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Military Discount

The Universal Studios Orlando Military Discount

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When you talk about Orlando, most people think Walt Disney World. But there is much more to explore when visiting this Florida city. You can always go to SeaWorld. Military families get in free with their Waves of Honor Military Discount. You can also go to Universal Studios Orlando.

Universal Studios opened in Florida in June of 1990. Due to the success of Universal Studios Hollywood in the 1980s, they decided to build a Universal Studios in Orlando to compete with Walt Disney World. Orlando began with Universal Studios Florida. Then, they added Universal Islands of Adventure in 1999. The waterpark, Universal Volcano Bay, was added in 2017, and Universal Epic Universe will be added in 2025.

Universal Epic Universe will include five immersive worlds and sounds fantastic! This fourth park will open on May 22nd, 2025 and includes:

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Ministry of Magic
  • Super Nintendo World
  • How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk
  • Dark Universe
  • Celestial Park

If you are planning a trip to Universal Studios Orlando, you will want to use their military discount. Here is what you need to know about it:

Who qualifies for the Universal Studios military discount

  • Active duty
  • Reservists
  • National Guard
  • Retired memes of all branches
  • Military spouses of those mentioned above
  • 100% disabled veterans
  • Department of Defense Civilian personal members

2025 Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket

  • You can use this ticket through 12/19/2025.
  • You have two options: a 2-park option or a 3-park option.
  • You can purchase and activate up to 6 promotional tickets. One must be for the eligible service member. Exceptions do apply.
  • To activate, you must present a current and valid qualifying Military ID or DOD ID at the ticket window.
  • You must purchase this ticket at an authorized military ticket and travel office.
  • The tickets start at $210.
  • The 2-park includes Universal Studios Florida and Universe Islands of Adventure on the same day.
  • The 3-park includes Universal Studios Florida, Universe Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay on the same day.
  • Blackout dates are April 14th-April 20th, 2025.

Universal Epic Universe 2025 Military Freedom Pass Add-On

  • One-park, one-day pass.
  • You can only get this add-on ticket if you purchase the 2025 Military Freedom Pass Promotional Ticket.
  • Ticket prices and availability vary by day.
  • You must buy this one online, not at the military ticket and travel office.

Vacation Packages

Universal Studios Orlando also offers vacation packages at a discounted rate. They offer:

  • Military Create Your Own Vacation Package
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Exclusive Vacation Package

Universal Hotels

You can also save a bit on hotels:

  • 40% off Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort
  • Up to 30% off at other Universal hotels
  • Book through the travel office

Please visit the Universal Studios Orlando page for more information!

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

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The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

When it comes to military discounts, the Disney military discount is one of the best! Whether you plan a trip using the Walt Disney World military discount or the Disneyland military discount, you will save a significant amount of money.

Walt Disney World in Florida is a popular spot for many military families. It is drivable from many of the duty stations in the South, East Coast, and Midwest. You can also fly into Florida from other places, including overseas.

Walt Disney World opened in 1971 and is made up of several different theme parks. It is a lot bigger than Disneyland in California. Disney World is made up of the Magic Kingdom (which is similar to what you find at Disneyland), Disney’s Hollywood Studios (where you will find Star Wars Land), Epcot (where you can find themed festivals, international cuisine, live entertainment, and more), and Animal Kingdom, (with animals, and The World of Avatar.)You can also find two waterparks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

If you are curious about the Walt Disney World Military Discount, this is what you need to know:

  • The Walt Disney World Military Discount can be used from January 1, 2025, through December 19, 2025, with the following blackout dates: April 13, 2025 through April 26, 2025 and November 23, 2025 through November 29, 2025.
  • You can choose a 4-Day, 5-Day or 6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket with the Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option.
  • Here are the different options with prices:
    • 6-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket – purchase now through December 14, 2025.
      • With the Park Hopper Option: $439 plus tax
      • With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $469 plus tax
    • 5-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket – purchase now through December 15, 2025.
      • With the Park Hopper Option: $419 plus tax
      • With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $449 plus tax
    • 4-Day Disney Military Salute Ticket – purchase now through December 16, 2025.
      • With the Park Hopper Option: $399 plus tax
      • With the Park Hopper Plus Option: $429 plus tax
  • You can get the Memory Maker for $98 through December 19, 2025.
  • The difference between the Park Hopper Option and the Park Hopper Plus Option is that with the Park Hopper Plus, you get to visit more than one theme park on the same day and get a certain number of visits to a water park, golf course or miniature golf course based on the length of your ticket. With the Park Hopper option, you can visit more than one of the four theme parks daily.
  • You will need a valid ticket and a park reservation for each park you want to visit. Check out the Theme Park Reservation Availability page.
The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

