Everything You Need to Know about Disney Military Tickets
If you're a U.S. military member planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you're in for a treat. Disney offers several discounted ticket options specifically for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, making it easier to experience the magic without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll cover the types of tickets available, how to purchase them, and other special discounts Disney offers to those who serve.
Pre-Pandemic release dates were always around September, but year after year it keeps getting further delayed. What's new since the pandemic? Blackout dates!
Once you’re done diving into everything you need to know about militate. Don’t forget to check out our blog Ultimate Guide for Military Families Planning a Disney Vacation
Updated Ticket Military Ticket information for 2025!
Disney is doing something a little different this year, and it’s good news for military families! They are keeping the Disney Military Salute ticket prices the same until February 1, 2025. This means that if you purchase your Military Salute tickets in January, you'll lock in the 2024 prices—even if your trip is planned for later in 2025. And with ticket prices set to increase by $30 after February 1, it's definitely worth jumping on that deal early!
The price hike is significant this year, so if you're planning a Disney trip in 2025, go ahead and buy those tickets in January—they're valid for the whole year. But be mindful of blackout dates: from April 13 to 26, 2025, and November 23 to 29, 2025, you won't be able to use your Military Salute tickets.
Also, don’t forget that advanced theme park reservations are required, so be sure to lock in your park days once you’ve got your tickets.
We always recommend adding the Park Hopper Plus option, which is only $30 more. Not only does it allow you to hop between parks, but it also gives you six additional days of fun! You get access to Disney’s water parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, plus extra activities like golfing at Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, miniature golf at the resort courses, and even access to ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex. It's a great way to stretch your vacation dollars and squeeze in even more magic!
Who Qualifies:
"Eligible Service Members" are active or retired members of the U.S. Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Spouses of Military Service Members also qualify if they can present valid and active U.S. Military I.D.s in the absence of active or retired Military Personnel or Commissioned Corps Members" - Direct from the Disney Website.
Current Military Members
Retired Military Members
Honorably discharged veterans with 100% Permanent Service-connected disability.
Current and Retired Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps.
Military personnel of foreign nations and their immediate family members, when assigned or attached to a U.S. military unit or installation.
Un-remarried surviving spouses of personnel who died while on active duty or while in retired status
Un-remarried former spouses who were married to military members for at least 20 years while the military member was on active duty
Where to Buy Tickets:
Shades of Green – Disney's Military Resort Tickets
Shades of Green, the Armed Forces Recreation Center located on Disney property, offers discounted tickets that can be used throughout the year.
Shades of Green offers everything from 1-day park tickets to longer stays with 7-day or 10-day passes. Prices vary depending on the number of days and the season.
Where to Buy:
You can purchase these tickets directly at the Shades of Green Resort or online through their website if you have your military verification ready.
Or ONLINE!
How To Order Military Tickets From Shades of Green Before You Arrive
1) Download PDF form below and complete
2) Visit webform and attach PDF, submit your order.
Please confirm your eligibility for the various ticket categories before sending in your PDF ticket request.
Military Base Ticket Offices (MWR/ITT)
One of the most convenient places to buy discounted Disney tickets is through your local base's MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) or ITT (Information, Tickets & Travel) office. These offices typically sell Disney's Military Salute Tickets at a discounted rate.
Why Buy Here:
Exclusive Discounts: You’ll get the best deal on Military Salute Tickets, which are significantly discounted compared to regular prices.
No Tax: Tickets purchased through MWR offices are often tax-free, adding to your savings.
How to Buy:
Visit the MWR/ITT office at your military installation, or call ahead to ensure they have the tickets you need. I live in Pennsylvania, and my nearest military base ticket office is about an hour away.
Base Ticket Offices Online
If you’re not near a military base, many MWR offices allow you to order tickets online or over the phone. Some even ship tickets directly to your home.
Why Buy Here:
Ease of Access: No need to visit the base in person.
Quick Shipping: Tickets are often sent within a few business days, making it easy for those planning last-minute trips.
How to Buy:
Contact your nearest base ticket office by phone or visit their website to place an order. The staff makes the process super easy, and after completing the purchase, they email the tickets directly to me. It’s convenient and saves me the trip.
Types of Military Tickets
What Are Military Promotional Ticket aKA Disney Military Salute Tickets?
