Ultimate Guide for Military Families Planning a Disney Vacation
Disney's Shades of Green Military Resort
Planning your first family trip to Walt Disney World is incredibly exciting, but it can feel overwhelming—especially when you're trying to take full advantage of the discounts and benefits available to military families. This ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from military-specific options and insider deals to practical tips, ensuring your Disney vacation is not only magical but also budget-friendly. Disney offers exceptional flexibility for military families, catering to their unique needs in numerous ways. From discounted park tickets through the Armed Forces Salute program to specially priced accommodations at the exclusive Shades of Green resort, Disney makes the planning process easier and more affordable for service members. With these tailored options, military families can look forward to a Disney vacation that is not only budget-friendly but also stress-free, filled with unforgettable moments.
When to Start Planning
Military families should begin planning their Walt Disney World vacation at least 6 to 12 months in advance. This allows ample time to secure the best accommodations, purchase park tickets, and make important reservations, such as dining and Lightning Lne selections (with dining reservations opening 60 days prior to your trip). Larger suites at Shades of Green, a popular resort for military families, often book out a year in advance, so early planning is key for those premium options. However, Walt Disney World is also well-suited for last-minute trips, with military discounts and flexibility making it possible to enjoy a magical vacation even with shorter notice. Additionally, with flexible cancellation policies and the option to reschedule your trip if needed, Disney is a highly military-friendly destination.
Setting a Budget
Here's a rough estimate of what you might expect for a military family of four:
Accommodation: Shades of Green or Disney resorts (discounted rates): $120–$400 per night
Park Tickets: $250–$400 per person (dependent on the number of days)
Meals: $50–$100 per day per person (Disney dining plan or à la carte dining)
Transportation: Gas, flights, or rental car fees if needed
Military Discounts on Park Tickets
Disney Military Promotional Tickets
For full detailed guide read my blog on Everything You Need to Know About Disney Military Tickets. Disney offers incredible discounts for military families, and if you’re eligible, this is hands-down one of the best ways to save on your trip.
You can purchase tickets at your local MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) or ITT (Information, Tickets, and Travel) office—or directly from Shades of Green, the military resort right on Disney property. And trust me, this is one of those planning steps that really pays off.
There are now two main types of military tickets available for Walt Disney World:
1. Disney Military Promotional Tickets
(Formerly known as Military Salute Tickets)
These are the deeply discounted multi-day tickets that most military families jump on—and for good reason. They’re available in 4-, 5-, and 6-day options, and they include Park Hopper access (with the option to add Park Hopper Plus for access to water parks, golf, and more).
The tickets are valid from January 1 through December 19, 2025, with a couple of blackout dates:
April 13–26, 2025: This period typically coincides with the busy spring break season.
November 23–29, 2025: This week includes Thanksgiving, another peak time at the parks.
The beauty of these tickets? They don’t have to be used on consecutive days, and you can use them throughout the year—making them feel like a mini annual pass (without the price tag).
➡️ I go into more detail about pricing, blackout dates, and how to use these tickets in my complete guide to military discounts at Disney (link to your full post).
2. Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets (Military Discounted)
(Formerly known as Magic Your Way Tickets)
These are date-based tickets that offer a great discount—roughly 10% off for 1- or 2-day tickets and about 20% off for 3 days or more. They’re also tax-free, which is a nice bonus when you’re calculating your overall cost.
These tickets are perfect for:
Veterans who may not qualify for Promotional Tickets
DoD civilians (active and retired)
Families who need more than 6 park days
Anyone planning a one-time trip without needing flexibility all year long
You select your dates when purchasing, and unlike the Promotional Tickets, park reservations are not required. These tickets follow Disney’s regular date-based system, so the price varies depending on when you’re visiting.
They can also be upgraded to include Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus, just like the standard tickets on Disney’s website—but you’re getting a nice discount when purchasing through MWR or Shades of Green.
For our family, we usually grab one Military Promotional Park Hopper Plus ticket and one Walt Disney World Theme Park Ticket for each of our kids. That gives them 11 park days and 11 water park days for the year—which is more than enough for us unless we’re doing back-to-back trips (which, let’s be honest, sometimes happens). If we know we’ll be going multiple times in a year, we’ll upgrade the Promotional Ticket to an annual pass. We use the DVC annual pass discount, but for non-DVC members, upgrading may only be worth it if you’re visiting several times a year.
Bottom line: both options offer big savings, and knowing the difference between them will help you choose the right fit for your family’s trip.
Let me know if you need help deciding between the two or figuring out where to buy—I’m always happy to help a fellow military family plan a magical vacation.
Military Discounts on Resorts and Disney Promotions
Port Orleans Riverside - Alligator Bayou (typically a military discounted resort)
Disney frequently offers room discounts at their resorts, and military families can take advantage of these deals to save on their vacation. Throughout the year, Disney runs various promotions like up to 30% off select rooms during slower seasons or discounts tied to special events and holidays. Military families have access to even deeper discounts with the Armed Forces Salute program, which offers up to 40% off room rates at select Disney resorts. These discounts apply to most resort categories, from value resorts to deluxe accommodations, giving military families flexibility to choose what best fits their budget and needs. Keep an eye out for other seasonal promotions, such as "Free Dining" offers or discounts on packages that include both tickets and accommodations. Booking early during these promotions can result in substantial savings, helping to make your stay both magical and affordable.
In addition to military discounts, Disney also offers room promotions for Disney+ subscribers and Disney Visa cardholders. Throughout the year, Disney+ subscribers can take advantage of exclusive deals, such as discounted stays at select Disney resorts, with savings often ranging from 20% to 35%. These promotions are typically available for a limited time and can apply to a variety of resort categories, making it a great option for families already subscribed to the streaming service.
