Special Info for these Crazy Times:
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- 2021 Disney Armed Forces Salute What About Tickets?
- 2021 Disney Armed Forces Salute Info
- Park Hopping Returns to Walt Disney World Starting in 2021
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- 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 2021.
Universal Orlando 2021 Special Highly Discounted Military Tickets
Updated 11 Jan 2021 -For clarity
Updated 24 Dec 2020 -Big News on these Tickets!
For more than 11 years Universal Orlando has been offering special highly discounted military tickets in addition to their regular slightly discounted military tickets.
These special military tickets are usually offered for specific dates, for set ticket lengths and options.
Normally their regular military tickets offer the full range of lengths and options at a lower discount.
Here are the 2021 Universal Orlando Special Military Ticket/Pass offer details:
For 2021 Universal is calling their Special Military Tickets – Freedom Passes.
Did you note they are calling them passes this year and not tickets? That’s because this year they are like a Universal Annual Pass (without the other benefits Universal adds to those, like parking).
These Passes are mind blowing!
Offer Dates:
The 2-Park Freedom Pass is valid for use every single day between 1 January and 31 December 2021
The 3-Park Freedom Pass is valid for use every single day between 1 March and 31 December 2021
There are no Blackout Dates!
Pass Types:
2 Park, Park-to-Park Freedom Pass – Both Adult & Child Versions
The 2-Park, Park-to-Park Military Promotional Pass entitles 1 eligible person admission to the following Universal Orlando Resort theme parks each day: Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure.
3 Park, Park-to-Park Freedom Pass – Both Adult & Child Versions
The 3-Park, Park-to-Park Military Promotional Pass entitles 1 eligible person 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.
Pass Prices:
- 2 Park Freedom Pass – $200 Adult/$195 Child – For the whole year!
- 3 Park Freedom Pass – $235 Adult/$230 Child – For the whole year!
These are Universal’s initial prices, local base’s prices may vary slightly.
There seems to be a lot of confusion about these passes on Facebook when I’ve shared this post. So in a effort to be absolutely clear:
These Freedom Passes are like an annual pass, without the other benefits that usually go with an AP, like free parking and discounts.
You only pay the price once, not every visit or every so often.
The pass is good for admission every single day after you purchase it. There is no limit.
The 2-Park pass is valid for the two theme parks. The 3-Park is valid for the two theme parks and the water park (once it opens for the season).
These Freedom Pass are only available Through your Travel agent as part of a package and at Base Ticket Offices (Including Shades of Green). They are not at Universal’s gates!
As this has just come out there could be delay in your local Base Ticket Office knowing about the offer or being able to get these tickets!
Note! These are a specially priced offer and are much cheaper per day than the Regular Military Universal Tickets. Compare prices! It might be cheaper to buy these for a shorter stay than shorter Regular Tickets..
Shades of Green Regular Universal Military Prices (Base Ticket Offices prices very similar if not the same)
Those Eligible for This Offer Are:
- Active or Retired US Military -Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, US Coast Guard (with valid military ID!)
- Spouses of Eligible Service Members
Note, both the member and spouse have their own eligibility.
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!
Not Elegible:
- DOD Civilian Employees
- Non-Retirees e.g. DD-214 or VA Card
Pass Details
The eligible person must present a valid Military ID at time of voucher purchase and 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 Passes during program period
- The offer is valid for multiple purchases throughout the duration of the promotion period
- Passes must be used by the same person on any and all days (Non-Transferable)
- Passes will arrive UNACTIVATED
- Passes 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 Passes, and use one of the tickets; Dependent children CANNOT activate Passes on their own
- Passes must be completely use by 31 December 2021
- This offer is not valid at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Orlando 2021 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 2021 Military Room Discounts.
Universal Orlando’s 2021 military packages consist of Ticket and Room Packages or Room Only.
- These Special Freedom Passes can be added to Packages!
- Room discounts are up to 40% off depending on resort, category, season, week day/weekend
Universal has not posted package 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.
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?
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How much will the new Freedom pass be? The 5-day ticket price is listed but not the pass. Thanks!
That is the price for the pass Cat. They just switched the name and I missed that change.
I’ll fix it.
Is parking included with these freedom passes?
