Special Info for these Crazy Times:
Big News:
Everything is Different at WDW since it Reopened See these Posts to see what's different!
- Planning and Executing Your Walt Disney World Vacation During These Trying Times
- Our Return to Walt Disney World
- Our Second Trip Back to Walt Disney World
- Using the Walt Disney World Theme Park Reservation System
The Universal Orlando Resort has released their offers for the US Military Community for 2020.
NOTE: The 2021 Offer is Out!!!
During the 12 years that I’ve been running this site, Universal has always been very slow to make and announce special military offers, always announcing at the last minute or past when the offer started!
They would traditionally announce the new year’s offer well into January (the last two years 2018 & 2019 excluded which happened in Dec).
Updated 29 February 2020
Universal has finally announced a 2020 Special Military Ticket Discount.
Universal Orlando 2020 Special Highly Discounted Military Tickets
For more than 10 years Universal Orlando has been offering special highly discounted military tickets in addition to their regular slightly discounted military tickets.
These special tickets are part of special discounts and offered for specific dates for a set number of days and options.
Their regular military tickets offer the full range of lengths and options at a lower discount.
Note: Tickets from the 2019 Special ticket offer remain valid through 31 March 2020, although sales of the 2019 tickets have ended.
Here are the 2020 Universal Orlando Special Military Ticket offer details:
The offer consists of a 5-Day Park-to-park ticket good at either 2 or 3 of Universal Orlando’s parks.
Offer Dates: Tickets are available for use on ANY 5 days between date of purchase and December 31, 2020.
Ticket Types:
5-Day Park-to-Park Ticket good at 2 parks – Adult & Child
The 2-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park Military Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to the following Universal Orlando Resort theme parks each day: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
5-Day Park-to-Park Ticket good at all 3 parks- Adult & Child
The 3-Park 5-Day Park-to-Park Military Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to the following Universal Orlando Resort theme parks each day: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, AND Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park.
Ticket Prices:
- 5 Day 2 Park ticket – $221.00 Adult / $216.00 Child (3-9 yrs.)
- 5 Day 3 Park ticket – $264.00 Adult / $259.00 Child (3-9 yrs.)
These are Universal’s initial prices, local bases may vary slightly.
These tickets are only available at Base Ticket Offices (Including Shades of Green), not at Universal’s gates!
Note! These are a specially priced offer and are much cheaper per day than the regular Military Universal tickets. Compare prices! These may be cheaper than shorter options.
Shades of Green Regular Universal Military Prices (Base Ticket Offices very similar if not the same)
Those Eligible are:
- Active or Retired US Military -Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, US Coast Guard
- Spouses of Eligible Service Members
- DOD Civilian Employees
These tickets are priced extremely low, therefore they are a fantastic opportunity for Military personnel to visit both Universal Orlando’s original theme parks (Universal Studios Florida & Universal’s Islands of Adventure) as well as take advantage of experiencing Volcano Bay Water Theme Park!
Ticket Details
Guest must present a valid Military ID (or civilian CAC) at time of voucher purchase, when exchanging the voucher at the Universal sales window.
Reader reports indicate that you may also activate tickets in the lobbies of the Universal hotels.
Unused days will be forfeited.
- Limit 6 tickets during program period
- The offer is valid for multiple purchases throughout the duration of the promotion period
- Tickets must be used by the same person on any and all days (Non-Transferable)
- Tickets will arrive UNACTIVATED
- Tickets will be ACTIVATED at any Universal Pass Sales window with a valid ID presented by the military member or military spouse; military member or spouse MUST accompany the party to the Pass Sales window for first activation of the tickets, and use one of the tickets; Dependent children CANNOT activate tickets on their own
- Tickets must be completely use by 31 December 2020
- This offer is not valid at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Orlando 2020 Special Highly Discounted Room and Ticket Packages
Universal Orland has also offered Room and Ticket packages to the US Military Community through the years.
These consist of accommodations in one of Universal’s Resort Hotels or one of their local partners (at a lower price point).
Here is our current information on Universal’s 2020 Military Room Discounts.
Universal Orlando’s 2020 military packages consist of Ticket and Room Packages or Room Only.
- The military packages offer 10% off 1 to 5 day tickets, 2 or 3 parks, for 1 April – 31 December 2020
- Room discounts are up to 40% off depending on resort, category, season, week day/weekend
Universal has not posted rates online as they have in previous years.
You must call for prices or work with a Universal Military Specializing Travel Agent like Military Disney Tips’ recommended agent Jen Novak.
Use a Military Expert for your Universal Studios Vacation at No Extra Cost!
