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Frequently Asked Questions

Ears of Experience Military Disney Vacation Experts

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions Page!

Here at Military Disney Tips We get lots of questions in many forms, blog post comments Facebook comments, and via email.

Many people ask the same or similar questions, so we decided that in an effort to get the info out to you in the most efficient manner, that we’d gather links to our answers here.

We’ll feature questions in many areas such as the Disney Armed Forces Salute, Tickets, Rooms, Shades of Green, and many more.

As the number of these answered questions builds up, you’ll be able to browse them all on this page.

Or to see questions in one category, just click on links under “FAQs By Category” below.

I hope you find this new feature helpful!

Steve

p.s.  you can still access our old Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ

Military-Disney-Tips-FAQ-Friday-Page

 

FAQs By Category

The links below will bring up all posts for the category in a blog format

Disney Armed Forces Salute – General

Disney Armed Forces Salute – Tickets

Disney Armed Forces Salute – Resort Rooms

Disney Armed Forces Salute – All FAQs

Shades of Green FAQ

Dining FAQ

Disneyland FAQ

All FAQs by Category and Question

Below you will see all of the published questions grouped by their Category

Disney Armed Forces Salute – General

Disney Armed Forces Salute – Tickets

Disney Armed Forces Salute – Resort Rooms

Shades of Green FAQ

Disney Dining FAQ

Disneyland FAQ

We Hope This Helps!

If you still have questions see our Disney Armed Forces Salute Full FAQ or the Disney Armed Forces Salute Main Page of Content.

You can also use the search function on every page.

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: Learn about the Disney Armed Forces Salute the best military discount that there is for Disney. See our Topic Overview Pages:

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Comments

  1. Morgan says

    Hi! We have used 2 days of our passports at WDW, and in May would like to visit Disneyland. Can we use our remaining 2 days there with the same passports?

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Morgan,

      Sorry, no you can’t. Disneyland and Walt Disney World tickets ate totally separate. They can each only be used at their own individual destination.

      Reply

  2. Carol Williams says

    My son (9) has a military ID his father is deceased (we were divorced). Can we stay at Shades of Green or get military discounted tickets with his ID?

    Reply

  4. James says

    HI Steve,

    Thanks for all the info. It’s been a big help.

    My father and mother-in-law are the military members who are purchasing in advance the Salute tix for my family. My family is going to be arriving at Disney before they arrive. Is there a way that we could use the Salute tix before they arrive without them present? Could they activate them beforehand for all of us somehow?

    Thanks

    Reply

  5. James says

    Just to be clear. If my in-laws pre-purchase the Salute tix from Shades of Green and have them Fed-Exed, then they will be activated when sent? This means that my in-laws do not need to be present to show ID for my family to use them?

    Thx

    Reply

      • James says

        Ok Steve. I called Shades of Green to buy the Salute tix and they said the person with the military ID would still need to be present to activate the tickets at the gate. I’m confused now. What would you recommend I do?

        Reply

        • Steve says

          Hi James,

          I don’t know if you received mis or dis information. Their tickets are sold pre-activated now, but the real intent is that they be used with the member…

          Reply

  6. Linda Martin says

    We will be at Disney for 6 days. It is my understanding that the Salute tickets are good for four days, with four waterpark entries if that option is added. So could we go to the parks on days 1-4 and then use the waterpark entries on days 5-6?

    Reply

  7. Nate says

    I need some help with a ticket issue. Basically, can a AFS park hopper ticket be upgraded to include the water parks option?

    I purchased the park hopper version for my son who turned three and he only used 2 days of it. The rest of the family’s APs expired and we are now back to getting AFS tickets. I want to get the park hopper and water park option this time, but don’t know what to do about the one ticket I bought without it.

    thanks!

    Reply

  8. Denise says

    Steve,
    Have you heard any information on MNSSHP 2016, military ticket prices and dates ? Thank you

    Reply

  9. Rachelle says

    Steve,
    I’m sorry if you’ve already answered this elsewhere, I can’t find it. We bought Salute tickets for our trip in January. There is one day remaining unused. My understanding is that I can upgrade to an annual passport for a trip this summer while there are still days remaining on our Salute ticket. Do they prorate how many days are left on the ticket toward the price or do they apply the full price paid ($196) toward the full price of the pass?

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Rachelle,

      No problem! You can upgrade a Disney Armed Forces Salute ticket to an Annual Pass with one day left on it directly through Disney (or Shades of Green if you bought it there).

      The price is the difference between the Salute ticket cost (no prorating) and the type of pass you buy.

