Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, offers special discounted tickets as a way to thank the men and women of the U.S. military for their service. These Military Promotional Tickets, often referred to as the “Armed Forces Salute,” provide significant savings on park admission. This guide will cover everything you need to know about these special tickets to help you plan your magical visit.
Eligibility: Who Can Purchase Military Tickets?
The Disneyland Resort Military Promotional Tickets are generally available to:
- Active members of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force).
- Retired members of the U.S. military.
- 100% disabled veterans.
- National Guard and Reservists.
- Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS).
- Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- Spouses of eligible service members (but not both the service member and spouse can purchase the limit of tickets).
Important Notes on Eligibility:
- A valid military ID must be presented at the time of purchase and when entering the park.
- Dependent children and other family members are eligible to use the tickets purchased by the eligible service member or their spouse.
- DoD Beneficiary, Child Dependent, and VHIC cards are generally not eligible on their own. The eligible service member or spouse must be present to purchase and often to activate the tickets.
Types of Military Promotional Tickets at Disneyland Resort (2025):
As of early 2025, Disneyland Resort typically offers the following types of Military Promotional Tickets:
- 3-Day Park Hopper Ticket: Allows entry into both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park on the same day, for a total of three days.
- 4-Day Park Hopper Ticket: Similar to the 3-day ticket but valid for four days of park hopping.
- Options with Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass: Both the 3-day and 4-day tickets may be available with the option to add Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass service, which allows you to make Lightning Lane selections for expedited entry to select attractions.
Standard Military Discounted Tickets:
It’s worth noting that there may also be “standard” military discounted tickets available throughout the year, which might have different terms and conditions than the limited-time Military Promotional Tickets. These may have blockout dates similar to regular park tickets and can sometimes be gifted without the service member needing to be present.
Where to Purchase Military Tickets:
Military Promotional Tickets can only be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets, such as:
- Military base ticket offices (MWR/ITR offices). These are often the most common and cost-effective places to buy these tickets, and they are usually tax-free.
- GOVX.com: Eligible U.S. military service members can also purchase tickets online through the GOVX website.
- Shades of Green: This Armed Forces Recreation Center located at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida sometimes offers Disneyland tickets, but availability and pricing may vary.
Important Note on Purchase:
- The eligible service member or their spouse must typically make the purchase.
- There is a limit on the number of Military Promotional Tickets that can be purchased per eligible service member or spouse per promotional period (usually six).
- The eligible service member or spouse often needs to use one of the purchased tickets.
Pricing of Military Tickets:
The prices for Military Promotional Tickets are significantly discounted compared to standard Disneyland Resort tickets. However, the exact pricing can vary slightly depending on the military outlet and whether you choose the Park Hopper option or add Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
As of early 2025, you might expect to see prices in the following general range (these are approximate and subject to change):
- 3-Day Park Hopper: Around $295 – $315
- 4-Day Park Hopper: Around $349 – $376
- With Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass: An additional cost of approximately $80 – $120 for the duration of the ticket.
It’s crucial to check with your local military ticket office or GOVX website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Blackout Dates and Usage Period:
The 2025 Military Promotional Tickets for Disneyland Resort are typically valid for use from January 1, 2025, through December 27, 2025, and importantly, there are generally no blackout dates associated with these promotional tickets during this period.
Important Notes on Usage:
- Park reservations are required for all guests, including those using Military Promotional Tickets. You will need to link your tickets to your My Disneyland account and make park reservations for each day of your visit.
- Each ticket must be used by the same person on all days. They are non-transferable.
- The tickets do not need to be used on consecutive days.
- The tickets will expire and cannot be used after December 27, 2025.
Activation of Military Tickets:
If you purchase your Military Promotional Tickets from a military base ticket office or GOVX, they will typically need to be activated upon your first visit to Disneyland Resort.
- The eligible service member or their spouse who purchased the tickets must be present at the Disneyland Resort Main Entrance ticket window to activate the tickets for themselves and their guests.
- A valid military ID will be required for activation.
- The entire party using the Military Promotional Tickets must usually be present at the time of the initial activation.
If you purchase tickets directly from Shades of Green, they may already be activated.
Benefits of Military Tickets:
The primary benefit of Disneyland Resort Military Tickets is the significant cost savings compared to purchasing regular park tickets. This allows military families to enjoy the magic of Disneyland at a more affordable price.
Important Things to Remember:
- Park Reservations are Essential: Make your park reservations as soon as you have your tickets linked to your My Disneyland account, as availability can be limited.
- Bring Valid Military ID: Ensure the eligible service member or spouse has their valid military ID with them for purchasing and activating the tickets, and potentially for park entry.
- Understand the Limit: Be aware of the limit of six tickets per eligible service member or spouse.
- Check Expiration Dates: Note the expiration date of the tickets (December 27, 2025, for the current promotion).
- Review Specific Terms: Always review the specific terms and conditions provided by the military ticket office or website where you purchase your tickets, as details can sometimes vary.
Conclusion:
Disneyland Resort Military Promotional Tickets are a fantastic benefit for U.S. military personnel and their families. By understanding the eligibility requirements, purchase locations, usage guidelines, and the need for park reservations, you can take full advantage of these discounted tickets and create unforgettable memories at the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Be sure to plan ahead, purchase your tickets from an authorized military outlet, and make your park reservations early to ensure a smooth and magical Disneyland experience.
