16 of the Best Theme Park Military Discounts

Family time and family vacations can be extra special for military families. Unfortunately, extra money isn’t usually an accurate way to describe a military family’s budget. That’s why TravelingMom has curated this list of the best theme park military discounts. Here’s to family fun and saving money!

16 of the Best Theme Park Military Discounts

If you’re in the military and theme parks are your jam, I’ve got great news: most theme parks offer some type of military discount. Here are 16 of the best and most popular theme park military discounts on our radar right now. If you know of others, please tell us about them so we can share with other military personnel and their families.

Please note, these theme park military discounts have been verified and updated for 2021. These discounts are typically updated yearly. We’ve seen them change from year to year so make sure you’ve got the most current info and don’t assume anything.

TravelingMom Tip: Check your theme park’s website for current hours and reservations policy. In 2021 most theme parks have implemented a reservation system. A reservation may be required in addition to a ticket.

But first, a few tips about theme park military discounts…

Since Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort (AKA Universal Studios Florida) are so popular, we’ve covered them separately.

Read this post for info about military discounts at Walt Disney World.

Read this post about military discounts in Orlando, which includes Universal Orlando Resort.

Please note: These discounts apply to U.S. military only unless otherwise specified.

Here’s my go-to advice when it comes to theme park military discounts:

The military discount might not always be the best one.

Theme parks regularly offer special pricing to the general public. Make sure you’re comparing prices and don’t assume the military discount is the cheapest rate out there. Also check out discounts for being a USAA member (most military members have an account with USAA), school or student discounts, AAA or AARP.

And don’t forget to utilize ITT/the ticket and tour office at your nearest military base and also the nearest military base to the themepark you want to visit. They may offer different discounts than what’s on the park’s website.

You’ll need your valid military ID.

You’re going to have to prove eligibility for these discounts. Even if you make your reservation online, you’ll probably have to show your ID at check in. Make sure your ID is serviceable and not expired.

Don’t see a discount. Ask.

If you don’t see a posted military discount, ask if there is one. Not all discounts are posted and you won’t know if you don’t ask.

1. Silver Dollar City

In Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City is where the past meets the inventions of the future. Military members can purchase a single-day ticket for $59 for adults (12+) and for $32 for kids 4-11. Kids three and under are free.

This discount is available for active duty, retired, reservists and their dependents. Veterans are also eligible. Silver Dollar City uses an online verification via ID.me to determine your eligibility for a military discount. It takes just a few minutes to register and verify. In doing lots of theme park military discount research this spring, it looks like lots of theme parks are using this system to verify eligibility for theme park military discounts.

TravelingMom Tip: As a veteran, I can vouch for the fact that Branson is a very military and veteran friendly area. I recommend asking for available discounts at hotels and restaurants, too. Be prepared to be thanked often for your military service.

Check out our Complete Guide to Silver Dollar City. 

Find more things to do in Branson. 

2. Hersheypark

Did someone say chocolate? And at Hersheypark, in Hershey PA, you’ll hear screams of joy as kids of all ages explore the amusement park. They have rides for every thrill level, from coasters to kiddie rides.

In the past, TravelingMom has reported military members have been able to save 20% off tickets when purchased through ID.me or by purchasing through a local base ticket office. I don’t seen anything on Hersheypark’s website that confirms this for 2021.

However, military.com and other similar sites report a $20 discount off the regular admission price and $8 off a Junior or Senior ticket by showing valid military ID at the gate. Since there’s some discrepancies on the exact discount and not definite info on eligibility, we recommend you check with your base ticket and tour office or contact Hersheypark directly at (717) 534-3900 to clarify.

View our tips on Hersheypark. 

3. Universal Studios Hollywood

Minions, Transformers and Harry Potter? If your answer is “Yes to all” then Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to be.

Universal Studios Hollywood recommends purchasing your discount tickets in advance at your nearest military base for the best discount. Prices may vary from installation to installation so check with your home base or call around to the Southern California bases to see what their prices are.