      Reply

  10. Rachel says

    Hi! I bought the salute ticket from SOG and was wondering if I will get magicbands with these tickets. Also am I understanding if I bought them from SOG, they are already activated and I won’t need to activate it at the gate? Thanks for the info.

    Reply

  11. Vanessa says

    My son is active duty military. I am taking his children to Disney World in 3 weeks. They are 6 years old and they do not have a dependent ID. If he purchased the tickets for their entry into the park, how would we present the ticket at the gate? Or can we get the tickets without him being there? He does not have block leave now to travel with us. Or is there a way he can get written document for his children to be able to enter into the park with the military Disney tickets? Please advise!

    Reply

  13. Mason Webb says

    Why don’t they offer veterans a discount. We served our country too. It just seems you are forgetting the onesame that were in the pass wars.

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Mason,

      It’s for the same reason you no longer have access to enter a military base.

      Eligibility for the Disney Armed Forces Salute is set by the DoD, not Disney and is restricted to those with current IDs, those who are either currently serving or have served 20+ years and have earned continued base access (BX, Commissary, Ticket Office, etc.) and monetary compensation (retirement pay, discounts, etc.)

      Reply

  14. Thomas says

    We are active duty stationed in Japan. Can the Disney Salute passes be used at TOKYO DISNEYLAND or TOKYO DISNEY SEA? If so, where can I get the tickets?

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Thomas,

      No, sorry the Disney Armed Forces Salute is only at stateside locations. The only discounts available would be any that were offered by the Base ticket offices in the Pacific area.

      Reply

  15. Ashley Waybright says

    Can you make a payments on a military salute discounted rooms? Or do you have to pay all up front. I’m sure it’s on this site someplace but can’t find it..

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Ashley, 1 night’s payment is required to reserve the room. You can continue to make payments if you like prior to arrival or pay the remainder at check-in.

      Reply

  16. Walt Bobby says

    Steve,

    Do I need to purchase my AFS tickets at the same Time? Planned a trip for April with my grandson need two tickets. Thinking about the wife and I coming down in late Oct for food and wine and might need two more tickets, but not sure.

    Reply

  17. Tonya says

    My military sponsor does not live near Disney & can only join us for one day. Can they buy us 5 day passes & only one day for themselves or will they need to purchase a 5 day as well?

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Tonya,

      No. In order to activate Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets for you they must have one of their own (4 or 5 day Salute ticket) still a huge savings when you average it all together. Or if they are a Disney Annual Pass Holder they can activate your tickets also.

      Reply

  18. sal says

    Steve Why does Disney not allow Shades buses direct drop off and pick up at Magic Kingdom and Epcot its a real hassle going through the TC back and forth or even taking the monorail via the poly and walking over to the shades especially after a long day at the parks would be great to go round trip directly someone needs to speak with the Disney folks about this.

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Sal,

      To tell the truth I do not know if it is a Disney restriction, or a cost cutting measure by Shades (one bus line for both parks vs two).

      Reply

  19. Cathy Hamilton says

    WDW is offering Memory Maker for Military at a discounted price of $84.00. I just found out about it. I didn’t see it posted anywhere on your site (I searched, but perhaps I missed it?). It’s the first time I’ve heard of this discount! Have they ever offered this discount before?
    disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/military-ticket-rates/

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Thanks so much for sending in the info Cathy!

      I appreciate getting intel from the field…

      I actually just saw it yesterday myself and have a post scheduled for next Monday. This is the first time ever!

      Thanks, Steve

      Reply

  20. Matt says

    Steve,

    I posted this question on another page, but thought it would be more appropriate here. I am in the Navy Reserves (IRR) and have the green ID card that is listed as eligible. I’m trying to plan a vacation for the family in June. When I called to book a Disney resort room for June, the lady mentioned that since I have the green ID card, I would have to also show activation papers when I checked in. I have asked around MWR and they have never heard of that before. Have you ever heard of this requirement before? I’m concerned that if I buy the Hopper passes and book a room at a Disney resort, I may not be able to use them once I get there (I have not been activated in over a year). Thanks for any help you can provide.

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Matt,

      I’m the moderator for military comments on YourFirstVisit.net, so I saw it there too.

      I’ve got good news and bad news.

      The good news is that regular reservists (those who drill and are paid) do not have to show activation orders. Disney has awful internal communications and training, and their people just don’t deal with military discounts often (in the huge volume of other transactions), for military questions they often go on what they think, heard sometime, or do a network search and come up with old (sometimes very old) information. The having to show orders dates back to the post Desert Storm offer… Orders have not been required during the “modern” (2009 onward) Salute Offers. Besides active and reserve CACs are identical there is no way to know if you are active or reserve.

