Rachael:
Thank you for your family's service to our military.
My husband is in the Air Guard, and we have enjoyed Disney's generous military offers of both
discounted resort rooms and
tickets. If you are staying off-site, you may want to consider the deep discount on resort rooms for a future vacation but for this trip you should certainly consider purchasing the military tickets. You may buy up to 6--a perfect fit--along with the Park Hopper and Water Parks & More options at prices that can't be beat. You can get them at your local MWR office on base or the Shades of Green Resort on Disney Property and save the tax or buy them at the theme park gate and pay tax.
Disney offers a discount to the military on select nights for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Again, to save tax we hop over to Shades of Green typically to get our tickets but last year when they were sold out, Disney accommodated us at their ticket window.
A must-do for any military family is the daily
Flag Retreat at the Magic Kingdom at 5:00 p.m. The Dapper Dans are on hand as well as Disney security to lower the flags in the traffic circle of Main Street. You used to be able to sign up in City Hall to participate in the ceremony but now the day's special guest is chosen at random. Like many opportunities, you increase your chances to be chosen by arriving well before rope drop and interacting with cast members. It probably doesn't hurt if you're wearing a military t-shirt, carrying your camo backpack or simply sporting a buzz cut!
Wishing y'all a magical vacation!
Whitney