Disney Visa cardholders also enjoy their own set of perks. Disney frequently runs promotions offering discounts on room stays, with up to 20% off at select resorts. Additionally, cardholders can enjoy 0% financing for up to six months on vacation packages booked through Disney, helping to spread out the cost of the trip. Disney Visa members also have access to exclusive character meet-and-greets and special merchandise discounts in the parks, further enhancing their Disney experience. By combining military discounts with these additional offers, military families can maximize savings and create an even more affordable Disney vacation.
The Military Resort on Disney Property: Shades of Green
Shades of Green is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located right on Disney property. This resort is exclusive to military families and offers deeply discounted rates, making it one of the best-kept secrets for military personnel. Here's what you need to know:
Eligibility: Active-duty, retired military, and their families.
Room Rates: Rates are based on rank and range from $154 to $369 per night, significantly lower than many Disney resorts.
Location: Situated in the Magic Kingdom area, with convenient access to the parks via bus and monorail.
Dining Options: Shades of Green offers several dining options, including Mangino’s for Italian cuisine and the Evergreen Sports Bar for casual dining.
Other Perks: Guests staying at Shades of Green can take advantage of Disney's Extended Evening Hours and Early Theme Park Entry, just like those staying at Disney’s Deluxe Resorts. Another great benefit is the ability to book Lightning Lanes 7 days before your Disney vacation for your entire stay, up to 14 days in advance, just like Disney Resort guests. Shades of Green offers the perks of a Deluxe Resort at a fraction of the price, making it an exceptional value for military families who want to enjoy luxury-level benefits without the hefty cost.
Be sure to book as early as possible—this resort tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Purchasing Tickets Through Military Welfare and Recreation Office
Attraction Tickets and Tech Lounge at Shades of Green
Your MWR office is an excellent resource for purchasing discounted tickets.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- You must purchase tickets in advance
- Some MWR offices may offer different options for ticket bundles, such as including memory maker photo services or dining credits. I have never had this but I have read this happened pre-pandemic.
- The MWR office can also assist with lodging reservations and other discounts in the Orlando area.
Other Disney Discounts for Military Families
Memory Maker
Memory Maker is Disney’s official photo package, and it’s a great way to capture all the magical moments without worrying about pulling out your phone every two seconds. It includes unlimited downloads of professional photos taken around the parks, at character meet-and-greets, ride photos, and even Magic Shots (you know, where Tinker Bell randomly shows up in your hand).
Military families can purchase Memory Maker for around $99, which is a huge savings compared to the regular price of $199. You can buy it in advance at Shades of Green or through your base’s ticket office.
Disney Dining Plan
If your family plans to eat most of your meals at Disney restaurants, the Disney Dining Plan can be a convenient way to prepay for meals and snacks throughout your stay. It includes quick-service meals, table-service options, and snack credits at participating locations.
Before the pandemic, military families booking a room through Disney (or with the Military Promotional Room Discount) could also get a discount on the Disney Dining Plan when bundling it with their reservation. While I haven’t confirmed if this discount is currently still being offered, it never hurts to ask—Disney’s policies are always evolving, and sometimes a friendly inquiry leads to a little extra magic.
Other Orlando Theme Parks with Military Discounts
In addition to Walt Disney World, Orlando has other theme parks that offer military discounts:
Universal Studios Orlando
Universal Studios offers military members a 20% discount on everything, including park tickets, dining, and merchandise. You can also check your MWR office for discounted Universal tickets. If you want to explore more beyond Disney, this is a great option for families who love thrilling rides.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld offers military families free single-day admission through their Waves of Honor program. Active-duty military and their families can use this benefit once per year, and it includes complimentary access to SeaWorld's sister parks like Busch Gardens.
LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND offers military discounts on park tickets and free admission for active-duty military members. It's a great option for families with younger children who are into LEGO-themed attractions.
Final Tips for Military Families
Plan Early
Whether you're buying tickets or booking your hotel, planning early gives you the best chance at grabbing the biggest discounts and getting the room or dates you want—especially during busy seasons or around school breaks.
Know Your Benefits
Always carry your military ID. You’ll need it for any discounted tickets and to access military-exclusive perks, including entry into Shades of Green. And don’t be afraid to ask if a discount is available—Disney and other Orlando parks often have unadvertised offers for military families.
Mix It Up
Think about splitting your trip between Disney, Universal, or other Orlando parks. Many offer military discounts, and some even offer free admission for service members at certain times of the year. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in Central Florida.
Understand the Flexibility
Disney is honestly more flexible than most people realize when it comes to military families. If you need to move your trip due to deployment, orders, or life just doing its thing—Disney is usually pretty understanding. You can often shift your dates, modify reservations, or work with Guest Services if something unexpected comes up. Always call and explain the situation—they really do try to work with you.
A Quick Note About Shades of Green
While Shades of Green is an incredible benefit for military families, their eligibility rules are pretty strict. The military member doesn’t always have to be present for the stay, but eligible dependents must have a valid military ID and meet all booking requirements on their own. Unfortunately, friends or extended family who aren’t eligible—like grandparents, aunts, or uncles—can’t stay there unless the qualifying service member is also staying. This situation comes up a lot when grandparents want to host the trip, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the current eligibility guidelines before booking.
With a little early planning, smart use of military discounts, and budget-friendly options like Shades of Green, your family really can enjoy a magical Walt Disney World vacation—without blowing your whole BAH in the process
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!
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