      Now we come to the bad news, the IRR, which is a non-pay, non-drill status, is not eligible for the Disney Armed Forces Salute room or ticket offers. Disney uses this incorrect confusing phrasing (because they are not military and do not really understand terminology) on their site ” “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard…” What they really mean instead of “active” is “current, participating” and for reservists that means drilling, paid members who have a CAC not a green DD Form 2.

      If you live near a base, I assume you can access the base with your ID. So you could buy the Regular Military Discounted Disney Tickets, which will save your some, see http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/ if they will sell to you. Or you could contact a ticket office that ships and see if they will sell to you, see: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/ These do not require activation.

      But do not buy the special Salute tickets. While someone at a base may sell you Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets, you are right to worry. It might be that you could slip through and activate them, again with unknowledgeable Disney personnel, but you probably wouldn’t and would then have to try to get them to let you use the Salute tickets that you purchased towards full price ones.

      Reply

      • Matt says

        Thanks for the quick response Steve. Its still confusing however because they now have a pamphlet with pictures of ID cards that they say are eligible and the green, DD form 2 one is there right underneath the CAC cards. When I questioned the MWR office about my eligibility, they showed me the list of eligible IDs and said I was good to go. I think this is what is causing a lot of the confusion.

        Reply

        • Steve says

          Hey Matt,

          I’m sure it is the same image as the one I have here: http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-World-Military-Discount-ID-Guide.html

          You’ll note though that under the green DD Form 2 it says military active service personnel.

          This image has been around for years and I believe Disney just pulled the images off cac.mil where the green card is labeled as DD Form 2 (Reserve) thinking this was the current “active” reserve card.

          The thing is the IRR have never been eligible, they are really no longer in the military nor retired. You’ve got to be a current member or retired for the Salute.

          You could roll the dice, but I’d hate for you to be in a bind… It just depends on the Disney cast member checking the ID.

          You didn’t say whether you were planning for Disney World or Disneyland?

          Reply

          • Matt says

            Thanks Steve. I wonder how many families make that mistake. It could put a real big damper on their vacation. We are headed to Disney World.

          • Steve says

            You bet, if you’d like a little more info you can email me via my contact page (link in the menu or bottom of every page).

  21. Debbie says

    With Disneyland now offering 3/4 day tickets, would I be able to buy two of them as 3 day tickets and four of them with the 4 day option all in the same transaction?

    Reply

  22. Johnnie says

    questions about reservations at SOG. Is it often filled to capacity? When you call 1 year to the date of arrival, can you book rooms for the full time you wish to stay at SOG? For instance, if I wanted to book 2/28/2018, could I call today & book 3 rooms for 7 days with no problem. ? That is, if it isn’t booked to capacity. And if it is, do they offer Over Flow rates at other resorts on Disney.?

    Reply

  23. Kara Fredette Benitez says

    Hi Steve-
    I have a question about the stars and stripes tickets. I understand that these tickets need to be use consecutively. My main question is if I purchase a nine day stars and stripes pass am I able to take a break between days for instance if I go to the parks day one and two can I take a break and day three ?

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Kara,

      Good question. Yes you can take a break, but you will loose money doing so.

      Shades of Greens policy says: “The number of days on your ticket must match your length of stay and must be used consecutively.”

      What they really mean by consecutively is that the ticket has a set length equal to your stay, it expires after that. You can’t not use a day and then use it later.

      So if you pay for a 9-day S&S, take a day off on day 3, you will only get to use 8 day’s of your ticket and lose the price difference between a 8 and 9-day ticket. But on a 9-day the is only 9 bucks…

      You didn’t mention the size or ages of your party, so just a tip but have you considered using back to back 4-day Salute tickets for at least some of the adults in your party? $418 for the 2 salute tickets vs $482a/$463.50c for a 9 day S&S. 3 adults/kids could do that and the remainder do the S&S (preferably kids).

      Reply

      • Kara Fredette Benitez says

        Thanks Steve-
        Our group is using the Stars & Stripes because we have used our allotment of salute tickets. We have about 10 to 11 people in our group.

        I just want to ensure that I understand what you are saying in your response to the Stars & Stripes tickets and a day off. Essentially you can take a day off but that will count as one of your days in the park is that correct?

        To make things even more confusing I have an additional question. Some of our group will be using both salute tickets and the stars and stripes tickets-we will be there almost 11 days. Can we designate which passes we would like to use first or second? I think we would like to use the Stars & Stripes tickets first and then the salute tickets. Thank for all your help!

        Reply

        • Steve says

          No problem Kara!

