Bestfares votes Orlando as the best value loaded with perks and freebies for active or retired military families. Discounts for cars rentals, hotels, attractions, airfare and so much more!
If you have a friend or family member that has retired from the military or is currently serving in the armed forces. We believe that Orlando, Florida is the number one destination in America with the best discounts and freebies.
Military members heading to Orlando can get discounts not only at Disney and Universal, but also at other Florida theme parks and attractions. You can get free admission for you and up to three dependents to SeaWorld or Busch Gardens in Tampa if you are active duty, activated or drilling reservists or National Guardsmen. Under this program, you are allowed one free single-day admission per person, per year, to your choice of participating parks. (The SeaWorld offer is also available in San Antonio and San Diego.)
We believe the Orlando area of Florida is just loaded with free and deeply discounted theme park tickets to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Universal and yes, even Disney World.
If you are looking to add a cruise to your vacation or cruise out of Orlando; we offer great military discounts on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL and Disney cruises. To see available cruise discounts, please click here.
Did you know that Disney World has special hotel accommodations for military only and discounts of up to 67% or more off park tickets? Military members can stay at the Shades of Green Resort, which is an Armed Forces Recreation Center located on Disney property. The resort is only available to active or retired military and their guests and room rates start at $95 per night. Rates are tiered, based on rank and pay, so if you are an enlisted person, you’ll pay less than officers. There are periodic specials, like 30 percent off for stays August 12-31 and 25 percent off during the month of September. Visit www.shadesofgreen.org.
Military discounts are also available at other Disney resorts, and for vacations through September 30, you can save 40 percent off rates. Disney is also offering a special 4-day park hopper pass for $138 per person for military members for use through September 30. That sure beats the $313 that non-military members are charged for a 4-day park hopper pass. Visit www.disneyworld.com/military for details on both the discounted park hopper tickets and the 40 percent off Disney resort rates.
Other hotels and resorts in Orlando offer military members. Nickelodeon Suites Resort offers 20 percent off stays, plus 10 percent off food and beverage, cabana rentals and the Ultimate Sliming Experience through December 31 (www.nickhotel.com/special-pkg/membership/orlando-military-discount.aspx), Universal Studios offers military packages with hotel stay and tickets (www.universalorlandovacations.com/military/index.asp) and many other hotels offer military discounts, including chain properties such as Choice, Marriott, Hilton, InterContinental, etc. There are many other Orlando attractions that offer military discounts, including Legoland, Kennedy Space Center, Gatorland, Wet n Wild and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, plus many more. When dining out, not only in Orlando, but anywhere in the U.S., don't forget many chain restaurants such as Applebee's, Denny's, Sizzler, Pizza Hut and others offer military discounts, just remember to ask for the discount.
Military discounts aren’t limited to Florida. If you love the great outdoors, military members can get a free annual pass for entrance to national parks and federal recreation sites. Visit www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm. Active military members and up to five family members can get free entrance to participating museums across the U.S. during the summer months and this year the offer runs through September 3. Museums include the Orlando Museum of Art and Orange County Regional History Center. Visit www.nea.gov/national/bluestarmuseums/index2012.php for details.
There are many hotels, restaurants and venues that offer military discounts, so whether you are at home or on vacation, don’t be shy about asking. Remember it’s still wise to look at other promotional rates, because military rates may not always be the cheapest available, so always do comparison shopping before you purchase. While this story may not apply to you personally, if you have friends or family who are active or retired military members, be sure to pass this along. It’s amazing how many soldiers I come across and while I usually offer them a pat on the back and thanks for their service, I’m also going to keep a few copies of this story with me so I can pass the story along to help them save money on their next vacation. You may want to do the same.
Below is a list of discounts to help you fly to Orlando for less, rent a car for less, stay for less, eat for less, and be entertained for less! By no means is this a complete list of the military discounts available. There are far too many hotels, restaurants and venues that offer military discounts.
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Theme Park Ticket Discounts
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$138 4-Day Park Hopper Tickets for Members of the U.S. MilitaryWalt Disney World Resort is saluting U.S. military personnel by offering 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for just $138 each, now through September 30, 2012. For just $27 more, both the Park Hopper and Water Parks, Fun & More option may be added. Get full details by clicking on the link below. |
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Magic Your Way Stars and Stripes Pass DISNEY Active Military personnel with proper ID (includes active U.S. Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists) are eligible to receive Disney Ticket discounts. Military personnel can also purchase Disney tickets for up to 5 members of their family. Guests in the Military can purchase these tickets at "Shades of Green." YOU MUST PRESENT VALID ID IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THESE PASSES. Your Military discounted passes can be picked up at the Made in the Shade store located at Shades of Green. When tickets are purchased with a military ID at Shades of Green, there is no tax charged. The Magic Your Way Stars and Stripes Tickets are offered for Shades of Green guests or guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort. The Magic Your Way Stars and Stripes Ticket includes admission for the specified days to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Disney Quest and Wide World of Sports The current prices for these passes that include Military discounts can be found here: Magic Your Way Stars and Stripes Pass. For Military personnel who are staying offsite, discounted tickets are sold at Military bases. You can also get specially priced tickets via - Mail Order: Retired, Active, Reservists, National Guard and DoD Personnel can order discount tickets via mail order by calling the Commander, Navy Region Southwest 619-767-6000 or Air Force Central Ticket Program at 210-652-2855. |
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Universal Orlando Universal Orlando is proud to offer a discount ticket program to all Active Duty, Retired Military and Department of Defense personnel through base Leisure Travel offices. http://www.universalorlando.com/military/ Base Tickets - 1 Day 1 Park start at $87 (Admission to EITHER Universal Studios Florida® OR Universal's Islands of Adventure® park each day): 1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day, and 7-Day Tickets Available Base Tickets Plus Park-to-Park Access (Admission to BOTH Universal Studios AND Universal's Islands of Adventure parks each day): 1-Day, 2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day, and 7-Day Tickets Available |
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SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and More
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| Wet 'n Wild- Adult $32/ Child $33 |
| Hotel Discounts |
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Disney Resort Discounts for Military Shades of Green In a secluded area near the Magic Kingdom, sandwiched between the Magnolia and Palm golf courses, sits the Shades of Green Resort. The name, "Shades of Green" signifies the camouflage uniforms worn by the armed forces without singling out any one particular branch. The resort is fully self-supporting and operates with non-appropriated funds. All profits are turned back into the resort for improvements to the accommodations and services. |
Save up to 40% at select Disney Resorts for Members of the U.S. MilitarySpecial savings on select Walt Disney World Resort hotels! Active and retired U.S. military personnel can take up to 40% off when booking by September 30, 2012. To check hotel offer availability and make room reservations, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call. This offer is valid for stays most nights now through September 30, 2012. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Advance reservations required. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on non-discounted price for the same room. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in. No group rates or other discounts apply. |
| Buena Vista Suites Rates from $89.00 per night When you stay at Buena Vista Suites you also get newly renovated suites with complimentary full American breakfast buffet and complimentary scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World Theme Parks. Book Online or call 800-537-7737 with rate code DREAMSRES |
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Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Rates as low as $139* for Summer 2012! Swan - The Swan and Dolphin Resorts are located in the heart of Walt Disney World. These award winning resorts are located between Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios with Disney's Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom theme parks close by. *Discount for Teacher / Education Support Staff, US Government Employee/Military and Nurses. Based on hotel availability and not all dates are available. Other great discounts offered to Annual Passholders, AAA/AARP and Entertainment Book members. |
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DoubleTree Hotel Universal Orlando Rates from $79! Located just a short walk from the main entrance to Universal Orlando - The Doubletree Hotel at Universal Orlando is a great alternative for those seeking a well appointed, comfortable hotel with great location and an unbeatable price. *Discount for Annual Passholders, AAA and Florida Residents. |
| Dreams Villas of Orlando 4-Bedroom Villa from $99 per night!* 4-bedroom/3 bathroom villas sleeps up to 10 people. Fully equipped and beautifully appointed each villa includes FREE Wireless High Speed Internet, televisions in each bedroom, over 50 Disney DVD’s, crib/pack-n-play, complimentary membership to Sam's Discount Shopping Club plus much, much, more!! *7 night minimum required. 4-Bedroom Villas from $99/night (plus tax). Rate available 07/10/2012 - 08/31/2012. 1-877-VILLA-01 (877-845-5201) SEE PRICING AND AVAILABILITY |
| CoCo Key Hotel and Water Resort Orlando Rates as low as $74! CoCo Key Water Resort is the premiere indoor water park resort and hotel in the United States. CoCo Key provides family friendly adventure through tropical themed water resort experience. Located on International Drive near Universal Studios. |
| Mystic Dunes Resort and Golf Club- 10% off best available rates year round for 1, 2, or 3 bedroom villas! |
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Nickelodeon Suites Resort- We salute and honor our military families with this Orlando Resort Military Special! Create unforgettable family memories at our exciting kid-friendly Orlando resort with military specials and discounts that let you experience more and spend less.
Call 1-877-642-5111 and ask for the Military Appreciation Package. |
| Sheraton Vistana Resort 1 Bedroom Villa from $99*! Sheraton Vistana Resort is located only 3 miles from the entrance of the Walt Disney World Resort and provides villa amenities such as a separate living room, dining and bedroom areas, a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette, and a washer and dryer. Call 1-888-847-8262 and mention Rate Code "DMNHK" |
| Sheraton Vistana Villages 3 nights for $259 in a 1-Bedroom Villa*! Completely furnished and fully equipped, your villa at Sheraton Vistana Villages provides a welcome retreat with all the conveniences of home. Call 1-888-847-8262 and mention Rate Code "DMNHK" *This discount requires a 3-night minimum stay. For travel between 8/1/2012 – 12/31/2012. Book by 8/30/2012. Does not include daily housekeeping, however, it may be purchased at the front desk for a nominal fee. Based on hotel availability and not all dates are available for these rates. |
| US Military Campgrounds and RV parks- http://www.militarycampgrounds.us/ |
| Marriott- military discounts worldwide, more details. |
| Hilton- military discounts worldwide, more details, |
| Choice Hotels- military rates nationwide at comfort inn, comfort suites, quality inn, sleep inn, clarion and more. Get details here. |
| InterContinental Hotel Group military discounts- worldwide offers with Crowne Plaza, InterContinental, Holidays and Candlewood Suites, more details |
| Car Rental Discounts |
| Hertz- CDP # 1910993Complimentary Hertz Gold membership, no fee for additional drivers, free upgrades, discounted rates and can double dip and add coupon codes to this discount for additional dollars off. More details http://www.hertz.com/rentacar/misc/index.jsp?targetPage=governmentandmilitary.xml |
| National Car Rental- Contract ID GOVRNR is for off-duty and retired military personnel traveling for leisure with National. A military ID card must be presented when you pick up the car. Plus National lets you double dip and add coupon codes for additional dollars off. |
| Alamo- Contract ID GOVRNR. You can double dip discounts and get a one free day, or one car class upgrade along with your special discount. https://www.alamo.com/index.do?action=/hotDealsTemplate&msg=AL_GOVRNR_Splash |
| Airline Discounts |
| American, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® may offer Military Discount Fares in some markets. These offers include discounted airfares, reduced minimum stay requirements, and preferred boarding privileges. For further information, please call American Airlines Reservations at 1-800-433-7300. |
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United continues to support our Armed Forces and their eligible family members, by offering reduced domestic fares applying to U.S. point-of-sale only. These fares are for active-duty members of the Navy, Marines, Army, U.S. Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and the Reserves. In addition, your spouse and dependent children are also eligible. To purchase contact United Reservations at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/products/milgov/default.aspx To thank U.S. military veterans, active duty military, National Guard and Reserve members and their families for their service, United is proud to provide Veterans Advantage® members a 5% discount on United Airlines tickets when they purchase travel at united.com.* |
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US Airways offers special military discount rates to military personnel traveling on an officially excused absence and to discharged personnel within seven days of discharge¹. Special rates are also applicable for military dependents². Special rates are not available to personnel on temporary duty orders traveling to or from their temporary duty station. For more information about Military Leave travel, call US Airways at 1-800-428-4322. http://www.usairways.com/en-US/specials/traveldiscountprograms/militaryleavefares.html |
| AirTran- Up to three bags waived, and no charge for excess weight. No orders needed, just present military ID. |
| Southwest offers military discount fares starting at $51 One Day-One Way Advance Purchase. Offered to Active Duty Personnel and DEPENDENTS call 1-800-435-9792. Military fares cannot be purchased through the Southwest Airlines web site. |
| Additional Orlando Discounts |
| Kennedy Space Center- $39 adults, $30 children
1 Day KSC Maximum Adventure Ticket allows guests to tour Kennedy Space Center, see IMAX® space movies and all exhibits and shows. Also includes the Astronaut Hall of Fame and interactive space-flight simulators. Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral are working space launch facilities. Tours may be altered or closed due to operational requirements. |
| Blue Man Group- $59 These prices are good for performances through December 31, 2012 only. The normal performance price ranges from $84.00 - $94.00. Zones do not include Poncho section. |
| Arabian Nights Dinner Show- Adult $32, Child $27 |
| Medieval Times Dinner Show- Adult $41, Child $35 |
| Pirates Dinner Adventure- Adult $37, Child $26 |
| Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show- Adult $38, Child $18 |
| Other Orlando & Surrounding Area Attractions & Discounts |
| Fantasy of Flight attraction- adult $20 child $11 |
| Gatorland- alligator theme park and wild life preserve- adult $21, child $14 |
| Wonder Works- Adult $21 / Child $16 |
| Richard Petty's Driving Experience- ride along $83, driving $361 |
| Ripley's Believe It Or Not- Adult $17, Child $11 |
| Fun Spot Kissimmee- Go Cart unlimited rides $29 |
| Titanic The Experience- Adult $19, Child $11 |
| Boggy Creek Airboat tours- 30 min adult $21, child $16. One hour adult $42, child $37 |
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Free Entrance To National Museums Military and their families can get into over 1,800 museums nationwide for free. More details. |
Free Entrance To National Parks- Free Annual Pass for U.S. Military
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