Military Benefits and Discounts

[SPartyOf5]

We are in the beginnings of planning our trip for fall 2016. My husband is Reserves and I'm a little overwhelmed navigating all of the options for military discounts. I know about SOG but I don't think we will be staying there as we'd like to do the dining plan (currently planning on Port Orleans). What are our options for military tickets? I see Salute, Stars and Stripes, etc. What options can link to our room and dining plan? Is there any whole family benefits or just his ticket? I see room discounts for moderate at 35% but is it either/or with discount park tickets like it is when they offer free dining?
We are planning 5 days in the parks with park hopper option.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Military tickets for 2016 have not been announced. You can look at the details for 2015 tickets to get some idea of what might be offered next year. You don't have to purchase a package with park tickets to get room discounts.

You might want to check out the WDW website; all of this is discussed there.

 

[SPartyOf5]

I'm seeing Armed Salute offered for 2016 for both tickets and rooms on the Disney webpage.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I just called about the Military rates for 2016 (priced out early May specifically) and I was given a quote and agreed, the dates are on the Disney website. I asked (so others can confirm if true or not) but you have too book the Military rates with the c/m on the phone and can't book online so it's best to call. My Mom, Step-Dad and Father are all retired military but I was specifically calling about a trip with Mom and/or Step-dad and as long as everyone is in the room with the military member I understood everyone qualified for the rates. I wrote down the tickets which include park hoppers were $196.00 (plus tax) per person for 4 days. POFQ for 5 nights for 3 adults and a child was $860.26. All in all compared to normal rack rates it was approximately a little less than 50% off which is a very nice savings!

Hope this helps,
Heather

 

[Order66]

Yes, you have to call to book a room with the military discount. Can't do it online.

The military member (or spouse with ID) can book up to 3 rooms with the discount, as long as they are at the same resort the other rooms for his/her guests are discounted as well. I believe it's 30%, 35%, 40% (value, mod, deluxe). You can add the dining plan to a military rate room without tickets as they assume you'll be buying the discounted salute tickets.

You can buy up to 6 salute tickets. They are 4 day tickets with PH. You can add the WPM option for an additional $, but you cannot add days. If you have to have 5 days, SOG or your MWR office will sell regular WDW tickets at a slight discount and no tax. You'll want to order in advance so you can link them and make FP+ at 60 days out.

To make the most of the discount we just stick to the 4 day tickets and add the WPM option to stretch out our vacation. We go to both water parks on different days. This year we are going for Thanksgiving (2 more days!) and going to MVMCP so that's our 5th day. If you're going in the fall, consider the Halloween party to get an extra day in the MK. Other trips we have taken advantage of the free passes Sea World gives to military and spend a day there. Even without a car, Sea World is super easy to get to by Lynx bus. Even consider taking a day off to swim, visit other resorts, play minigolf or shop at DS. There are a lot of things to do at WDW without entering a park.

regards

 

[JaxDad]

I concur with Order66. You should also definitely enjoy SeaWorld's very generous Waves of Honor deal too.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Order66 has great information. Also check out www.militarydisneytips.com. He's a DIS-er and always gets the information about the newest discounts quickly.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I'm seeing Armed Salute offered for 2016 for both tickets and rooms on the Disney webpage.

Sorry, missed it.