Universal Orlando Resort has announced their 2022 Freedom Pass, a special year-long pass for military families for one low price!
Big News: The Freedom Pass has been renewed for 2023! I will post details tomorrow 10 Nov!
For 2022 Universal Orlando Resort has continued their Special Military Tickets called the Freedom Pass.
Freedom Passes are like a Universal Annual Pass, but without the other benefits Universal adds to regular annual passes (like parking and discounts).
These Passes Are Simply Amazing!
Pass Details
Offer Dates:
The Universal Orlando Freedom Pass is valid for use every single day of the year between 11 November 2021 and 31 December 2022 with no blockout dates.
This Pass is a Park Hopper.
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:
2022 prices for these special military passes remain the same as 2021, something Disney can’t say!!!
- 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 Freedom Pass are only available at your Base Ticket Office or through your Travel Agent as part of a package.
They are not available Universal’s gates!
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 the shorter Regular Military Discount Tickets..
Shades of Green Regular Universal Military Prices (Base Ticket Offices prices very similar if not the same)
There seems to be a lot of confusion about these passes both here and on facebook when I’ve shared this info in the past. So in a effort to be absolutely clear:
These Freedom Passes are like an annual pass, without any other benefits that usually go with an AP, like free parking and discounts.
You only pay the price once for the whole year, not on every visit or every so often.
Eligibility
Those Eligible for This Offer Are:
- Active or Retired US Military -Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, US Coast Guard (with valid military ID!)
- 100% Service Connected Disability (with valid DoD issued Military ID!)
- Spouses of Eligible Service Members
- DOD Civilian Employees
Note: Both the member and spouse have their own eligibility. However those who might have 2 eligiblaties, e.g. a Reservist/Guardsman who is a DoD Civ, or military retiree who is a DoD Civ only have 1 legibility, it’s per person, not per ID.
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:
- Non-Retirees e.g. DD-214 or VA Card
Pass Rules
Please Note/Most Important!!! – The Freedom Pass does not include any extras, like parking or discounts on food or merch! Only park admission is included. These passes are really not for those who are local or semi-local who buy regular annual passes and drive. So if you will be parking each day in Universal’s garage or use AP the discounts, total up all costs each way before purchasing these passes. These are perfect for those who fly in, use the Superstar Shuttle and stay on property for one long stay or several shorter ones during a year. I did a couple trips this year and it was perfect.
The eligible person must present a valid Military ID at time of voucher purchase and when exchanging the voucher at the Universal sales window.
Universal’s Officially Stated Rules:
- Limit 6 Passes during program period per eligible person.
- Only one single activation is allowed during this offer. This is because the member or spouse must be activating their own Freedom Pass when activating for others. Example – If you have friends that will be going with you during a second trip later in the year, you need to get and activate passes for them during your original activation. Neither I or multiple readers have found this to be true! I’ve queried Universal ticket locations in person regarding this and they have not heard of it! Multiple readers have been able to do second activations!
- You may make multiple purchases up to the limit, but only the single activation. Once you’ve activated the member’s and spouse’s ticket you are done.
- 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 are not valid after 31 December 2022
- This offer is not valid at Universal Studios Hollywood
- The military sponsor, whether member or spouse MUST be with their guests on their first day of use of the 2022 Military Freedom Pass tickets as they will need to walk them through the turnstile with military ID. These tickets are not for gifting. I have never had to show an ID during First Use!
How to Buy Freedom Passes
When will Universal announce the 2023 Freedom Passes? (External link to Universal Orlando for Military)
Freedom Passes can only be purchased at your Base Ticket Office or as part of a Military Discounted Package through your Travel Agent.
When you purchase tickets/passes as part of a package they are protected because if you change or cancel your reservations, the whole package is refunded.
If you purchase them on Base all sales are final!
How to Use Freedom Passes
See how to use the Freedom Pass on my Universal Orlando Site: How to Use Universal Orlando’s Freedom Pass
Use a Military Expert for your Universal Studios Vacation
As I noted, a package is the way to go!
Jen Novak is Military Disney Tips’ Recommended Universal Studios Travel Agent! Just click this link to get your Quote
The Best Way to Get to Universal Studios from Disney World
Check Out My Universal Site Just for the Military Community
Due to the popularity of my very occasional post regarding the Universal Orlando Resort here on MDT, I’ve started a new site dedicated to Universal Orlando and the U.S. Military.
