{"id":13248,"date":"2024-12-23T11:00:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T16:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/?p=13248"},"modified":"2025-12-23T12:40:29","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T16:40:29","slug":"the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The 2026 Military Family\u2019s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"display: none;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Comprehensive-WDW-Vacation-Planning-and-Preparation-Guide.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-14876\" src=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Comprehensive-WDW-Vacation-Planning-and-Preparation-Guide.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"735\" height=\"1102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Comprehensive-WDW-Vacation-Planning-and-Preparation-Guide.jpg 735w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Comprehensive-WDW-Vacation-Planning-and-Preparation-Guide-600x900.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Comprehensive-WDW-Vacation-Planning-and-Preparation-Guide-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Comprehensive-WDW-Vacation-Planning-and-Preparation-Guide-360x540.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 735px) 100vw, 735px\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Here_is_Military_Disney_Tips_Walt_Disney_World_Planning_Guide_that_will_guide_you_through_the_process_of_preparing_for_your_vacation\"><\/span>Here is Military Disney Tips&#8217; Walt Disney World Planning Guide that will guide you through the process of preparing for your vacation.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Hi there, I\u2019ve written this guide and checklist to help guide military members and their families through the complexities of getting ready for a Walt Disney World vacation.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Here_is_Military_Disney_Tips_Walt_Disney_World_Planning_Guide_that_will_guide_you_through_the_process_of_preparing_for_your_vacation\" >Here is Military Disney Tips&#8217; Walt Disney World Planning Guide that will guide you through the process of preparing for your vacation.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#The_Planning_Stage_%E2%80%93_Well_in_Advance\" >The Planning Stage &#8211; Well in Advance<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#When_to_Go\" >When to Go<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#How_Long_to_Stay\" >How Long to Stay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#What_Tickets_Will_You_Use\" >What Tickets Will You Use<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Where_to_Stay\" >Where to Stay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Start_Planning_Your_Vacations_Cost\" >Start Planning Your Vacation\u2019s Cost<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Learn_about_all_Military_Discounts\" >Learn about all Military Discounts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Read_up_on_Disney_World_Dining_Locations_and_what_they_have_to_offer\" >Read up on Disney World Dining Locations and what they have to offer.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Learn_if_the_Disney_Dining_Plan_is_right_for_you\" >Learn if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Learn_about_the_Disney_World_Attractions\" >Learn about the Disney World Attractions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Learn_about_Disney_Lightning_Lane_Single_Pass_Multi_Pass_and_Premier_Pass\" >Learn about Disney Lightning Lane Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Consider_a_Date_Night\" >Consider a Date Night<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Planning_Summary\" >Planning Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#The_Execution_Phase\" >The Execution Phase<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#15_to_3_Months_Prior_to_Your_Vacation\" >15 to 3 Months Prior to Your Vacation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#60_days_Prior\" >60 days Prior<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#3_Months_to_6_Weeks\" >3 Months to 6 Weeks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#6_to_2_months\" >6 to 2 months<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#2_Weeks\" >2 Weeks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#One_Week\" >One\u00a0Week<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#7_Days_or_3_Days\" >7 Days or 3 Days<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/#Wrap-Up\" >Wrap-Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>This checklist has milestones and timeframes that are a certain number of months or days prior to your vacation start date. These are the dates that you should ideally accomplish these items if you have all the time in the world to plan.<\/p>\n<p>But we all know how military schedules can be and that you could very well be playing catch up for a short-notice trip, or planning a trip for shortly after a new year\u2019s Disney Armed Forces Salute offer is announced.<\/p>\n<p>If that is the case, just do the best that you can to get all the items accomplished as needed in order to get yourself on schedule. If there are some items that you can\u2019t accomplish you can come back to them, but be sure to do anything that you can.<\/p>\n<p>This post covers what you will need to be learning and doing and also offers some explanation of each topic or item. I\u2019ll then provide links to other material which will cover the individual topics in more depth.<\/p>\n<p>Well, there is a lot to do and think of while you are planning and getting ready so let&#8217;s jump right into it, shall we?<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0\u00a0<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11876 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"541\" data-wp-pid=\"11876\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower-600x406.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower-300x203.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower-768x519.