Because saying thank you isn’t enough, America’s largest theme parks are putting their money where their mouths are in support of military service members and their families.
“You’ve earned your vacation and then some,” Universal Orlando Resort writes. “As a thank you for your service, we offer specially priced tickets and vacation packages to active-duty and retired service members,” which include nearly a year’s worth of park admission for less than the price of two days.
Other theme parks, such as both Busch Gardens locations, provide free admission to active-duty military personnel and their dependents.
Here’s how military families can save money at popular theme parks like Walt Disney World and SeaWorld:
What military discounts are available?
Sesame Place, Busch Gardens, and SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s Waves of Honor programme provides active-duty military, reservists, and National Guard members with free admission for themselves and up to three dependents once a year at one of several SeaWorld parks, including Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Diego, and Sesame Place Philadelphia. Tickets to Sesame Place San Diego are discounted.
SeaWorld’s website has information about each park. Individually ticketed events, such as Howl-O-Scream, are not included.
Walt Disney World
Active-duty and retired military personnel, as well as their spouses, can purchase Disney Military Promotional Park Hopper Tickets for $349 for four days or $369 for five days this year. That can be much less than what other guests pay for three days at one park per day, depending on the time of year.
Unlike standard tickets, which are only valid for a limited time after the first use, these tickets can be used for multiple trips throughout 2023, for example, two days in the spring and the remainder in the fall. There are two blackout periods, one in April and one in November, and all tickets must be used by December 15.
The eligible service member or their spouse must use at least one ticket. Others can be purchased as gifts for family or friends. Details are available on the Disney World website.
Disneyland
Disneyland also provides Disney Military Promotional Park Hopper Tickets to active-duty and retired military personnel, as well as their spouses, with comparable benefits and restrictions. Three-day tickets are $245 this year, and four-day tickets are $280. Both options are less expensive than standard two-day tickets without park hopping.
Tickets are currently on sale and can be used until December 15, with the exception of one blackout period from April 2 to April 15. The Disneyland website has more information.
Dollywood
Active-duty or retired military, veterans, military reservists, their spouses, and dependents are eligible for discounted tickets and season passes at Dollywood. Tickets start at $62.50 for one day, down from $89 normally. Season tickets start at $132.30, down from $159 on a regular basis. Dollywood’s website has more information.
LEGOLAND
Active duty military, veterans, and their families can get discounted tickets to LEGOLAND California, LEGOLAND Florida, and LEGOLAND New York. Discounts differ by location. Details can be found on their respective websites.
Universal Studios Florida
The Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket from Universal Orlando provides active-duty and retired military personnel, their spouses, and Department of Defense civilians with nearly a year’s worth of admission for the price of two park days. With the exception of one blackout period from April 3 to April 9, pass holders have unlimited regular entry until December 24. Separately ticketed events, such as Halloween Horror Nights, are not permitted.
Adults pay $199.99 for park-to-park access to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure this year. For an additional $35, guests can gain access to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.
A maximum of six tickets may be purchased, but only one may be used by an eligible service member or spouse. Military personnel and their families can also get up to 40% off stays at select Universal Orlando hotels. Details are available on the Universal Orlando website and by calling 1-877-801-9720.
Hollywood’s Universal Studios
Active-duty and retired members of the United States military, 100% disabled veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, active National Guard and reservists, and their spouses and dependents are eligible for discounted one-day tickets and annual passes to Universal Studios Hollywood. Pricing and information are available from military ticket offices.
What benefits are available to veterans?
Veterans can get free admission to SeaWorld San Diego for themselves and up to three guests.
Dollywood, SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Sesame Place Philadelphia, and all three U.S. Veterans receive discounted admission to LEGOLAND parks.
