What did we do before Disney’s fabulous Armed Forces Salute?
Many newer members of the military have never experienced a time when Disney did not offer the Disney Armed Forces Salute, but prior to January 2009 there was no such thing (except for one similar offer during part of 2002).
Before these fairly new Salute Offers we had the Regularly Discounted Disney Tickets and we still do today.
There are many reasons why you might want or need to use these good old standbys. Read on to see why.
Updated:
November 2023 for 2023 Disney Armed Forces Salute
February 2022 for the discontinuation of Shades of Green Stars and Stripes Passes
Regular Disney Military Discounted Tickets
While the Regular Disney Military Discount Tickets may be little known by newbies and long forgotten by many old heads, they are still available. These tickets are identical to the general public Disney Magic Your Way Tickets at Walt Disney World and Theme Park Admission Tickets at Disneyland Resort but at a reduced military rate.
How Much Do These Tickets Save?
The savings offered by these tickets are nowhere as good as those offered by the Armed Forces Salute tickets, which is why they are often forgotten.
These tickets will only save you anywhere from 4 to 8 percent off of what the general public pays at the Disney theme park gates for the same ticket. Your savings will vary depending on the number of days and options you select.
Prices:
- Walt Disney World Magic Your Way Ticket Prices at Shades of Green (Base Ticket Office prices are similar)
- Disneyland Resort Ticket Prices (Typical Base Ticket Office price)
Why would You Want These Tickets?
They range in length from 1 to 10 days at Disney World and 1 to 5 days at Disneyland and they come with or without options (Park Hopping or Park Hopper Plus).
There are several reasons why you might want or need to purchase these tickets.
- A One Day Disney Trip
- One-Day Military Discounted Disney Tickets are less than the Armed Forces Salute tickets. For two days or more the Salute tickets are cheaper.
- Longer Disney Trips
- For stays over 7 or 8 days, some types of these Military Discounted Disney Tickets can be cheaper than using back to back Armed Forces Salute Tickets.
- Large Parties
- Disney allows only 6 Armed Forces Salute Tickets per military member (with exceptions for larger immediate families). If you have a large party who are not all your dependents, then you’ll need to buy these to have enough tickets.
- Your allotment of Armed Forces Salute Tickets is used up
- There is a maximum of 6 Armed Forces Salute tickets allowed per military member during each individual Salute Offer’s timeframe. If you’ve used yours up for the specific offer in question the regular military discount tickets are your next best option.
- You want to go to the Disney parks on days the Armed Forces Salute tickets are Blocked Out.
- There are days on which the AFS tickets are not valid
- You You will not have a valid military ID when you go to Disney.
- If I Buy Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets While I’m a Military Member Can I Use Them After I Separate From the Military?
- My Military Sponsor Can No Longer Go To Disney, Can I Use The Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets They Already Purchased?
- I Don’t Have The Correct ID To Activate Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
- Can I Give My Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets to Someone Else to Use?
- You want to buy tickets for others to use without you or your spouse
- Children dependents traveling without you or your spouse
- Other family
- friends
Where Can You Get These Tickets?
Not at Disney!
These tickets are not for sale at Walt Disney World or Disneyland ticket windows. You must buy them from a Military Reseller on a military installation.
Your Base Ticket Office – Most Bases have a Moral Welfare and Recreation Information Ticket and Travel Office which carry a variety of military discounted tickets, both for Disney and other venues.
Bases do not always carry a full complement of these Regular Military discounted Tickets. Because they might not have the type ticket you want in stock you should check at least 3 or 4 weeks prior to the date you want to have your tickets in hand so they can have time to order the kind you want if necessary. Note: Some bases may not be willing to order tickets…
Shades of Green – A full complement of Military Discounted Disney World Magic Your Way Tickets is available at Shades of Green, the military owned and operated resort on Walt Disney World property. If your base can’t get what you want, Shades will have it.
Shades of Green will sell you tickets long distance.
Camp Pendleton will sell you these tickets via phone and FedEx, they require 2 weeks advance notice to order!
Other Theme Parks
Base ITT Offices and Shades of Green also sell tickets for other theme parks like SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Universal Studios, and many other attractions. Definitely drop by your base ITT Office to find deals like these.
Where to Buy Military Discounted Walt Disney World and Disneyland Tickets
It is not possible to get a military discount on these tickets directly through Disney at their ticket windows, online or by phone!
The MWR system sells Disneyland Resort Tickets at a slight discount through Base Ticket Offices.
Some ticket offices maintain a good variety of Disney tickets in stock, while others only keep a few types on hand. Some Ticket Offices don’t keep any in stock. If you desire tickets that they do not carry, they may be able to order exactly what you want.
Be sure to check on purchasing your tickets at least 2 weeks or more prior to when you want to have them in hand, as it may take a week or so to order them if needed.
Many Base Ticket Offices sell Disney tickets long distance.
Related Post:
Buy Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets from Camp Pendleton by Phone and FedEx. Look for the info on Camp Pendleton part way down.
Learn More About the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets
The Disney Armed Forces Salute offers special military tickets. These tickets are for a specified number of days and come in several varieties. Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets come in 2 lengths at each location, 4-day and 5-day at Disney World & 3-day and 4-day at Disneyland.
Disney World 2023 Armed Forces Salute Prices:
- 4-day Park Hopper – $349
- 4-day Park Hopper Plus – $379
- 5-day Park Hopper – $369
- 5-day Park Hopper Plus – $399
Up to 6 Disney World Armed Forces Salute Tickets may be used between 1 January and 15 December 2023 per eligible member.
Disneyland 2023 Armed Forces Salute Prices:
- Three-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $225.00
- Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $260.00
Up to 6 Disneyland Armed Forces Salute Tickets may be used between 9 January and 15 December 2023 per eligible member.
Blockout Dates for Disney Armed Forces Salute 2023 Tickets:
Disney World:
- 2 – 15 April 2023
- 19 – 25 November 2023
Disneyland:
- 2 – 15 April 2023
For families larger than 6, Disney states “Exceptions should be made for immediate families larger than six people.” For example, if a family has five children, Disney will allow all members of the family to purchase Disney Military Promotion Tickets, for Mom, Dad, and the five kids. See this post for more info
One ticket during each purchase period must be for the use of the member or spouse, the rest can be used by anyone else (family or friends).
Days on the tickets do not need to be used consecutively. Any days left on the tickets will expire at the end of the offer period.
Tickets purchased at all military resellers (that’s Base Ticket Offices) and not directly from Disney must be activated during the first use in person by the military member or spouse. See Salute Ticket Activation Procedures
Once the tickets are activated the party may split up. For example some go to one park and some to another, or even use the tickets on different days. The Military ID is checked only upon ticket activation.
These tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
For much more info see my Disney Armed Forces Salute post.
What Other Military Discounts are Available for Disney World and Disneyland?
Disney offers Military Discounted Hotel Rooms through the Disney Armed Forces Salute.
Dates the Salute discount may be used:
Disney World – 1 January through 15 December 2023
Disneyland – 9 January through 15 December 2023
Walt Disney World Resort Military Discounts:
- Up to 40% off Deluxe Resorts
- Up to 35% off Moderates and Fort Wilderness Cabins
- Up to 30% off Value Resorts
Disneyland Resort Hotel Military Discounts:
- Up to 40% off at the Grand Californian
- Up to 35% off at the Disneyland Hotel
- Up to 30% of at the Paradise Pier
Please Note: That since 2018 the discount percentages began being offered on a sliding scale, see: How Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discounts Work. That’s why I say Up to for the percentages just above.
See these pages for information on Walt Disney World Resorts & Disneyland Hotels
The discount is limited to 2 rooms. Not valid on previously booked rooms. Advance reservations required.
Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Military Room Discounts
Disney Food Military Discounts
Disney does not offer military Discounts on food. However, Military Discounts are available for you at some non-Disney owned locations at Disney World’s Disney Springs and Disneyland’s Downtown Disney.
Disney Springs and Downtown Disney are Disney’s dining, shopping and entertainment areas. There you’ll find great dining options, many merchandise stores (Disney and others), as well as entertainment venues.
Here are the Disney Springs locations that offer military discounts:
| Area | Location | Discount | Specifics |
| Dining | |||
| West Side | House of Blues | 15% | Restaurant – House of Blues Website |
| West Side | AMC Theatre | $3.00 Off | After 4PM |
| West Side | AMC Dine In Theatre | $2.50 Off | After 4PM one military member per party |
| West Side | Splitsville | 10% | |
| The Landing | Raglan Road | 10% | Not on Merchandise |
| The Landing | Cooks of Dublin | 20% | |
| The Landing | Paradiso 37 | 15% | |
| The Landing | Chef Art Smith Homecoming | 10% | |
| The Landing | Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC | 15% | |
| Marketplace | Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop | 20% | |
| Marketplace | T-Rex | 10% | Food and non- alcoholic drinks |
| Marketplace | Rainforest Cafe | 10% | Food and non- alcoholic drinks |
| Town Center | The Polite Pig | 15% | |
| Entertainment | |||
| West Side | Cirque Du Soleil | Expected unknown at this time | |
| West Side | AMC Theater | $3.00 Off | After 4PM |
| Merchandise | |||
| West Side | House of Blues | 15% | Merchandise – House of Blues Website |
| The Landing | Vera Bradley | 15% | |
| Marketplace | Basin | 10% | |
| Town Center | Orlando Harley Davidson | 10% | |
Here are the Downtown Disney locations that offer military discounts:
| Location | Discount |
| Splitsville | 10% |
| Catal Restaurant & Uva Bar/Lounge | 10% |
| Naples Ristorante e Pizzeria | 10% |
| Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen | 10% |
| La Brea Bakery | 10% |
| Earl of Sandwich | 10% |
| Ghirardelli Chocolate Company | 10% |
Note: From time to time you may have a server who is not up to speed.
In the past some servers were knowledgeable about the military discount their location offered, but others had to ask their manager. So be sure to ask them to double check if they say they don’t offer one!!!
Also don’t be afraid to ask at locations not on the list! You never know, at one location without a military discount the person gave me his Disney cast member discount and thanked me for my service.
How Does Disney Verify Military ID?
When Military tickets are purchased on base, your Base Ticket Office will verify your eligibility with your military ID. This is for all ticket purchases.
Then for the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets, Disney requires that you to activate the tickets upon arrival at a Disneyland Resort Guest Relations window. To do this you will show your current/valid military ID.
The Regular Military Discounted Disneyland Tickets do no require an activation process on arrival, so no ID is required.
See my post on Salute Ticket Activation
Can a Military Spouse Activate Disney Salute Tickets?
Yes, absolutely they can. Spouses are allowed to activate the Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket in place of the member. The member is allowed 6 Salute Tickets during the offer period, the spouse may activate these in place of the member not in addition to. They do not have an allotment of their own Salute tickets.
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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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Ears of Experience Disney Only Travel Agency. Military family owned and operated! They know all the ins and outs of Disney military discounts! |
We’re planning trip to Walt Disney World, Orlando FL from 9/28 – 10/4 and looking again at purchasing four-day park hopper tickets.
With the current Armed Forces Salute Program expiring 9/28/2013 and no word yet on renewal, would a renewal date start 9/29/2013? What do you recommend?
Thanks
Retired USAF, MSgt
Hi Roman,
Thanks for checking in.
Very good question and one I don’t have an firm answer for…
But here are some facts:
In 2009 the Disney Armed Forces Salute ran on a calendar year basis
In 2010 they switched to a fiscal year schedule
Since they switched to the FY schedule the Salute has always ended on 30 Sept
When this offer came out I queried them twice on the end date and they confirmed it
Disney has allowed gaps in the Salute before: in Oct 2010 there were 3 days w/o a room discount and 23 days w/o a ticket discount
And here are my thoughts: If Disney renews the AFS as I think they will I would really hope they would fill the gap. But I wouldn’t count on it.
So the ultra conservative thing to do would be to move your dates earlier, so you had at least 4 park days in your plan before and including the 28. Or the next option would be to move your dates to after 1 Oct. The riskiest would be to leave your dates as is I’m afraid.
Hope this helps, some…
We are going to disney on the dates of October 12-19. I can’t change the dates as we have already reserved the place we are staying.. Do you personally think though, if they do renew the Armed Forces Solute program that our dates give us a little wiggle room in possibly being included to get the discounted tickets? Thanks in advance!
Hi Brooke,
Yes I think that if there is a renewal, it will be in place on the 1st. I really think from what I’m hearing that Disney is being proactive this time.
I purchased Disney armed forces salute tickets. I purchased the package deal they had which was a 8 day pass. Out of the 8 days I used only 3 days. I know that this offer expires in September and i wont be able to use it before that date. If Disney decides to extent this offer will I be able to use the remaining days next year?
Hi Luz,
I’m sorry but I’m not sure exactly what you are talking about.
The Disney Armed Forces Salute, which expires on 28 Sept, only has 4-day tickets, there is no other length. Also there are no package deals, just a ticket discount and a separate room discount.
The only 8-day tickets wold be the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets, which this page is about. These come in many varieties, 1-10 days, hopper, non-hopper, Water Park option, but most importantly 14 day expiration or no expiration. So if you bought the no expiration, they are good forever, if you got the 14 day expiration then they are no good already.
Are there and discount tickets for former military. I served during the Viet Nam era but I am not retired.
Hi Paul, there is this one discount through Shades of Green for non-retired vets.
My brother is in the military and would like to purchase us these tickets for our upcoming trip. He himself cannot stay in the park all day but will be able to accompany us in the morning to get us into the park. They would be three day park hopper passes. Will he need to stay the entire day with us so we can park hop or are we able to move around after the initial entry to the park?
Hi Ashlee,
Just to be clear or everyone, this comment is on the page about the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets, but you are asking about the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets.
Per Disneyland Media Relations, using the Disney Armed Forces Salute, some of the party may park hop without the military member. But be sure to confirm this in person once you are there.
We have purchased regular tickets in addition to salute tickets. Am I understanding correctly that those tickets never expire. We are not seeing expiration date on the ticket.
Hi Sally,
Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets typically expire about a year out. However they do retain their value when they expire and can be used towards new tickets (if unused).
When you link them to your My Disney Experience account you can look at them using the mobile app (not a computer) and see the expiration. Click the menu symbol, My Tickets. You can then scroll through all your linked tickets to see expiration dates.
Hi, I was wondering if we can buy the one day Disneyland ticket and how much would that be?
Hi Amy,
1-10 Day Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets can be purchased at Base Ticket Offices, The Orlando ITT, and Shades of Green. Here is a list of Shades prices, bases are very similar.
Hi, my name is Giovanni and I´m a retired colonel of brazilian army. My question is: me, my wife and my daughter are going to Orlando from nov 16 to dec 3 2013, can we get discounts too?
thanks for attention and sorry for my english.
Hi Giovanni,
The only discounts that I know of for non-US forces is for those stationed with the US military and who have US issued ID cards.
But, it never hurts to ask once you are there!
Steve,
thank you so much for your information.
Yes, i will ask when i get there in november, even you say it never hurts!
It was very nice to meet you.
Giovanni.
Giovanni
My question was the same, we are British Army
Did you get discounted tickets if you don’t mind me asking
Hello,
I’m interested in buying the regular military discount tickets for my family but I can’t make it all 3 days (the 1st day). Do I have to be there for them to get in?
Hi Kristina,
The Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets can be used in any way you want. They are really just regular tickets at a slight discount. No restrictions or requirements for the member at all.
Have fun!
Hi,
I’m sure this has been asked before, but I haven’t seen it, so here goes: We are planning on visiting Disneyland in January with a party of 3, and then Disney World in February with a party of 6. Can we buy the Military Salute tickets for both visits or does the limit of 6 tickets include both parks?
Hi, Jennifer,
The two offers are actually separate, so you can get a total of 6 tickets per park during this offer. 🙂
Hi there!
My 20th birthday is coming up, and my single mom who is currently deployed surprised me and my younger brother with these Armed Forces Tickets, however, I am reading all the restrictions and I am afraid Disneyland in California won’t let me in!
I have my own military ID but it’s dependent. I know these tickets are non-refundable but what do you think the chances are that they’ll reject our entrance?
My mom brother and I bought these tickets about a little over a year ago and they didn’t ask us for all of that information, they just took a picture of us that matched our ticket.
What do you recommend I do?
Thank you so much!