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower-540x365.jpg 540w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower-444x300.jpg 444w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DIsney-for-Grownups-Military-Disney-Tips-Tower-400x271.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Planning_Stage_%E2%80%93_Well_in_Advance\"><\/span>The Planning Stage &#8211; Well in Advance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Go\"><\/span>When to Go<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Your first important decision is when to go. Your duty schedule may dictate a certain period that you are required to take leave or you may be able to choose any date that you\u2019d like (perhaps based upon the kid\u2019s school schedule).<\/p>\n<p>The most important thing cost-wise to consider, is that if possible you should take your Disney vacation during a period when Disney\u2019s Armed Forces Salute is in effect.<\/p>\n<p>These Salutes are offered individually for roughly one-year periods. But the Salutes are typically blocked from use for a weeklong period from just before Christmas through New Year or just after, as well as a week to 20 days during the height of Spring Break and occasionally other holidays.<\/p>\n<p>Using the Disney Armed Forces Salute will save you about 25% to 30% off of select ticket lengths when compared to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/military-discount-theme-park-tickets\/regular-military-discounted-magic-your-way-tickets\/\">regular military discount tickets<\/a> and up to 30% off of your Disney Resort Hotel stay.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-military-ticket-and-room-discounts\/\">Disney Armed Forces Salute<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/disney-armed-forces-salute-faq\/\">Disney Armed Forces Salute FAQ<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disneys-armed-forces-salute-blockout-dates\/\">Disney Armed Forces Salute Blockout Dates<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_to_Stay\"><\/span>How Long to Stay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The next decision is how long to stay on vacation. Your schedule may be the deciding factor here but if you\u2019ve got plenty of leave, then what tickets you\u2019ll use and where you\u2019ll stay will factor into how long you\u2019ll want to stay based upon what each of these will cost and your budget.<!--more--><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Tickets_Will_You_Use\"><\/span>What Tickets Will You Use<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As I mentioned above, the Disney Armed Forces Salute tickets will save you about 25 to 30% off of similar tickets. These come in 4-Day and 5-Day lengths for Walt Disney World, both lengths are available in Park Hopper or Park Plus.<\/p>\n<p>Because of the huge discount on these tickets, there are very restrictive rules, the biggest of which is a limit of 6 tickets per military member during the life of each Salute offer.<\/p>\n<p>So using the Salute tickets a family of 4 or more people would be limited to 4 or 5 theme park days. Buying the Salute tickets with the Park Hopper Plus option would allow you to extend your vacation by up to 5 days by using the Plus options on these tickets to visit the Disney Water Parks and other venues.<\/p>\n<p>There is another ticket option that is available to fit other vacation lengths. These are the Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets.<\/p>\n<p>The Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets are identical to the tickets offered to the general public, but at a slight discount to the military through Base Ticket Offices. They come in 1 to 10-day lengths in Base, Hopper, Water Park and Sports, and Hopper Plus options. You will only save 4% to 8 % off of the gate price based on length and options when using these tickets.<\/p>\n<p>There is a lot that goes into deciding on the right ticket besides just price, check the link just below for our post on that subject.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/whats-the-right-military-discounted-disney-ticket-for-me\/\">What\u2019s the right Disney Military ticket?<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Other Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-military-ticket-and-room-discounts\/\">Disney Armed Forces Salute<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/regular-disney-military-discount-for-walt-disney-world-and-disneyland-tickets\/\">Regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way Tickets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/military-discount-theme-park-tickets\/disney-world-water-parks-and-sports-option-park-hopper-plus-option\/\">Water Park Fun &amp; More \u00a0and Water Park &amp; Sports Options<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/whats-the-right-military-discounted-disney-ticket-for-me\/\">What\u2019s the right ticket?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/military-discount-theme-park-tickets\/\">Tickets Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12037\" src=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"478\" data-wp-pid=\"12037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along-600x359.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along-300x179.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along-768x459.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along-540x323.jpg 540w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along-502x300.jpg 502w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Released-Storm-Along-400x239.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/h4>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Stay\"><\/span>Where to Stay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now on to where to stay. There are 4 broad classes of where you\u2019ll stay during your Disney vacation: a Disney World Resort, Shades of Green, a non-Disney on-property hotel, or off-property. Each of these comes with different amenities and price points (pluses &amp; minuses).