TravelingMom has known single-day tickets to go for $99 at Camp Pendleton in 2019 which is a nice discount off the regular price of $139. If you don’t buy advance tickets, you can show your valid military ID at the ticket window and receive a $3 per ticket discount. This is valid for Active Duty, Retiree, 100% disabled Veteran, Medal of Honor Recipient, Active Guard/Reserve, spouse/dependent ID card holder of those categories (or DOD NAF/GS employees, per the Universal Studios Hollywood website.

Learn how Universal Studios Hollywood is better than Disneyland. 

4. Dollywood

Located in the Smokey Mountains, Dollywood is an amusement park like no other! Forget about your worries and have some good ole southern fun. Dollywood has special theme park military discounts open to U.S. active or retired military, disabled veterans and military reservists, spouses and dependents when presenting valid military IDs.

The military discount tickets are $55.30 for an adult (10-61) single-day ticket. This is 30 percent off.  Kids (4-9) and seniors tickets are $48.30.

Dollywood encourages buying online to ensure availability. Guests will pick up their tickets at Will Call at the front gate with valid military ID. Please note, the entire party must be present when picking up these discount tickets.

Check out our Complete Guide to Dollywood.

5. Kings Dominion

Kings Dominion is billed as Virginia’s premier theme park and is home to over 60 rides, attractions and shows. They also offer incredible military discounts. Active duty, retired military and veterans can purchase single-day tickets for $33.50 for a single-day ticket or a Gold Pass (season pass + water park pass + other perks) for $84.00. There’s even a monthly payment plan for the Gold Pass.

If you’re going to go to King’s Dominion for more than one day, the Gold Pass makes sense. The theme park military discounts are available to qualifying spouses and direct dependents.

Service members must register with ID.me and purchase the discounted admission online. This is one of the best deals out there. The regular admission without the military theme park discount is $70, so King’s Dominion is giving more than half off.

Here’s what toddlers can do at Kings Dominion. 

6. Six Flags

There are over 20 amusement parks and waterparks operated under the Six Flags brand. Each of these parks has its own rules on theme park military discounts. Most offer specially priced tickets through local base ticket offices, so make sure to check with the one closest to you or near the Six Flags operated park.

Most of the Six Flags parks currently don’t mention military discounts on their website. Regular single-day tickets are as low as $29.99, which varies by location. Many parks are going to a membership model, where each member pays a small fee per month instead of a flat fee for a single-day or season pass.

If you want to visit Six Flags, my best advice is to contact the on-base ticket and tour office for info on discounted tickets. You can always ask at the ticket window day of but if you want a sure thing, on base is the way to go.

With 20+ locations here are some of our favorite tip stories:

Riding the NEW Jersey Devil Coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure

The Ultimate Guide for Six Flags Over Georgia

 

7. Knott’s Berry Farm

Famous for the Boysenberry Festival and Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant, Knott’s Berry Farm is California’s original theme park.  In the past, Knott’s Berry Farm has offered discounted tickets through ID.me. Their website currently doesn’t have a military discount listed and the park is currently closed.

California theme parks have been slow to reopen after COVID-19 so more info on a direct discount may pop up after the park resumes regular operations.

A local military ticket and tour office may have more information on discounted Knott’s Berry Farm tickets.

Knott’s Berry Farm is also known for hosting Military Tribute Days during November and December, but they are not usually announced until later in the year. During Military Tribute Days active, retired and veteran military members can receive free admission for themselves and one guest, so stay tuned for info on whether they’ll be offering this for 2021.

Here’s How to Do Knott’s Berry Farm in One Day

8. Kings Island

The largest amusement and waterpark in the midwest at over 300 acres, Ohio’s Kings Island honors military members with specially priced tickets. Tickets are just $39.99* for single day admission and must be purchased online via ID.me. The regular rate is $80.00 per ticket so this is a good one. The Kings Island theme park military discounts are open to active, retired and veterans and up to 6 family members.