Alexis
Hi Alexis,
I’m a little confused about one part. When you say “My mom brother and I bought these tickets about a little over a year ago and they didn’t ask us for all of that information, they just took a picture of us that matched our ticket.” are you talking about the last time you went and used the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets (prior to the start of this offer 29 Sept 2013)?
Dependent children are not eligible for this benefit so yes, if just the two of you go with un-activated tickets you will not be able to activate them and use them.
Do you have your Mom’s receipt? you may be able to take them to your base ticket office and exchange them for tickets you can use, the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets. Tell them she bought them without realizing the restrictions.
See: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/
Hello,
Quick question on regular discounted tickets – do these need to be activated at the park, like the Armed Forces Salute Tickets?
Thanks,
Andy
Hey Andy,
Nope, they are ready to go when you buy them.
Hi,
I’m AD military currently stationed OS. I will be visiting family in California & was hoping to get the 3 Day Disneyland Park Hopper tickets. I’m just trying to verify if they sale it at the Park ticket booth or would I have to go to an actual installation. I’ve read somewhere that if our ITT didn’t sale these tickets that we could purchase from LA AFB or request from Beale & they would mail it to us. I just wasn’t sure if that was the only options or if they offered it at the park. I don’t know how much a taxi back & forth from my hotel to LA AFB is so I’m just trying to confirm before leaving for my trip. Thanks so much for your help.
Hi Nikki,
They do sell the 3-day Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets at Disneyland (plus tax). If you want Disneyland Theme Park Tickets for other lengths you’ll ned to get them at a base ticket office base.
You can try Beale or Camp Pendleton to buy them vis mail.
I am ex Canadian Forces and going to Disney World this June. Would I be entitled to these same discounts. I am a member of CF Appreciation but all they have are for Universal tickets..
Hi Gary,
Thanks for checking out the site!
Those who did not retire from the US military are not even eligible for these discounts from Disney.
As far as non-US military, the only 2 discounts available are: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green/non-us-military-members-eligible-to-stay-at-shades-of-green/ & http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html
But both are for those serving with US forces and require a US issued ID like the one at the bottom left of this page: http://www.cac.mil/common-access-card/
But it never hurts to ask in person at the ticket window, some CF members have had luck.
I think it is really a shame that more discounts are not provided for veterans who didn’t dedicate their lives to military service for various reasons. Many older veterans didn’t even have a choice in serving, they were drafted, anyone remember that process? Veterans have witnessed the horrors, just as the the current active members have, so step up and thank them for their service in a meaningful way, besides a 3-6% discount on regular prices tickets, that means they don’t have to pay sales tax. Can get that decrease on a discount website.
My friend bought me tickets for Disney world. She’s married to her husband who’s in the ARMY, but they are not going with me. Can the tickets still be used by me without them being present?
That depends Claudia,
The type of ticket matters
Were they the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets? If so you will not be able to use them without one of them accompanying you to activate the tickets.
If they are the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets and are ready for use you will be all set
Does this offer apply to all military members who have served? Does length of service apply to the requirements.
Hi Keith,
These tickets are sold at military installations to those with current IDs (those serving and retired).
There are no discounts available for those who separated directly from Disney or the military.
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
Hope this helps,
Steve
Steve
We are British army family visiting family in Orlando, who is married to a US military
There is 6 of us, so can she buy the 6 Salute tickets and can she just come to the Disney gate to verify the ticket but not come in as she can only buy 6
Sorry to confuse you
Lis
Hi Liz,
Sorry she’ll have to have a ticket for herself. The point of these tickets is for the member or spouse to spend time with friends and family in the Disney parks, not to allow others to use them.
So she’ll also have to buy you one (child’s if you have a 3-9 yr old) Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets for the 6th ticket, see:
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/
Many thanks Steve
Steve
Can you just confirm can British Army buy the magic your way military discounted tickets on their own with a US military member. And they do not need verified at Disney gate
Can they just be bought at SOG
Thanks for your help Steve
Hi,
If your US military friend goes with you, you should be allowed to pay. Shades allows eligible guests to sponsor others.
The Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets are identical to tickets you buy at the gate, no ID check.
Steve
I have another question
How does ordering the Sauté tickets through ITT office in camp Pendleton work. If the US member buys them from another base, how are the activated in Orlando or does that member who buys them need to be in a Orlando. Do you have to get the real tickets from SOG or at Disney gate. There will be 8 of us going into Disney and my sister can only buy 6 tickets. It says you maybe can buy extra tickets and my kids are all adult ages, do you think they will sell us 2 extra salute tickets at Disney
Sorry for the hassle, just trying to get this straight in my head.
Many thanks
No problem,
All Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets are activated by Disney in person (at the gate or guest services), it is not done at the ITT (including Shades). An eligible member or spouse in their place must activate the tickets in person at Disney with all of their guests present.
The large family exception is only for a single family (mom, dad, and their dependent kids).
I have a question about splitting the 4 day tickets between different people. I have a family of 4 visiting WDW for 6 days. If I have to buy each family member 2 4day passes I’m basically spending the same price as buys 6days worth of passes for each family member a the full price. Can I buy one 4day pass for each family member and two additional 4days passes to be split between the family of 4 for the remaining two days? It sounds less confusing in my head then typed out…
Basically I need 24 passes for the week and buying the 4day passes would give me 32 passes….
Hi Mike,
First, sharing tickets is expressly forbidden, all Disney tickets are non-transferable. They use fingerprints (at WDW) and photos (at DL) to prevent this.
Rather than buying two tickets per person, check the 6 day Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets prices from Shades or the Orlando ITT.
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tickets/Magic-Your-Way-Tickets.html
Disney’s tickets cost more for the initial days, adding more days gets cheaper the longer the ticket. So buying 2 you are paying for expensive days twice.