<\/p>\n<p>Disney World Resorts offer the Disney Armed Forces Salute discount of up to 30 to 40 percent off rack rates. The amount of your discount depends on resort category and availability. Disney Value Resorts are up to 30% off, Moderates are up to 35% off, and Deluxe Resorts are up to 40% off. A set undisclosed amount of these discounts are offered by resort, room type, date, and available inventory. As inventory is filled up by desired day at each resort in the varied room types it is used up for that day, room type at that resort. Discounts on the most expensive rooms are offered in far less quantity than cheaper rooms.<\/p>\n<p>Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on WDW property. Room rates are based upon rank with junior troops paying less than more senior ranks. Prices are generally lower than those available in the area.<\/p>\n<p>There are several non-Disney on-property resorts: the Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and the Disney Springs Hotels (comprised of national chains). All of which offer some sort of military discount.<\/p>\n<p>There are also multitudes of off-property hotels that are too plentiful to go into. Just check the national chains or a travel aggregate website (Travelocity, Expedia, Trivago, etc.).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/the-disney-armed-forces-salute-military-ticket-and-room-discounts\/\">Disney Armed Forces Salute<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/how-disney-armed-forces-salute-room-discounts-work\/\">How Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discounts Work<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/\">WDW Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world\/\">Shades of Green<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/wp-admin\/Library\/om\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/how-do-disney-world-resorts-compare-to-shades-of-green-in-price\">Shades of Green&#8217;s cost compared to Disney Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/shades-of-green-disney-value-resort-comparison\/\">Shades of Green compared to Disney&#8217;s Value Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/shades-of-green-disney-moderate-resort-comparison\/\">Shades of Green compared to Disney&#8217;s Moderate\u00a0Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/shades-of-green-disney-deluxe-resort-comparison\/\">Shades of Green compared to Disney&#8217;s Deluxe\u00a0Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/the-walt-disney-world-swan-and-dolphin-resorts\/\">Disney&#8217;s Swan &amp; Dolphin<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/disney-world-downtown-disney-resort-area-hotels-offer-military-discounts\/\">Disney Springs Hotels<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/military-discounted-hotel-and-resort-overview-for-walt-disney-world-disneyland-universal-studios-seaworld\/\">Lodging Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Start_Planning_Your_Vacations_Cost\"><\/span>Start Planning Your Vacation\u2019s Cost<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you\u2019ve been investigating the cost of tickets and rooms you\u2019ve become aware of the biggest military discounts that are available to you. But there are a few others to look into.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_about_all_Military_Discounts\"><\/span>Learn about all Military Discounts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We\u2019ve already talked about the Disney Armed Forces Salute room and ticket discounts as well as other discounted tickets and the room discounts that are available. Let&#8217;s see what other military discounts might be available.<\/p>\n<p>Disney DOES NOT discount food! However there are several non-Disney locations at Disney Springs that do offer military discounts. All of these are very good restaurants offering from 10 to 25 percent off, some just on food, and others on your entire bill.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/military-discounts\/disney-springs-military-discounts-at-walt-disney-world\/\">Disney Springs Military Discounts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-worlds-disney-springs\/\">Disney Springs<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Read_up_on_Disney_World_Dining_Locations_and_what_they_have_to_offer\"><\/span>Read up on Disney World Dining Locations and what they have to offer.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Learn about the different <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/the-various-types-of-disney-food-service\/\">Types of Dining Service that Disney Offers<\/a>. Decide on a few must-dos, especially if your kids want to do any Character meet-and-greet meals.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_if_the_Disney_Dining_Plan_is_right_for_you\"><\/span>Learn if the Disney Dining Plan is right for you.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some people love it, while others don\u2019t think it really saves anything, rather it is just pre-paying and you might even lose a little.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/11-reasons-why-i-dont-recommend-the-disney-dining-plan\/\">I&#8217;m not a fan of the Disney Dining Plan<\/a>. But you might be&#8230;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining-overview\/\">Disney Dining Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/dining-at-walt-disney-world-for-military-families\/\">Dining at Walt Disney World for Military Families<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/best-places-to-eat-with-restrictive-diets-magic-kingdom\/\">Best Places to Eat with Restrictive Diets: Magic Kingdom<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/10-best-disney-snacks-for-your-money\/\">10 Best Disney World Snacks for Your Money<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/the-best-restaurants-in-disney-springs-plus-3-great-snack-locations\/\">The Best Restaurants in Disney Springs: PLUS 3 Great Snack Locations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/epcot\/ranking-themed-dining-in-epcot\/\">Ranking Themed Dining in EPCOT<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-advance-dining-reservations-ultimate-guide\/\">Disney Advance Dining Reservations Ultimate Guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/11-reasons-why-i-dont-recommend-the-disney-dining-plan\/\"> 11 Reasons Why I Don\u2019t Recommend the Disney Dining Plan<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/everywhere-to-find-a-mickey-pretzel-in-the-magic-kingdom\/\">Everywhere to Find a Mickey Pretzel in the Magic Kingdom!