No, sorry it’s not Alex
Is there a way to buy through a travel agent as our local base has not updated it yet and said such offer expired on 12/23.
Yes you definitely can Meredith.
Just contact Jen, via the link on this page.
It says one free guest is one free guest per active duty or one free guest per pass member ? If I have 4 pass can I have 4 guest ?
Hi Michelle,
I’m sorry, it does not say “one free guest” anywhere in the post.
It does say “Park-to-Park Military Promotional Pass entitles 1 guest admission to the following…”
A guest is what Universal (and Disney) call customers, as in the person who buys the ticket or pass.
Just to be clear — the 3-park pass can be used at US and IOA from 1/1 – 12/31, right? Only the Volcano Bay is limited to between 3/1-12/31?
Yes that’s right Sue.
That is because that is when Volcano Bay is closed for the season and opens 1 March.
Am I reading this right, you can buy a 2 or 3 park pass and go to those parksas much as you want during the year?
Yes, that’s right Laura.
How do I find out what resorts offer the 40% off? Thanks!
Hi Hollie,
Sorry, I don’t have that info, but I’d say the more expensive ones are at the 40%. Cheaper ones would normally have a smaller discount.
To know for sure work with Universal or my recommended travel agent Jen through the link in this post.
Do you know if Shades of Green currently has these tickets? I couldn’t find them on their website and I plan on trying to make the trip this weekend.
Yes they do Tony, though they haven’t updated their online price list yet.
I am staying at a resort (Royal Pacific) in 2021 that usually gives early entry and express ride passes, but am not sure if they do that as part of booking with them directly or if they will honor those perks despite us buying the tickets on our base. Do you have any idea?
Just a warning to everyone-I booked my resort-just the resort- early summer for a Feb trip and just comparison shopped to make it a full military package. It would be $300 more for the package. So definitely do the shopping and make calls to them!
Hi Jennifer,
As I understand it the express pass is given based on staying at the deluxe hotels, and it does not matter your ticket type.
Just curious about your warning. How many people was that for? How many tickets for how many days/parks would you get for the $300?
Thanks
It is for 4 of us-2 parks/day for 3 nights/4 days.
Their 2 day pass with 3 days free offering right now only really benefits FL residents who don’t need the room-because that’s extra-and as I was quoted, a lot pricier than piece-mealing it. But these are only for the 3 deluxe hotels that I was specifically researching-not really sure about the value resort packages.
I have found the same to be true with Disney bookings. The packages tend to be pricier. Hope it helps someone!
Can my husband and I each get 6 passes for a total of 12?
Hi there Cyndi,
I queried my agent and the answer I got was that she can pretty much do whatever you need when doing a package. Going on you own and just showing up with 12 vouchers to activate probably wouldn’t work, as the benefit is really just for the member.
You can contact Jen via the link on this post.
I have a quick question. every time you want to go and use the 2 day park to park for Universal you just pay the 212.99$ for each time?
Sorry I think I read it wrong. So you could use the park to park pass that’s 212$ for a whole week if you wanted? Not just 2 days.
Hi Amy,
Wrong on both guesses. lol
These are year-long passes good for entry every single day of the year for that one price.
Oh okay wow, thanks!
Do these passes include parking at the parks?
No they do not Oliver.
So the express passes are only offered if you stay at the resort hotels? Can we buy express passes separately? It’s just so much cheaper not stay at a house using the Armed Forces Vacation Club.
Hi Tim,
The Express Passes are NOT only with packages.
You can buy them from your Base Ticket Office or Shades of Green.
I did not realize that express packages can be purchaced through shades of green. Is that correct? Do you know the price of adding it?
Hi Denisa,
Express passes do not appear to be available at military resellers at this time.
I love this idea since they are doing this we plan on going twice this year. What an amazing deal. I wish Disney would offer something like this.
Does anyone sell the 3 park freedom pass? Shades of Green only has the 2 park freedom pass. We are going in Febuary and will make a second trip later in the year so we want to buy the 3 park freedom pass.
Hi Krystle,
Shades of Green just informed me that they will have them this week.
What about HHN? What will be the cost to add this to the Freedom Pass tickets? Hopefully won’t have to buy a full priced ticket to enjoy HHN. Thanks in advance for the help.