We have a group of 14 going to Walt Disney world in December. My husband is the active duty solider and we have 3 children. Can he buy 6 of the armed forces salute tickets and I buy 6 of the armed forces salute tickets?
Hi Nicole,
No sorry, the limit is 6 Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets per service member. Spouses do not have their own allotment.
The others will have to be Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/
I was wondering..we are doing 8 days with 5 of us…so the 4 day pass won’t work. I was reading that you can save about 4-8% with the regular military discount..undercover tourist saves me 30 over what the disney website is showing…will 4% really make it worth the trouble of going through the base? Has anyone done it to know the actual cost savings? Also, if we purchased all 6 military hoppers they will allow us on the 4 day hopper offer…could 3 of us use 2 each and only pay full price for 2 of us?
Hi Angela,
Make sure to compare all options.
First 3 of you can use the 6 Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets back to back while the others use a more costly option.
You’ll find the Shades of Green prices which are w/in a dollar or so of base prices here: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tickets/Magic-Your-Way-Tickets.html
My Father in law is going with us to disney and is not retired. – he was honorable discharged and has his DD-214
Does he qualify for the Regular Disney Military Discounted Tickets because I know he does not qualify for the armed forces salute tickets
No unfortunately Jennifer he does not, he’d have to go onto a base to buy the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets and as a non retiree he can’t go on base.
I’ll be going to disney in early dec 2015. I am already planning on doing the military salute 4 day hopper but i want one more day at Epcot Park. I dont want to buy another military salute so how do i buy the one day passes?
Hi Emma,
You can buy a one day Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way ticket at your base ticket office or Shades of Green, this is the cheapest route for 5 park days.
Here are Shades’ prices, bases will be similar: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tickets/Magic-Your-Way-Tickets.html
Hello good night , I wonder if Brazilian military police have discount tickets in disney if so where can I buy ‘m going next week.
thank you
Hi, Please see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Military-Discounts/Discount-Finder/Foreign-Military-Member-Discounts.html
To verify, if my father-in-law who is retired military purchases regular discounted military Magic Your Way Tickets via Camp Pendleton, will the tickets come ready to use by my family without my father-in-law having to go with us to Disney World? Neither my husband or I are military.
Yes that’s correct Roxanne
Thanks!
My father-in-law called Camp Pendleton, and they told him that you have to have a military ID to activate the tickets. They said that is why they will sell to anyone because you can’t use the tickets unless you have a military ID. Did the rules change, or did my father-in-law ask for the wrong thing? I told him to ask for the military discounted regular magic your way tickets.
I don’t think they were talking about the Armed Forces Salute Ticket packets because he said they don’t sell those over the phone that he would have to go to the nearest base to get those.
Hi Roxanne,
Definitely some confusion going on I think.
The Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets don’t require activation. I just used some from my base ticket office recently. The only thing I can think is that perhaps Camp Pendleton sells vouchers for the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets rather than the physical ticket, these would need to be exchanged for actual tickets on arrival.
I am very confused about the different military tickets. I would like to stay for 7-10 days. I want to have the tickets before we go so I can take advantage of the fast pass program. How would I go about this the cheapest way? Can I have two sets of the ‘salute’ tickets for each person in our family of five and do 8 days total? Or do I have to go with the regular military discount tickets? How do I find out the prices to see if it really is a good deal compared to other options? Why is it so hard to find this info? Thank you!
Hi Sarah,
Three people in your party can use back-to-back Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets (your limit is 6) the other 2 (preferably kids 3-9) will need the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets.
You should compare this option’s total price to using Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets for everyone based on the options you want.
For prices you could have clicked on the link in the post above that says “Magic Your Way Tickets.”
I’m sorry you had a hard time and I’ve added a new link under How Much Do These Tickets Save You? that says “Walt Disney World Magic Your Way Ticket Prices at Shades of Green (Base Ticket Office prices are similar)” to make it easier.
Hi Steve. You emailed me a reply regarding discounted military tickets to Disneyland. I clicked on reply to asked you a questions but it took me to the information page – here’s my question.
My husband is a military non-retiree. Here is the last paragraph of your reply to me:
“The Disney Armed Forces Salute hugely discounted tickets are excluded, but you can buy the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets which are about 4-8% off.”
Where can I buy the Regular Military Discounted tickets. Is that by calling Camp Pendleton? Is so do they give you a voucher that you take to the Disney ticket booth or do you buy thru them. Also do you know a phone # we’d call.
Thank you for all your help
Kathleen
(I was confused with your 1st paragraph in your reply: “The only time non-retired vets with a DD-214 can buy discounted Disney tickets is during the months of January and September from Shades of Green at Walt Disney World.” and your last paragraph, it seems contradictory but it’s probably my confusion
Hi Kathleen,
So sorry for the confusion. I just looked back to your original comment (this is your 3rd) and I see you are talking about Disneyland not Walt Disney World.
And my original answer is correct, unfortunately there are no non-retired veteran discounts at all for Disneyland.
When I replied to your second comment I was thinking you were talking about Disney World in FL. Sorry for the mix up.
The only discount Disney tickets that non-retired veterans are eligible for are the Walt Disney World Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets only during the months of January and September if they stay at Shades of Green on WDW property.
You would buy them only from the Shades of Green Ticket Office in person while staying there.
I am having a hard time figuring out discounts for disabled military wife. Husband unable to go. Do I still get discount. Thank you for your help.
Hi Kathleen,
Do you have a current military spouse ID?