<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/best-places-to-eat-with-restrictive-diets-magic-kingdom\/\">Best Places to Eat with Restrictive Diets: Magic Kingdom<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/dining-options-at-shades-of-green-disney-worlds-military-resort\/\"> Dining Options at Shades of Green \u2013 Disney World\u2019s Military Resort<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/faq\/can-i-use-the-disney-dining-plan-at-shades-of-green\/\">Can I Use the Disney Dining Plan at Shades of Green?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/faq\/can-i-add-the-disney-dining-plan-to-my-disney-armed-forces-room-reservation\/\">Can I add the Disney Dining Plan to My Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Reservation?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10593\" src=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Dwarfs-Mine-Train.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"375\" data-wp-pid=\"10593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Dwarfs-Mine-Train.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Dwarfs-Mine-Train-600x321.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Dwarfs-Mine-Train-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Dwarfs-Mine-Train-540x289.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_about_the_Disney_World_Attractions\"><\/span>Learn about the Disney World Attractions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Start deciding which attractions you\u2019d like to experience \u2013 Decide which are mandatory, which you don\u2019t care if you hit, and which are in-between.<\/p>\n<p>See my Theme Park Pages, each has lots of info and some history as well as links to more detailed information on each park&#8217;s lands, attractions, and dining options.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/\">Walt Disney World Theme Park Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/magic-kingdom\/\">Walt Disney World&#8217;s Magic Kingdom<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/epcot\/\">Walt Disney World&#8217;s Epcot<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/disneys-hollywood-studios\/\">Disney&#8217;s Hollywood Studios<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/disneys-animal-kingdom\/\">Disney&#8217;s Animal Kingdom<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_about_Disney_Lightning_Lane_Single_Pass_Multi_Pass_and_Premier_Pass\"><\/span>Learn about Disney Lightning Lane Single Pass, Multi Pass, and Premier Pass<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Disney Lightning Lane Passes are Disney&#8217;s latest line bypass system.<\/p>\n<p>Lightning Lane Multi Pass can grant you daily access to shorter lines on many of Disney&#8217;s theme park attractions.<\/p>\n<p>Lightning Lane Single Pass allows you to purchase a la carte shorter lines on the most popular of Disney&#8217;s theme park attractions.<\/p>\n<p>Premier Pass is an expensive version of Multi Pass that allows you to ride without a time reservation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more on all three parts of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-lightning-lane-multi-pass-and-lightning-lane-single-pass\/\">Lightning Lane Single Pass and Multi Pass<\/a> Overview and about the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/my-magic-plus\/disney-lightning-premier-pass\/\">Premier Pass<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>To-Dos:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Create an Account at <a href=\"https:\/\/disneyworld.disney.go.com\/plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">disneyworld.disney.go.com\/plan\/<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Download the My Disney Experience app<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>My Disney Experience (often abbreviated MDE or MDX) will be your planning and execution website\/app. Lightning Lane is part of this app on your phone.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_a_Date_Night\"><\/span>Consider a Date Night<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Between deployments, TDYs, training schedules, and schools, it\u2019s hard to find time for each other. Consider a date night (or day) while the kids are entertained by a trusted service.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-and-military-life\/affordable-babysitting-service-for-wdw-date-night\/\">Affordable Babysitting Service for WDW Date Night<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-dining\/5-most-romantic-restaurants-in-walt-disney-world\/\">5 Most Romantic Restaurants in Walt Disney World<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Planning_Summary\"><\/span>Planning Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>OK Great, we\u2019ve discussed planning; now we will move on to the execution of your plan. From here on out we\u2019ll be talking about timed items that should be completed at a certain time, some on an exact date and time!<\/p>\n<p>Items listed by how many months are \u201cmore like guidelines,\u201d whereas those listed by number of days are firm days that you should do something.<\/p>\n<p>These timed items can start as early as 15 months out (room reservations), but don\u2019t worry if you have decided much closer than that to go to Disney, just get done what you need to catch up on.