Richard, welcome to planDisney, and thank you for reaching out with your question. More importantly, thank you for your service and sacrifice, and please extend that same thank you to your family as well. Planning a trip to
Walt Disney World is a wonderful way to spend meaningful time together, and with four theme parks, two water parks, and incredible shopping and dining at
Disney Springs, there is no shortage of opportunities to create lasting family memories.
When it comes to military discounts for 2026, the first place I recommend checking is
Shades of Green at Walt Disney World Resort. Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on property, and
eligibility is based on military status. The Shades of Green eligibility page will outline whether you qualify for discounted stays and access to specially priced Military Salute theme park tickets.
Another excellent resource is your
local military base ticket and recreation office. These offices are often the best place to confirm eligibility and purchase specially priced Disney tickets for eligible service members, veterans, and their families.
If it turns out that you do not qualify for the military-specific offers, there are still great ways to save on a Walt Disney World vacation. I always recommend keeping an eye on the
Special Offers, Deals & Discounts section of the Walt Disney World website. Disney routinely releases discounted resort rates and ticket offers for future travel dates, and these can provide savings depending on when and where you stay.
There are also some smaller, practical ways to keep costs down during your visit. Purchasing discounted Disney Gift Cards ahead of time from retailers like Target, Sam’s Club, or Costco can add up quickly. Once you arrive, Resort Refillable Mugs are a great value if you are staying at a Disney Resorts Collection hotel, offering unlimited refills on coffee, soda, and tea at any Disney resort. The Refillable Popcorn Bucket is another favorite of mine, especially for long park days or while waiting for parades and nighttime shows.
Richard, thank you again for everything you have done for our country. I hope this helps point you in the right direction as you begin planning your 2026 visit. If you have any follow-up questions or would like help with resort choices, dining plans, or ticket options, please come back to planDisney and ask away.
Brent