Where to Buy Disney Military Tickets: A Comprehensive Guide

The question of where to buy Disney military tickets is one of the most frequent inquiries I receive from service members and their families. Let’s cut straight to the chase: the primary sources for discounted Disney Military Salute Tickets are Military Base Ticket Offices (MWR/ITT) and shadesofgreen.org (for Shades of Green resort guests only). This is where you’ll find the legitimate, authorized options for scoring those coveted Disney discounts. Avoid third-party sellers offering seemingly unbelievable deals, as these can often be scams or involve ineligible tickets.

Understanding the Disney Military Salute Program

Before diving into specifics, it’s vital to grasp the essence of the Disney Military Salute Program. This initiative, a gesture of gratitude from Disney to the U.S. military community, offers discounted theme park tickets and special resort rates. The specifics of the program, including the number of ticket days allowed and blackout dates, vary from year to year, so always check the official Disney World website or a participating MWR/ITT office for the most up-to-date details. Remember that these tickets are exclusively for eligible service members and their families.

Key Purchase Locations: Your Top Options

Military Base Ticket Offices (MWR/ITT)

This is your most reliable and recommended source. Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) or Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) offices located on military bases are authorized distributors of Disney Military Salute Tickets. They provide a secure and trustworthy environment for purchasing these discounted tickets.

• Benefits: You’re dealing directly with a reputable organization sanctioned by the Department of Defense and Disney. MWR/ITT offices often offer guidance and assistance in planning your Disney vacation. They can also answer specific questions about eligibility and ticket usage.
• Considerations: You’ll need to verify your military affiliation to purchase tickets. The availability of tickets may vary depending on the location and time of year. It is crucial to contact your local MWR/ITT office for the most up-to-date pricing and program details.

Shades of Green Resort

If you’re planning to stay at Shades of Green, the Armed Forces Recreation Center located at Walt Disney World, you have an additional avenue for purchasing Disney Military Salute Tickets.

• Benefits: Shades of Green offers a convenient and dedicated resource for military families visiting Disney World. Purchasing tickets at Shades of Green streamlines your vacation planning, as you can handle both lodging and ticket purchases in one place. The resort itself offers many amenities geared toward military families, making your stay even more enjoyable.
• Considerations: You must be an eligible Shades of Green guest to purchase tickets through this channel. Tickets purchased at Shades of Green adhere to the same eligibility requirements and usage restrictions as those purchased at MWR/ITT offices.

Avoiding Scams and Unauthorized Sellers

It’s imperative to exercise caution when considering purchasing Disney Military Salute Tickets from sources other than MWR/ITT offices or Shades of Green. Beware of online marketplaces, private sellers, and unofficial ticket brokers offering deeply discounted tickets, as these are often fraudulent or involve tickets obtained or used improperly.

• Red Flags: Unusually low prices, requests for payment via unconventional methods (e.g., gift cards), and pressure to make a quick purchase are all warning signs of a potential scam.
• Consequences: Purchasing tickets from unauthorized sources may result in denied park entry and the loss of your money. Disney actively monitors and invalidates improperly obtained tickets.

Activating Your Tickets

Once you’ve purchased your Disney Military Salute Tickets, you’ll need to activate them at a Disney World ticket window or Guest Relations location. The eligible service member must be present with their military ID during activation. Activation must occur before you can make park reservations.

Park Reservations: A Crucial Step

After activating your tickets, the next critical step is to make park reservations through the Disney Park Pass system. Due to capacity limitations, park reservations are required for all guests, including those with Military Salute Tickets. It’s crucial to make these reservations as soon as possible, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

Maximizing Your Disney Military Discount

Beyond the Disney Military Salute Tickets, there are other ways to maximize your savings during your Disney vacation. Look into potential discounts on resort stays, dining, and merchandise.

• Resort Discounts: Disney often offers discounted room rates at select resorts for active duty and retired military personnel.
• Dining and Merchandise: Some restaurants and stores at Disney World may offer a military discount with valid ID. Ask before you pay to see if a discount is available.

Disney Military Ticket FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Who is eligible for Disney Military Salute Tickets?

The eligible service member must be:

• Active Duty
• Retired Military
• 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled Veteran
• Medically Retired

Spouses of eligible service members are also eligible if the service member meets the criteria above. Proper military ID is required.

2. How many Disney Military Salute Tickets can I purchase?

The specific number of tickets allowed varies from year to year and is often tied to the number of days offered in the Military Salute program. Be sure to check with your MWR/ITT office or Shades of Green for the current limits.

3. Are there blackout dates for Disney Military Salute Tickets?

Yes, blackout dates do apply, and they vary from year to year. These dates typically correspond to peak visitation periods, such as holidays and school breaks. Always confirm the blackout dates before purchasing your tickets.

4. Can I upgrade my Disney Military Salute Ticket to a Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option?

Yes, you can upgrade your Military Salute Tickets to add the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option. This can be done at any Disney World ticket window or Guest Relations location.

5. Can I use my Disney Military Salute Tickets at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland?

The Disney Military Salute Program typically offers separate ticket options for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Be sure to purchase the correct tickets for the location you plan to visit. Sometimes, you can split the days between parks, but ask your ticket seller for this option.

6. Can I transfer or sell my Disney Military Salute Tickets to someone else?

No, Disney Military Salute Tickets are non-transferable and cannot be sold or given to anyone who is not an eligible service member or their family.

7. What happens if I lose my Disney Military Salute Tickets?

Protect your tickets like cash. Lost or stolen tickets are generally not replaced. Contact Disney Guest Services immediately if you lose your tickets.

8. Can I use my Disney Military Salute Tickets to attend special events like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party or Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party?

Military Salute Tickets are typically valid for regular park admission. Separate tickets are required to attend special events.

9. Are there any restrictions on which parks I can visit with my Disney Military Salute Tickets?

There are no specific park restrictions beyond the need for park reservations. As long as a park has availability, you can use your Military Salute Tickets to enter.

10. What documentation do I need to purchase Disney Military Salute Tickets?

You will need to present a valid military ID card (e.g., Common Access Card (CAC), Uniformed Services ID Card, or DD Form 214) at the time of purchase.

11. How far in advance can I purchase Disney Military Salute Tickets?

The availability window for Disney Military Salute Tickets varies. Check with your MWR/ITT office or Shades of Green for the current purchase window. Typically, it’s within one year of the date of use.

12. If I am no longer on active duty, can I still purchase Disney Military Salute Tickets?

Yes, retired military personnel and 100% Permanently and Totally Disabled Veterans are eligible for the Disney Military Salute Program, provided they meet the other eligibility requirements.