You’ll find all the same kind of content that you do here on MDT, except dedicated to Universal.
So click on over to Universal Orlando for Military to check it out!
There you’ll find info on:
- Universal Orlando’s Military Tickets
- Universal Orlando’s Theme Parks
- Universal Orlando’s Hotels
- Universal Orlando’s Transportation
Military Prices on Universal Orlando’s 2022 Halloween Horror Nights
What to Wear in Universal’s Parks (external Link)
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. |
Looking for more content about the Universal Resort for the military community?
Check out my other site dedicated to Universal
Universal Orlando for Military
Military Disney Tips' Universal Orlando Posts:
- Universal Orlando 2024 Freedom Pass
- Regular Universal Military Tickets
- What’s the Right Military Discounted Universal Orlando Ticket for Me?
- Everything Harry Potter in the Universal Orlando Resort!
- Are Hollywood Studios and Universal Studios The Same Thing?
- Disney vs. Universal - Is Universal for Small Children?
- Disney World versus Universal Orlando Fish Fry Throw Down
- The Best Way to Get to Universal Studios from Disney World
- Universal Studios Orlando Resort Overview
- 40 Movies to Watch Before Your Trip to Universal Orlando Resort (external link)
- What to Wear in Universal's Parks (external Link)
- How to Use Universal Orlando’s Freedom Pass
- Safeguarding your Universal Orlando Freedom Passes
- Buy Universal Orlando Resort Military Tickets Using Your Star Card
- Universal Orlando Military Discounts for Veterans
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
Theresa says
Can anyone confirm the dates of the Universal Freedom pass. Ticket office says tickets are valid starting Jan 1, 2022-Dec 31, 2022. This website says tickets are valid starting Nov 11, 2021-Dec 31, 2022.
Steve says
Hi Theresa,
Universal’s website says, “Available for use every day from Nov. 11, 2021 – Dec. 31. 2022.”
Steve says
But, they’ve been know to post incorrect info…
They may mean that “a” Freedom Pass is available for use in that timeframe, as in the 2021 through the end of this year and the 2022 in 2022.
I will ask my contact, who is out of the office through the 23rd.
Jose says
Hi Steve. The 2 Park, Park-to-Park ticket is for two days or just one.
Steve says
Hi Jose,
It is from the day you first use it through 31 December 2022.
Lisa Porath says
Do our friends we are buying passes for (not military) have to be there when we go the first time? In other words, can we activate ours and their passes without them present on our first visit?
Steve says
Hi Lisa,
Yes, that’s how you have to do it with Universal. Only one activation event is allowed.
Tina says
We are going to Orlando Universal studio next week. Does Shades of Greens carry universal studio freedom pass? Do they open on Saturday? Other option is to drive to the base that is one hour away to buy it. But since 2022 Freedom Pass was just announced, will the base ITT carry this pass by now? Thank you.
Steve says
Hi Tina, yes to both questions.
They carry it and along with the Orlando ITT would be the first to carry it. They are open every day.
Katie says
So you could use this one pass like 20 times? That’s amazing!
Steve says
Yes, every single day of the year Katie.
Regina says
Since they all have be activated at same time…do you need names for others? Hubby and I going in January but going back later with 2 adult children and two of their friends but not sure which friend yet. Thanks
Steve says
Hi Regina,
I do not believe that you do.
John Whitworth says
Steve
I bought the Universal Freedom Pass for my wife and myself for 2022. Can I ALSO buy the Express pass to use the same day we go to the parks to shorten the wait time for rides ? If so where is the web site to buy express pass’s at Universal ?
Steve says
Hi John,
Yes you sure can purchase the express pass, or stay in a Universal Premier Hotel which comes with Express Pass Unlimited.
Rex says
Hi, do you know how strict are they limiting 6 passes per member?
I went to my base ITT and they didn’t tell me about the 6 passes limit per member, and I purchased 7 passes, they say that wouldn’t be a problem.
I just found out the limit on the Universal webpage. so I am wondering if I can still go, will the Universal employee let 7th person in?
Steve says
Hi Rex,
Have a spouse that’s going? They have their own limit of 6. You can do 6 and they can do theirs.
Baring that I think they are firm on it.
Samantha Raymond says
I would like to know if there are any “perks” that come with the AP? Like the ones that come with holding a regular AP.
Steve says
Hi Samantha,
None, sorry. Look in the post under Pass Rules.
Heather says
So the rate for an adult, 2-park pass is $199? That’s a great deal! Can you tell me if sales tax is included? Trying to budget for a trip. Thanks!
Steve says
Hi Heather,
No tax charged at Base Ticket Offices!
Betsy says
We just purchased the yearly freedom pass. Can you reserve a specific day to insure the park is not at capacity and to match the date purchased of the express pass.
Steve says
Hi Betsy,
No you can’t, but Universal doesn’t have the capacity issues that Disney says they have…
Universal officially says the following:
“Universal Orlando does not require reservations to visit any of our theme parks. We always manage attendance to provide a safe and enjoyable guest experience and have returned to pre-COVID attendance levels. We encourage guest to arrive as early as possible prior to the parks opening to get parked and make your way to the Front Gates.
Please keep in mind, guests staying at Universal Orlando Resort hotels do have early park admission.”
Betsy says
Thank you for your quick reply!
Betsy
Denise says
Can DoD retired civilians buy theses passes?
Steve says
Hi Denise,
Not that I’m aware of. I’m a retired DoD Civ as well as a military retiree.
Civil Service Retirees are not on Universal’s list.
Before I’ve queried Universal about gray areas on the list and was essentially told the lost is the list.
Rachel says
Just to be clear, if we buy the pass we can use it over and over again the whole year? Are the Disney passes the same?
Steve says
Yes, as noted in the post, that’s is correct Rachel. It is an annual pass without any other benefits that normally come with Universal’s passes.
I used one last year and will be activating my new one in a week.
Universal has several levels of regular (non-military) passes with various benefits and blockout dates, As does Disney.
If you are asking if Disney’s military tickets are a annual pass, then the answer is no.
Debra Defreyn says
I am a spouse and want to take my two teen girls. I was going to buy this pass for the three of us. Later in the year, my husband (the military member) might want to go with us as well. Do I have to purchase his pass now? And then he would just activate it later when he comes? I was confused about that part? Or can I, as a spouse, buy 3 passes now and if we decide to go again my husband would buy his own pass at that time.
Steve says
Hi Debra,
Tes, it’s a little confusing and restrictive the way Universal has decided to administer this.
Both you and he have the eligibility to activate 6 tickets.
As long as you will not want any other pass for others for the rest of the year, you can do your 3 now and he can do his own later.
If you wanted to keep the option of having others join you after the second trip, you could do all 4. You would activate all 4 at that time.
He would still be able to get 6 later, though he would have to do one for himself at that time (which he wouldn’t use) and you’d average the cost of his into the others and compare to just buying the regularly Military Discounted Universal Tickets.
Hope this makes sense, let me know…
Marci Smith says
I noticed that you edited the original post and added that a 2nd activation has been allowed. My youngest daughter and I went in February and only purchased and activated the 2 tickets. I am a DoD employee and used that ID. I am also the Spouse of a military member and didn’t use that ID. We are returning in December but unfortunately, my husband can’t go but our 2 older daughters want to go. I know I can purchase their tickets since I only got 2 originally but how do I activate theirs since mine has already been activated?
Steve says
Hi Marci,
So all indications are that at Universal Orlando there is no actual limit on the number of activations, per ID. Although their Military Office in Jacksonville says there is.
I specifically queried the ticket counter in the Hard Rock last trip (Feb 22), saying “I have this 2022 Freedom pass I just activated this trip. On my next trip can I activate another for someone else?” to which he replied, “Yes, just bring the voucher and we’ll be glad to do it for you.”
Others have reported no issues with multiple activations.
Kris says
I want to purchase 6 tickets I am active duty. The other 5 tickets are not military. I understand I will have to be there at the initial activations but will I have to go with the non military members everytime through-out the year? Will they be able to use there tickets whenever without me being present?
Steve says
HI Kris ,
You have to activate the Freedom Passes with your ID and enter for the first time with your guests. After that they are just like any other ticket.
Alisa Aston says
What if you don’t know the names of additional guests who will be meeting you for a trip later in the year, but you need to purchase and activate their tickets upon your first visit. Can names be added later to activated tickets?
Also, Can a service member other than the one who purchased the tickets activate the pass? For example, can tickets be purchased be under one service member’s name and activated with another service member’s ID?