Disney’s Military Promotional Tickets offer deeply discounted admission to both Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California for eligible military members and their families. These tickets are Disney’s way of thanking the U.S. military community for their service. They’re available for a limited time each year and come in 3-day and 4-day options at Disneyland, and 4-day, 5-day, or 6-day options at Walt Disney World.
One of the best parts is that these tickets are valid for use throughout the entire calendar year, allowing you to enjoy multiple visits. In our family, we always choose the 6-Day Park Hopper Plus option, which gives us six theme park days and six water park days—12 days of Disney fun! If we need even more days, we can add on with other military ticket options. Being able to use these tickets across multiple trips is a total game changer.
What makes these tickets special is the incredible savings—typically up to 50% off regular park admission prices. They include the option to add Park Hopper, allowing you to visit multiple parks in one day, or Park Hopper Plus, which adds water park access and other non-theme park experiences.
How Many Tickets Can You Purchase?
Eligible service members can purchase up to Six Military Promotional Tickets per promotional year. These six tickets include the service member’s own ticket. The tickets can be used by the service member and their family or friends.
In some cases, military families with more than six immediate family members can request exceptions. These exceptions are typically handled at the discretion of the ticket sales office at Shades of Green or Disney’s military sales offices.
Here are the prices for Disney's Military Promotional:
Every year each service member can receive 6 Disney Military Promotional tickets. If you have more direct dependents (Meaning children), you can get additional tickets from your MWR. Tickets are valid until December 19, 2025!
These tickets usually come in 4 - 6 day options:
Disney Military Promotional Tickets (Purchase Now Through December 2025)
6-Day Military Promotional Ticket
With Park Hopper Option: $439 plus tax
With Park Hopper Plus Option: $469 plus tax
5-Day Military Promotional Ticket
With Park Hopper Option: $419 plus tax
With Park Hopper Plus Option: $449 plus tax
4-Day Military Promotional Ticket
With Park Hopper Option: $399 plus tax
With Park Hopper Plus Option: $429 plus tax
Tickets DO NOT need to be activated if purchased through Shades of Green.
Blockout Dates:
April 13–26, 2025
November 23–29, 2025
Park Reservations: A valid ticket and a park reservation are required for entry. Reservations are limited and subject to availability.
Ticket Activation:
Disney Military Salute tickets will need to be activated before use IF you do not buy them from Shades of Green! To activate your Disney Military Salute tickets, service members must visit the Ticket Office at Disney Springs or Guest Relations at any theme park. While you're there, don’t forget to activate your Memory Maker! Qualifying military members can enjoy a discounted rate of $99, which allows you to capture all your memories from the PhotoPass photographers throughout the parks. Memory Maker allows you to download all your PhotoPass pictures from around the parks, character meet-and-greets, and on-ride photos.
This is the official statement, but I’ll let you know once the tickets are loaded. I haven’t needed to activate them at the ticket center in years. While I still go to the ticket center if I need to get PhotoPass, you can also get the military PhotoPass at any Guest Relations booth inside the parks. Since the official statement says you must activate your tickets, I’ll leave that note in place just in case someone finds themselves in that situation—but we haven’t needed to do this for the past three years.
At Disneyland, you can activate them at any park ticket booth.
The Ticket Office at Disney Springs is conveniently located between the Lime and Orange garages. If you're using Disney transportation, the buses will drop you off right in front of this location.
YOU STILL NEED A PARK RESERVATION
Even though Disney Military Salute Tickets offer incredible savings, it’s important to remember that you still need to make park reservations before heading to Walt Disney World or Disneyland. Having a ticket alone does not guarantee entry into the parks. You’ll need to link your Military Salute Tickets to your My Disney Experience account (for Walt Disney World) or your Disneyland account, and then reserve the parks you plan to visit on specific days. Park reservations can fill up quickly, especially during busy times like holidays or summer, so it’s a good idea to book your reservations as soon as possible to ensure access to your desired parks.
What Are Walt Disney World Theme park Tickets AKA the OLD Magic Your Way Tickets?
Let’s talk about Walt Disney World theme park tickets—because the “Magic Your Way” system is officially gone, and Disney has moved on to a simpler (thank goodness) ticket structure. So if you’ve heard that old phrase floating around, just know it’s been retired like your favorite pair of well-worn Mickey ears.