Jen Novak is Military Disney Tips’ Recommended Universal Studios Travel Agent! Just click this link to get your Quote
Over to You
What do you think about this offer? Let us know in the comments section below!
Related, also see: Military Discounts at Universal City Walk
Need Help Planning your Universal Resort Hotel Stay?
Jen Novak is Military Disney Tips' Recommended Universal Studios Travel Agent! Just click this link to get your Quote
Steve Recommends
Here are my recommendations for products and services I've reviewed that can improve your Universal planning. This is a short list since it only includes my top picks.
Jen Novak is Military Disney Tips' Recommended Universal Studios Travel Agent! Just click this link to get your Quote
Follow Military Disney Tips
Like our very active Facebook Page - Follow MDT on Twitter - Follow MDT on Pinterest - Get Steve's Free newsletter
Hi,
I section you mentioned the ticket discount goes until March 31, 2020 but in another section you said January 31, 2020. Could you clarify which one it is right now?
Oops, sorry Erin,
Some of the pre-extension info made it through. It is 31 March. I’ve fixed it, thanks!
hi steve
do you know if the 4 day ticket needs to be used consecutive days or can you use it, take a few days off, and then use remaining days on the ticket?
thanks!
Hi Lisa,
You are able to take days off with this ticket.
Nice feature.
Since this is an extension of the 2019 deal do you only have a limited amount of tickets? I see that it says has to be ordered by Jan 28th, is that correct? Can you please let me know that quickest way to purchase these before they expire. Thanks so much!
Hi Karen,
No limit that I’ve ever heard of.
Quickest? Shades of Green or another Base Ticket Office that ships.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green/pre-order-disney-theme-park-tickets-at-shades-of-green/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/
Hi Steve, we purchased these 2019 4 day (2 park) tickets for our November 2019 trip and didn’t use all the days. We expected to forfeit the unused days since we live far away (but this was still the best deal we could get as far as $ for days). But now I see that they extended the offer until the end of March. Our tickets say they expire at the end of January. Do they still expire in January or are they good until end of March? I could see maybe going again in March and using that last day…..but not right now. Thank you for any information.
Hi Jane,
From what I understand the 2019 offer was extended. Which would make you tickets still valid even though they were printed prior to the extension.
Can these tickets be used by my non-dependant family if accompanied by me?
Anyone may use them as long as you are with them Shannon.
Are these 5-day or 4-day tickets? It looks like you have both 5-day and 4-day written (see below). I’m confused. Thanks!
“Ticket Types:
5-Day Park-to-Park Ticket good at 2 parks – Adult & Child
The 2-Park 4-Day Park-to-Park Military Promotional Ticket entitles one (1) guest admission to the following Universal Orlando Resort theme parks each day: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
Ticket Prices:
4 Day 2 Park ticket – $221.00 Adult / $216.00 Child (3-9 yrs.)
4 Day 3 Park ticket – $264.00 Adult / $259.00 Child (3-9 yrs.)”
Oops, sorry Erica,
They are 5-day. I’ve fixed it.
Hi,
Do you know if they offer any discounts on the Express Unlimited Pass? And if are you able to buy and use with the Military tickets? Thank you
Not that I’m aware of Lesley.
Hello! I just checked in with Lackland’s ITT office and the prices they told me were different than what you have listed (I guess they may vary by location). They told us it would be $208/Adult for the 5 Day/2 Park and $248/Adult for the 5 Day/3 Park. I didn’t ask about children’s prices as my kids aren’t coming with us this trip.
Hi Ginny,
Thanks for the report!
That’s awesome.
As I mentioned in the post these are the initial prices we were able to obtain from Universal and that local bases might vary. Once Shades of Green posts their Price I’ll use that as the standard.
And just for everyone’s info, prices can always vary from base to base as some use local MWR funds to decrease the cost of each ticket a few dollars, some actually add a fee (usually a dollar to a few, but I’ve heard $15 in the past), and others do neither.
Are Veterans that are 100% disabled eligible for this offer as they are for Disney?
Sorry, no Terri. It requires a current military ID.
Hi Steve. Thanks for all you do to keep us informed. I just wanted to mention that some veterans (like my spouse) is medically retired from the military AND 100% disabled so he has a retired military ID. According to FWMWR, those members also qualify. Just an FYI.
Awesome Shaunna,
Thanks for the intel report!
I have never had any problems, and I am 100%.
Thanks for the update i’ve been looking at your site almost daily for the Universal updates. i got a great deal on my hotel already because of checking your site. the ticket deal makes it so affordable to take the kids/grand kids now. thanks for all you do.