I called Disney today to book a Bay lake Room with our military discount and was told they are now blocking the discount from specific resorts and rooms. We have stayed at Bay lake many times as a military family because my daughter is disabled and we use the monorail system (not to mention the fireworks from the room). We always stay in villas because we travel for two weeks at a time, and need a washer and dryer. I’m slightly disappointed in their new block outs for military rates at specific resorts. Have you possibly heard of this or are the many Guest Services Reps giving me incorrect information. If this is the case we may be second guessing our annual December Disney trip because it’s becoming so much more inconvenient.
Hi Kristopher,
This is the first I’ve heard that.
I’ve queried my Disney contact and they will check. Could take a while, Disney is SLOW.
Does this discount work for Veterans, as well? (not retired)
Thanks!
No, sorry Rose.
There are no discounts available directly from Disney for your situation.
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
I am a former spouse, so I know that I am not eligible because I have no dependent Id, but my 20 year old son who has a Navy-retired dependent card wants to take his sister to WDW for her 16th birthday. Is he able to purchase the regular military discount tickets? We do not live near a base to purchase them at MWR. Thank you for all of the info on your site.
Yes he is B.
Hi, just curious we bought the 4 day passes a month ago and I’m about to seperate active duty. Will I still be able to use these passes at Disney World since I’m no longer active duty and won’t have an active duty id? Thanks
Hi Brandon,
Depends on if they are Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets or Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets and where you bought them.
See http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html as well as the info on this page to compare the two.
If they are Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets and you bought them on-base they WILL have to be activated prior to use in person with your ID and entire party present. See this page for ticket activation info: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/how-to-activate-your-disney-armed-forces-salute-theme-park-tickets/
If you ordered them long distance from Shade of Green they are pre-activated.
Hey, I was wondering if you buy the Armed Forces Salute tickets, do you buy them at the ticket booth at Disney or must get it somewhere? Same thing goes for the Regular Disney military discounts. Do you also need to buy them prior or can you just buy them by walking in? And as far as the Armed Forces Salute tickets goes, is it 4 days at just one park or can you go to different parks each of those 4 days? Thanks!
Hi Tim,
Please see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html for Salute ticket use and purchase information and read the post above for the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets.
We’re doing a longer WDW stay, and the regular military discounted tickets are a better deal than AFS (or Stars & Stripes), assuming AFS stays the same for 2017.
Are 2017 tickets available for purchase yet?It looks like your pricing is for 2016. Also, no major base near us, so we’d have to go through Pendleton or Shades to order.
Hey Amanda,
The 2017 Salute has not been offered yet as I think you know, the prices will go up on the Salute tickets as there was a general public increase since the 2016 Salute started.
The Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way ticket prices on the site are the current prices at Shades of Green, base ticket offices can vary slightly (some charge fees, some use MWR funds to reduce the cost). They will go up the next time Disney raises general public prices. The last three increases were in February (2014, 2015, & 2016).
But for longer stays the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets are generally the cheapest. Did you see this novel length post? http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/whats-the-right-military-discounted-disney-ticket-for-me/
Hi Steve, my family purchased the Armed Forces Salute ticket of 3 days for Disneyland, CA. We will be using our last day this week. We use doir fist two days in May with my husband who is active duty. My question is, my daughter will be unable to make it with us this week and wanted to use her third day next week without my husband being present. Since we’ve already activated our tickets the first day, can my daughter still utilize her third day alone?
Yes she will be able to Patty. Years ago DIsneyland did require the sponsor to accompany their guests for all entries.But that ended at least 3 or 4 years ago.
Hi Steve!
I have been reading a lot of your blog, but I am a little overwhelmed and want to make sure I fully understand what option is best for me. My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to WDW this spring. He is a veteran with 90% disability. He has completed two tours to Afghanistan. If I understand correctly, he would not qualify for the Armed Forces Salute, but could we still receive discounted park passes? Would he only be able to purchase a discounted ticket for himself or for both of us? Are there any hotel discounts?
I’m very versed in Disney, however, I have never looked into military discount. Thank you for your help!
Lauren
Hi there Lauren, it can be overwhelming.
So, for those who are no longer in the military but did not retire (20+ years or medical retirement), or who are not 100% DAVPRM (service connected permanently disabled) there are no discounts available directly from Disney.
There is the this one discount available for non-retired veterans which is from Shades of Green. But 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
If the price of Shades of Green rooms is attractive enough to move your vacation dates this would be for you. While staying at Shades of Green you could also buy the slightly discounted Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets, as mentioned above.
I have seen commercials on TV for a 4 park ticket for like $70 a day. Our family is planning a trip to Orlando in December. My husband is retired military. Would the military salute tickets be less than the tickets on the TV? Thank you, Miriam
Hi Miriam,
The tickets you are seeing ads for are $70 a day for 4 days… They are $279 per adult and $259 per child, plus tax. the Disney Armed Forces Salute 4-day hopper is only $209 adult and child, that’s $52.25 for a better ticket. And the 5-day Salute is $224, 5 days for less than the advertised one and it comes in at $44.80 per day. See: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html With the Salute tickets you have the ability to park hop where you do not with the others you mentioned.
“The 4-Park Magic Ticket grants you one day of admission to Magic Kingdom park, one day of admission to Epcot, one day of admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park and one day of admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on 4 separate days”
Thank you so much. Your info is very helpful. Do we need to wait until we get their to purchase the military salute tickets? Thank you again, Miriam
Hi Miriam,
You can and definitely should purchase your tickets ahead of time. The page I linked to before http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html is a full overdrive of the Salute program, and while long should be read to get all the details.