Now, when you're buying Walt Disney World theme park tickets through the military, you’ve got a couple of great options. Of course, the Military Salute tickets are the biggest savings—but not everyone qualifies for those, or maybe you're looking for something shorter or more flexible. That’s where these regular military-discounted tickets come in.
Here’s the best part: these tickets still come with solid discounts—roughly 10% off for 1–2 day tickets and around 20% off for 3 days or more. And yes, they’re tax-free (which, let’s be real, feels like a little pixie dust when you're budgeting for churros and character dining). You can grab them at your local base's ITT or MWR office, or directly from Shades of Green if you're staying there—or even if you're just in the area.
Another bonus? You don’t have to be the one using the tickets. You can buy them for your group even if you’re not planning to hit the parks yourself (but like, who are we kidding—you’re totally going).
This is a great option for bigger groups, short trips, or if you’re not eligible for the Salute offer. It’s simple, flexible, and saves you a nice chunk of change.
These dated theme park tickets are available in durations from 1 to 10 days, and while they aren’t part of the Military Salute program (those are the deeply discounted multi-day tickets), they still come with great savings—and no strings attached. That means the service member or spouse doesn’t need to be using one of the tickets themselves. Handy, right?
Here’s what’s new and important: these tickets are now available to even more people in the military community, including:
Service members eligible for Military Promotional Tickets (see above in this blog)
Veterans under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veteran Equal Access Act of 2018
DoD civilians (both active and retired)
Now, prices vary based on your visit date (because Disney is the king of tiered pricing), but here’s a rough idea of how much you’ll save:
1- and 2-day tickets: about 10% off Disney's gate prices
3-day or longer tickets: about 20% off
And here’s the cherry on top—they’re tax-free. Every bit of savings helps when you’re buying Dole Whips for the whole crew.
👉🏾 To estimate your cost, head to Theme Park Tickets | Walt Disney World Resort and then subtract 10% (for 1-2 day tickets) or 20% (for 3+ day tickets).
Here’s a really helpful perk—these dated tickets don’t require park reservations. 🎉 Yes, you heard that right. That’s one less step in the planning process.
Here’s how the valid use period works:
A 1-day ticket is only valid for the specific date you select at the time of purchase.
A 2-day ticket must be used within 4 days, including the start date.
A 3-day ticket gives you 5 days to use all three park days.
A 4-day ticket gives you 7 days total.
A 5-day ticket is valid over 8 days.
A 6-day ticket is good for 9 days.
A 7-day ticket gives you a 10-day window.
An 8-day ticket can be used over 12 days.
A 9-day ticket allows you 13 days.
And finally, a 10-day ticket is valid for 14 days from the start date.
This built-in flexibility means you don’t have to do back-to-back park days if that’s not your style. Sleep in, take a pool day, or go resort hopping—you’ve got time! And remember, this window begins on the first day you use your ticket (not the day you bought it).
A few tips to remember:
For 1-day tickets, both the visit date and the park are set at the time of purchase if it’s a base ticket.
For 2-day or longer tickets, only the start date is locked in. You can hop around as needed (depending on ticket type).
Bottom line: If you’re not eligible for the Military Salute Tickets (or just need a shorter trip), these tickets are a fantastic alternative. And the fact that they’re available to a wider group of veterans and DoD civilians now? That’s worth a little celebration.
Why Consider date based tickets after use of military promotional Tickets?
While the Military Salute Tickets are an incredible value, they are limited to a set number of days (currently 4, 5, or 6 days) and can only be purchased once per year per service member or spouse. Also, not everyone qualifies for the Military Salute tickets. For military families planning a longer vacation or needing additional ticket flexibility, the Magic Your Way tickets are a great add-on. We always start by using our Military Salute tickets, and once we’ve used all our days, we purchase Magic Your Way tickets to extend our trip.
Here’s why you might opt for Magic Your Way:
Extended Stay: If your family plans to stay at Disney for more than five days, Magic Your Way allows you to purchase additional days beyond what the Salute tickets offer.
Greater Flexibility: Magic Your Way tickets offer options like 1-day tickets, which are not available with Salute tickets. This can be perfect if you’re visiting for a shorter trip.