Steve says
Hi Alisa,
You won’t need names when activating. Universal tickets are tied to a person on first use (with a finger scan) or when linking it to a person in the app.
Yes absolutely, the only thing tracked is activations, not purchases. So an eligible person other than the purchaser can activate the freedom passes.
Dave says
Are the freedom passes paper or the credit card style of the annual passes?
Steve says
They are the stiff paper ones Dave. At least the 2 I’ve had.
Schar says
I was allowed to purchase 8 tickets at the base. My husband was with me but he is not going so we did not purchase a ticket for him. So, now I’m concerned that they won’t allow me to activate 2 of these tickets. My question here is would they allow me to activate the 2 tickets if I present both my husbands and my military ID even if my husband is not present?
Steve says
Hi Schar,
What I’ve posted here are Universal’s official policies. Which allow him to activate 6 Freedom Pass and you to activate 6 of your own. Corporate has stated there are no deviations from their policy allowed.
I have found that at the parks, things are not quite what corporate says they are…
Your options are to either try to take care of this now at home or later after arrival. Which you do will be based on your acceptance of risk.
You could try to get this resolved now and not have to worry about the 2 passes being rejected, but end up paying more.
To resolve at home get with your ticket office, explain the problem, and ask them to refund the 2 passes and allow you to buy the more expensive regular Universal military tickets for the needed length instead. They may or may not agree and if they don’t you can attempt to escalate through their civilian management and if needed the leadership of the military unit they are a part of.
Regular Prices: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/universal-orlando-resort-military-tickets-and-passes/
Or you could wait until you arrive and 1. see what happens, or 2. resolve rejected passes.
The ticket employee may just let you activate all 8. I have heard that when buying Freedom Passes as part of a room/ticket package there effectively isn’t a limit on the number. If that doesn’t work you’ll then need to get Universal to let you use the value of the passes towards full price tickets. And again you may need to escalate to management
Nothing above is guaranteed, just what I recommend in these situations.
I ask that you PLEASE let me know how things turn out afterwards (what you decided to try and how it went) so that I’ll have the info to better help others!
Schar says
Thank You so much Steve!
Destiney says
Does the Feeedom pass include early entry to the parks?
Steve says
No it does not Destiney. No extra perks at all.
Michael Lyle says
Hello,
If we use Military Freedom passes, but stay at the Hard Rock hotel, we would still be eligible for early park entry and unlimited express pass privileges, correct? Thanks in advance for your reply! 🙂
Steve says
You are correct Michael. You will get it, the pass doesn’t matter the location does. I’ve stayed at all of their Premiers.
My stay last month was at the Hard Rock. It’s the most convenient!!! Six minute walk to Universal Studios and another four to Islands of Adventure. Can’t beat that!
Dawn says
If my husband who is retired purchases the tickets and can’t go can my daughter who is a dependent activate the passes?
Steve says
Hi Dawn,
Unfortunately she can not. Are you going, you can.
Michele says
Wait.. that contradicts what you said earlier,
“Yes absolutely, the only thing
tracked is activations, not
purchases. So an eligible
person other than the
purchaser can activate the
freedom passes”
So now I’m confused
Steve says
Hi Michele,
Only the member and spouse are eligible. The question was if a child dependent could activate the Freedom Pass.
Kayla K says
I saw that supposedly you can get 30% off you hotel if you are military. If we stay at Lowes Royal Pacific, which is a premier resort, then can we get 30% off? Can anyone confirm this? Thank you so much!
Steve says
Hi Kayla,
Universal Orlando does offer military discounts on rooms, though they do not publish a percentage.
The discount can be hard to get due to availability during busy periods.
Shane says
Thanks for all the great info! I have a quick question regarding exactly where to activate the passes. On the digital ticket that ITT emailed me, it says to redeem passes at a Universal sales window. I know different annual passes can be activated in the on site hotels. Does this pertain to the Freedom pass as well?
I just want to avoid the long lines that are always at the sales windows so if there is an alternative location, I’d like to do that instead. Thanks!
Steve says
It sure does Shane.
I have activated my 2021 and 2022 at the Hard Rock ticket desk. All the other hotels can do this as well!
April says
My boyfriend who is retired military purchased the freedom passes last December for all of us. We used them and activated them in December 2021. My daughters and I are now going in April. Are we able to use our freedom passes without him being with us on our trip in April 2022? Our Passes are already activated and have our names on them and like I said we used them in December 2022.