Awesome John,
Glad you secured a great rate. Have a wonderful trip!
Hi. Can you clear this up for me, please?
*Are there* 4-day passes this year like before, or only 5-day passes now?
Just the 5-day as far as I know Jen.
HI Steve,
Would you happen to know the prices for Universal Hollywood?
Hi Tara,
I don’t usually track them, but just found on their site $# off at the gate or better prices at Bast Ticket Offices.
Camp Pendleton’s site seems to be down now. They have a price sheet you can look at. Just google ITT – MCCS Camp Pendleton.
My husband is retired and I have my id also, so my question is can we both purchase the special rate tickets and activate them we have 7 people going.
Hi Cindy,
Though I’ve not seen anything explicitly prohibiting this, the limit is set for a reason.
I think they probably meant 6 tickets per member, no matter how buys them (like Disney).
Can’t hurt to try… If turned down at the gate you’ll need to ask them to use the purchase price of the 2nd towards a full price ticket. You will still have saved a huge amount.
in 2018 my wife and I both bought tickets. we each could get 6 each and had no problem at the gate i’m sure it’s the same way because it says or spouse. just my input.
Thanks John,
I just checked with Jen my Universal Agent and she said technically the limit is 6 per member (including any spouse purchases) just like Disney.
However Universal is way more lax on the enforcement as you experienced. She said when reserving a mil package she can pretty much add any number of tickets.
Thank you all for this information.
My pleasure!
Hi Steve,
It will be our first time this year to go to Universal Orlando parks. We will purchase our tickets from the ticket office on base. Do you know if there’s a separate booth for activation of military tickets at Universal? It was easy at Disney when we went last year.. Don’t know how it works at Universal.
Any tip you can give us will help. Thank you.
Hi there Maria,
It’s pretty much just like Disney. There is not a separate booth. They have ticket booths/buildings prior to the gates of Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.
Just look for the one with the shortest line, lol. Just depends how many are in line and how much time they each individually take up (some parties take forever to buy their tickets while others are quick) as to how fast you can get through…
My husband and I are going to Orlando in a few weeks and planning on getting these 5 day tickets but are only planning on spending 2 days in Universal. Could we go back later in the year to use the other 3 days? Or do we have to use them in a certain time frame after they are activated?
You sure can Alaina.
You can use the 5 days on any day during the offer period, which ends on 18 December 2020. You’ve got till then to use tour other 3 days.
I would like to purchase tickets for myself and my parents. After we go together on the first day, would they be able to go back on their own the second day? Or do I need to be with them all 5 days?
Hi Mary,
They can go back on their own afterwards.
Good Afternoon.
I have been looking for the best rate for universal 1 Day. Everything seems to be in packages.
Do you have the price and or link to that info?
Hi Umar,
Here is a link to my page with the Universal regular military discount prices at Shades of Green. Base ticket offices will be within a couple dollars.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/Tickets/Universal-Tickets.html
Hi Steve,
I purchased our vouchers on January 24th (4 day park to park) at out local MWR, Planning to use them during spring break this year. They are set to expire on March 31st. We planned on using them March 27th through the 31st, I am just curious. Our tickets expire on the 31st. Do you know if Universal consider an extension on the experation date on these tickers, since the tickets were purchased this year (2020)? I have looked for information on the web, called the MWR and Universal ticket office and it seems that I am stuck with current experation date. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
Hi Raul,
Yep the 2019 ticket will expire on the 31st. NO extension as they now have the 2020 tickets. I’d see if you can get you base office to take back the 2019 and sell you the 2020 for the price difference.
Hello,
Are these offers good for Veterans? I have a really hard time finding discounts for Vets. They only seem to apply for active duty. It’s pretty sad that I served but cannot get the same discounts as active duty.
We are planning a family trip to Orlando in June and are trying to find veteran (not disabled) discounts.
Hi Sean,
UNiversal’s offers are limited to the categories listed above. Nothing that I am aware of for non-retirees.
The FMWR office says I can purchase more than 6 tickets despite the limit. Has anyone experienced issues at the gate?
Hi I was wondering if my Daughter would be able to get 6 tickets for Disney & 6 tickets for Universal using the Military 2020 deal. Or is it a limit of 6 period?
Hi Tanika,
Is you daughter a military member or military spouse? If so, then she could get the full number allowed of the highly discounted tickets for both WDW and Universal. Please note if she is a spouse only 5 by Disney’s rules, though they sometimes bend this.
