EPCOT Disney 100; new lights; stars; ball
  • On Nov 13, 2023
    Victoria from SC Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    We purchased military tickets with a family member who is no longer able to go with us, will this be a problem when entering the parks?

    Hi Victoria,  

    Thank you for reaching out to us with your concern; I’m so glad you’re thinking ahead to ensure everything goes smoothly for your special vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort. There are a few scenarios where this could present challenges, so I want to help you understand the options and suggest some next steps prior to your arrival. My sincere gratitude to you, or your family member, for their service to our great nation which makes your family eligible for these special military offers.  

    If the family member who is not going on vacation with you is the eligible service member who purchased the tickets, it will also depend on which kind of tickets they purchased:

    • If they took advantage of the Disney Military Salute offer (open only to active or retired military personnel), they must be present to verify eligibility and activate these tickets upon arrival in person at the theme park. They must also be one of the Guests using these tickets from this special offer, for a maximum of six tickets per year.
    • If they purchased Magic Your Way tickets either through Shades of Green Resort (purchased online and delivered via U.S. postal service) or purchased in person at a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) outlet then they do NOT have to be present. These tickets are already activated and allow the service member to purchase for other members of the family for their use without joining them in the theme parks.

    It can be difficult to define which special offer was used to purchase your theme park tickets if you weren’t involved at the point of sale or aren’t familiar with the nuances of these opportunities for our special military families. Please see this recent answer I shared with a Guest to outline the differences. I suggest you clarify with your family member who was eligible to purchase the tickets as to which route they went to purchase, if possible. I also highly encourage you to call Disney directly to speak with a friendly Cast Member. The ticket specialists at Disney are well versed in many situations; I hope you find them empathetic and quick to resolve the situation and answer any questions you have in preparation for your special trip. They can see the exact ticket type for your account and offer suggestions or changes to ensure a smooth visit with your altered travel party.

    If the family member who is not going on vacation with you is NOT the eligible service member but another member of the family with a purchased ticket, this should not be an issue for entry with less people than planned at the time of purchase. I encourage you to call Disney and confirm your options for the value of the unused ticket in this scenario as well.

    Please let us know how else we can help you make the most of this vacation to the most magical place on Earth, Victoria. Wishing you and your family well.  

    Wishing you a practically perfect visit, 
    Amy

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Meet the Panelist: Amy, Virginia

Hi friends! I'm Amy, a lifelong Disney dreamer from horse-and-wine country, Virginia. My family of three is BIG on fun and treasures every adventure together. We've been making memories at the Walt Disney World Resort and aboard Disney Cruise Line since my son was a toddler; we love our family traditions balanced with "what's new" each visit. I have a passion for Disney details, a love of digital tools, and an eye for practical planning. I can't wait to help you make the MOST of your magical vacation! Learn More About Amy

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