Steve says
Yes you sure are April!
Leigh G says
Hi Steve,
Thanks for this page!
I purchased 2 tickets at a Coast Guard Exchange ticket office. I’m taking my daughter in a few weeks, they told me it was a “one-time buy”. Since we’re on the fence about going back to Universal on a separate trip to Disney later this year (potential time constraints), so we didn’t want to commit to buying 2 more tickets for my husband and our other daughter but we’re still thinking of going back for a day or two.
So, from reading here, if I understand this correctly, he can still buy two tickets at Shades of Green while we’re staying there even though I will have already activated 2 in April? Am I able to buy any additional ones (up to 4 more) before I actually activate them?
Thanks so much!
Steve says
Hi tere Leigh,
Thanks, I love doing this!!!
Well… They weren’t quire right it’s a one time activation, not purchase. But not the first time a base tickets office has been off with their facts.
Yes you can buy 4 more of your own. The limit is on the activation at Universal.
And he has his own limit of 6 to activate as well, so no issues at all with your plan.
Leigh says
Perfect, thank you very much, Steve! I’m so glad I found this topic on your website. It’s great to know we still have the flexibility for a spur-of-the-moment decision. (It seemed so unlike Universal to be THAT stringent. that’s usually a Disney thing :).
Steve says
Right?
I’ve talked to the Military Sales Manager about it and she won’t budge.
But, employees on site seem to be unaware of limits…
And reservations for room/FP packages seem to have no limit…
James McMahon says
So veterans get nothing?
Nice to know that those who are on active duty (and therefore cannot really attend) get a benefit.
Good for you for giving retirees; who typically only would do this with grandkids, a pass.
Overall, this seems trite. There are many veterans who gave limbs; literally.
Nothing for them.
Steve says
Hi there James,
I understand you are frustrated, but before slinging accusations you should probably determine who you are talking to…
You’ll note this info at the bottom of every page on the site:
This site is run by a military retiree to help our community.
Have you checked out the Veteran Information pages on this site? There are times when someone with nothing but a DD-214 can get discounts, and there are other qualifiers where more are possible.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/veteran-discounts-for-disney-universal-and-other-theme-parks/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-veteran-discount-and-disney-military-discount-eligibility-guide/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-military-discounts-for-veterans-who-did-not-retire-from-the-military/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/disney-discounts-and-the-john-mccain-defense-authorization-act/
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/shades-of-green/shades-of-green-stays-for-non-retired-veterans/
Jose manuel says
Hello Steve,
Thanks for sharing this information.
I purchased 6 military freedom passes and i planned to go in april with my family but i have a question about using the hogwarts express. Can i use this pass to take the hogwarts express between parks? To my son this is important.
Thank you
Steve says
Hi Jose,
Yes you sure can! I have. The Freedom pass is good at both parks on the same day.
Lauri Watson says
In regards to the rule that you must activate all Tickets at the same time- this was not our experience. We went in December and then went back with friends in March. I purchased two tickets for Our friends and had no issues activating them even though mine was already activated in December. I called and asked about this before going and was told it would NOT be an issue. And I also asked our TA who assured me it would NOT be an issue and it wasn’t! I was *very* nervous because of the information shared in this blog regarding that rule so wanted to give an update on our experience.
Steve says
Hi Lauri,
Thanks for the intel and feedback.
I have included the info on this rule in the post as the Universal Military Sales Manager has repeatedly insisted that I do so.
But I have also related that this is not my experience or the experience of others and your intel adds to this. Thanks.
Steve says
I’ve updated the post to be more clear on this!
Jeff says
Can you upgrade from the two park to the three park? Or am i stuck with the first choice?
Steve says
Hi Jeff,
These passes are only sold by Base ticket offices, not Universal. Any upgrades would need to be done where your bought them and Bases are notorious for all allowing different things.
I will query Universal this week and let you know what they say.
Jeff says
I didnt get email about reply. But tracking is sold by base ticket office. I ask ITT and they said no you choose right there and then. But then again base and universal dont communicate very well about the rules
Steve says
p.s. if you are getting email updates to this comment, the first comment where I mentioned a section to look in was meant for an entirely different subject. I got off a line…
Stacy Maloney says
Hello. We used the pass for the first time on Thursday this past week. The park was so busy we only got on 2 rides all day.. Is there was way to pay and upgrade this pass to include the express lanes?