<\/p>\n<p>With the end of FastPass+, the only important item to do on a specific day is to make your dining reservations.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Execution_Phase\"><\/span>The Execution Phase<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_to_3_Months_Prior_to_Your_Vacation\"><\/span>15 to 3 Months Prior to Your Vacation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Make Your Resort Reservations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This particular item has a wide timeframe, due to some variables, which we will discuss, but it is always best to make your reservations as soon as you can in order to have the best selection, which should give you a better chance of getting the accommodations that you desire at the best price.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that you can always modify or cancel reservations later!<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Disney Resort Reservations<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Why 15 months? Disney typically announces the upcoming year\u2019s Disney Armed Forces Salute in late September. Those who were waiting for the announcement to come out will now have between 3 months (January) and 15 months (December) until their next calendar year vacation dates.<\/p>\n<p>It is important to make your Salute room reservations as soon as you can!<\/p>\n<p>Disney Armed Forces Salute room reservations cannot be made online, you must call the Disney Reservations number or work through an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (Travel Agent).<\/p>\n<p>Learn the difference between a Disney <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-resorts\/disney-room-only-reservation-versus-a-package-whats-the-difference\/\">Room Only Reservation and Basic Package<\/a>. Cancellation and payment rules are very different!<\/p>\n<p>Military Disney Tips has recommended <a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/ears-of-experience\/\">Ears of Experience<\/a> for over 15 years, and over 27 thousand Military Disney Tips readers have reached out to Ears of Experience during that time. Ears of Experience is owned and operated by a Military Family! Ears of Experience makes more Disney Armed Forces Salute reservations than any other agent in the country. They book all Disney properties: Walt Disney World Resort\u00ae, Disney Cruise Line\u00ae, Disneyland Resort\u00ae, Disney&#8217;s Aulani Resort\u00ae, and Adventures by Disney\u00ae. They have over 20 years of experience booking travel and helping clients plan their dream Disney vacations as well as over 35 years of personal Disney travel including a honeymoon, and A LOT of trips with kids. An experienced military spouse agent will assist you with your reservations.<\/p>\n<p>If you choose to use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/ears-of-experience\/\">Ears of Experience,<\/a> Military Disney Tips will earn a small commission for referring you.<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: when calling Disney prior to the upcoming year&#8217;s Disney Armed Forces Salute being offered, some cast members will tell you that you can just make a reservation at the full rate and then &#8220;convert it to the Salute rate. <strong>This is not true!<\/strong> because:<\/em><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><em>The resort, room type, and dates you&#8217;ve reserved may not be eligible for the Salute discount (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/how-disney-armed-forces-salute-room-discounts-work\/\">see why<\/a>)<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Disney Armed Forces Salute rates cannot be converted, a new reservation must be created (per Disney) A cast member may tell you they are converting it, but they are starting from scratch<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em>If you have specific dates and desires <strong>I DO<\/strong> however recommend going ahead and making your full-price reservation prior to the Salute being announced in order to have the full-price reservation to fall back on.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-10663\" src=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Shades-of-Green-Front-post.jpg\" alt=\"Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World\" width=\"600\" height=\"366\" data-wp-pid=\"10663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Shades-of-Green-Front-post.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Shades-of-Green-Front-post-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Shades-of-Green-Front-post-540x329.jpg 540w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Shades-of-Green-Front-post-492x300.jpg 492w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Shades-of-Green-Front-post-400x244.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Shades of Green Reservations<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Shades of Green begins accepting reservations 12 months prior. It is not essential that you reserve that early unless you want to book one of their suites (there are very few) or you are booking for a high volume period like Christmas, Spring Break, or during the DoD Warrior Games (in 2022 Shades of Green actually canceled many confirmed reservations in favor of lodging games participants). You can check availability on their online reservations page.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Link your Disney or Shades of Green Resort Reservation to your my Disney Experience account <\/strong>&#8211; After you have made your hotel reservation, link it to your My Disney Experience account and assign the guests who will be in the room.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-24266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot.jpg\" alt=\"Disney Armed Forces Salute Ticket at EPCOT\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Disney-Armed-Forces-Salute-Ticket-Epcot-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Purchase Your Disney Tickets<\/strong> \u2013 Have a plan for where you will purchase your tickets: Your local Base Ticket Office or a Ticket Office that ships. Note some Ticket Offices require up to 2 weeks to get your tickets ordered and shipped to the office so plan ahead.