Disney Military Discounts: The Complete Guide for Military Families
Disney offers some of the best military discounts of any major vacation destination, helping service members and their families enjoy the magic for significantly less. As a proud military daughter, I love sharing these savings so more families can create unforgettable Disney memories together.
This guide breaks down who qualifies, how military tickets work, what’s new for 2026, and our family’s favorite tips for saving the most.
Your Magical Salute to Savings at Walt Disney World
Types of Military Discounted Tickets
- Base Ticket
- One park per day is great for slower, first-time trips.
- Park Hopper
- Visit multiple parks daily. This is our family favorite. These tickets save us hundreds every trip, especially when we travel together with my mom (our military sponsor).
- Water Park & Sports Option
- Includes water parks, mini golf & ESPN facilities.
- Park Hopper Plus
- The ultimate flexible ticket.
Who Qualifies for Disney Military Discounts?
Disney extends special rates to many military groups. Eligible guests include:
1. Active-Duty Military
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force
National Guard & Reserve with active orders
2. Retired Military
Honorable retirees from any branch
3. Veterans & Survivors
100% Disabled Veterans
Gold Star families
Medal of Honor recipients
4. DoD Civilians & Some DoD Contractors
Active or retired DoD civilians
Select contractors assigned to U.S. bases
5. Military Spouses
Spouses may purchase and activate tickets with valid military ID.
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Disney Military Salute Tickets
The Disney Military Salute Ticket is the BEST savings for military families because it offers deep discounts on 4-, 5-, and 6-day Park Hopper tickets.
Important Rules for Disney World Salute Tickets
One service member/spouse may purchase up to 6 total tickets per year
Military member (or spouse) must be assigned one of the 6 tickets
Must activate tickets in person at Disney Guest Relations
First park of each day requires a theme park reservation
Park hopping begins at 9:00 AM
Lightning Lane sold separately
Mom Tip:
Military Salute tickets almost always offer the maximum savings, so if you qualify, use these over standard Disney tickets!
2026 NEW: “Disney Celebrates America” Military Salute Ticket
This brand-new option allows military families to visit multiple times throughout the year.
Unlimited park visits Jan 1–Dec 18 (with reservations)
Great for families who travel often or live near Disney
Prices:
Park Hopper: $499 + tax
Park Hopper Plus: $529 + tax
2026 Traditional Military Salute Tickets
- 6-Day Tickets
Park Hopper: $449 + tax
PH Plus: $479 + tax
- 5-Day Tickets
Park Hopper: $429 + tax
PH Plus: $459 + tax
- 4-Day Tickets
Park Hopper: $409 + tax
PH Plus: $439 + tax
- Valid Dates (2026)
- Jan 1 – Dec 18, 2026
- Blockouts (2026)
Mar 29 – Apr 11
Nov 22 – 28
Regular Disney Military Discounted Tickets (Not Salute Tickets)
If your trip is longer than 6 days or you want more flexibility, Disney also offers regular discounted military tickets (10–20% off).
These are different from Salute Tickets and perfect for extended stays.
Why We Love Regular Military Tickets
Save 10% on 1–2 day tickets
Save 20% on 3–10 day tickets
No park reservations needed (fixed-date tickets)
Military member does not need to enter park once activated
You can purchase unlimited tickets for family and friends
Example Savings
A 7-day base ticket:
Disney price: ~$808
Military rate: ~$646 (tax-free through Shades of Green)
Savings: $160 per person
Mom Tip:
Military Disney tickets are one of the biggest blessings for families who qualify and even for loved ones who get to join a military sponsor on a trip. The savings make Disney feel so much more doable, and honestly, it’s one of the reasons our family can visit as often as we do.
If you’re lucky enough to qualify or be invited along with a sponsor, take advantage of it. These tickets aren’t just discounts, they’re a gift that lets families come together, slow down, and make memories that mean even more when you know the sacrifice behind the service.
Where to Buy Disney Military Tickets
Disney Guest Relations (in person)
Buy & activate tickets
Military ID required
Great for last-minute trips
Military Base ITT/MWR Office
- Tax-free prices
Tickets must be activated at Disney Guest Relations at any park or Disney Springs
Some bases ship directly to you
Shades of Green Resort (BEST option)
Our family’s top pick because their tickets are pre-activated, saving so much time.
How We Buy Online Through Shades of Green
Download ticket order form
Submit via online webform
SOG contacts you for payment
Military member/spouse must pay
E-Tickets are emailed
Link immediately in My Disney Experience
Why We Love Staying at Shades of Green
Shades of Green gives military families a Deluxe Disney experience at a fraction of the cost.
What Makes Shades of Green Special
Larger rooms than Disney Deluxe Resorts
Beautiful grounds & relaxing atmosphere
Tax-free shopping and dining
Two pools + golf course
Early theme park entry
Extended evening hours (select nights)
Perfect location near Magic Kingdom
Booking Tips
Book 6–12 months ahead because it fills fast
Sponsor must stay and check in
Sponsor may reserve up to 3 rooms
After check-in, all guests receive room IDs
Transportation
Direct buses to the theme parks
Walk to the Polynesian (currently closed during walkway construction)
Alternative: Take SOG bus → TTC → Monorail
Final Mom Thoughts
As a proud military daughter, Disney’s military discounts mean so much to our family. They make magical moments possible, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you choose Military Salute Tickets, regular discounted tickets, or a stay at Shades of Green, there are so many ways military families can enjoy a beautiful Disney vacation without breaking the bank.
Disney Military Discounts FAQ (2025–2026)
Who qualifies for Disney military discounts?
Active-duty, retired military, National Guard, Reserves, 100% Disabled Veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, DoD civilians, some DoD contractors, and military spouses with valid ID.
What is the difference between Military Salute Tickets and regular military discounted tickets?
Military Salute Tickets offer the biggest savings (up to 50% off) but are limited to 6 per year and are only for special qualifying military members.
Regular military tickets offer 10–20% off and allow families to buy unlimited tickets for longer trips.
Do Military Salute Tickets require activation?
Yes. They must be activated in person at Disney Guest Relations by the service member or spouse showing a valid military ID.
Do regular military discounted tickets require activation?
If purchased at Disney: activated immediately.
If purchased at a base ITT office: must be activated at Disney Guest Relations.
If purchased through Shades of Green: no activation required, they are automatically activated and ready to use.
Do Disney military tickets require park reservations?
Military Salute Tickets: Yes, a reservation is required for the first park of each day.
Regular military discounted tickets: No reservations needed (they are date-based tickets).
When can we start park hopping with military tickets?
All military tickets allow park hopping after 9:00 AM, as long as you have entered your first reserved park (for Salute Tickets).
Can civilian family members use military tickets without the military member present?
Military Salute Tickets: No — the service member or spouse must be present at activation and use one ticket.
Regular military tickets: Yes — after activation, civilian family members may enter the parks on their own.
Where do we activate military tickets at Disney World?
At any Guest Relations location:
Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom
Disney Springs Ticket Center
Park entrance ticket windows (Guest Relations)
Does Shades of Green get early theme park entry?
Yes! Shades of Green guests receive Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours (on select nights).
Can military discounts be used for Disney resort hotels?
Yes, Disney offers military resort discounts (usually 20–40% off).
Do military families get discounts on Genie+ or Lightning Lane?
No. Genie+ and Lightning Lane purchases are the same price for all guests.