Hi there. I am a spouse of a former marine. My husband will not be going to Disneyworld but I saw that there was still a discount on regular military tickets. I do not have an ID. Is there a way I can still buy these tickets at the Shades of Green with discharge paperwork and marriage license? Thank you.
Hi Sarah,
Sorry no, you need a current valid ID.
A friend of mine is in the Army. Can she buy Disneyland tickets from the base in Lemoore CA for me or does she have to go to Disneyland too at the same time in order for me to be able to use the tickets?
Hi Heather,
She can buy you these slightly discounted tickets mentioned on this page if she can’t go herself with her own ticket. The highly discounted Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets require that she go.
Ok. Ty for replying. I just didn’t want to pay her for the tickets, get down there, get to the front gate to go in and not be able to use them because she’s not there at all.
I’m so confused! Ive called these bases and they do not answer and the phone keeps ringing with no message option. We want to go to Disneyland and I cant get in contact with any base ticket office.
Hi Hayley,
No there isn’t a Disneyland military discount for those who are no longer in the military or retired from the military.
If you are interested in Disney World 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
Looking to you for help, Disney couldn’t answer. I purchased a 4 day 1 Park per day pass from our MWR office. They said you can upgrade to a hopper option at the park for $16. I am trying to find out if it’s $16 per day or $16 total. Do you know?? They said they don’t have access to the military discount prices. Thank you!
Hi Virginia,
When upgrading the Regular Military Discounted Disneyland Tickets with Disney you will upgrade to the full gate price ticket. A full price 4-day hopper is $335, so you’d pay the difference between your ticket price ($282.50 at Camp Pendleton ITT) and the full priced one. In this case $52.50 per adult ticket.
There is a chance that they would assign the full price value to your non-hopper ticket which would be $290. If so you’d then pay the $45 difference.
I contacted the Shades of Green ticket office regarding Regular Military Discounted WDW tickets for veterans (served and honorably discharged). I was told “A VA ID or DD 214 is NOT eligible”
Can you please confirm the requirements for Regular Disney Military Discounted Tickets.
Thank you
Hi Michelle,
Shades of Green was correct. A current valid military ID is required (i.e. currently serving or retired from the military).
During the months of Sept and Jan when they allow vets to stay there with a DD-214, you can purchase these if staying there.
I’ll be visiting WDW with family of 6 in Feb 2019. Staying at BLT for 7 nights. I am a bit confused after reading some of your military ticket/fast pass comments. We will be buying 6 days worth of tix.The plan is a 5 day Park Hopper Salute ticket for everyone (assuming WDW renews this particular discount) and then get single day Magic Your Way tickets for the 6th and 7th days. Is there a strategy concerning making Fast Pass reservations (we’ll be staying in the park) at 60 days out versus which days will be active for which type tickets? I believe we would be able to make Fast Pass reservations up to 65 days in advance if our Park Hopper Salute tickets were used for the 1st 5 days of our 7 day trip. Hope this makes sense. Thanks in advance for your guidance. JD
Hi John,
First FastPass reservations are 60 days prior to check in for Disney On Property guests, no earlier. Was the 65 a typo?
Now Tickets:
Buying 2 single day tickets on top of a 5-day Salute one would be the most expensive option. Buying a 2-day non-hopper would be cheaper depending on parks and time of year. Will 2 days of non-hopping work for you? You should carefully compare all ticket combinations at the current prices (when released for 2019) for your dates to determine what is cheapest, a 7-day Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Ticket could well be (and would eliminate any which ticket issues as described below).’
Did you see this post? http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-armed-forces-salute/how-disney-price-increases-affect-military-ticket-discounts/
Per Disney the last ticket linked is the first used by the system when entering.
When I have more than one ticket/pass type linked to me I always make a stop at Guest Relations prior to the first entrance each day to ensure that the ticket I want used that day will be the one used. (for this discussion mixing hopper and non-hopper is the issue, if both tickets are hoppers it does not matter which is used on what day) This process can take a couple minutes to quite a long time based upon the wait line and staff at Guest Relations You don’t want to unknowingly use a non-hopper on a day you plan to hop, as when you do hop and enter the second park you’ll use another ticket for that day, then you’ll be short for the trip! If an issue does arise, they can fix it after the fact though and get your day(s) back.
Finally FastPasses:
With 7 days of tickets linked (no matter the types) you will be able to make 7 days of FastPasses.
You’ll need to link the 2 tickets (if using 2) to each person in your My Disney Experience account in order to make all 7 days of FastPasses each.
I hope this answers your questions. Let me know!
Steve,
The 65 days prior Fast Pass reservation start was not a typo. I was assuming a 60 day prior Fast Pass reservation start date (as we’re staying at a Disney Resort) coupled with the LONGER of my ticket packages…ie, the 5 day Salute package for a total of 65 days. I was figuring that 65 days prior to the last day of our stay, I could make all of my Fast Pass reservations for the first 5 days of our trip. I see now, that as long as I link all of these tix with my Disney App, I should be able to make Fast Pass Reservations 67 days prior to the last day of my trip, regardless of the type of military tickets we get.
Military Salute Tickets for 2019 (assuming WDW renews the discount) would go on sale when? I see where it is speculated that a decision concerning the program renewal SHOULD come sometime in the Aug-Oct 2018 timeframe.
Thanks for the help and advice, and yes, I know……when you assume……I am sure you know the rest!
Hey John,
You bet!
Yes, we are saying the same thing 2 different ways.
But the official spiel is: 60 days prior to check in you may begin making FastPasses for the dates of your WDW On Property Resort stay including check in and check out days, up to the number of days on linked tickets (not to exceed 10 days for 11+ day stays).
