The Military Disney Tips Monthly Newsletter

✨ November brought the official announcements for the 2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, along with the return of the Universal Orlando Military Freedom Pass. We’ve published full guides to all three offers—including pricing, eligibility, and what’s changed for the new year.

The biggest change? Walt Disney World has introduced a year-long pass like ticket and a new ID verification step at the park entrance for Salute ticket users. Even after tickets are activated, the eligible military member may now be asked to show ID again when entering the parks. We’ve broken down exactly how this works so your group is prepared.

🎖️ 2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute Announced for Walt Disney World​
Here are the dates, pricing, eligibility, and key tips for using the new Salute offer at Walt Disney World in 2026.
👉 Get the full details​

🇺🇸 2026 Disney Celebrates America Military Salute Ticket​
Disney renamed the Salute Ticket this year, but the offer is nearly identical to what we’ve known in the past.
👉 Learn about the new name and what's changed​

🎟️ Do You Need to Accompany Guests After Activating Disney Armed Forces Salute Tickets?​
There’s a lot of confusion about whether the eligible military member must enter the parks with their guests after activation. Here’s the real rule—and how it works in practice.
👉 Read the activation accompaniment guide​

🏨 2025 vs. 2026 Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Offers – WDW​
See what’s changed year over year with these side-by-side comparisons.
👉 Compare offers​

📸 Military Discount on Disney Memory Maker (PhotoPass)​
Yes, the popular $98 Memory Maker military offer is back for 2026!
👉 See how to buy and activate it​

🎢 The 2026 Universal Orlando Resort Military Freedom Pass​
Universal has officially confirmed the 2026 pass—and we’ve got all the prices and eligible dates.
👉 View the Freedom Pass guide​

🌌 2026 Epic Universe 1-Day Add-On for the Universal Military Freedom Pass​
Epic Universe is opening in 2025! Here’s how military families can add it to their Freedom Pass.
👉 Read the add-on details​

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🆕 Other New Blog Posts & Pages This Month

☕ Kusafiri Coffee Shop & Bakery at Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Savory Bites & Sweet Treats in Harambe Village​
This tucked-away counter in Harambe Village is a great place for a morning pastry, hearty flatbread, or classic Joffrey’s coffee.
👉 Explore the full menu​

🍨 Dino-Bite Snacks at Disney’s Animal Kingdom​
Near DinoLand, U.S.A., this unassuming snack window is home to delicious sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and the occasional seasonal sweet.
👉 See what’s available​

🥤 Neighborhood Bakery at Disney’s Hollywood Studios​
This Incredibles-themed snack kiosk offers cold drinks and the signature Jack Jack's Num Num Cookie.
👉 See what’s on the menu​

🍹 Dockside Margaritas at Disney Springs – Sip by the Water with Live Music​
Looking for a place to relax, people-watch, and sip something cold? Dockside Margaritas serves up frozen drinks and seasonal cocktails with a waterfront view and live music on select evenings.
👉 Check out the drink lineup​

🪖 Back to Basics: All Disney & Universal Military Discounts​
This is the newest post in our Back to Basics series—a clean, comprehensive roundup of every military discount available across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, and Universal Orlando. If you're just starting to plan—or trying to make sense of what’s offered—this is a great place to begin.
👉 View the full discount list​

🚍 Shades of Green Transit Navigator – Best Routes to Every Park, Resort & Disney Springs​
Our newest trip-planning tool helps you find the best ways to get from Shades of Green to all major Disney destinations.
👉 Plan your route​

🥤 Market at Disney’s Hollywood Studios​
A small but mighty drink and snack stand located just outside Toy Story Land.
👉 See the full menu​

🍰 BoardWalk Cake Bake Shop Military Discount – 15% Off + What to Expect​
This brand-new Disney BoardWalk bakery and café offers a military discount! Here’s what’s on the menu and how to save.
👉 View the discount and dining guide​

🛰️ Space 220 Restaurant & Lounge – 15% Military Discount at EPCOT​
Dining 220 miles above Earth? This immersive restaurant offers an exclusive 15% discount for eligible military guests.
👉 Get the discount and dining details​