If she’s your dependent and not a military member or military spouse, then you may buy her the number of regular military discounted tickets that she needs.
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute.html
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets/
Just to clarify the 5 day passes do not have to be consecutive days? As long as they are used throughout the time frame of that year?
Yes correct Rene.
Hi! Thanks so much for all your research! Just to clarify, after the initial activation and entrance, can dependents using the tickets go back on other days without me? In one place it says that the military member has to be present everytime the dependents go through turnstiles. In another it just says on the first visit.
Thanks for your help!
HI Erin,
Yes that’s correct, they can go without the member.
Can we bring different people on different days with the 5 day pass?
We have a party of 8-10 coming (but can only purchase 6 tickets). I am wondering if we can bring in different groups each day or if the ticket gets linked via finger print or other form of ID?
Hi Jacob,
I do not know for sure, but can only assume that, no it would be a misuse of the tickets.
It’s been several years since I last entered a Universal park.
Your ticket is linked via fingerprint when you go through the gate. So each ticket is only valid for that one person everytime. Each time you go into a park they scan your ticket and your fingerprint.
Do you have any information on whether the dates will be extended for the universal Orlando five day passes that are good thru December 2020? Or will they offer refunds or exchanges? We purchased our six passes in February 2020 for use in late March 2020. Same question for the military park hopper passes. They have not been activated. Thanks
I’m sorry, I don’t right now.
The longer this goes on the better the chance I’d say
Hi! Do you happen to know when military tickets are available for the following year? We are planning a trip to Universal Orlando as a Christmas present for our kiddos checking in on January 4, 2021 and want to be sure we can get our military tickets.
Hi Tami,
Universal is historically awful about releasing their military specials for the new year.
Prior to 2018 they would not announce the new year’s offer until mid to late January!
For the 2018 and 2019 Special Ticket Offers they surprisingly announced the upcoming offers in mid December of 2017/2018.
2020 saw a return to not even the old bad standard, but even worse. In very late Dec 2019 they extended the 2019 offer through 31 Jan 2020, then on 14 Jan extended the 2019 offer through 31 March. Then about February they finally released the 2020 Special Ticket Offer.
With the current situation I just don’t know what to expect from them for 2021… All I can say is stay tuned in Dec.
Does Shades Of Green Resort have transportation to the amusement parks?
Only to the Disney parks Penny, not Universal or SeaWorld.
Do you have any idea of when the 2021 military discounts will come out for Universal? We are going to be in town the middle of January 2021. Thank you
Hi Craig,
The last 2 years they have come out early to mid December.
Prior to that they did not come out until well into January…
Hi Steve,
I haven’t seen an official announcement but do you have any feeling or thoughts as to whether Universal might extend the expiration date on their specially discounted tickets like Disney did?
Thanks so much!
Leigh
Hi there Leigh,
No I’m sorry I have no intel. I have asked and heard nothing.
Thanks Steve!
With COVID causing havoc on vacations, has Universal extended their Military ticket usage beyond 31 December 2020?
Hi Ben,
I keep asking trusted sources and the answer is not at this time!
Though the thought is that they will.
Any updates on whether they will extend the 5 day Universal tickets beyond December, 2020?
Hi Liz, I keep asking and have heard nothing so far.
Thank you for trying. Frustrating because I’ve only been able to use one day out of 5.
I was circling back to see if you had heard anything. Appreciate you asking about it Steve! Thank you.
(We still have days left on our tickets as well, so keeping fingers crossed.)
Hi Leigh,
I’m sorry, no.
At this point I fear the only resolution will be an in person stop at a ticket window and a conversation with a manager on any future trips.
Rest assured I will post if anything comes up!
Does the military member have to be present each of the five days?
Hi Pam,
No, once the tickets are active everyone is good to go.
Hi Steve , any updates on extensions for the military pass at Universal ? TIA
Hi Kathy,
I waited to answer as I reached out to someone I know who is in the know…
Seems things are moving in that way I have no details yet (prices/dates) but they are going to work it like they have in the recent past, where for the special highly discounted tickets they make an initial shorter offer and then keep extending it.
The military room discount is out for agents to book, but the military room and ticket packages are not (they are expected any day).
I will do a post with all the details when I have them!
Hi Kathy,
Please see today’s post with 2021 info 🙂
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/universal-military-discounts/universal-orlando-2021-special-military-discounted-tickets-and-packages/
Thank you Steve
I wants to let you know that I purchased my tickets today and it says expiration is December 17 2021 , that’s great news . Thank you again for all your help
Wow Kathy,
That is great news!!!
Thanks for reporting!!!