Should Disney renew for 2019 I’d expect tickets to become available by 1 November for 1 January FastPasses.
Any indication for whether civilians being able to use military salute tickets might extend to 2019? We are hoping the test was successful and we can buy for our March trip!
Hi there Logan,
It was a “test” in that Disney did it to see how this particular offer to a limited community could drive traffic, versus increasing a discount to a larger audience or offering a new one to a bigger group.
They know how many took advantage of this and will now keep this info in their hip pocket. If at some point in the future they need to boost projected attendance for a time frame, they’ll know whether or not to make this offer again.
So we have no way of knowing when if ever they will do this again, but it would never be during the busier times of the year.
If I were to purchase regular Disney World base tickets from my local MWR, will I be able to add additional days to them? Currently, the MWR on base only sales up to a 5 day base or hopper ticket. Would like a 7 day. Thanks!
Hi Shawn,
Yes, you’ll be able to upgrade to a longer length of Magic Your Way Base Ticket for the price difference to the full price ticket plus tax.
But compare that price difference to buying the ticket you want long distance plus the shipping cost and do the cheaper.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/
Hi Steve, my sister is in the Military and cannot go to disney with us. Are you saying in this post that she can buy the Regular Military Discounted tickets (not the salute tix) on base, give them to us, and we can go use them in Disney without her going and activating them?
So these are tickets that she will receive not vouchers like the Salute tix? If she purchases them from shades of green long distance, does this change her having to go and activate them, since obviously they cannot verify her military ID over the phone. Thanks so much for the help!!
Hi Madison,
The Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets do not need to be activated or exchanged. She can verify with her travel office that’s what they will provide before purchasing for piece of mind.
I just bought 2 myself for some people going on my next trip and they are indeed plastic tickets. Even if I wasn’t going with them they could use them as these are ready to go.
my husband was in the marines for 2 years and my son was in the marines and reserves for 7 years-we are planning a trip to Disneyland in July -there will be 7 of us-are there any available discounts -they are not retired or veterans -they do have their dd papers
Hi Annette,
None that I am aware of. You could see if any of the local hotels have a discount for non-retired veterans.
Do the Regular Military Discounted Tickets use dynamic date-based pricing like Magic your Way tickets on the Disney web site or are they a set price (like the Disney tickets used to be)?
Hi Lis,
Shades of Green is selling single price tickets (non-date specific). I recently purchased some from my Base Ticket Office (1-days) and they were not date specific either.
We have 4 Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets (Park
Hoppers) that we purchased in late February 2020. I know that the Military Salute tickets were extended until Sept 2021. Have you heard anything about regular military discounted tickets? I haven’t linked them to my MDE app. When I called our ITT office I was
Told they expire 12/18/20. Any news about this?
Hi Denise,
While the regular tickets (military and general public MYW) expire, they do not lose value and can be used towards new purchases (from Disney). But as I recall the expiration dates on GP MYW and these were extended early on.
You can link them and check the expiration.
My niece is getting married in Disney in October. I have purchased the Military Salute tickets and would like to purchase 5 additional “regular” military tickets for my sister and her family. I was told by the MWR representative that I would get vouchers and have to activate them. We will all be arriving at different times. My questions:
1) Is this normal?
2) Will I be able to activate them for my guests prior to their arrival?
Hi Lisa,
Nope not normal or correct.
Only Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets need to be activated, this is due to the ID check by Disney on activation. Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets come ready to use, there is no activation. The ID check is upon purchase at the base ticket office.
If you can’t get the correct answer at your base, perhaps spending the 12 bucks for Shades of Green to ship them to you would be warranted: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/
I called Shades of Green recently to ask for the prices for a one day ticket that we thought we could squeeze into our Orlando trip…their price was the exact same as the gate price…? Any idea why that would be? The customer service agent was not particularly friendly enough for me to continue further into inquiring…
Hi Jenn,
Which gate price with or without sales tax? I think you are comparing the general public price with tax to Shades without…
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/faq/disney-sells-theme-park-tickets-cheaper-than-military-ticket-prices-why-is-that/
Hello,
It’s been over a year and I’m sure there’s a good chance you won’t be checking this blog as frequently as before but I have a quick question.
My question pertains to the 2022-23 season and so I understand if your response may not be accurate or if you have no response at all.
Firstly, a lot has changed regarding veteran policy (I am an honorably discharged, non-retired, service connected veteran) and I contacted my local MWR (Memphis, TN) and inquired about tickets to Disneyland (CA). So far it seems I am eligible to purchase tickets without any issues, but I read in this article and in some comments that veterans are not eligible to purchase outside of Shades of Green. Do you know if that is still true? Like I said, I spoke to an MWR rep but from personal experience, they may not be up to date on everything.
Secondly, regarding the blackout dates, for 2022 its December 16-30, are those dates restricted to only military salute tickets or do those dates also apply to regular discounted tickets?
I hope you are able to help me. Once again, I understand some time has passed and you may not have the same access to this information but any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Very respectfully,
Kay Kendall
Hi Kay,
I see every comment posted on all posts so no issues there.
To your questions, so, those eligible for the McCain Veteran Equal Access Act like you due to the service connected are eligible to purchase tickets that do not requirer a current or retired military ID at all Ticket Offices. The comments you are thinking of are non-equal access act vets who have no eligibility other than a DD-214.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-discounts-and-the-john-mccain-defense-authorization-act/
The end of Dec dates are not blockout dates for the salute, the 2022 Disney Armed Forces Salute ends on the 16th. There are no blackouts for the regular military tickets.
Hope this helps, Steve