply
    • Steve says

      12 June 2018 at 17:59

      Hi Amy,

      No, not correct.

      Disney’s call center workers including supervisors know almost nothing about their company’s military discounts. They often look at the disney.com website which has extremely limited and confusing information, do a network search and pull up old info, or go off what they think or heard someone else say…

      For more on this sad topic see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tips/Disneys-Call-Center-Very-Often-Wrong-On-Military-Discounts.html

      I’ve just added yours to the list.

      Reply
  20. Barbara Sprague says

    7 July 2018 at 20:44

    Hi Steve,

    I’m new to trying to figure this out. My husband is retired Army, so I am looking in to the Armed Forces Salute tickets. Can they only be used by him or can I use them, as his spouse? Can he get one for each of us & anyone else in our party?

    We are not going until January 2019. Do you know when they start to publish for next year?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      8 July 2018 at 11:07

      Hi Barbara,

      The member can purchase the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets for whomever they like. See full details here: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html

      As for 2019 please see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-armed-forces-salute/when-will-disney-renew-the-disney-armed-forces-salute-for-2019/

      Reply
      • Barbara Sprague says

        15 July 2018 at 16:37

        Thank you, Steve. Sure hope they offer it in January 2019 when we are at Disney for grandson’s wedding. Saving some money would be nice. Ha!!

        Reply
        • Steve says

          15 July 2018 at 18:13

          You bet it would!

          Reply
  21. Fae says

    14 July 2018 at 11:37

    Can military member and spouse purchase 6 tickets each at different MWRs? Will the different MWRs know that military member has already bought 6 tickets? And can each of us activate the tickets at Disneyland? (My husband activates the 6 and I activate the other 6 tickets). These tickets are for extended family.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      14 July 2018 at 13:51

      Hi Fae,

      Sorry, no you can’t. The limit for the 2018 Disney Armed Forces Salute Offer is 6 tickets per military member. The spouse has no allotment and can only use the tickets in place of the member.

      You could actually each buy 6 at different MWRs, but you would only be able to activate the 6 allowed upon arrival at Disneyland. Then you’d have to try to get them to let you use the purchase price of the other 6 towards full price tickets.

      For tickets beyond 6 you will need consider the use of the Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets. See: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/

      Reply
      • Fae says

        14 July 2018 at 15:22

        Thank you Steve! That was truly helpful. I appreciate it!

        Reply
  22. Nancy Trolio says

    9 October 2018 at 19:41

    Hi Steve, my husband is retired national guard. I am going to WDW w my kids, not him. Can I order tickets online then show his dd214 at the gate for all 4 of us? And just my identification? Thanks

    Reply
    • Steve says

      10 October 2018 at 06:24

      Hi Nancy,

      I’m confused. You said he’s retired Guard, but then talk about a DD-214 versus his and your military Retired IDs.

      If he’s retired from the Guard both of you will have military IDs which qualify you both for all Disney discounts. If you have an ID, yes you can purchase Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets at the gate, but will miss out on making FastPasses ahead of time if you wait.

      If however he only served for a period and got out (with a DD-214) then retired from a civilian job, you’re not eligible for discounts from Disney. 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. Here is my post with details including what documentation is required: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Shades-of-Green/Non-Retired-Veterans.html

      Reply
  23. Rebecca W says

    12 October 2018 at 13:44

    Steve,

    What ID is needed to receive the regular military discount tickets (not Armed Forces Salute)? Will a veteran ID card work for these tickets? I read that you are unable to receive the Armed Forces Salute tickets.

    Thank you for your help!

    Reply
    • Steve says

      12 October 2018 at 17:00

      Hi Rebecca,

      I first have to ask what you mean by veteran ID card. Do you mean a retired military ID (issued by the military) or something else, like a VA card or a State issued card?

      Reply
  24. Sara Schuttler says

    15 October 2018 at 15:07

    Hi, We are staring to plan our trip to DisneyLand for next year and I dont even know where to get started. Its soo overwheleming for me. Any advice to where to begin? Thank you so much! Sara

    Reply
    • Steve says

      16 October 2018 at 06:36

      Hi Sara,

      There are 2 “easy buttons.” You could buy my book Disneyland for military families which walk logically through the info, use my recommended travel agent who will help you through the process, or both 😉 Note the 2019 version is not out yet, so the 2019 Salute ticket prices are not in it yet but are on the site.

      If you want to slug it out yourself all the military info you need is here on the site. Just go to the category or Disneyland overview pages in the menus (top of all pages) and start reading all the linked info.

      Reply
  25. Sarah says

    23 October 2018 at 13:45

    “Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets (with the exception of Salute tickets from Shades of Green) have to be activated in person after arrival at Disney prior to use.”

    Do we know if this is still the same for 2019? I’m traveling with 6 people across the US, with two families arriving different dates, and the military member is arriving two days after the non-military. We planned on purchasing the Salute from Shades of Green in advance.