*According to the King’s Island website, discounted ticket prices may vary throughout the season so you may get a different price when you go to buy your tickets.

Read More: 13 Tips to Make Your First Kings Island Trip Great

9. Big Surf Waterpark

If you need refuge from the blazing Arizona sun, Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe might be the place for you! Plus, the free admission for military members and 20% discount for immediate family make it irresistible. Active Duty members need to show a valid ID at the ticket gates to use this deal.

10. Legoland California

The perfect park for the whole family, Legoland California has areas for toddlers and big kids. While Legoland recommends you visit your base ticket and tour office for tickets, they do offer some nice discounts online. Military affiliation must be verified by sheerID, which takes just a moment to complete.

The best value is the three days for the price of less than one which is currently $84.99 per ticket, regularly $259.00. Other discount tickets available here. Active duty military, Reserve, National Guard, Military Retirees, Veterans and Dependents are eligible to receive these discounts.

Find out how long you should visit Legoland California for. 

11. Cedar Point

An amusement park along the shores of Lake Erie – that’s Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. Military members can purchase discounted tickets online through ID.me. The current rate is $37.99 for a single-day ticket. Regular price is $65.00.

Eligible military members may purchase up to six tickets at the discounted rate.

In past years, military members have received free admission on Memorial Day and 4th of July weekends. The Cedar Point website currently has no info on this offer but here’s crossing our fingers that it may come back. If you plan to visit on those holiday weekends, check back or call the park.

Here’s how to get your kids to love roller coasters. 

12. SeaWorld Parks

Get up close with marine life, ride thrilling coasters and learn about the water around you all at SeaWorld. SeaWorld currently has three locations in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio.

Active Duty service members can get free tickets as part of the Waves of Honor program. The program currently offers complimentary single day admission to qualified military members and up to three direct dependents. This offer can be used once a year.

Retirees and veterans qualify for a 50 percent off a single day admission for the retiree/veteran and up to three guests.

For both of the offers mentioned above, you must create a ID.me account and a SeaWorld account, which is easy and takes just a few minutes. See details here.

Sea World San Diego Tips

13. Busch Gardens

There are two Busch Gardens theme parks. One is located in Tampa, Florida and the other is located in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Busch Gardens offers the Waves of Honor program for active duty, just as SeaWorld does. This means an active duty service member may get free tickets plus tickets for up to three direct dependents once annually.

Here’s the catch: You can’t use this offer for Busch Gardens and SeaWorld in the same year so you will have to choose which one you want to use your freebie for.

14. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California is a non-profit that focuses on educational fun. The theme park has something for everyone including thrill seekers.

During the operating season, military members can purchase specially priced $30 military tickets for up to six guests. Discount tickets may also be available at the ticket and tour offices at California military bases, so check to see what’s the better deal.

15. Morgan’s Wonderland

Morgan’s Wonderland is an amusement park for everyone but specially designed for those with special needs. Featuring over 25 accessible attractions, Morgan’s Wonderland is one of the hidden gems of San Antonio.

Military members and their families get special discounted tickets for just $11 per person.

16. Disneyland Resort

Disneyland is known as the happiest place on earth and we think that’s true. A Disney vacation can definitely be expensive so here’s the scoop on military discounts for Disneyland.

In the past, Disneyland Resort has offered similar discounts on park hopper tickets as they’ve offered at Walt Disney World. As of publication time, Disneyland is not currently offering military discounts.

But, don’t lose hope.

Since Disneyland has a long-standing history of offering military discounts, we’re hopeful that they will again once they’re fully open. You can also check with your base ticket and tour office to see what (if any) discount tickets they have available.

Here’s what you need to know about Disneyland’s reopening.

Learn about Disneyland’s NEW Avengers Campus.