Steve says
Hi Stacy,
Yes, at Universal their Express Pass is separate from the ticket. You can purchase it at any of the locations selling it (there several throughout the parks), you’ll get a pass to show at the attractions. Or you can get free Unlimited Express Pass by staying at one of their Premier hotels, in this case you’ll show your room key.
Catherine Cogo says
I purchased tickets for my family to come in July 2022, it states on the ticket (2-park 2022 Military Freedom Pass Promotion Adult valid from 11/11/21 thru 12/31/22. Will this pass allow us to ride the hogwarts train from one park to another? My daughter seems to think that there will be an additional fee or we will need to purchase another ticket to ride the hogwarts train from one park to another? Please advise. Also can you tell me how many days this ticket is good for?
Steve says
Hi Catherine,
There is no additional fee. The only requirement to ride the Hogwarts Express is having a park-to-park ticket, which the 2-park Freedom Pass is.
2022 Freedom passes are valid every single day from the day of first use through 31 December 2022. It’s an annual pass not a ticket.
Tiffany says
Hello!
Question, that I’ve been looking online for the answer to and I have come up short unfortunately. And calling universal doesn’t help because it’s 3rd party seller through the military.
We purchased 4 freedom park to park passes last year for our trip in mid December. Since then they have since updated the freedom passes to go all the way from November 11th 2021 till December 31st 2022, as long as you bought your tickets after November 11th 2021 that is.
We were given our passes at the Portofino that trip.
My question is: how do we reuse those tickets? We kept them, do we bring them and they’ll trade them out for new tickets?
We are booking through an MWR agent again for the hotel, is there something she has to do on our end to re register them? She’s unsure how it works.
Thanks!
Steve says
Hi Tiffany,
So you didn’t quite say it, it was a little confusing there. You have 2022 Freedom Passes not 2021 ones right?
The 2022 Freedom passes are valid every single day from the day of first use through 31 December 2022. There is nothing you need to do. Just take them to the park entrance just like last time.
Also I’d humbly suggest you switch to an agent who knows what they are doing. I recommend: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/universal-studios-vacations-by-jen-knows-the-mouse/
Tiffany says
See that’s where my confusion is, our tickets were activated 12-16-21, but the expiration date on them says 12-31-21, not 12-31-22.
Is this because we booked our trip in August so now they don’t count in the roll over? I thought it went from date of activation, not date of purchase but maybe I am incorrect on that.
Sorry for being confusing! And I did send that agent you linked a quote request yesterday but she hasn’t responded yet.
Steve says
Hi Tiffany,
Just like Disney’s Armed Forces Salutes, Universal’s Freedom Passes are offered for a specified period and one offer’s pass is not valid in the other offer’s timeframe.
You have 2021 Passes. On the back it will say either (2-Park or 3-Park) 2021 Military Freedom Pass Promo (Adult or Child). and as you noted Expires in full 12/31/2021.
The 2021 offer was not extended or rolled over.
It is because you purchased 2021 Passes.
The passes are valid only for the offer dates of that offer, first use is not a factor.
While the 2022 offer oddly started in mid-November 2021 (Universal bragged they were offering extra days) it is a separate 2022 offer.
Thanks for contacting Jen, she’ll be getting with you soon I’m sure!
Tiffany says
Thank you for your reply!
That is beyond frustrating to hear though, lol.
We were hoping to get to use them a 2nd time. Unsure why we didn’t end up getting the 2022 passes since we went in December but I’m sure it stems back to ordering in August for a December trip.
Oh well, thanks!
Steve says
So, now that I’m totally up to speed. You could call Universal Guest Relations and say that your stay was in Dec 2021 and you should have been given 2022 Freedom Passes not the 2021 based on your trip date and you’d like them to fix it.
The prices are the same both years so no issue there.
Susan Newman says
Have you heard any scuttlebutt about these being available for 2023? If so, any idea when they would be available to buy? Thanks so much
Steve says
Hi Susan,
No, unfortunately since 2015 Disney has been totally closed lipped about Salute Renewals. Prior to that they would coordinate with me a month or two ahead of time.
Sadly we won’t know till they announce, whenever that is.
I’m hoping for a return to the standard late September this year.
