Disney is known for offering special pricing to military members and their families. As a thank you to service members, veterans, and their families, Disney offers discounted tickets, cheaper hotel rates, and deals on Disney cruises. They even have their own military-only resort (shout out to Shades of Green).
Disneyland and Disney World are known as “the happiest place on Earth,” but it’s also one of the most expensive. You can save a lot of money with the Disney military discount; however it does take some advanced planning. Here’s what you need to know about how to save on tickets, resorts, cruises, and more.
For more money-saving tips about the 100+ military discounts available throughout the year, text DEALS to 57299 to be the first to know about the hottest deals each day.
Disney Park Reservation Requirements
Before we get to the fun part, a note about park reservation requirements. Disney recently announced that starting January 9, 2024 guests will no longer need a park reservation for any date-based ticket (1-day or multi-day ticket, even a vacation package with date-based ticket). A park reservation will still be required for the following:
- Student group tickets
- Sport and Convention ticket
- Annual Pass
- All other ticket types not mentioned above
Before buying your tickets check reservation availability for up-to-date theme park reservation requirements.
Until January 8, 2024, guests ages 3 and up will need a park reservation for all ticket types.
Annual Passholders can visit the theme parks without a park reservation after 2:00 p.m., except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom.
Disney also announced that dining plans will be back as an option for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels who have a vacation package with stays on or after January 9, 2024. Bookings begin on May 31, 2023.
Military Discount for Disney World and Disneyland Tickets:
Disney offers discounted park tickets through their Armed Forces Salute program. All active military members, National Guard, Reserve, retired military members, and their spouses are eligible for discounted ticket pricing. There isn’t a set percentage off — instead, Disney offers discounted packages for each of the parks every year. Keep in mind that Disney now requires a reservation through the Disney Park Pass system for each day you want to use your theme park tickets, so plan accordingly.
Related: Lululemon Military Discount
Discounted Tickets for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida:
- 4-Day park tickets for $329 plus tax. (Park Hopper Plus is an additional $30.)
- 5-Day park tickets for $349 plus tax. (Park Hopper Plus is an additional $30.)
Currently, a 5-day ticket package for Walt Disney World is $91 per day, with an additional $65 a day for the park hopper option. So if you were paying regular price, five days of Park Hopper tickets would be $780. With the military discount, you’ll only pay $379. That’s a savings of $431!
Discounted Tickets for Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California:
- 3-Day park tickets for $225
- 4-Day park tickets for $260
Four days of Disneyland tickets are $360 at regular price, so you’ll save $100 with the military discount.
Military Discount for Disney Hotels and Resorts:
Park tickets aren’t the only thing you can save big bucks on at Disney. You can also get discounted rates at Disney Resort hotels. There isn’t a set percentage off, and the rates vary based on dates and availability — but many military families report room rates of up to 40% off regular prices. There are lots of Disney World hotels included, but the discount excludes the Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, The Villas at Grand Floridian, and The Campsites at Fort Wilderness.
In California, you can get a military discount at Disneyland Hotel, the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa, and Paradise Pier Hotel.
If you’re flexible on dates, you can get the most savings by calling around to the resorts before you make your theme park reservations. Since pricing varies based on time of year and booking availability at each resort, you could score a better deal this way.
What Is Disney’s Shades of Green?
If you’re going to Disney World in Florida, you also have the option to stay at Shades of Green, which is a military-owned resort on Disney property. They don’t have all the amenities that come with the actual Disney Resorts (like free bussing to and from the parks and extended park hours), but they have more affordable room rates, and the whole resort is only open to military families. You can also buy discounted tickets and book other military-discounted events on-site.
Military Discount for Disney Cruises:
Like almost all other Disney military discounts, there isn’t a set rule or rate for pricing on Disney Cruises. The discounts are always changing based on booking availability. So the best thing to do is check the website frequently and shop around until you find a discount that fits your budget and schedule. Keep in mind you can only book one room per military member. This means you won’t be able to book a whole block of rooms for friends or extended family.
That said, you can save the most money on any Disney experience by booking a Disney cruise.
For the 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Miami on the Disney Dream, January 2023 prices for an Oceanview room start at $1,687. With the military discount, you can get this room on the same cruise for $811. That’s a savings of $876! By splurging for a better room, you can score even more savings.
Tell us what you think