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Link your tickets to your My Disney Experience account.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Make tentative <strong>Theme Park Reservations<\/strong> at this time. Make your reservations for your ideal plan taking into account what day you&#8217;d like to do each park. You may need to modify these later if your dining reservations don&#8217;t align. Reserving a park now will ensure you are not blocked out of any due to attendance caps. <em><strong>Theme Park Reservations are still required for military tickets in 2024!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>NOTE: In order to make theme park reservations you must have your tickets and link them to your My Disney Experience account! And in order to make Advance Dining Reservations for your entire trip (instead of day by day at the 60-day mark) you must have your resort reservation linked in your My Disney Experience Account.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/ears-of-experience\/\">Ears of Experience<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/disneyworld.disney.go.com\/plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">My Disney Experience<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gc.synxis.com\/rez.aspx?Hotel=59007&amp;Chain=15249\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Shades of Green Reservations Page<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Disney World Reservations Phone Number: (407)-939-1936<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/buy-military-discounted-disney-tickets-by-phone\/\">Purchasing Military Tickets Long Distance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-tips\/disney-military-ticket-physical-security\/\">Disney Ticket Physical Security<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"60_days_Prior\"><\/span>60 days Prior<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Dining Reservations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are planning to partake in one of the hardest-to-get dining reservations, you must make your reservations <strong>first thing, 60 days prior<\/strong> to your Disney resort check-in date for Disney Resort guests (Disney Resorts, Shades of Green, and the Swan and Dolphin) or 60 days prior to the desired dining date for non-Disney Resort guests. Some of these high-competition reservations will be gone within half a day (or less) after reservations open.<\/p>\n<p>Options for making your reservation are: using the Dining Reservations function of Disney World\u2019s website or your My Disney Experience phone app, or calling the Disney Dining Reservations number (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Online and app reservations open at 6 a.m. Eastern Time Zone<\/strong>, while the phone reservations lines do not open until 7 a.m. If you want breakfast at Cinderella\u2019s, you need to get online right at 6!<\/p>\n<p>Note: Disney Resort Hotel guests may make dining reservations 60 days in advance of check-in for their entire stay (up to the first 10 days of your trip). Have your Disney Resort reservation number ready if calling! Non-Disney Resort Hotel guests must make their reservations day by day 60 days prior to the desired date.<\/p>\n<p>The length of the trip reservations window gives those staying in a Disney hotel an advantage over those who aren\u2019t, and those with longer Disney reservations an advantage over those with shorter ones. You will always have better luck snagging a hard-to-get reservation later in your reservations window, as there will be less competition.<\/p>\n<p>Reservations will be secured by a valid credit card number, which will not be charged unless you are a no-show. In which case, there will be a $20 per person no-show fee. This prevents you from making multiple reservations for one meal (to cover your bases), taking up availability that others could use, and throwing off the timing of the reservations system at those restaurants. There are very few restaurants that require pre-payment for your meal, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/magic-kingdom\/cinderellas-royal-table\/\">Cinderella\u2019s Royal Table<\/a> and dinner shows.<\/p>\n<p>Hardest to get WDW Dining Reservations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/magic-kingdom\/cinderellas-royal-table\/\">Cinderella\u2019s Royal Table<\/a> Character &#8211; Breakfast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/magic-kingdom\/be-our-guest-restaurant-dine-in-the-beasts-castle\/\">Be Our Guest<\/a> \u2013 Breakfast &amp; Dinner<\/li>\n<li>Victoria and Albert\u2019s Chefs&#8217; Table<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/epcot\/space-220-restaurant-lounge-in-epcots-world-discovery\/\">Space 220<\/a> &#8211; All times<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-worlds-disney-springs\/chef-art-smiths-homecomin-at-disney-springs\/\">Chef Art Smith&#8217;s Homecomin&#8217;<\/a> &#8211; Dinner<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Harder to get WDW Dining Reservations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Victoria and Albert\u2019s &#8211; Dinner<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/epcot\/le-cellier-in-epcots-canada-pavilion\/\">Le Cellier<\/a> \u2013 Dinner<\/li>\n<li>Chef Mickey\u2019s<\/li>\n<li>California Grill &#8211; Dinner<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-theme-parks\/magic-kingdom\/the-magic-kingdoms-plaza-restaurant\/\">The Plaza Restaurant<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Beaches and Cream Soda Shop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-advance-dining-reservations-ultimate-guide\/\">My Guide to Making Advance Dining Reservations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/disneyworld.disney.go.com\/dining\/#\/reservations-accepted\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Online Reservations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/disneyworld.disney.go.com\/plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">My Disney Experience<\/a><\/li>\n<li>WDW DINE: \u2013 (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>You can also begin making reservations for the following items at the 60-day mark:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Theme Park Tours \u2013 (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687) &#8211; See our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-tips\/disney-worlds-keys-to-the-kingdom-tour\/\">Keys to the Kingdom Tour Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Recreation Reservations \u2013 (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529)<\/li>\n<li>Spa Treatments &#8211; \u2013 (407) WDW-SPAS (939-7727)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/magical-extras\/is-bibbidi-bobbidi-boutique-worth-it\/\">Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique<\/a> Reservations &#8211; \u2013 (407) WDW-STYLE (939-7895)<\/li>\n<li>Theme Park Desert Parties &#8211; (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Adjust your Theme Park Reservations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If the dining reservation you were able to obtain do not align with your previously made Park Reservations, change them now if you can. If you can&#8217;t you will have to rething your dining reservations.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Months_to_6_Weeks\"><\/span>3 Months to 6 Weeks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Make Airline Reservations<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you are looking for the lowest fare, this is the timeframe to book your flights.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to 3 months out, airline seats generally have a \u201cregular\u201d or \u201cstandard\u201d price, but at 3 months, airlines start to actively manage a flight\u2019s prices and will try to incentivize flights with lower bookings by offering lower fares. When you get to 6 weeks out, fares will typically go back up, sometimes a lot, as those who must fly for specific shorter notice reasons will pay what it costs at that point.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Link:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Disney Tourist Blog&#8217;s Tips for <a href=\"http:\/\/www.disneytouristblog.com\/airfare-deals-orlando-disney-world-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Cheap Flights to Disney World<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11285\" src=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Can-Shades-of-Green-Use-Magic-Bands.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-wp-pid=\"11285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Can-Shades-of-Green-Use-Magic-Bands.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Can-Shades-of-Green-Use-Magic-Bands-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Can-Shades-of-Green-Use-Magic-Bands-540x360.jpg 540w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Can-Shades-of-Green-Use-Magic-Bands-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/Can-Shades-of-Green-Use-Magic-Bands-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Make Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine Reservations (or other airport transportation arrangements)\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Now that you have your flights nailed down, it&#8217;s time to reserve your ride from the airport to your Disney Resort or Shades of Green.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Link:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>See my full <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/transportation\/mears-connect-service-to-disney-world-replaces-mears-operated-disney-magical-express-in-2022\/\">Mears Connect Driven by Sunshine Post<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_to_2_months\"><\/span>6 to 2 months<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Brush up on Disney Lightning Lane Passes<\/strong> &#8211; You will want to be up to speed on this brand-new technology. I have an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-lightning-lane-multi-pass-and-lightning-lane-single-pass\/\">Overview<\/a>\u00a0here.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Purchase and customize your Magic Bands on your My Disney Experience account, if desired.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Look into Stroller and or ECV Rentals <\/strong>&#8211; While Disney World rents these items, it is at a much higher price point and only in the parks. If you want the use of these items all day you&#8217;ll need to go with an outside vendor. Military Disney Tips has negotiated military discounts with several vendors<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/military-discounts\/military-discounts-on-stroller-rentals-at-walt-disney-world\/\">Military Discount on Strollers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/military-discounts\/military-discounts-on-scooter-rentals-at-walt-disney-world\/\">Military Discount on Scooters<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Start thinking about packing<\/strong> in case there are items that you want to get before your trip. Check out our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/z-highlight-2\/military-disney-tips-disney-packing-checklist\/\">Packing Checklist<\/a> and learn how to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/z-popular\/shipping-items-to-your-walt-disney-world-resort-hotel\/\">ship items to your WDW Resort<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/my-magic-plus\/linking-disney-military-tickets-and-fastpass-plus-reservations\/\">Linking Disney Military Tickets and FastPass Plus Reservations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/my-magic-plus\/using-the-walt-disney-world-park-reservation-system\/\">How to make Theme Park Reservations<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Weeks\"><\/span>2 Weeks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Accomplish your Online Check-In through the My Disney Experience website or app<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"One_Week\"><\/span>One\u00a0Week<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Set up Grocery and other items to be delivered to your Walt Disney World Resort or Shades of Green<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Many people will ship items they&#8217;d rather not lug through the airport directly to their Disney Resort. Food, drink, and disposable items are ideal for this tip. I often have a case of water delivered!