🛄 Southwest Airport Luggage Transfer & Disney Value Resorts​
Flying Southwest? Here's what you need to know if you're hoping to use Resort Airline Check-In or baggage services at Value Resorts.
👉 See the updated transfer info​

🪐 Astrofizz in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland​
This bright blue slush stand is located just outside Space Mountain and is perfect for cooling off between thrills.
👉 View the drink stand guide​

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🔥 You Also Might Like

📞 How to Buy Military Discounted Disney Tickets by Phone​
Can’t get to a base office? Here’s how to order tickets remotely.
👉 Step-by-step ticket buying guide​

🛏️ Shades of Green Resort’s Standard Guest Rooms​
See what’s included in the most common room type and how many people it sleeps.
👉 View the room guide​

🚍 Shades of Green Transportation Options​
Know your route before you go—how to get from SOG to the parks and back.
👉 Read the transportation guide​

🔓 How to Activate Your Disney Armed Forces Salute Theme Park Tickets​
Avoid issues at the gate with this quick activation overview.
👉 Read the activation guide​

🤔 What’s the Right Military Discounted Disney Ticket for Me?​
Compare your options and choose what’s best for your trip.
👉 Ticket comparison post​

🏨 Shades of Green vs. Disney Resort Discounts – Which Is Better?​
Compare rooms, rates, and perks with real examples.
👉 Make the right lodging call​

🗺️ Getting Around Walt Disney World for Shades of Green Guests​
This transportation guide shows exactly how to navigate from SOG to the parks and beyond.
👉 Read the full guide​

🛍️ Disney Springs Military Discounts at Walt Disney World​
Many restaurants and stores in Disney Springs offer savings—here’s where to find them.
👉 Browse the full list​

🎫 What’s the Difference Between Military Promotional & Regular Disney Tickets?​
These two ticket types are often confused—here’s how they differ.
👉 Learn the differences​

🎄 Military Discount Prices on Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party​
The party’s already underway—here’s how military families can still get discounted tickets through Shades of Green.
👉 Read the ticket guide​

💡 How Disney Armed Forces Salute Room Discounts Work​
From booking rules to blackout dates, here’s how to make the most of the resort discount.
👉 Read the room discount overview​

🔟 Top 10 Things to Know About Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Room Discount​
Insider tips and common pitfalls to avoid when booking.
👉 Read the top ten list​

🔟 Top 10 Things to Know About Salute Military Discount Tickets​
Tips to help you buy and use your Salute tickets with confidence.
👉 View the list​

🚫 Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Blockout Dates​
Don’t get caught off guard—here are the dates you can’t use the tickets.
👉 View the 2026 blockouts​

🤔 What’s the Right Military Discounted Disney Ticket for Me?​
Not sure if Salute is your best deal? This post compares your options.
👉 Compare ticket types​

🎟️ I Need More Than 6 Salute Tickets—What Can I Do?​
Strategies and workarounds for large families or multi-family trips.
👉 Read the FAQ​

🗂️ Dining “In the Office” at Lamplight Lounge – A Secret Pixar Hideaway​
Tucked behind a bookshelf at Disneyland’s Pixar Pier, this hidden dining room is packed with Pixar magic.
👉 Peek inside The Office​

🏨 The Best Rooms at the Shades of Green Resort at Walt Disney World​
Want fireworks views or short walks? This guide breaks down your best options at SOG.
👉 Find the best rooms​

🌠 Fantasmic! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Everything You Need to Know​
From dining packages to arrival tips, here’s your full guide to the nighttime spectacular.
👉 View the Fantasmic! guide​

🌙 Best Spots to Unwind After a Day at Walt Disney World​
Sometimes the best memories happen after the park day ends. These are our favorite quiet places to rest and recharge.
👉 Read the unwind guide​

💬 Let Us Hear From You!

We’d love to hear how your planning is going—especially if you’re waiting on Salute tickets or just came back from a trip! Leave a comment on any post to share your tips or questions, and don’t forget: every page on the site has updated details for military families just like yours. Thanks, as always, for being part of this community—and for your service.

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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).

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

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