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If you’re in the military and theme parks are your jam, I’ve got great news: most theme parks offer some type of military discount. Here are 16 of the best and most popular theme park military discounts on our radar right now.
Please note, these theme park military discounts have been verified and updated for 2023. These discounts are typically updated yearly. We’ve seen them change from year to year, so make sure you’ve got the most current info and don’t assume anything.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Check your theme park’s website for current hours and reservations policy. A reservation may be required in addition to a ticket.
A few tips about theme park military discounts
Since
Read this post for info about military discounts at Walt Disney World.
Read this post about military discounts in Orlando, which includes Universal Orlando Resort.
Please note: These discounts apply to U.S. military only, unless otherwise specified.
Here’s my go-to advice when it comes to theme park military discounts:
The military discount might not always be the best one.
Theme parks regularly offer special pricing to the general public. Make sure you’re comparing prices and don’t assume the military discount is the cheapest rate out there. Also check discounts for being a USAA member (most military members have an account with USAA), school or student discounts, AAA and AARP.
And don’t forget to use ITT ticket and tour office at your nearest military base and also the nearest military base to the theme park you want to visit. They may offer different discounts than what’s on the park’s website.
You’ll need your valid military ID.
You’re going to have to prove eligibility for these discounts. Even if you make your reservation online, you’ll probably have to show your ID at check in. Make sure your ID is serviceable and not expired.
Don’t see a discount? Ask.
If you don’t see a posted military discount, ask if there is one. Not all discounts are posted and you won’t know if you don’t ask.
1. Silver Dollar City
In Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City is where the past meets the inventions of the future. Military members can purchase a single-day ticket for $59.50 for adults (12+) and for $52.50 for kids 4-11. Kids 3 and under are free.
This discount is available for active duty, retired, reservists and their dependents. Veterans are also eligible. Silver Dollar City uses an online verification via ID.me to determine your eligibility for a military discount. It takes just a few minutes to register and verify. In doing lots of theme park military discount research this spring, it looks like lots of theme parks are using this system to verify eligibility for theme park military discounts.
SheBuysTravel Tip: As a veteran, I can vouch for the fact that Branson is a very military and veteran friendly area. I recommend asking for available discounts at hotels and restaurants, too. Be prepared to be thanked often for your military service.
Check out our Complete Guide to Silver Dollar City.
Find more things to do in Branson.
2. Hersheypark
Did someone say chocolate? And at Hersheypark, in Hershey PA, you’ll hear screams of joy as kids of all ages explore the amusement park. It has rides for every thrill level, from coasters to kiddie rides.
In the past, SheBuysTravel has reported military members have been able to save 20% off tickets when purchased through ID.me or by purchasing through a local base ticket office.
According to the 2023 Hersheypark website, it’s best to check with your local military base for discounted Hersheypark tickets or contact Hersheypark directly at (717) 534-3900 to clarify.
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
Minions, Transformers and Harry Potter? If your answer is “yes to all” then Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to be.
Universal Studios Hollywood recommends purchasing your discount tickets in advance at your nearest military base for the best discount. Prices may vary from installation to installation, so check with your home base or call around to the Southern California bases to see what their prices are.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s website states tickets for these specially priced offers must be purchased in advance and can only be obtained from participating Military Ticket Offices throughout the United States. Call the closest military ticket office ahead of time. These special military rates are not available at the Universal Studios Hollywood box office.
The military discount is valid for Active Duty, Retiree, 100% disabled Veteran, Medal of Honor Recipient, Active Guard/Reserve, spouse/dependent ID card holder of those categories (or DOD NAF/GS employees), per the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
Learn how Universal Studios Hollywood is better than Disneyland.
4. Dollywood
Located in the Smokey Mountains, Dollywood is an amusement park like no other! Forget about your worries and have some good ole’ southern fun. Dollywood has special theme park military discounts open to U.S. active or retired military, disabled veterans and military reservists, spouses and dependents when presenting valid military IDs.
The military discount tickets are $62.30 for an adult (10-61) single-day ticket. This is 30 percent off. There are also children and senior discounts as well.
Dollywood encourages buying online to ensure availability. Guests will pick up their tickets at Will Call at the front gate with valid military ID. Please note, the entire party must be present when picking up these discount tickets.
Check out our Complete Guide to Dollywood.
5. Kings Dominion
Kings Dominion is billed as Virginia’s premier theme park and is home to more than 60 rides, attractions and shows. It also offers incredible military discounts. Active duty, retired military and veterans can purchase single-day tickets starting at $24.99 for a single-day ticket or a Gold Pass (season pass + water park pass + other perks) for $94. There’s even a monthly payment plan for the Gold Pass.
If you’re going to King’s Dominion for more than one day, the Gold Pass makes sense. The theme park military discounts are available to qualifying spouses and direct dependents.
Service members must register with ID.me and purchase the discounted admission online. This is one of the best deals out there. The regular admission without the military theme park discount is $70, so King’s Dominion is giving more than half off.
Here’s what toddlers can do at Kings Dominion.
6. Six Flags
There are more than 20 amusement parks and waterparks operated under the Six Flags brand. Each of these parks has its own rules on theme park military discounts. Most offer specially priced tickets through local base ticket offices, so make sure to check with the one closest to you or near the Six Flags park.
Most of the Six Flags parks currently don’t mention military discounts on their website. Regular single-day tickets are as low as $29.99, which varies by location. Many parks are going to a membership model, where each member pays a small fee per month instead of a flat fee for a single-day or season pass.
If you want to visit Six Flags, my best advice is to contact the on-base ticket and tour office for info on discounted tickets. You can always ask at the ticket window day of, but if you want a sure thing, on-base is the way to go.
With 20+ locations here are some of our favorite tip stories:
Riding the NEW Jersey Devil Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure
The Ultimate Guide for Six Flags Over Georgia
7. Knott’s Berry Farm
Famous for the Boysenberry Festival and Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Knott’s Berry Farm is California’s original theme park. In the past, Knott’s Berry Farm has offered discounted tickets through ID.me. The website currently shows a discounted military ticket starting at $55.
A local military ticket and tour office may have more information on discounted Knott’s Berry Farm tickets and options.
Knott’s Berry Farm is also known for hosting Military Tribute Days during November and December. During Military Tribute Days active, retired and veteran military members can receive free admission for themselves and one guest.
Here’s How to Do Knott’s Berry Farm in One Day
8. Kings Island
The largest amusement and waterpark in the Midwest at more than 300 acres, Ohio’s Kings Island honors military members with specially priced tickets. Tickets are just $39.99* for single day admission and must be purchased online via ID.me. The regular rate is $80 per ticket so this is a good one. The Kings Island theme park military discounts are open to active, retired and veterans and up to 6 family members.
*According to the King’s Island website, discounted ticket prices may vary throughout the season so you may get a different price when you go to buy your tickets.
Read More: 13 Tips to Make Your First Kings Island Trip Great
9. LEGOLAND California
The perfect park for the whole family, LEGOLAND California has areas for toddlers and big kids. While LEGOLAND recommends you visit your base ticket and tour office for tickets, the amusement park does offer some nice discounts online. Military affiliation must be verified by sheerID, which takes just a moment to complete.
The best value is the three days for the price of less than one which is currently $84.99 per ticket, regularly $259. Other discount tickets available here. Active duty military, Reserve, National Guard, Military Retirees, Veterans and Dependents are eligible to receive these discounts.
Find out how long you should plan for your LEGOLAND California visit.
10. Cedar Point
An amusement park along the shores of Lake Erie in Sandusky, Ohio, Cedar Point is closed for the season with plans to reopen Saturday, May 6, 2023. Previously, military members could purchase discounted tickets online through ID.me. The current rate is $37.99 for a single-day ticket. Regular price is $65.
In past years, military members have received free admission on Memorial Day and 4th of July weekends. The Cedar Point website currently has no info on this offer but we’re crossing our fingers that it may come back. If you plan to visit on those holiday weekends, check back or call the park at 419-627-2350.
Here’s how to get your kids to love roller coasters.
11. SeaWorld Parks
Get up close with marine life, ride thrilling coasters and learn about the water around you, all at SeaWorld. SeaWorld currently has three locations: Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio.
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 a 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 a ID.me account and a SeaWorld account, which is easy and takes just a few minutes. See details here.
12. Busch Gardens
There are two Busch Gardens theme parks. One is located in Tampa, Florida and the other is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Busch Gardens offers the Waves of Honor program for active duty, just as SeaWorld does. The program offers one complimentary admission per year for military personnel and as many as three direct dependents. Here’s the catch: You can’t use this offer for Busch Gardens and SeaWorld in the same year, so you will have to choose which freebie you want to use.
13. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California is a non-profit that focuses on educational fun. The theme park has something for everyone including thrill seekers.
During Veteran’s Week, the park offers active and retired veterans free admission to the park with valid ID. Up to 6 additional guests can get their tickets for 50% off. Once you enter the park, you can show your ID to the ticket window services. Be sure to check with the park before your visit. In 2023, the park opens March 25.
Discount tickets may also be available at the ticket and tour offices at California military bases, so check to see what deals are available.
14. Morgan’s Wonderland
Morgan’s Wonderland is an amusement park for everyone but designed specifically for those with special needs. Featuring more than 25 accessible attractions, Morgan’s Wonderland is one of the hidden gems of San Antonio.
Military members and their families get special discounted tickets for just $13 per person for the splash park tickets and for the wonderland ticket. Or you can get both tickets for $23.
15. Disneyland Resort
Disneyland is known as the happiest place on earth and we think that’s true. A Disney vacation can definitely be expensive so here’s the scoop on military discounts for Disneyland: According to the website, discounted tickets are available, but only through a US military base ticket office.
Learn about Disneyland’s NEW Avengers Campus.
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