Hi David,
From what I understand, Halloween Horror Nights are and extra price admission. Not part of any regular admissions like this one.
Can you “park hop” with these tickets
Hi Amie,
Yes with the 2 park you can hope between the 2 theme parks and with the 3 park the water park also.
This is amazing! So glad I came across your blog. Do you have to purchase a vacation package to get this price or can we purchase the passes online from our local base?
Hi Desiree,
Thanks!
Yes these are stand alone passes. They can only be purchased at Base ticket offices, including Shades of Green and the Orlando ITT.
I noticed this offer is available for DOD civilian employees. Is it also available for military contractors?
Thanks in advance!
No sorry Krista
STEVE WILL THERE BE OTHER DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE FROM UNIVERSAL AT DIFFERENT DISCOUNTED PRICES LIKE IN PREVIOUS YEARS
Hi Linda,
These new Passes replace the highly discounted Tickets from pervious years.
The slightly military discounted regular tickets that have always been available still are.
Hope this helps.
Do you get the season pass discount at the on site resort hotels like a regular season pass?
Hi Cole,
No, this pass comes with no extras.
So the latest information is now that DOD civilians and veterans who did not retire from the military are no longer eligible. Initially this page indicated that they were eligible I believe.
Thanks for anyinformation you can provide.
Hi Theo,
That is the info I have at this time.
There is a possibility that DoD Civs may be eligible, I’m trying to get this confirmed. Shades of Green said yes, but Universal through the travel agent channel said no, so trying to find out what’s correct. Until I do I’m not comfortable saying Civs can buy the passes and then not being able to activate them when they get there.
Non-retirees have never been eligible to my knowledge.
Hi, I would like to know this information as well! DOD Civs have always been eligible for the military promotional tickets with Universal (unlike Disney) and I have to decide on renewing my Annual Pass in the next couple of days or purchasing the freedom pass (which is an amazing deal)! Thanks!
Hi Alyssa,
DoD civs have been eligible for the special tickets to date, but the passes this year are of course quite different.
I have been trying to verify and been unable to do so.
I can’t in good conscience post that you are eligible when you may not be allowed to activate the vouchers in person even if a base lets you buy them.
Shades of Green was attempting to verify for me, I can check with them Tuesday (with the holiday)
Steve,
I thought I read somewhere that you can order tickets online and have them mailed to your house and then activated at Universal. Is this true?
Thanks
Hi Amy,
Yes you can do that through Shades of Green.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world/shades-of-green-military-attraction-ticket-sales-office/
Hi so if I’m reading this correct, you can bring a guest with you for free a anytime of the year?
Hi Austin,
No!
Guests are what business in the travel industry including theme parks call customers.
So”…entitles 1 guest (eligible person) admission…” means you the eligible customer who purchased your ticket. I you want to bring someone else you’ll need to buy them a ticket.
Thanks for asking, I’m going to change the language as a couple people have asked this in the comments above.
For your info DOD Civilians ARE eligible for the universal Freedom pass tickets both 2 and 3 parks.
Hi Sal,
Thanks for sharing.
Can you please share your official source that can be contacted to verify that you won’t be turned away at the gate when you try to activate your vouchers without a military ID.
I need something official not your word that this is the case in order to publish this for all to read.
If I can verify it I will change the post. I’ve been trying do so and can’t to date.
here is the link
https://www.facebook.com/JBSAINFOTICKETSANDTRAVEL/photos/a.237265289767830/1796366677191009/
Thanks Sal!
That’s the same boat I’m in already. I need to hear from Universal that when you as a civilian show up at the gate with a pass purchased on base that they won’t turn you away or make you use the pass towards a full price one because you do not have a Mil ID.
As soon as I get this confirmation through channels I will update the post.
I have heard from Universal previously that Civs are not eligible!
I came here to find out which is true. The price list from shades of green says dod civilians are eligible for these.
Hi there.
As a military spouse I can purchase up to 6 of these for myself and friends, correct. I know I have t be there on the first use to activate them, but after the first day can they come back without me? Also, is it 6 tickets for me and 6 tickets my husband….total 12 or 6 between the two of us like Disney does it.
Thanks
Hi Tanyelle,
It is 6 for each of you. And once their tickets activated they can return without you.