America’s theme parks honor those who serve with significant savings and special offers. Whether you’re active duty military, a veteran, or a military family member, these discounts can make your next vacation more affordable while showing appreciation for your service.

Disclaimer: The information in this guide is current as of October 2025. However, theme parks reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue their military discount programs at any time without notice. Pricing, blackout dates, eligibility requirements, and program details are subject to change. We strongly recommend verifying all discount information directly with the specific theme park or through their official website before planning your trip and making any travel arrangements.

Disney Parks

Walt Disney World (Florida)

Disney’s Military Salute program offers specially priced tickets for 2025. Active and retired U.S. military members can purchase 4-day, 5-day, or 6-day discounted tickets with Park Hopper options through December 19, 2025. Pricing depends on ticket length and options selected, with base ticket prices of $365-$435 tax-free. The program also includes Memory Maker (Disney’s photo package) for a special price of $98. Valid military identification is required for both purchase and park entry, and park reservations are mandatory. Blackout dates apply April 13-26 and November 23-29, 2025.

Disneyland (California)

Similar to Walt Disney World, Disneyland offers Military Promotional Park Hopper Tickets available for purchase through December 23, 2025, valid for use from January 1 through December 27, 2025. Pricing includes 1-day tickets starting at $104 for adults ($98 for children), 1-day Park Hopper tickets at $169 for adults ($163 for children), and multi-day options for 3-4 days. Active and retired military personnel can take advantage of these savings at both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.

Special Holiday Events

Want to attend Disney’s holiday celebrations? Get discounted tickets thru Shades of Green. You can submit a ticket request on their website.

Universal Studios

Universal Orlando Resort

The 2025 Military Freedom Pass is Universal’s signature military offering, providing unlimited admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Volcano Bay. The pass is priced at just $210 for adults ($205 for children ages 3-9) for the 2-park option, or $245 for adults ($240 for children) for the 3-park option including Volcano Bay. This represents exceptional value for a year-long unlimited pass valid from November 14, 2024, through December 19, 2025, with limited blackout dates (December 21, 2024 – January 2, 2025, and April 14-20, 2025).

Eligible service members can purchase and activate up to six promotional tickets. In 2025, Universal also introduced a One-Day Add-On option for the new Epic Universe park, giving military families access to the destination’s newest attraction. Universal also offers special vacation packages with significant savings at the resort’s hotels, making it easier for military families to enjoy a complete vacation experience.

Waves of Honor

The Waves of Honor program is one of the most generous military programs in the theme park industry, offering FREE admission once per year to active duty military, activated or drilling reservists, and National Guardsmen. The program includes:

Parks Included:

• SeaWorld Orlando
• SeaWorld San Antonio
• SeaWorld San Diego
• Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• Sesame Place Philadelphia
• Sesame Place San Diego
• Aquatica Orlando
• Aquatica San Antonio
• Discovery Cove Orlando (special pricing, not free)

Each service member can register online and receive one complimentary admission per year to any of the participating parks. The program allows the military member to bring up to three eligible dependents who also receive free admission. Veterans can access the program with special promotional offers throughout the year.

LEGOLAND

All U.S. LEGOLAND Locations (Florida, California, and New York)

LEGOLAND offers year-round military discounts at all three U.S. locations that can be purchased online. Military personnel and veterans can save up to 10% on 1-day and 2-day tickets, with multi-park options available. Get a full break down on Legoland here.

During special military appreciation periods, LEGOLAND goes above and beyond with exceptional offers. From October 1-November 30 (covering Veterans Day), LEGOLAND Florida and LEGOLAND New York offer FREE 1-day, 1-park tickets for active duty military, reserves, and veterans, plus up to 50% off tickets for up to six guests visiting with the service member. While Memorial Day promotions vary by year, LEGOLAND has historically offered special military promotions during this time as well. LEGOLAND California does not usually participate in these promotions.