Marci says
Thank you very much! That’s what I was hoping the answer would be.. Hopefully,, it will work for us in December
Steve says
You bet! I’d appreciate your letting me know Marci so I can share the intel with others!
Deyra says
Hello my husband (army act duty) bought tickets to universal studio and disney for him, our children and me, unfortunately he passed away, can I transfer his ticket to his nephew? it was our dream to take our children
Steve says
Hi Deyra,
I’m so sorry for your loss!
I have a couple of questions:
What kind of tickets?
Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets or Regular Disney Military Discounted Tickets?
Universal Freedom Pass or Regular Universal Military Tickets?
Do you still have a valid Military Spouse ID?
All of these are needed to give you an answer.
Michelle says
Hi. Sorry if I missed this information. If the person purchasing the freedom pass does not want a ticket for himself,
Is he still eligible to purchase tickets for his family, for them to use? Or does the retiree have to purchase his own ticket as well? He doesn’t care to attend, but has children/family he would like to purchase for.
Thank you!
Steve says
Hi Michelle,
Per Universal’s rules, the member is supposed to have a Freedom Pass of their own.
It might be possible to do it without your own pass as I’ve never experienced an ID check on first use, but you would not know that until you were at the entry scanner and might have to buy a full price ticket for one of your party if you have to use a pass.
Technically the regular military Universal tickets (with offer less savings) are what is supposed to be used without the member.
Matt says
This was kindda answered as a grey area, but can I ask you my specific situation and get your experience (I know the official rule and that it might not be the way it’s actually done).
I want to get the freedom pass for myself to use in July and August. I also want to be able to get passes for my siblings and parents to come, but they can’t go until September. Technically I know they have to be with me the 1st trip, but that would force me to wait to go and I’d miss out on a few more months. Since you did mention this is a little lenient on that, my question is: Do I have to buy all 6 at once and then just activate mine in July, and then activate the rest in Sept? Or can I just buy one now for myself, and the other 5 in a few months and activate accordingly?
Steve says
Hi Matt,
Unlike Disney, your guests do not have to be there when you activate the Freedom Passes. So Universal’s official solution to bringing guests later in the year is buy all you need initially and activate them on the first trip. Then when you bring the others later in the year the passes are ready to go.
The grey area occurs when you decide to bring guests later in the year after having already activating a pass of your own.
Matt says
Oh, so I’m able to activate them without them being there? I had assumed everyone who had a pass needed to be there the first day.
So, in theory, I should be okay buying all 6 now. Going alone in July and activating all 6 for my family. Enjoying the park myself until September. And then all of us go with already activated passes later in the year (with me enjoying it alone in the meantime).
Steve says
Yes, that is how Universal’s Military Discounts Manager said it has to be done. Which keeps you from deciding later on to get passes for friends.
From the post:
Matt says
Awesome, I’ll go ahead and do that then. Thanks for the help
Kelby says
Hi, so my only question is if I buy a universal pass for my family member and go ahead and activate it without them there, when they go do I have to be there? That’s the part where I’m confused. If I have already activated their pass, later when they go are they going to ask for me to be there with them? And I think I read something about you saying they didn’t even check your ID the first time you went through? Have you ever had to be checked when you activated them initially? I’m just wondering seeing how lenient they are on the rules.
Steve says
Hi Kelby,
Universal’s official policy is: “”The military sponsor, whether member or spouse MUST be with their guests on their first day of use of the 2022 Military Freedom Pass tickets as they will need to walk them through the turnstile with military ID.”
As I noted, I have never had to show an ID during First Use of the 2021 or 2022 Freedom Passes. This is however not a guarantee that they won’t be asked.
I’ve only shown ID during the activation process.
Alyssa says
I feel that you have answered this question, and Im sorry for the redundancy, however, my mother lives in MD and I live in VA. She (not going to FL) is wanting to gift tickets for myself and a friend who are going to universal and we wanted to utilize the Freedom passes. I know that you have said the military member has to present ID to obtain the tickets, however, when we present to Universal in FL and she is still in MD, have you incurred any issue with the ticketholders not being able to proceed forward due to the military member not being present?
Steve says
Hi Alyssa,
So if you are not a military member or spouse you cannot use Freedom Passes without the member or spouse going with you! These can’t just be given to those who are not eligible. You will not be able to use the Freedom Passes!
You can however use the Regular Military Discount Universal Tickets without the member.
