Disney World: Let the Memories Begin (Military Members Save Money!)

We recently returned from our summer vacation.  While blogging about travel deals isn’t usual for me, I am going to take a stab at it.  We found ways to save money on our vacation and stretched our dollars.  I know that not everyone can utilize the same offers we did, but hopefully my posts encourage you to research ways to turn a boring staycation into a real vacation.

Our vacation was two parts.  The first was so Ponte Verde Beach, Florida (more later) and the second was to Orlando, Florida.  My crazy, crazy brother decided that he wanted to go to Florida in the month of July.  He then thought it would be fun to go to Disney World.  Like a great big sister I threw a little temper tantrum and said “No Way.  Nuh-Uh.  We will never go to Disney World in July.  Are you CRAZY?”  But I love my brother, sister-in-law, and nephew so I sighed and began researching ways to go to Disney World for cheap.  And I found it!

My brother is a Marine.  There is an amazing program that gives America’s military personnel special Special Tickets, Room Rates for U.S. Military at Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resorts.  During this promotional period military personnel and their spouses (but not both) can purchase up to six Disney 4-Day Military Tickets.  There are three options available to purchase:

• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $138 each, plus tax
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Parks Fun and More Option for $138 each, plus tax AND
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More Options for $165 each, plus tax

I’m just going to say it – Disney World is expensive when you calculate the park tickets with park hopper passes, travel, lodging, and food.

For our family of four to go to Disney World for four days with the park hopper pass added it would have cost a total of  $1,154 (2 adults: $243 + $243 + $55 +$55 = $596; 2 children: $224 + $224 + $55 + $55= $558).  Being a frugalista that number boggles my mind since it is solely for the amusement park.  My brother purchased our four tickets for a grand total of $552 ($138 x 4).  We saved $602 (52%) with his awesome military discount.

To purchase these tickets we headed to Shades of Green, which is a military resort on Disney World property.  We threw my brother out of the car at 6:58 and the office closed at 7:00.  Luckily they are incredibly nice and gave him a number (#33 – they were only on #11) and served him that night.  We were all pleasantly surprised that sales tax was NOT charged on the tickets.  It has to do with being a military establishment (don’t yell at me since I know that is not exactly correct, but that answer works well enough for this blog post).

We considered staying at Shades of Green, but chose to stay off property (more later).  During our time at Shades of Green we ate dinner (buffet style with a kid’s section – GENIUS!), looked at the most giant goldfish ever, raced boats, and took pictures with patriotic Mickey Mouse.  Although we didn’t lodge with Shades of Green, we would definitely stay there next time (assuming my brother was with us).

If you have a family member who is in the military I certainly suggest letting them know that this discount is available.  And maybe if they have a small family they could help you out by purchasing a few tickets for you too!