    Reply
    • Steve says

      23 October 2018 at 21:58

      Hi Sarah,

      Disney’s policy has not changed in the 10 years the Salutes have been running (for non-activated tickets that is).

      No reports that Shades has changed their policy. Still selling activated tickets. It’s how their system is set up I believe.

      Hope this helps!

      Reply
  26. Monique says

    12 December 2018 at 19:27

    My dad is retired military and trying to purchase tickets from his local base. We have purchased from them in the past but this year the pricing list they gave us doesn’t match Disney prices. They are saying the 5 day is $285.25 and the 5 day plus is $300.75 did the price change? Should we wait to get them from Shades of Green?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      13 December 2018 at 07:46

      Hi Monique,

      The Disney World 2019 Armed Forces Salute Prices are:

      Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $241.00
      Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets for $291.00
      Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $257.00
      Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets for $307.00

      Some bases do charge a “service” fee. Usually a couple bucks. But those prices look whacked. That’s $28.25 extra on the Hopper and $6.25 less on the Hopper Plus…

      I’d ask them to confirm their prices (ask a different person) or buy from Shades. You don’;t need to wait, they will ship for a $10 fee, see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green/pre-order-disney-theme-park-tickets-at-shades-of-green/

      Reply
  27. carolyn says

    14 March 2019 at 14:31

    my husband is a vet and was going to purchase me a 5 day pass with hopper for a girls weekend but everything we find says he has to be present to activate the ticket what do we need to do?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      14 March 2019 at 17:39

      Hi Carolyn,

      I first have to establish you and your husband’s eligibility. Vet or Veteran is a generic civilian term for anyone who served no matter for how long. It has no bearing on military discounts.

      Besides those currently serving, retired military (which I hope your husband is) either a 20+ year retiree, medically retired drawing full benefits, or non-retired 100% DAVPRM members are also eligible.

      Spouses of eligible members are allowed to buy and activate the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets. A valid military spouse ID is required.

      see http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html for full info.

      Reply
    • Amanda Posey says

      2 April 2019 at 21:38

      My dad is retired army, can he buy tickets for his grandkids? Or does he have to be there when we go?

      Reply
      • Steve says

        3 April 2019 at 06:44

        Hi Amanda,

        The Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets require him to go, the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets do not.

        Read the linked specific pages on these discounts for full details.

        I’ve updated this post to make that a little clearer, thanks.

        Reply
  28. Mak says

    25 March 2019 at 14:00

    Hello,

    I’m the retired military member. Can I buy 3 of the 5-day hopper military salute tickets for WDW 2019, use 3 days in April, then buy the other 3 tickets for other family to use for a later time (July) and meet up with them to activate those tickets then? Or do I have to purchase all 6 tickets at the same time and register at the same time with all parties in attendance? Hope this makes sense.

    Thanks,
    Mak

    Reply
    • Steve says

      25 March 2019 at 16:35

      Hi Mak,

      Yes you can absolutely do just what you outlined! No issues or requirement to do them all at once. You just have to have an active (not used up) ticket of your own to activate the later set.

      Reply
  29. Wendy says

    9 December 2019 at 17:02

    Hello,

    I am the retired military member. Planned a family trip for Oct 2020 bought the Salute tickets via Shades of Green already (6). Two members of the family are no longer able to go in Oct but will be going in March. My question is will they be able to use the Salute tickets I had bought for them for use in Oct (before I even use mine) or will they need to buy new tickets ?

    Thanks,
    Wendy

    Reply
    • Steve says

      10 December 2019 at 19:18

      Hi there Wendy,

      Technically Disney’s rules say you have to be with your party.

      However Shades of Green sells their tickets pre-activated. Shades has placed themselves in a very bad position, by selling activated tickets both in person and long distance. This allows people to either give or sell the tickets to those who are not eligible, or even to scalp them.

      They have for quite a while told long distance sales that there “could be an ID check on first use.” The’ve just started telling people this in person I’ve been told. However, at WDW an activated ticket is an activated ticket. There is no difference between a ticket you buy and activate at a Disney ticket window and one from Shades. You just walk up to the tapstyle and use it. No ID check.

      There is no second ID check that I am aware of, have ever experienced, or heard of.

      Having said all this, this is how it always has always worked at Disneyland, you have to show ID at both purchase and 1st entry. It is possible they have brought this to WDW, but I’m skeptical.

      SO long story short they can use the Salute tickets purchased at Shades without you.

      Reply
  30. Raquel says

    21 January 2020 at 02:17

    Hi! I just want to confirm that I can buy the Salute tickets IN PERSON at Disneyland! A friend of mine told me that the Camp Pendleton base ticket office stated you cannot, because Disneyland doesn’t have the knowledge/capacity of verifying eligibility/IDs.