See: https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/military-discount-theme-park-tickets/universal-orlando-resort-military-tickets-and-passes/
Chandra says
Hi! Quick question. My dad is retired military. Can he purchase tickets from the base with the regular military discount (not freedom pass) and gift them to his grandchildren? Would he have to be present at the gate to active those? Thanks!
Steve says
Hi Chandra,
Yes he absolutely can and no he won’t need to be there.
Lynn McGowan says
I purchased 6 day park hopper tickets for Disney this year military discounts.
Can I purchase universal tickets also or am I at my limit for the year.?
I would like to purchase the 2day ticket for 6 people.
Steve says
Hi Lynn,
Totally different companies so you are good to go.
The limit is imposed by each company, only on their “highly discounted” tickets/passes (the Disney Armed Forces Salute and the Universal Orlando Freedom Pass). The regular military discounted tickets you are referring to are not limited in any way.
Desi says
When is says no blockout dates does this mean we get into “Halloween horror nights too?? I mean it is at universal studio’s.
If not , how much for Halloween horror nights tickets?
Steve says
Hi Desi,
No. HHN is an extra priced event.
No Blockouts means there are no days during the year when entrance is blocked during normal park hours.
See my other site for prices: https://www.universalorlandomilitary.com/universal-orlando-resort-military-discounts/military-prices-on-universal-orlandos-2022-halloween-horror-nights/
Michele T says
Hi Steve, I’ve been reading your blog since our first trip to Disney a few years ago, and appreciate all you do! We loved our stay at SOG last month! I have just one question. While I know you have no idea if/when 2023 Freedom Passes come out, I am wondering if the previous years (2021, 2022) came out prior to those years (like Nov/Dec time frame)? We will be in Orlando in December and I would hate to buy 2022 passes only to have them expire a couple weeks later. Wondering if we should hold off till closer to the trip, and see if 2023 comes out before we go? Thanks for all your help!
Steve says
Hi Michele,
Thanks so much! And great question.
For the inaugural 2021 Freedom Passes the announcement was right around 16 Dec 2020 and the first day to purchase was 1 Jan 2021.
The announcement for the 2022 Freedom Passes was roughly on 7-8 November (Universal’s doc was created on the 7th). Ticket sales began on Veterans Dat (11 Nov 2021) and the passes were valid from the date of purchase through 31 Dec 2022.
I had an email from Universal on 8 Sept 2021 saying that they had not yet decided if they would continue the Freedom Passes or go back to the highly discounted tickets of the past.
I do think that they will continue these for 2023. So yes, I’d hold off till Nov to see how things play out. I will announce as soon as I know.
Joy says
Hello,
I’ve read through most of these comments but still need some help. My husband and I have already each activated our freedom passes and purchased a total of 7 tickets to Universal. Now, we’re unexpectedly taking my parents with us in a few months. Our local ITR office won’t sell us 2 more tickets since we have both activated ours. Do you know of another ticket office that would still sell us Freedom passes. If not, could another soldier purchase 2 Freedom passes for us and then we just activate them at Universal?
Thank you for your help!
Steve says
Hi Joy,
This is the frustrating part of this awesome discount to me.
I will lay out all I that know for you to make a decision.
I communicate with the Military Sales Manager for Universal Orlando, who works in Jacksonville. She emphatically assures me that each person who is allowed to activate freedom passes (the member and spouse) may only do so one single time during the offer period. As I note in the post she says that if you know you will be bringing others later in the year you should buy passes for them and activate them when you do yours. I have pointed out how inconvenient and downright unworkable this is to no avail.
However, the people who work at the ticket locations at Universal Orlando seem to be unaware of this policy! I’ve had reader feed back that they have accomplished a second activation. And I’ve specifically queried ticket workers myself saying, “I have this Freedom Pass right here. If I buy another later in the year, can I activate it?” and I was told, “yes absolutely, just bring it by and we can activate it for you.”
I will be going again in about 3-4 weeks and will try to activate a pass that I don’t really need to see if I can do so.
Having said all this, it is of course not a guarantee of what you may experience.
To your purchase question, yes you can buy somewhere else, or have someone purchase for you. A Base ticket Office should not refuse to sell more to you as there is no purchase limit! only an alleged activation cap which they should just advise you of when selling you more.
If you want to buy more use a base that sells long distance and if they happen to ask (I’ve never been asked) say no I haven’t bought any before.
https://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone/