Military Disney Tips Monthly – July 2025: What You Missed + Reader Favorites

The Military Disney Tips Monthly Newsletter

Welcome to the July 2025 Edition of the Military Disney Tips Monthly Newsletter!

Summer is in full swing, but Disney planning never takes a vacation—especially when it comes to military discounts. This month we’ve covered everything from Lightning Lane questions and ticket comparisons to EPCOT dining reviews and the newest entertainment offerings at Hollywood Studios. Plus, we’ve highlighted some of our most helpful Shades of Green content and reader favorites you might’ve missed.

One quick note: we’re still waiting on Shades of Green to publish their military pricing for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, even though tickets are already on sale. While the lack of transparency is frustrating, you can still get discounted tickets by submitting a request form directly to the Shades ticket office. We break it all down for you below.

Let’s jump into what’s new this month—and help you make the most of your military Disney benefits!

🎄 Where Are the Christmas Party Discounts?

Shades of Green still hasn’t published their military prices for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party—even though tickets are already on sale. This delay makes it harder for military families to plan and take advantage of the savings they’ve earned. This same thing happened this year with the Halloween Party Tickets!

Despite the lack of transparency, discounted party tickets are available through the Shades of Green Ticket Office. You won’t find pricing online, but you can still purchase slightly discounted tickets (with no sales tax) by submitting a ticket request form. Just list the number of adult and child party tickets you need—even without knowing the price—and a team member will contact you to finalize the order and collect payment.

🎟️ Read the full details here

🆕 New Blog Posts & Pages This Month

🎫 Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets vs. Disney World Annual Pass
Is it ever worth skipping the Salute ticket and going straight to an Annual Pass? This guide breaks down pricing, eligibility, and how many visits tip the scales in favor of a pass.
👉 Compare the math here

⚡ Is Disney’s Lightning Lane Included with Military Tickets or Is It Extra?
Short answer: it’s extra—but how much extra depends on where you’re going. We explain Lightning Lane Multi Pass vs. Single Pass, and how they work with military tickets at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
👉 Get the full breakdown

💳 Can Military Families Use the Military Star Card or Disney Gift Cards Toward a Disney Vacation?
Can you pay for Shades of Green with your Military Star Card? Use Disney gift cards at base ticket offices? We answer all your questions with real examples.
👉 See where they work—and where they don’t

🌮 La Cantina de San Angel in EPCOT’s Mexico
This waterside quick-service spot in World Showcase serves up tacos, nachos, and margaritas. Here’s what to expect in terms of location, food, and mobile order availability.
👉 View our full guide

🍽️ San Angel Inn Restaurante in EPCOT’s Mexico
Dine inside a nighttime volcano-lit pyramid at this table service restaurant—complete with authentic Mexican flavors and riverfront views of the Gran Fiesta Tour.
👉 See the ambiance and menu

🌅 La Hacienda de San Angel in EPCOT’s Mexico
This EPCOT dinner-only restaurant sits right on the World Showcase lagoon, offering incredible food and fireworks views.
👉 Get the dining details

🎭 Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A new indoor stage show with Hades, Cruella, and the Evil Queen has taken over the former Lightning McQueen venue. Here’s everything you need to know.
👉 Read our full show guide

🍹 Regal Eagle Smokehouse Outdoor Bar at EPCOT’s American Adventure
Home of the beloved Moonshine Sour! This hidden-in-plain-sight bar serves American spirits and cold beer with barbecue vibes.
👉 Grab our tips and drink picks

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🔥 You Also Might Like

These are your fellow readers’ most-clicked guides and tips from the past 30 days—covering Shades of Green, ticket activation, and more:

🎟️ How to Activate Your Disney Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets
Don’t get turned away at the gate! Know what to bring and where to activate.
👉 Read the step-by-step guide
🏖️ Shades of Green’s Poolside Rooms
We toured the Magnolia Wing’s Poolside Room with full photos and key tips—including amenities, view, and what’s missing.
👉 See the full room review
🛌 Shades of Green Standard Rooms
Wondering what the most common room type at SOG looks like? Here's what to expect.
👉 View our room guide
🚍 Shades of Green Transportation Options
Learn how to get from Shades of Green to the theme parks—plus where Disney transportation doesn’t go.
👉 Read the full transportation breakdown
🪖 Disney Military & Veteran Discount Eligibility Guide
Wondering who qualifies for Salute tickets or Shades of Green? This guide explains it all in plain English.
👉 Check your eligibility
📷 Military Discount on Disney Memory Maker (PhotoPass)
Yes, there’s a discount—and here’s how to get it.
👉 View the details
🗺️ Getting Around Walt Disney World for Shades of Green Guests
Insider strategies for navigating the resort from this unique location.
👉 Read our getting around guide
🎫 Walt Disney World Military Theme Park Ticket Guide
Confused by all the ticket types? We break down each option.
👉 View ticket options
🏨 The Best Rooms at the Shades of Green Resort
Want a view of the fireworks? Here’s where to stay (and what to ask for).
👉 Get the room tips
🎖️ Top Ten Things You Need to Know About Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Military Discount Tickets
Bookmark this one—it’s everything you need in one place.
👉 Read the list
🧾 What’s the Right Military Discounted Disney Ticket for Me?
This comparison post helps you choose the best option for your trip.
👉 Compare ticket types
🏰 Shades of Green vs. Disney Deluxe Resorts
We compare rooms, amenities, and pricing side-by-side.
👉 See the comparison
🎟️ Where to Buy Disney Military Tickets in 2025 and What They Cost
Our just-updated guide lists prices and locations for this year.
👉 View the list
❓ What’s the Difference Between Promotional & Regular Military Tickets?
Many don’t realize these are two separate types—here’s the key info.
👉 Learn the difference
🎃 Military Discount Prices on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Yes, the party has military pricing—and here’s where to get it.
👉 See current pricing

Disney Cruise Line Military Discounts

Did you know that the Disney Cruise Line also offers Military Discounts?

They Sure do!

These discounts aren't offered all the time, though. They are just for specific sailings and cabin types. And they are often available to book for a limited time. In fact, the list of availability changes every week! Disney updates the dates if needed on Mondays (as do we).

You can see available dates and learn more on our Disney Cruise Line Military Discount page. (Updated each Monday afternoon)

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Disney's Aulani Military Discounts

Disney's Hawaii Resort, Aulani, also offers Military Discounts on a seasonal basis.

Shades of Green Specials

Here is the newsletter’s regular feature with all of Shades of Green’s current discounts.

Here are the current limited-time discounts from Shades of Green:

New Offers

Military Appreciation Month May - May 1 - 31, 2026

Modified Offers

Shades of Green's Active Duty Promo - Dates Reduced

Unmodified Offers

Savings for Summer/Summenr Stay & Play - On select dates, July through September - Dates not published.

Savings in October 2025

January Savings 2026

Savings in April 2026

Canceled Offers

Savings in January 2026

See all the Shades of Green Discounts

You can see these discounts and watch for any new discounts that pop up on the Shades of Green Discount Page, and of course, I’ll let you know here in the newsletter.

You can also stay abreast of Disney's General Public Discounts to compare or use when Shades of Green is full or the Disney Salute Discounts are not available.

Don’t Forget!

Please take our Post-Vacation Surveys!

There are a few Shades of Green surveys and a Military Ticket survey too.

Military Disney Tips Surveys

See the results: Military Members Review and Rate Shades of Green

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