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/planning\/shipping-items-to-your-walt-disney-world-resort-hotel\/\">Shipping items to your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/shades-of-green\/shipping-items-to-shades-of-green-at-walt-disney-world\/\">Shipping items to Shades of Green<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Start your Packing<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Make sure you bring your Magic Bands, Military Tickets, and ticket receipt!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Links:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>See our full <a href=\"http:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/z-highlight-2\/military-disney-tips-disney-packing-checklist\/\">Packing Checklist<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-tips\/disney-military-ticket-physical-security\/\">Disney Ticket Physical Security<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Days_or_3_Days\"><\/span>7 Days or 3 Days<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Make your Lightning Lane Multi Pass Reservations.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s when you can purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass and\/or Lightning Lane Single Pass\u2014and choose experiences and arrival windows:<\/p>\n<p><strong>7 Days in Advance for Eligible Resort Hotel Guests &#8211; <\/strong>When staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, Guests can purchase Lightning Lane passes\u2014and choose experiences and arrival windows\u2014starting 7 days before the first day of their Resort stay, for their length of stay (up to 14 days).<\/p>\n<p>This early-planning benefit is available to registered Guests staying at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/walt-disney-world-resorts\/\">Disney World Resorts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-resorts\/walt-disney-world-dolphin-review\/\">Walt Disney World Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shadesofgreen.org\/?int_cmp=INS-intWDWtoShadesOfGreen\">Shades of Green Resort<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>3 Days in Advance for All Other Guests &#8211; <\/strong>When not staying at a Disney Resort hotel or other select hotels, guests can purchase Lightning Lane passes\u2014and choose experiences and arrival windows\u20143 days in advance. See additional details below, which vary based on admission type:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Guests with date-based theme park tickets<\/strong> (which require the Guest to choose a start date at the time of purchase) can purchase 3 days before the first day of their ticket, for the total number of valid admission days on their ticket.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guests with other ticket types<\/strong>\u00a0can purchase 3 days before their park visit.\u00a0<strong>This includes all Military Ticket Types!<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Annual Passholders<\/strong>\u00a0can purchase 3 days before their park visit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The purchase window opens at 7 a.m. Eastern.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Link:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-lightning-lane-multi-pass-and-lightning-lane-single-pass\/\">Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrap-Up\"><\/span>Wrap-Up<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>I hope that you find this planning timeline and checklist helpful!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Do you have any other things that you do to plan for a Disney vacation? Let us know in the comments section below!<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here is Military Disney Tips&#8217; Walt Disney World Planning Guide that will guide you through the process of preparing for your vacation. Hi there, I\u2019ve written this guide and checklist to help guide military members and their families through the complexities of getting ready for a Walt Disney World vacation. This checklist has milestones and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":13013,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[46],"tags":[78,14,58,222,223],"class_list":["post-13248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-disney-military-discounts","tag-military-discounted-rooms","tag-military-discounted-tickets","tag-planning","tag-shades-of-green","tag-walt-disney-world","entry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The 2026 Military Family\u2019s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide - Military Disney Tips<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here&#039;s our extensive Military Family Walt Disney World Planning Post. We cover absolutely everything that you need to learn, consider, and do to get ready.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.militarydisneytips.com\/blog\/disney-military-discounts\/the-military-familys-walt-disney-world-comprehensive-vacation-planning-and-preparation-guide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The 2026 Military Family\u2019s Walt Disney World Comprehensive Vacation Planning and Preparation Guide - Military Disney Tips\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Here&#039;s our extensive Military Family Walt Disney World Planning Post. 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