          So Shades makes you buy the S&S for the length of your stay. If you don’t use a day it isn’t deducted as a day from the ticket, but it can’t be used past the length of stay expiration. To say it another way the ticket will still have a day left on it when it expires. Hope that makes sense.

          For the mixed tickets. For each person the last ticket you link in their My Disney Experience profile will be the first one used by the system. It’s not a bad idea to drop by guest services before entering to check which will be deducted.

          Reply

  24. Sherri Judice says

    My single daughter is deployed to Kuwait and I have my 9-year-old grandson with me. I have POA for guardianship and we are going to Disneyworld. Can we purchase tickets with his military ID? Thanks

    Reply

  25. Kari says

    I know we can upgrade the Disneyland 3 day ticket to a 4 day ticket, but my ticket office says that is not true and will not help me upgrade. Where do I go to upgrade the ticket?

    Also, if three days have already been used can you still upgrade to the 4 day ticket to get the extra day?

    Reply

  26. jennifer says

    Hello Steve. We are staying at SOG and have an 8:15 Character Breakfast at the Grand Floridian. I was reading on a FaceBook Disney group that the monorail doesn’t sometimes start running until 9:00; However when I looked it up on the Disney page, it said the monorail between the resorts started running at 6 a.m. I want to have transportation worked out, so could you please clarify? And if we can use the monorail, what time should we be on it to get to the Grand Floridian in time?
    As always, Thank you for your help!!

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Jennifer,

      The monorail hours can vary and can change with some regularity. In general, expect the express monorail to start running at a minimum from one hour before park open to one hour after park close. The resort monorail often, but not always, starts at 6:30 a.m. to accommodate folks with 7:00 a.m. breakfast reservations.

      Check with monorail cast members in the days prior if possible.

      An uber ride would be about 2 bucks if needed.

      Reply

  27. Jennifer says

    Hi Steve! Sorry to keep pestering you….
    Does SOG allow grocery deliveries to be made and held at the bell hop desk the day you arrive? Was thinking about getting a couple cases of water and pop. (17 in our group)
    Thank you !

    Reply

  28. jennifer says

    Hi Steve! Was wondering your opinion about SOG being one of the resorts that might get the green light for 60 day Fast Passes?

    wdwnt.com/blog/2017/10/disney-world-extend-60-day-advance-fastpass-booking-guests-select-non-disney-hotels/

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Jennifer,

      I’m not hopeful… They only participate in some Disney benefits as it is now. I assume there would be a monetary investment on their part to do so and I can’t see that happening (they won’t pay for you to get free theme park parking now).

      Reply

  29. Jennifer Kerkez says

    Hello,
    We wanted to visit Disneyland 12/28/17-1/1/18. Can we buy any special military tickets during that time? I noticed the multi-day passes are only good until 12/16?
    Thank you
    Jennifer

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Brian,

      Minnie vans service an ever growing list of resorts i.e. they are stationed there and are also stationed at the parks. Though they will come to pick you up anywhere if you call 407-828-3500.

      The vans can also be requested via the Lyft app. Minnie Vans must be activated in your Lyft app by going to your resort front desk or the My Disney Experience app.

      Minnie Vans operate from 6:30 am to 12:30 am and only operate on property.

      Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Brandy,

      the Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets may be combined with any Disney Resort “room only” reservation including the Disney Armed Forces Salute room rates, or any off site accommodations.

      Reply

  33. Karla says

    If my husband (service member) and I each book a room at Shades of Green can we both get the lower sponsor rate? Or will mine be at the guest rate? Thank you!

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Karla,

      Technically I think it would be the Sponsored Rate. But You could make 2 separate reservations. I’m not sure if they have measures in place to check for this (SSN)?

      Reply

  34. Jeff says

    Hi, any recent news about the Disney world military discounts for Armed forces salute 2019? thanks

    Reply

  35. George says

    Hi, I am a Veteran with 100% disability. Would you book for Military families apply to me also. I know I can get some of the better discounts. Planning a trip for Jan 2019

    thanks

    Reply

  36. Caylene says

    Our family of 6 is attending WDW twice in 2019: January and September. Could we buy 6 military salute tickets in 2018 to use in January and then buy the remaining 6 in 2019 to use in September? It’s unclear whether the 6 ticket limit is that you can only purchase 6 per year or use 6 per year.

    Reply

  37. Jen says

    I am a ‘far in advance’ planner, and I will be looking to purchase tickets for Disney World parks to be used March of 2020. When do the Disney Armed Forces Salute park tickets prices and ability to purchase start for the following year?

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi there Jen,

      Kudos for the advance planning, I’m right there with ya.

      First Disney will have to decide if they will offer a Disney Armed Forces Salute in 2020 or not.

