Hi Robert!
Thanks for reaching out to planDisney with your question. I completely understand why you’d want to get all the details sorted out—Disney’s military discounts are a wonderful way to save and enjoy a magical visit, and I’d be happy to help clarify how this works. My stepdad was in the military too, so I’ve had some experience navigating these options.
Walt Disney World offers special discounted tickets for eligible members of the U.S. Military, which include active and retired members. There are several options to include the Magic Your Way ticket, the Disney Military Salute Ticket as well as annual pass and even some of the special event tickets. To be eligible, your stepdad would need to be a retired member of the U.S. Military, or an active member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard, Reservists, or the U.S. Coast Guard. Unfortunately, those who have been honorably discharged but are not retired may not be eligible for this specific promotion. However, it’s always worth checking directly with
Guest Services to confirm eligibility as policies can sometimes change.
If your stepdad does qualify, here’s how it works:
- Ticket Purchase: Eligible service members or their spouses can purchase
Disney Military Salute Tickets at participating U.S. military base ticket offices or at Walt Disney World Resort ticket windows. A valid military ID must be presented at the time of purchase. Note that the actual prices may vary slightly depending on where you buy them, as military base ticket offices sometimes offer lower prices.
- Ticket Activation: Before using the tickets, they need to be activated by the eligible service member or their spouse at a Walt Disney World theme park ticket window. Tickets are valid until December 20, 2024.
- Park Reservations: Military tickets require
park reservations, which can be made through your My Disney Experience account once the tickets are linked. Be sure to check availability and secure your reservations as soon as possible to ensure entry to the parks on your desired days.
- Ticket Limit: Each eligible service member or their spouse can purchase up to six tickets per promotional year, and one of the six tickets must be used by the eligible member or their spouse. The same person must use each ticket on all the days.
For the
Memory Maker discount, eligible service members can purchase a specially priced Memory Maker at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. This product allows you to download unlimited photos taken during your visit, including those captured by Disney PhotoPass photographers. Just keep in mind that only two Memory Maker products can be purchased by the eligible service member or their spouse, and a valid military ID is required.
From my own experience, I highly recommend checking out
Shades of Green, the Armed Forces Recreation Center at Walt Disney World. My mom prefers buying tickets there because they’re tax-free, unlike at the regular ticket windows. You can even order tickets in advance and have them delivered to your home, which is super convenient.
I hope this helps clarify things, Robert! If you have more questions or need specifics, it’s always a good idea to call Disney’s Guest Services or check with your local military base ticket office. You are also welcome to send me any more questions you may have! Happy planning!
~Yael