Orlando is one of the Unites States’ most popular vacation destinations, thanks to its wide range of theme parks and attractions – most under the Walt Disney World umbrella – and it’s beautiful, sunny weather. For military members and their families, the great news is that many of these destinations offer substantial discounts to make a trip more affordable.

While U.S. veterans and active duty members can benefit from numerous nation-wide eating, shopping, travel and automotive businesses, Orlando offers many city-specific discounts as well. When utilizing these discounts, you typically must present some sort of proof of service – like your military ID, VA ID, or DD Form 214 – and be prepared to patiently talk to a manager if the employee is not aware of the discounts. It’s always a good idea to call ahead of time to make sure the discount is still valid, and learn exactly how to obtain it.

Check out some of the best Orlando discounts and deals for veterans and military personnel below.

Shades of Green Resort

The only Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) resort in the continental U.S., Shades of Green is a resort destination exclusively for military personnel, retirees and veterans, and surviving spouses and families. Located at 1950 West Magnolia Palm Drive, Lake Buena Vista, the resort offers 586 rooms and is part of the Walt Disney Resort chain, meaning that guests can take advantage of the parks’ “Extra Magic Hours” before and after regular park opening, for a more leisurely experience with smaller crowds. The Shades of Green resort also offers golf, spa amenities, dining, and a wedding venue. Room rates are based on the rank of the military member guest, and they often offer monthly specials. You can also purchase military discounted tickets to Disney attractions – like Universal Studio theme parks, Animal Kingdom, and Cirque du Soleil – through the Shades of Green onsite ticket office.

Disney Armed Forces Salute

Disney World and Disneyland offer a little-known, temporary, super-discounted “Armed Forces Salute” that differs from the regular Military Discounted Magic Your Way tickets. Every year, the park chooses whether to renew this special program that offers its theme park tickets at over 50% off regular prices, along with offering Disney resort rooms at a 30% to 40% discount. This year, qualified individuals may purchase up to a maximum of six theme park tickets per military member during the 2017 Salute offer period. One ticket must be used by the servicemember or spouse, but the rest can be used by anyone else. Tickets must be activated before use. Find out more at this extensive website on the Salute.

Orlando Magic Basketball

If you’re looking for some great NBA action, Orlando is home to The Magic, a professional basketball team that has made playoff appearances for more than half of the years in its existence. The Magic has been home to notable players such as Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing, and many more. For its military discount tickets, The Magic uses the service GovX, the largest e-commerce network exclusive to military, first responders, and government personnel. This free site provides active, reserve, veteran, and retired military servicemembers access to special discounts on professional sports, events, and major brands.

Amtrak Train & Bus

Traveling through Florida can be more affordable when you take advantage of special military discounts. Amtrak Train and Bus offers active duty members receive 10% off tickets, while veterans receive a 20% veteran discount with a Veterans Advantage Card. The historic Orlando station was built in 1926 and is located at 1400 Sligh Boulevard, approximately one mile south of Downtown Orlando near the campus of Orlando Health. It serves Amtrak’s Silver Meteor and Silver Star lines, as well as and SunRail, the commuter rail service of Greater Orlando, and local and intercity buses.

The Home Depot and Lowe’s

Home improvements can get expensive fast, but Orlando residents looking to improve their homes or work on handyman projects should take advantage of available military discounts. Two of the most popular large home improvement stores – Home Depot and Lowe’s – offer a 10% off, year-round discounts for active duty, active reserve, retired military, and immediate family. This discount is available in-store only with a valid military ID.

Apple Computers

You can access the military discount and veteran discount under the government purchase program, so you will need to sign up online and purchase items online. Check with your nearest Jacksonville location to see if you can pick up your purchase in-store.

AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile

AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint offer active duty and veterans (and some reservists) their government employee pricing on phone service with a valid military ID or VA ID card. T-Mobile offers 15% military discount for active duty and veterans. Veterans should also bring a copy of their DD214.

Walgreens

Offering everything from prescriptions to small house goods, snacks and candy, toys and office supplies, Walgreens is a great go-to for Orlando residents. Participating stores offer a 15% discount every Tuesday to servicemembers with a valid military ID or VA ID. Additionally, on Memorial Day, you can save 15% to 20% on select purchases.

Target Portrait Studios

Two Target stores in Orlando have an in-store portrait studios, and active duty members with military ID can receive 50% of portrait collection, free traditional 8x10 print, free sitting fees, and $3.99 portrait sheets. Check with the studio to see if they will offer this special to veterans as well.

Sports Clips

Specializing in haircuts for me, participating locations offer 15% military discount year-round, as well as free haircuts for veterans on Veterans Day. These locations are individually owned franchises, so it’s good to check ahead of time to find one that offers the discount.

For more ideas and listings on how to find and ask for military discounts, check out our blog with additional tips for military discounts.