 From missed birthdays to long deployments, military service members and their families make sacrifices each day. So, finding the time to ride roller coasters or splash down a water slide is priceless. Unfortunately, the extra money isn’t always readily available in the budget. But, we’ve gathered an extensive list of the best amusement park military discounts that will give you a rush of adrenaline!
1. Silver Dollar City
2. Hershey Park
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
4. Dollywood
5. Kings Dominion
6. Six Flags Parks
7. Knotts Berry Farm
8. Kings Island
9. Big Surf Waterpark
10. Legoland California
11. Cedar Point
12. SeaWorld
13. Busch Gardens
14. Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
15. Morgan’s Wonderland
16. Disneyland Resort
16 of the Best Theme Park Military Discounts
There are many of theme parks offer military discounts. We’re a family of theme park junkies. So, we make it a point to plan our military moves and family trips around an amusement park visit! With that in mind, I’m always scouring for the best theme park military discounts. This list contains 16 of my favorite theme parks including Disneyland Resort and Silver Dollar City.
And for even more theme park military money savers, check out 8 Money Saving Discounts at Disney World and The Best Military Discounts in Orlando including Universal Studios!
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 two-day ticket for the price of a one-day ticket or receive $5 off one-day admission tickets for themselves, their spouse and dependent children ages 12-17. Dependent children ages 4-11 receive a complimentary two-day ticket when accompanied by a service member purchasing a military ticket. Tickets must be purchased at the Silver Dollar City ticket windows with valid military ID.
2. Hersheypark
Driving through the streets of Hershey, PA you can smell the mouthwatering scent of chocolate. And at Hersheypark, you’ll hear screams of joy as kids of all ages explore the amusement park. Military members can save 20% off tickets when purchased through ID.me or by visiting a local base ticket office.
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
Wondering how you can escape to Hogwarts on a budget? To snag the best discount, purchase your tickets in advance at your nearest base ITT/MWR ticket office. Prices can vary from base to base, but the Southern California bases including Camp Pendleton, have single day tickets for $99 each. That is a savings of $30 which is huge compared to the minimal $3 off regular admission military members get when purchasing at the ticket gate with their military ID.
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 a special theme park military discounts that are open to U.S. active or retired military, disabled veterans, and military reservists, spouses and dependents when valid military IDs.
The military discount tickets are $52.80 for ages 10-61, $42.70 kids 4-9 and $48.30 for adults 62+. These special prices are valid now until January 4, 2020, and can only be purchased at the park.
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 $39.50 plus tax or a Gold Season Pass for $83 plus tax. The theme park military discounts are available to qualifying spouses and direct dependants.
Service members must register with ID.me and purchase the discounted admission online.
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. There are a few standouts that offer discounted tickets on site or have special event weekends honoring military members. My favorite deals are at Six Flags Great America in Chicago, Illinois and Six Flags over Georgia in Atlanta.
Six Flags Great America offers military members a savings of 20% off single-day admission year-round. All service members have to do is show valid military ID when purchasing tickets at the gate.
In Atlanta, Six Flags Over Georgia is giving active duty service members and up to 3 direct dependents complimentary admission during Military Appreciation Weekend on August 24-25, 2019. If needed, active service members can purchase additional tickets for family members or friends for 50% off plus tax per ticket. Retirees and disabled Veterans will receive one free admission ticket with a valid Military ID card and can purchase additional tickets for family members or friends for 50% off plus tax per ticket.
7. Knott’s Berry Farm
Oh, I can taste the crispy, crunchy fried chicken from Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant already! Knott’s Berry Farm has been a family favorite since I was a kid and, thanks to their generous military savings, I’ve been able to share the park with my kids. Military members can snag regular admission tickets for just $54 by showing their active military ID. But an even better way to save is by signing up with ID.me and purchasing tickets online or by visiting a local Military Ticket Office on base.
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 2019 dates!
8. Kings Island
The largest amusement and waterpark in the mid-west at over 300 acres, Ohio’s Kings Island honors military members with specially priced tickets. Tickets are just $33 for single day admission and must be purchased online. The Kings Island theme park military discounts are open to active, retired and veterans and up to 6 family members.
9. Big Surf Waterpark
Big Surf Waterpark is the perfect place to find refuge from the blazing Arizona sun! 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. And active duty, Reserve, National Guard, Military Retirees, Veterans, and Dependents can save up to 50% off tickets. Available tickets include 1-day Legoland admission, 1-day Legoland California Sealife Hopper plus 1 free day however the best deal is the 1-day Legoland Resort Hopper plus 2 free days.
Military affiliation must be verified by sheerID online by filling out the form found HERE.
11. Cedar Point
An amusement park along the shores of Lake Erie – that’s Cedar Point in Sandusky, OH. Lucky military members can receive free admission to Cedar Point and Cedar Point Shores throughout the operating season on select days.
Miltary Mondays: Every Monday, Now – September 2, 2019
Memorial Day Weekend: May 24-27, 2019
Light Up the Point: July 4-6, 2019
Active, retired or honorably discharged military are eligible for free one-day tickets, plus are able to purchase up to 6 tickets for immediate family members at the discounted rate.
This special offer is available at park ticket windows only and valid military ID (active duty ID / retired personnel ID / VA ID / DD-214 discharge papers) and photo ID required to be shown.
12. SeaWorld Parks
Get up close with marine life, ride thrilling coasters and learn about the water around you all at SeaWorld. Located in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio there is a SeaWorld park for everyone. And under the Waves of Honor program active duty military, activated or drilling reservist or National Guardsman can receive one-day tickets for themselves and up to three direct dependents. The Waves of Honor program can ONLY be used at one SeaWorld owned park each year. Waves of Honor tickets can be obtained online with military service being verified using ID.me.
SeaWorld is taking the time to honor military veterans. Now until July 15th, 2019, veterans can receive free single-day admission for themselves and up to three guests. Tickets must be obtained by June 9th, 2019. If you miss out, don’t worry – now until December 20, 2019 military veterans can take advantage of 50% off single-day tickets for the service member and up to three guests.
For more information check out seaworld.com.
13. Busch Gardens
Looking for the ultimate amusement park experience? Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, FL and Williamsburg, VA have exactly what you want. Falling under the SeaWorld brand, Busch Gardens theme parks offer free admission for active military, activated or drilling reservists, or National Guardsman and up to three dependents.
Now until July 15th, 2019, Veterans can take advantage of the Waves of Honor program to get free admission for themselves and three guests, but tickets need to be secured by June 9th, 2019!
The Waves of Honor program can only be used once a year and ONLY at one park.
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.
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. Buy tickets online and show military ID at the ticket gate.
16. Disneyland Resort
A Disneyland vacation can be next to impossible for many. But the Disney Armed Forces Salute offers military families to plan a Disneyland vacation for a fraction of the normal cost.
Armed Forces Salute tickets:
- 3-day park hopper tickets – $178
- 4-day park hopper tickets – $198
Armed Forces Salute tickets are available now until December 21st, 2019 to eligible service members. Up to six of the deeply discounted tickets can be purchased, but one must be for the service member or spouse. Tickets can be purchased at your local base or at the Disneyland Resort ticket booths. For more information on eligibility
Military members can also take advantage of discounts on Disneyland Resort hotels and a special price of $49 plus tax for the Disney Photopass Collection product.
And remember to always check the ticket office of your local military bases to see what theme park military discounts are available when planning a family trip!
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