Who can qualify to use this military discount?

  • Active or retired members of the US Military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) qualify for this discount. Military spouses can also use the discount with a valid and active US Military ID in the absence of their service member.

Where do you buy the tickets?

  • Service members or their spouses can purchase the Military Salute Tickets at participating US military sales outlets. They can be used by themselves, family members, and friends, and you can buy up to six of them. The service member or spouse must be with anyone else who has a ticket on the first day to activate the tickets.
The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

Can you get a military discount on the hotels?

Where do I go for more information?

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

If you are curious about the Disneyland Military Discount, you can find out more information on my Disneyland military discount page.

The Walt Disney World Military Discount is Amazing

What You Need to Know About the 2025 Disneyland Military Discount

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Disneyland is one of my favorite places to go, and it’s great that there is such an amazing Disneyland military discount.

What You Need to Know About the 2024 Disneyland Military Discount

Growing up just 20 minutes from the park, I went often, having annual passes from the age of 10 to 18. Since I moved out of Southern California, I have tried to visit whenever we were able to. During those visits, we have used the Disneyland military discount four different times, the last of which was in October 2022.

On three of those visits, we went with the 3-day Military Salute Tickets, which is an amazing discount! On the last visit, we received a smaller discount on one-day tickets that we bought at our MWR travel office.

There is a lot to love about Disneyland. The park has magic, and for me, a lot of that is based on nostalgia. I have so many memories from my childhood and even of my own children as they have gotten older.

I have had a difficult time with the crowd levels over the last few years. I have never seen so many people at Disneyland. I am not sure if this will ever get better or not, but it is something to think about. When I was a kid, there were times of the year when you could literally walk on the rides, but that just doesn’t exist anymore, and I need to come to terms with that, haha.

What You Need to Know About the 2024 Disneyland Military Discount

Disneyland Military Discount Details

Now for the discount details. You can choose between a 3-day or a 4-day Park Hopper pass. Keep in mind that at Walt Disney World, you can get a 4-, 5-, or 6-day pass, while at Disneyland, it is just 3 or 4 days.

The 2025 Disneyland Military Salute Ticket prices are:

3 Day Park Hopper Tickets : $295

3 Day Park Hopper Tickets with with Lightning Lane Multi Pass: $391

4 Day Park Hopper Tickets : $349

4 Day Park Hopper Tickets with with Lightning Lane Multi Pass: $477

What You Need to Know About the 2024 Disneyland Military Discount

Where to buy the Disneyland tickets?

You will need to buy your tickets at a participating US military base ticket office. A few years ago, you could buy Disneyland tickets at the park, but you can no longer do so. You will need to buy them ahead of time.

You still need to get a reservation for the days you want to visit the parks. Once you get your tickets, you can link everything on the Disneyland app. Please double-check on the Disneyland website before your visit, as things can change.

Who can get these Disneyland tickets?

The great thing about this military discount is that it applies to quite a few military groups. The Disneyland website states, “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the US military, including the National Guard, Reservists, the US Coast Guard, the US Space Force, the Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service (PHS), and the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).”

When can you use these tickets?

It is essential to know when you can use these tickets. They are valid through 12/27/25, but you must purchase them by 12/23/25.

Use the GameStop Military Discount the Next Time You Go to the Mall

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GameStop Military Discount

Whenever we go to the mall, there is one store I know my boys will always want to check out, that’s GameStop, and they have a military discount too. From new and used video games, to fun characters, and t-shirts, this store has so much for the gamer kid, and well, gamer adult too.

