Military Family Travel Tips for Disney World

When we were living in Georgia my spouse was on sea duty, which meant he was gone for at least 6 months of every year. There were a lot of birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and spring breaks missed. This is probably where my love of Disney began. After a teary good-bye on the pier, I could be in the Magic Kingdom by sundown and ready to experience the amazing fireworks display. It was a great distraction for my young son and for mom too. My grandparents also live nearby so considering we didn’t have to always stay on property; this was an easy escape from deployment stress.

Whether you are near or far from Disney World, Spring Break will be here soon. If you are considering a Disney vacation, here are the details for specially priced tickets for military families from Disney.com:

Ticket Price and Blockout Dates

Walt Disney World Resort is saluting U.S. military personnel by offering Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for just $169 each, plus tax. The Park Hopper Option is included, so you can come and go as you please through all 4 theme parks each day of your ticket! For details on Disneyland click here.

Purchase through September 24, 2014 and receive admission on any 4 days from September 29, 2013 through September 27, 2014, with the exception of the following admission blockout dates and locations (April 13-20, 2014: Not valid at any theme parks or gated attractions, July 4, 2014: Not valid at Magic Kingdom park)
And if you’re looking for a little extra magic, add the Water Park Fun & More option for just $29 more, plus tax.

Where to Buy Your Tickets

Disney’s Armed Forces Salute tickets may be purchased at the Disney Theme Park ticket booth, at participating Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) offices at your local installation, or at the Shades of Green military resort.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Service Members include: active or retired members of the U.S. military, including National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard.

For additional details visit: disneyworld.disney.go.com

Deciding Where to Stay

When it comes to deciding just where to stay during your Disney World vacation, you can choose Shades of Green, the military resort, or one of the other Disney Resort Hotels. Disney’s Armed Forces Salute offers 30% off on Disney Value Resorts and 35% off Disney Moderate Resorts.

Military Disney Tips has some great advice on other things to consider as you make your decision on just where to stay. For example, “For those flying to their Disney World Vacation, Disney provides free transportation via their Magical Express to your Disney Resort Hotel. Those staying at Shades of Green must obtain their own transportation at their own cost.” Be sure to include the added cost of a rental car, shuttle or taxi to your budget.

Disney World is still my vacation location of choice, even though my spouse would rather visit the mountains or anywhere outside the state of Florida. It’s been a few years since we have visited, so the time is right to plan our next family vacation to Disney World. I can’t wait to experience the immersive, story filled vacation that Disney provides.

What are your tips for visiting and saving while experiencing Disney World?

Comments

User Steff63 (Opens a pop up layer) Regular Contributor

If you have small children I recommend the Disney cruise the kids have a great time it cuts back on all that walking for the and they can get around ship really we'll. I have a 22 Y/O daughter who needs supervision and have difficult time keeping up when walking she mastered that ship without me. Wish I did the cruise before dragging them around the park. Been on a couple of other ships Disney spoiled me. There were adults on honeymoon no children.

User Wendy Poling USAA Administrator

Great recommendation Steff. A Disney cruise would be an awesome vacation. I've had a couple of friends rave about their experience. Disney really is for all ages!

User aldo88120 (Opens a pop up layer) New Member

I am a son, considered as a dependant, of a 100% disabled veteran. Is there any promotion or discount for me saying that I am going by myself to the dysney parks?

User Left Out (Opens a pop up layer) New Member

Comment to Disney! Members of the armed services that served their country and separated honorably are ignored. No discounts for us! So when Disney representatives say “Thank you for your service” How hollow can a company get! We are placed at the same level as the draft dodgers that went to Canada to avoid serving.