13 of the Best Orlando Military Discounts

Say the words “family vacation” out loud and it probably doesn’t take too long to think of Orlando, Florida. If you’re a military family who loves theme parks, this one’s for you. Here are the best Orlando military discounts to help you plan and save money. Check out Orlando area savings for military personnel and their families on theme park tickets and more, including everyone’s favorite, Universal Orlando Resort!

Best Orlando Military Discounts 

Although every family values their leisure time, military families definitely have more of a challenge on their hands when it comes to scheduling family vacations. Deployments and demanding duty schedules can mean long separations and cancelled plans, which can make vacation time both more difficult to plan and more special when it happens.

Here are some of the best Orlando area military discounts outside of Walt Disney World, which are covered in depth here. While Disney is pretty strict with their definition of eligible service members, many other fun places in Orlando and the surrounding area offer deep discounts and even freebies.

Orlando Military Discounts – First Things First

Read the eligibility requirements for each park/attraction closely and check back for updates. These discounts are usually updated annually and things do change from year to year. Don’t assume that a discount that was advertised a couple of years ago is still valid. This works the other way, too. An attraction that didn’t give you a discount last year might have changed their policy for this year. Always check.

Compare compare compare. The armed forces/military discount/pricing might not be your best discount. Most places run specials and promos available to the general public. They may or may not be better than the posted military discount. Also, the military discount listed on a website might be different than what you can get at your base ticket and tour office/ITT or through Shades of Green.

Don’t see a posted military discount? Ask. Not every place will post a military discount but asking may get you one, especially in smaller or lesser known attractions. If you don’t ask, you definitely won’t get. Don’t be shy.

And, this should go without saying, but you must present valid military ID to receive these discounts so make sure everything is up-to-date before you leave on your trip. Your valid ID is definitely something to triple check before you leave home.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out these fun things to do in Orlando with kids.

1. Universal Orlando Resort

Aside from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida is one of the most popular Orlando vacation spots for families and they offer generous military discounts. Fun roller coasters and Harry Potter themed attractions make Universal Studios and Universal’s Islands of Adventure popular with tweens and teens.

Universal Orlando offers the 2021 Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket. This discounted ticket is available now through 12/31/21. These can be purchased as a two or three park option. Remember, Universal Orlando Resort has a really cool water park, Universal’s Volcano Bay, you will want to consider when making your plans.

The best news? There are no blackout dates for these special tickets.

These tickets can only be purchased at authorized military travel and ticket offices. See details here.

Prices start at $199.99 for an adult two park ticket. Eligible service members may purchase/activate up to six tickets. Eligible service member is defined as:

• Active Duty Military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reservists) and spouses
• Retired Military service members and spouses
• Department of Defense Civilians

2. SeaWorld Orlando

Active Duty service members can get free tickets as part of the Waves of Honor program. The program currently offers complimentary single day admission to qualified military members and up to three direct dependents. This offer can be used once a year.

Retirees and veterans qualify for 50 percent off a single-day admission for the retiree/veteran and up to three guests.

For both of the offers mentioned above, you must create an ID.me account and a SeaWorld account, which is easy and takes just a few minutes. See details here.

3. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

If you want to visit the zoo while in Orlando, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offers a 25 percent military discount for everyone in the group. This discount is good for active, guard/reserve, retirees and veterans. No advance or online purchases on this one. Tickets must be purchased in person at the ticket window.

Details plus info on other discounts here.

Active and retired military service members and their families can save 20% off tickets.

4. Madame Tussauds Orlando

Did you know there’s a Madame Tussauds in Orlando? There is and they offer a 10 percent discount to military, including veterans. This is good for up to six tickets and you must purchase in person and show ID.

5. Medieval Times Dinner Show

Travel back in time where Kings ruled and Knights battled for honor plus feast on some yummy food. This one is for the whole family. If you love the idea of leaving your manners at the door and eating with your hands while stomping your feet, then a Medieval Times Dinner Show just might be for you.