History of GameStop

Did you know that GameStop has a connection to Barnes and Noble? Here’s how…

GameStop basically begins in 1984 when the store Babbage’s was founded. Babbage’s started selling Nintendo games in 1987 and then in 1994, the company merged with Software ETC. and created the NeoStar Retail Group.

Then, in 1999, the GameStop brand was launched in 30 stores in strip malls. They also then launched the website. That same year, Barnes and Noble bought Babbage’s Etc. This led to Barnes and Noble having control over GameStop until 2004.

GameStop acquired EB Games in 2005 which expand their operations to Australia, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand. The company has acquired many others over the years including some Radio Shack locations if you are wondering what happened to those places. At one point they had MovieStop stores which sold new and used movies but that didn’t last.

And you have probably heard of the GameStop short squeeze that happened in 2021. The movie Dumb Money tells the story of what happened and it is pretty interesting!

The GameStop Military Discount

The GameStop military discount is for 10% off and is available to members of the military and law enforcement. You can use the military discount in-store, however, the following items are not eligible:

  • New video game
  • New accessories
  • New video game systems
  • New tablets
  • PC Hardware (including, but not limited to, monitors & components)
  • Televisions
  • Gift Cards
  • POSA cards/time cards & points cards
  • Downloadable content (DLC)
  • Candy & Drinks
  • Books & Magazines

While it is a bit of a bummer you can’t use the discount on new video games, you can on used video game, and they have a great selection. You can also trade in your own used video games for money or store credit. They also have used video game systems.

Show your military ID at the store, your Form DD214, or you can verify your military status through online platforms.

Using Military Discounts

Military discounts can be a fantastic way to save a bit of money. From 10-15% at a retail store, to 30% off or more on tickets to your favorite amusement parks. If you are ever unsure about if a store or location has a military discount, just ask them if they do and be understanding if the answer is no. But it’s always great to be able to save a little money.

Did You Know About This Target Military Discount?

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One question you might have is if Target has a military discount. And they technically do!

Target is one of my favorite stores. We usually always end up there on date nights, just to walk around and pick up a few things. There is just something about that place that draws you in.

One of my earliest memories of the place was going there with my Dad and buying a watch with my allowance. The watch had different covers you could change out and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. As an adult, Target is a must stop each and every week!

One question you might have is if Target has a military discount. And they technically do!

While Target doesn’t have a regular military discount, they do offer them during the year. They started offering a 10% military discount in November for Veterans Day. They have also added the 10% military discount around the 4th of July.

The discount is available for US members of the military, veterans, and their family members, including military spouses. You can use the Target military discount online and in person.

How do you get the Target military discount?

You would need to sign up through Target Circle. If you shop at Target, you should be signed up for Target Circle anyway. Through this program, you can save money and earn rewards. It’s a lot of fun when you go to place a Target order and see you have $5.00 in rewards to use. You would verify your military affiliation through Target Circle and then be able to use your military discount.

What is the Target military discount?

The Target military discount is for 10% off of your purchases. Keep in mind that there are some exclusions so you won’t be able to use the discount on everything. However, it would be a good time to make some purchases to save a little bit of money. You can use it on two qualifying storewide purchases.

When is the Target military discount?

As I said above, the Target military discount isn’t all of the time. You can find the discount in November and for this 4th of July, you can use the discount from June 23rd through July 6th.

What else does Target do for the military community?

Target has been a supporter of Blue Star Families’ Welcome Week. This is a week that is dedicated to welcoming families into their new communities. In addition, Target also has a Military Business Council which provides resources and support to Target employees who have a connection to the military.

Where else can I use a military discount?

There are many different stores that offer a military discount during the 4th of July. Walgreens and the Academy typically have them. Stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot have a regular 10% military discount, and Kroger in the Fort Campbell area offers 10% off every Wednesday.

Happy 4th of July and happy Target shopping!

What Military Spouses Need to Know About Military Discounts

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What Military Spouses Need to Know About Military Discounts

I love finding military discounts. My favorite military discount is the one you can get at Disneyland. I feel like you are able to save so much money! Many different places have military discounts, from home stores to your favorite restaurants.

