Welcome Lisa!
First and foremost, thank you (or your family member) for your service to our great nation. I’m familiar with the new identification card you mention, and I’m honored to help your military family plan a special trip to the Walt Disney World Resort!
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) now issues these white identification cards to 100% permanently disabled Veterans to allow access to base services and civilian discount use. The Walt Disney World Resort special offers for military families are slightly different in that their eligibility refers to active and retired U.S. military personnel or spouses. My husband is a Veteran, but not retired, so we do not qualify for these offers. Let me explain the differences so you can determine the best plan for your family’s theme park ticket and resort purchases.
The
Military Salute offer for 4- or 5-day theme park tickets can be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by
Eligible Service Members or their spouse. “Eligible” for this offer means active or retired members of the U.S. Military. When presenting your identification to purchase these tickets, you must show the active or retired status rather than the 100% disabled Veteran status.
Shades of Green is a hidden gem – it's an Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) at the Walt Disney World Resort property. Did you know that they offer discounted tickets to a
wider range of eligible military members and their families? My family can purchase these tickets while we don’t qualify for the Military Salute offer. Please see the
detailed guidance for these tickets, and the ability to
purchase them through Shades of Green. My panel pal
Michelle D. shares that these tickets will arrive in the mail to you activated, saving you time at Guest Services when you arrive for your vacation.
You don’t have to be staying at Shades of Green to purchase these tickets, but I encourage you to look at this as a wonderful option for your stay. My family likes the spacious rooms and proximity to Magic Kingdom Park. You also have access to other on-site resort benefits such as
Early Entry.
There is a
special offer for discounted rates for military families on other Disney Resorts Collection hotels, also applicable to active or retired U.S. military personnel and their spouses.
I recognize that many disabilities are both seen and unseen, Lisa. Inclusion is a core value at Disney Parks, and there are
special services and opportunities available for anything your family may need for a comfortable and accessible vacation.
Please let us know if you have further questions on planning the right vacation package for your family.
With gratitude,
Amy