      If they decide to, expect an announcement late September 2019. Ticket prices and any blockout dates would be announced at that time.

      Tickets would be available for purchase in time for 60-day FastPass reservations for the first day of ticket eligibility in 2020 (1 Jan since 2017, 2nd or 3rd in previous years).

      Reply

  38. Ashley Daluz says

    If my husband buys 6 tickets for his family, can I still by 6 tickets for my family? We both have huge families and are really hoping we can buy tickets for everyone! We both are pass holders so we don’t need the tickets for us, just them. Thank you!!

    Reply

  39. Gary says

    I am a 22 year retired Air Force member with a retiree military ID. I am also 100% totally and permantly disabled thru the VA. My military ID only shows Air Force retired/ Msgt. Do I need to have the DAVPRM added to my retireeID to qualify for the Salute to service Resort room and ticket discounts. I chatted with a cast member and they said the DAVPRM has to be on my ID. Although your site says retirees are eligeable. Call me confused. Any help would be appreciated.
    -Gary

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Gary,

      The disability percentage and DAVPRM only enter the equation for those who are not retired.

      You got the conversation with the CM off track when you brought up the disability. Most CMs know very little about the military discounts Disney offers, most are just winging it…

      As a retiree (like me) you are eligible for all Disney Military discounts including the Disney Armed Forces Salute (room & tickets)!

      All that is needed is that retiree ID.

      Reply

  40. Nancy Benson says

    We are planning a trip to Disney November 13-20, 2021 I am hearing that Disney reservations are already booking up and the Military Salute ends the end of September. do you know when Disney will announce anything about offers past September?

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Nancy,

      The Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discount goes through 17 Dec 2021, so no reason not to book a room now. If it’s the tickets you are waiting on, which do end on 26 Sept and can only be purchased for another month, I feel confident that there eventually will be a 2021 ticket offer.

      My gut feeling is that there will be a 2021 Salute ticket offer, at a higher price point. (they go up every year and the big anniversary starts in October).

      I do not expect them to extend the 2020 priced tickets into the anniversary.

      I’m hoping they will announce the new offer at or before the end of the current 2020 ticket purchase extension window.

      Reply

  41. Nancy Benson says

    We are planning on visiting Disney World in November 2021 and we are hearing that due to it being DisneyWorld’s 50th anniversary year, reservations are already filling up . Since the current salute tickets end at the end of September, is there any word when Disney will announce any new discounts for after that time

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Nancy,

      No, Disney has been totally silent. THey’ve only said that they will be glad to share any new discounts when they are made available.

      I recommend that you make your reservation now, hopefully with the Disney Armed Forces Salute rate. It is just 1 night’s deposit. And with these room only reservations you can cancel up to 7 days prior with no penalty. THat’s if you decide not to go based on the ticket situation.

      Reply

  42. Lisa S. says

    Hello, we reserved a week long stay at SSR 21MAY TO 28MAY after purchasing only a 4-day AFS ticket. I know this may be a long shot and I also know you can add additional days and just pay the difference, but since we have a week long stay at a Disney resort, would we qualify for the current “Get two extra days added to your 4 day/3 night room & ticket package”?

    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Steve says

      Hi Lisa,

      Unfortunately it’s apples and oranges. Plus all Disney discounts including military ones have this rule: Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

      You’d need to cancel your (military rate I’m guessing) reservation and not use Salute tickets to get this deal.

      The deal you are referring to requires you to buy a full price room and ticket package to get the 2 days of extra tickets. (4 to 14 night stay required)

      I just did a quick pricing on WDW’s website for your dates at SSR, studio room, 2 adults/2 kids needing tickets, 6-day non-hopper tickets and it’s $5,424.22 before 12.5% tax. bumping it up to hopper tickets adds $362.08 You can do 5 -8 day tickets on this length of stay.

      Compare that to the rate you got and your 4-days plus any additions that you want to make to them.

      Like you said you could bump your 2020 Salute ticket’s up to 5-days or 6-days. and there is plenty of stuff to do on a non-park day at WDW.

      https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/walt-disney-world/top-11-free-or-low-cost-disney-world-activities/

      Reply

  43. Lee Schrock says

    Hi Steve

    We currently have two 4 day 2020 Salute PHP tickets bought at local base but can’t use them before September 26. We are going to Disney World in July but are doing a 9 night stay with regular tickets. If we go back in February 2022 will Disney let us apply the value of the expired tickets to new Salute tickets then? If so, we would not expect to be able to make Fast Pass reservations in advance, but would like to get some value out of the tickets.

    Thanks,
    Lee

    Reply

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