But…

There are some things that you should know going in where military discounts are concerned. Different businesses offer different types of discounts and knowing what they are is important.

Not all businesses offer them to spouses

One thing you should know is that not all military discounts are for military spouses, but many of them are. This can get a bit confusing. And sometimes this depends on who is giving you the discount on that day.

Usually, they will state that they only give the discount to the service member in the fine print. Typically, free meals on veterans day are only for the veteran. If you present your dependent ID and they let you know that the discount is only for the service member or veteran, be polite with your response.

Not all businesses offer them to the national guard and the reserves

This can get a little frustrating. Not all businesses give a military discount to the national guard or the reserves. However, in my own experience, most of them do. Again, this is where you want to check the fine print.

I would encourage any business giving a military discount to include the national guard and the reserves too. This part of the military often gets overlooked, even though they are also putting on the uniform, deploying, and spending time away from their families. While I understand sometimes they can’t extend the discount to that many people, adding this part of the military would be a nice idea.

You might not be able to use them on everything

In most cases, there is something you won’t be able to use the military discount on. Usually, buying a gift card, or certain products. Make sure to double-check if you are not sure. Sometimes, you can find out this information on their website or where they have the military discount posted.

You might be able to combine the military discount with another promotion

One reason you might not be able to use a discount is if you have a store coupon or if you want to use the discount for something that is on sale or clearance. However, there are some places that will allow you to do so. For example, at Rack Room Shoes, they offer a 10% military discount that you can use with BOGO 50% off deals, sales prices, other coupons, and promotional offers.

You should check your options when you do have to decide to see what can get you a better deal. While 10% can be nice, a business might have a coupon that is for 20% off that would be a better deal. With the Southwest Airlines Military Rate, you can often find a better deal with their Wanna Get Away specials available to everyone.

Not all locations have the same discount

Another thing about military discounts to keep in mind is that different locations for the exact same business might offer something different. For example, here in the Fort Campbell area, Cracker Barrel does offer a military discount but it isn’t that way everywhere. When I lived in Lexington, they offered one at their Chick-Fil-A but the ones here in Clarksville don’t.

In some cases, it is hard to get a clear answer on what their discount is because they often are up to the management of that specific location. Asking is your best bet because they know what they are going to do at your local location.

Sometimes the military discount isn’t advertised

While some businesses display that “10% off for service members” sign, others do not. Some places don’t even talk about the discount on their websites.

When in doubt, ask. That might be the only way to find out. And remember, just because the military discount isn’t listed, it doesn’t mean they don’t have one.

What Military Spouses Need to Know About Military Discounts

Where is your favorite place to get a military discount?

Now I Can See! 4 Military Discounts on Eyeglasses You Don’t Want to Miss

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Now I Can See! 4 Military Discounts on Eyeglasses You Don't Want to Miss

My eyes are not perfect, in fact, I have needed glasses or contacts since I was 17 years old. These days, I am very much 100% into my glasses, having given up on contacts a few years ago. When you wear glasses, you have to buy glasses, and as you know, TRICARE doesn’t cover the cost of glasses.

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin invented bifocals back in the 1700s? He divided his lenses so that he could see both near and far with one pair of glasses. Thank you Mr. Franklin as I received my first pair of progressive lenses earlier this year. With progressive lenses, you can’t see a line in between, which is nice. I was having trouble reading with my glasses on, and thank goodness this technology exists.

And the thing about glasses is that they can be pretty expensive. If you have ever tried to pick out a pair after an eye appointment, the prices can be a little hard to stomach. But we have choices!

There are quite a few glasses companies online and quite a few of them offer a military discount. With these companies, you do need to have your prescription which you enter into a form, pick out the frames you want, and place your order.

Here are four military discounts on glasses that you don’t want to miss:

Zenni Optical

Zenni Optical is my personal favorite and I have been ordering from them for years. They offer a 10% military discount and ordering glasses is a pretty easy process. They offer a lot of options to find exactly what you want. Zenni was founded back in 2003 and used to be called, 19dollareyeglasses.com. You can find eyeglasses and sunglasses at Zenni Optical.

GlassesUSA

GlassesUSA is another online glasses retailer. They offer a $10 super coupons to members of the military. You can use this coupon with other promotions to offer additional savings. They were founded in 2009 and offer glasses, sunglasses, and contacts.

Glasses.com

Glasses.com has a sweet military discount of 60% off lenses as well as free shipping. They have brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Versace, and Coach. They sell eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Sunglasses Hut

The Sunglasses Hut offers members of the military and military spouses 15% off members of the military and their spouses. Not only can you get regular sunglasses at the Sunglasses Hut, but you can also get prescription sunglasses. The Sunglasses Hut first opened in 1971 in a mall in Miami.

Not in the market for glasses? There are plenty of other types of retailers that offer military discounts to members of the military, veterans, and military spouses. Companies such as Old Navy, Lowe’s and Michaels offer 10-15% off on purchases.

If you are interested in having your own military discount added to this list of military discounts on eyeglasses, please contact me here for more information.

Hawks Cay Resort Celebrates its 15th Annual Heroes Salute Program

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Hawks Cay Resort, an iconic destination resort in the Florida Keys, is celebrating the 15th annual anniversary of its  Heroes Salute program, honoring active and retired members of the military, fire and rescue, police, first responders, and medical personnel with special programming, packages and discounts available August 1 through December 25. This year’s program will be bigger and better than ever before with military veteran Craig Morgan performing at a special Key to Country concert during the Labor Day Weekend tribute event.  

Annually, the Heroes Salute program offers qualified heroes the best rates of the year from August 1 through December 25. Guests who book with the Heroes Salute package will also receive discounts on resort amenities, including spa treatments at Calm Waters Spa, in-water Dolphin Connection experiences, group snorkeling at Solé Watersports, fishing charters from Hawks Cay Marina and many more. Heroes Salute rate starts at $169 and can be booked at  hawkscayheroes.com.   

“Heroes Salute has really grown into something special over the last 15 years. What started as just a small tribute event one weekend has turned into our most popular and rewarding program of the year,” said Bob Moore, acting general manager at Hawks Cay Resort. “Every fall, Hawks Cay becomes a sanctuary for our heroes to unwind and enjoy some rest and relaxation with their loved ones. Showing the heroes community our appreciation is the most important thing we do here. It means a lot to everyone in the Hawks Cay community.” 

To celebrate the launch of the seasonal program, Hawks Cay is hosting Heroes Salute Weekend September 1-3 with celebrations including fun-filled, patriotic festivities, including a hero tribute ceremony, 5K run, touch-a-truck event, live music, fireworks, games, contests and more. To commemorate the milestone anniversary, the resort will also host its popular Keys to Country concert series with a special performance by internationally acclaimed country music singer and military veteran Craig Morgan, who will take to the oceanside stage on Sunday, September 3. Weekend events can be found at floridakeysheroes.com, and guests interested in adding the concert to their reservation should use promo code HEROKC. 

Recognizing those who support our heroes, civilians interested in honoring our service members and first responders can book the Heroes Supporters package from August 1 through December 25 to receive a 15 percent discount on accommodations when a donation $5 or more is made to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. 

Learn more about Hawks Cay’s Heroes Salute program by visiting www.hawkscayheroes.com or hawkscay.com.  

About Hawks Cay Resort 

A recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award and a member of the Preferred Hotel Group Lifestyle Collection, Hawks Cay Resort is located on Duck Key in the Middle Florida Keys. Situated roughly halfway between Key Largo and Key West at mile marker 61, this 60-acre, tropical destination is easily accessible by car, boat or plane yet feels worlds away from everyday life. Alongside the aquamarine water of the Atlantic Ocean, guests enjoy offshore, flats and backcountry fishing; diving; kayaking and standup paddle-boarding programs; Cliff Drysdale tennis program, and the only resort-based Dolphin Connection program with complimentary daily viewings in the continental U.S. The resort boasts 177 guestrooms and 250 two- and three-bedroom villas, a full-service marina, six restaurants, saltwater lagoon, six swimming pools, kid and teen clubs and the award-winning Calm Waters Spa. For more information, please visit www.hawkscay.com.