    I’ve seen on various sites (including this one!), stating you can buy them in person at Disney’s ticket booth, but on Disney’s website it doesn’t mention anything about being able to buy Salute tickets at Disneyland. That being said, if you can, does in need to specifically the guest services booth? Or can I purchase from any ticket booth?

    Hoping to get peace of mind. Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Steve says

      21 January 2020 at 07:39

      Hi there Raquel,

      You can indeed buy your Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets at any Disneyland ticket or Guest Services window (same for Walt Disney World). I’ve done it multiple times.

      They have handy dandy ID guides should they have a question about what is an ordinary transaction for them.

      You can also buy them at your Disneyland hotel front desk if staying in one.

      This is for the Salute tickets! The Regular Military Discounted Disneyland Tickets must be purchased at a military reseller, like Pendleton, but it has nothing to do with IDs, rather how they but the tickets and their contract with Disney.

      http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/

      Reply
  31. theresa says

    25 February 2020 at 19:34

    can a spouse buy Armed Forces Salute tickets t even if the military member is not going to disneyworld too

    Reply
    • Steve says

      25 February 2020 at 20:10

      Yes absolutely theresa

      http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html

      Reply
  32. Leigh says

    28 February 2020 at 14:51

    Hi Steve,
    Thanks for all the great information you always provide!

    We’ve been buying Salute tickets for years, but we’ve always used the full days we’ve purchased on one trip. I know I can add days to an unused Salute Ticket (in January, I had 4-day hoppers and added a 5th day at Shades of Green where they were purchased, easy peasy!)

    Can I do the same thing with partially used Salute tickets? We’re going to WDW in May with 4-day Salute tickets, but can only stay 3 days, so we’ll have 1 day left on the hopper. If we get back down later this year, can I add on 2 more days to convert it into a 6-day Salute ticket?

    Thank you!
    Leigh

    Reply
    • Steve says

      28 February 2020 at 16:45

      Hi there Leigh,

      Thank you!

      Yes, absolutely, you can upgrade an unfinished Salute ticket to the longer versions. So in your case up to the 5 or 6-day for the price difference.

      Reply
      • Leigh says

        28 February 2020 at 20:41

        That’s excellent news. Thank you so much, Steve!!

        Reply
  33. Adriana says

    28 February 2020 at 23:51

    Hi!
    My husband is a retired veteran, I was wondering if we could purchase discounted military tickets for our friends that are going to Disney land but we are not going.
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Steve says

      29 February 2020 at 08:55

      Hi Adriana,

      You or he may purchase the Regular Military Discounted Disneyland Tickets for them. These are only slightly discounted, not a huge discount like the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets which would require you to go.

      See http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/

      There is a link to prices in the post.

      Reply
  34. Anthony Choi says

    22 July 2021 at 18:27

    Hi,

    I purchased Disneyland military salute tickets in Feb 2020 just before the pandemic forced cancellation of our plans. I understand that they extended the 2020
    Tickets to December 21, 2021 but I am unable to go before they expire.

    Can an active duty friend of mine use them?

    Reply
    • Steve says

      24 July 2021 at 05:54

      Hi Anthony,

      Yes, any person eligible to activate them can use them.

      Reply
  35. Jon Chun says

    24 June 2022 at 03:46

    Hi! Do you know if the military member must be with the entire party all 4 days? This is for Disneyland. Iʻve heard the ID member only needs to be with the group on day 1. But Iʻve also heard that they all need to be together the entire days to be let into the parks. Can you clarify? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Jon Chun says

      24 June 2022 at 03:51

      Sorry I see you have answered this question. But is it first entry on day 1 only? or first entry EVERYDAY we go? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Steve says

        24 June 2022 at 10:47

        Hi Jon,

        The member only need to have the whole party present for the initial activation at the turnstiles at Disneyland. Members of the party can then split up on that day and all others.

        Reply
  36. Colleen says

    8 August 2022 at 13:23

    Hello Steve,

    My husband and I already have annual passes. We have friends coming with us on our next vacation to WDW, are we able to buy them discounted tickets if we already have our passes??

    Reply
    • Steve says

      9 August 2022 at 06:28

      Hi Colleen,

      Yes you sure are. You can purchase and activate the highly discounted Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets for them. I’m a passholder and do it myself for family.

      And you can always but the slightly discounted Regular Disney Military Ticket Discount for Walt Disney World and Disneyland for them to use with or without you with no activation or limits

      Reply
  37. Erik says

    22 August 2022 at 10:58

    Hi Steve,
    Thanks for all the info.
    I am a retired military member and just wanted a one day ticket to Epcot or Disney World. I didn’t see anywhere a discount for just a one-dater. Is there one?
    Thanks,
    Erik

    Reply
    • Steve says

      22 August 2022 at 12:26

      Hi there Erik,

      There sure is. It’s not a lot off but check out the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets. They are $119 base and $190 hopper. These are not use date based like the general public tickets, so your savings varies by the day.

      https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/regular-military-discounted-magic-your-way-tickets/

      Reply

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