LEGOLAND Resort Hotels

Military families can save year-round on LEGOLAND resort hotels, with typical discounts of up to 10% on overnight stays. During the October-November military appreciation period, these savings increase to 25% off room rates. All hotel packages include daily hot breakfast for guests on the reservation and early park access, making it an excellent value for families. Hotels feature LEGO-themed rooms with separate sleeping areas for kids, in-room treasure hunts with complimentary LEGO souvenirs, resort-style swimming pools, and daily kids’ entertainment.

Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri has announced an exciting initiative for 2026 in celebration of America’s 250th birthday: free season passes for all active-duty U.S. military members, thanks to a partnership with Arvest Bank. For 2025, the park continues to offer discounted tickets for U.S. active military, veterans, and retired military personnel. Children ages 3 and under receive free admission.

Cedar Fair Parks

Cedar Point in Ohio and Kings Dominion in Virginia both provide discounted tickets to active and retired military personnel and veterans. These discounts apply to single-day admission and can be purchased online or at the park gates with valid military identification.

Dollywood

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers military discount tickets for the 2025 season. Active duty military, veterans, and retired personnel can purchase specially priced one-day tickets to the Smoky Mountain theme park. The discount also extends to Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, making it a great value for families visiting the Pigeon Forge area.

Six Flags Parks

All Six Flags Locations Nationwide

Six Flags operates parks across the United States and offers Military Appreciation Tickets with discounted daily admission at all locations through ID.me verification. Military personnel can take advantage of these savings at popular parks including Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey), Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags Magic Mountain (California), Six Flags Great America (Illinois), Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and many more. The discount applies to all active duty military, veterans, and retired personnel with valid military identification.

During Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26, 2025), Six Flags goes even further by offering FREE admission to all active-duty military, retired military, National Guard, reserves, and veterans at select Six Flags locations. Military members can also purchase up to six discounted tickets for family and friends during this special weekend.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California offers discounted single-day admission tickets to all military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members through ID.me verification. Military members can purchase up to six discounted tickets online for family and friends. The park also hosts special Military Tribute Days in November and December with even deeper discounts of $25 per ticket for active-duty military, veterans, and up to five guests. Additionally, Knott’s Hotel offers military personnel up to 15% off on hotel stays over select dates with valid military identification at check-in.

Carowinds

Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina offers year-round military discounts on single-day admission tickets for active military personnel and veterans, with the ability to purchase up to six tickets for family and friends after online verification. The park goes above and beyond during Military Appreciation Month with free admission for active-duty military and veterans from May 23-26, 2025, plus the ability to purchase up to six discounted tickets for guests. During Memorial Day weekend (May 26-29, 2025), active and retired military personnel receive complimentary admission with a valid U.S. military ID.

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari in Santa Claus Indiana offers military discounts for the 2025 season, providing deep discounts on up to 10 online tickets. Military personnel can also purchase discounted tickets at the park’s ticket booth by showing their official military ID. This family-owned park is known for free soft drinks, free sunscreen, and free parking for all guests, making the military discount an even better value.

Tips for Maximizing Your Military Theme Park Discounts

Verify Eligibility Requirements: Most parks accept active duty military, retirees, and veterans. Some programs extend to activated reservists and National Guard members. Always check specific eligibility requirements before purchasing.

Bring Proper Identification: A valid military ID (CAC card), veteran ID card, or DD Form 214 is typically required. Some parks verify at purchase, others at park entry, and some at both points.

Check Blackout Dates: Military discounts often have blackout dates during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break. Plan accordingly to ensure your tickets will be valid.

Purchase Through Military Bases: Many installations have ITT (Information, Tickets, and Travel) offices that sell discounted theme park tickets. Sometimes ticket prices thru ITT are different than booking direct so just compare before purchasing!

Look for Special Promotions: Parks often run additional military promotions during holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day, and Military Appreciation Month (May).

Book Early: Some military ticket programs have limited availability or require advance purchase. Don’t wait until the last minute.

Consider Multi-Day Tickets: The longer the ticket, the better the per-day value. Multi-day military tickets often provide the biggest savings.

Final Thoughts

Being a military family can make many of these opportunities more affordable. When you plan see what other military benefits you can use during your trip to maximize your savings, like staying at a military resort, using Armed Forces Vacation Club or using points and perks from your favorite travel credit card that waves annual fees for AD military and spouses.