There are two ways to purchase military discounted tickets. One is through your military ticket and tour office and the other is through ID.me, which is explained in section #2 above. If you purchase through your military ticket and tour offices (U.S. military bases only) you’ll get a Royalty Upgrade at no cost (a $12 per person discount.)

I priced tickets through ID.me and received about $40 off my party of four, two adults and two kids.

6. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Busch Gardens is located about an hour and a half outside of Orlando, but it’s a fun park and a pretty easy drive. If you are craving more thrill rides than what Walt Disney World offers, it is worth the side trip if you are active duty because admission is FREE.

Busch Gardens offers the Waves of Honor program for active duty, just as SeaWorld does. This means an active duty service member may get free tickets plus tickets for up to three direct dependents once annually.

Here’s the catch: You can’t use this offer for Busch Gardens and SeaWorld Orlando in the same year so you will have to choose which one you want to do.

7. LEGOLAND Florida

If you’re interested in visiting LEGOLAND Florida, you’ve got some options for discounted tickets.

Active duty service members get in with free valid military ID while family members can save 10% off gate prices at the park. This offer/discount must be redeemed directly at the park, at the front gate. No advance purchase.

There are a couple of other discounts for retirees and veterans. The ticket and tour office at your nearest military base should have a deeply discounted ticket available that includes the second day free. You can also use this link to verify your service and purchase two day tickets with a 25 percent discount. I registered as a military retiree and saw several options for discount tickets starting at $74.99. Your discount may vary depending on status.

Read More: LEGOLand Money Saving Secrets!  

9. AMC Theater

If taking in a movie is a way you like to relax on vacation then I have good news about Orlando military discounts. The AMC Dine-In Theater in Disney Springs offers a discount of $2.50 per ticket after 4 p.m. One discount per party.

Other AMC theaters around the area may also offer this discount but most military families vacationing in the Orlando area will probably be sticking close to Disney or Universal.

10. Crayola Experience

The Crayola Experience is a lot of fun for young artists and if you are looking to work an indoor activity into your plans, this is a good one to know about. Although most of the activities are geared toward younger children, this will appeal to anyone who loves art and coloring.

Military members (includes retirees and veterans) will save $3.00 off admission with valid military ID. No advance reservations required.

The Crayola Experience offers free admission for military as part of the True Blue Heroes program (July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Memorial Day.) See their website for details.

11. America’s Escape Game

An escape game is a lot of fun for adults and kids over 12. America’s Escape Game in Orlando (they also have a location in nearby Tampa) offers a 30 percent military discount. Call to book at 407-412-5585.

12. ICON Orlando 360 (Formerly the Orlando Eye)

The ICON Orlando 360, is not for me, but if seeing your favorite places in Orlando from 400 feet in the air sounds exhilarating, then then you might want to check this out.

Show your valid Military ID at the ticket booth for 25% off regular admission price. Greater savings or even freebies may be offered around Memorial and Veterans Day. Last year, active and retired military received free rides during the entire month of November in celebration of Veterans Day.

13. Kennedy Space Center

Located about an hour from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is an amazing place of discovery and education.

Military members can save 30 percent off admission. FYI, teachers, government employees and first responders will receive the same level of discount. You’ll pay $42.50 for adults and $35.00 for kids, reduced from $60.99/$50.29.  If you plan to visit more than one day or think you might return within a calendar year, the jump up to annual pass isn’t that much extra. Advance purchase required.

Where to Stay in Orlando: Shades of Green Resort

This deluxe resort calls Disney property home and is exclusively for military service members. Room prices are based on military rate/rank and date of stay. Even if you don’t stay at Shades of Green or plan to go to Disney, Shades of Green is worth knowing about.

Shades of Green also sells discount Disney World tickets as well as tickets to other Orlando area attractions. You can purchase tickets in advance of your visit. Tickets will be mailed to you and can take up to three weeks to process. You can send an email to ticket.info@shadesofgreen.org and they will send you a list of what’s available and the current process for purchasing discount tickets.