Discounted Add-Ons: While Salute tickets don’t allow much customization, Magic Your Way tickets offer add-ons like Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus, letting you build a ticket package that suits your family’s specific needs.
The best part about the new Walt Disney World Date based Tickets
One of the best things about Magic Your Way tickets is that military families are eligible for discounts. Military members (active duty, retired, and certain reservists) can purchase discounted Magic Your Way tickets at Military Bases through Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) offices or at Shades of Green, the military-exclusive resort located on Disney property.
These discounts may not be as deep as the Military Salute Ticket deals, but they offer more flexibility in terms of ticket types and lengths. Plus you can buy these for anyone in your partyu and it is not limited to immediate family members and there is not a limit on the number of tickets.
What Ticket is Best for Your Family?
Our family visits Walt Disney World several times a year, making the most of long holiday weekends and summer breaks. Because of this, we always opt for the Six-day Park Hopper Plus option. Since we visit so frequently, we don’t always spend time at the four main theme parks. Instead, the "Plus" option has given us a newfound love for Disney's water parks.
With the Military Salute tickets, not only do you get six days of park hopping between the theme parks, but you also get six visits to the water parks (or other eligible "Plus" experiences) to use throughout the year. For our family, that essentially means 12 Disney park days—a perfect balance between the theme parks and the water parks.
Plus, it gives my family entrance to the following:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course, prior to 4 p.m.
Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course, prior to 4 p.m.
Important Tips for Purchasing Disney Military Tickets
Before purchasing, keep these things in mind:
Eligibility: Make sure you’re eligible for the type of ticket you’re purchasing (Military Salute Tickets, for example, have specific requirements).
ID Requirements: You’ll need to show a valid military ID to purchase and activate tickets at the park entrance.
Blackout Dates: Military Salute Tickets may have blackout dates, so be sure to check the fine print for your travel dates.
Disney’s commitment to honoring U.S. military members is evident through its generous ticket discounts and resort offerings. Whether you’re looking for multi-day park tickets, exclusive photo packages, or a budget-friendly resort stay, these military discounts make it possible for service members and their families to experience the magic of Walt Disney World without overspending. Before you go, be sure to check blackout dates, buy tickets through the appropriate channels, and don’t forget to grab those discounted Memory Maker photos!
More Disney Ticket Discounts
Memory Maker Discount: Eligible service members can purchase the Memory Maker product for a special price of $98 through December 19, 2025.
In addition to offering discounted Military Promotional Tickets, Shades of Green—the military-exclusive resort at Walt Disney World—provides several other ticket discounts that can help military families make the most of their Disney vacation. For those who plan to visit Walt Disney World multiple times throughout the year, Shades of Green offers discounts on annual passes, including the popular Disney Incredi-Pass. This is a great option for frequent visitors who want unlimited access to all four parks without worrying about blockout dates. By purchasing your annual pass through Shades of Green’s Ticket Sales Office, you can save significantly compared to regular prices and avoid paying additional taxes.
Shades of Green also offers discounted tickets for Disney’s After Hours events and seasonal holiday parties, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. These special events allow guests to enjoy the parks with lower crowds, exclusive entertainment, and unique character meet-and-greets. Tickets for these events can sell out fast, but military families can take advantage of the discounted pricing at Shades of Green to enjoy these magical experiences at a lower cost. Whether you're looking to visit the parks after dark with limited guests or celebrate the holidays in true Disney style, Shades of Green ensures you can experience it all while staying within your budget.
For more tips on planning your Disney vacation as a military family, check out my full guide [here]!
Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.
As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family's favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!
Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!
.
.
.
Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.
Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!
Follow me on Instagram, YouTube and Check out my Podcast!
How to Use My Disney Experience: Your Hub For Your Disney Vacation
How to Use Standby Skipper: The App That Books Your Lighting Lanes
Disney Infants: Everything You Need to Know! : Children under 3 are FREE at Disney
Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups
What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass? : Learn to Skip The Lines at Disney
Everything You Need to Know about Strollers at Disney
What to do if you Get Sick at Disney
Baby Care Centers at Walt Disney World
The Differences between Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort
Who is the Mom behind Well Hello Magic?
I am so happy to be on this journey with you.
