I recently received a reader question asking how how to best take advantage of the free and discounted Disney tickets. This is the first time Disney has ever offered a deal like this, and no one knows if they will do it again – so it’s best to take advantage of these offers while they are available!
Here is her question:
Hi. I was wondering, my husband is a SGT with the USMC, currently deployed to Iraq. I would like to take my daughter, myself, my 2 sisters, my brother in law, and 3 nieces to Disneyland. I also have a friend who’s husband works with mine, he is a SSGT, and currently deployed as well. I will be purchasing a ticket for her as well. How much will all this cost me?
Thanks, Shannon
Hello Shannon,
Thank you for contacting me. I don’t know exactly how much it will cost you, but here is some information that will help:
Free and discount tickets to Disneyland and Disney World for military members
Disney is currently offering free tickets to active duty military members and discounted tickets for their friends and families. Here is more information about that:
- Free Disney Tickets – Active Duty Military and Retirees
- Free Disney Tickets for Military Members and Retirees
You’ll notice that the military member must purchase the discounted tickets, more on that below.
Free Disneyland Tickets
Here are the details regarding Disneyland tickets in California, the rules for Disney World in Florida are slightly different. The part in bold is what will apply to your situation.
Free 3-day admission to Disneyland theme parks for military members, including Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure parks. Eligible military members can purchase discounted Disney tickets for their friends and family – adult or child 3-day “Disney’s Armed Forces Salute Companion” ticket for up to 5 people for the price of an adult 1-day Park Hopper ticket. A limited number of discounted Disney Resort hotel tickets are available.
Expires: June 12, 2009
The press release states that only military members are eligible for free tickets, and only military members may purchase the discounted tickets – up to 5 discounted tickets may be purchased.
Your husband and your friend’s husband will need to purchase the tickets if you want to take advantage of the deal. This might make it a little more difficult because your husbands are deployed, but try contacting your base Information, Tickets, & Tours (ITT) or local equivalent for more information. They may allow you to purchase the tickets or allow your husbands to purchase the tickets from Iraq.
How much will it cost?
The 1 day park hopper ticket is $94, which is a great deal for a 3 day pass. Your husband can only purchase up to 5 additional tickets at $94 each.
Your situation: You want to take 9 people total. Since the tickets can only be purchased by a military member and are limited to 5 discounted tickets per person, you will need to request that your husband purchase 5 tickets and your friend’s husband purchase 4 tickets. That way you would all be able to take advantage of this great deal. You may be able to give your friend’s husband the money to purchase the discounted tickets if necessary.
If you are able to get 9 discounted tickets, then you would only have to spend $94 x 9 people, which equals $846. You will also need to factor in transportation costs, as well as lodging, food, and souvenirs. It will be an expensive trip, but surely one that everyone will remember for a long time!
More ways to save money and other military discounts:
- how to save money on airline tickets
- how to save money on airline fees
- How to save money on airline tickets and hotel costs with Priceline
- Military Discounts
- California military discounts
- more Money Saving Deals
Hopefully you will be able to take advantage of these deals and have a wonderful family vacation! Just remember, the free and discounted Disneyland ticket offer expires June 12, 2009.
And thank you for your dedication and support to your husband and the US military. I know being a military spouse can be a trying experience. Best of luck to you and your family!
Related posts: