BREAKING NEWS FOR VETERANS DAY – Universal renewed this popular military offering again for 2023 (details below!)! New for 2021, Universal Studios Orlando rolled out an AMAZING ticket offer for military members and their families. Like Disney, Universal has offered special discounted tickets for military families for over a decade but this year, with the advent of the “Military Freedom Pass” Universal has really upped the game. (updated 11/11/2022)
Normal Universal Military tickets (which are still available) are good for a set number of days/visits. The Military Freedom Pass is good for (nearly) unlimited entry into the parks for the rest of 2022 AND (almost) every single day of 2023. It’s like a Universal Annual Pass, just without the dining, merchandise, and parking discounts. With a sale this unprecedented, you know I had to buy tickets – so expect to see a lot more Universal content this year!
Military Freedom Pass Pricing
There are two options for the Universal Freedom Pass in 2023 – a 2-park option and a 3-park option. And surprisingly, tickets are exactly the same price as the 2021/2022 offers!
- 2-Park Universal Military Freedom Pass
- $200 per adult; $195 per child ages 3-9
- Valid at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- Valid from 11/11/2022 to 12/24/2023 – BLOCKOUT DATES – 12/26/22-01/01/23 AND 04/03/23-04/09/23
- 3-Park Universal Military Freedom Pass
- $235 per adult; $230 per child ages 3-9
- Valid at Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, and Universal’s Volcano Bay
- Valid from 11/11/2022 to 12/24/2023 – BLOCKOUT DATES – 12/26/22-01/01/23 AND 04/03/23-04/09/23
Military Freedom Pass Universal Studios Eligibility
- Active or Retired US Military (including National Guard, Reserve, US Coast Guard)
- Spouses of Eligible Service Members
- DOD Civilians with a valid ID
- 100% Disabled Veterans
Like all offers, tickets must be used by the same person on all days and tickets are not transferable. Maximum of (6) tickets per qualifying Military ID. Unlike Disney offers, Universal allows the service member and the spouse to each purchase 6 tickets as long as they each have a US Military ID.
Tickets are available at Base Ticket Offices or from Shades of Green. They are NOT AVAILABLE at the Universal ticket windows. We picked up our tickets from Shades of Green the day we arrived in Orlando and then activated them at the Universal Studios Ticket Window on our first USO park day. Easy-peasy!! If you’re looking for regular (non-military) Universal tickets, I definitely recommend getting them through Undercover Tourist to save a bit (affiliate link).
Universal Orlando Resort also has 2022 military discounts at their hotels.
- 40% off stays at Cabana Bay
- 30% off stays at other Universal Resorts
We like staying at Universal’s Endless Summer Resort (either Surfside or Dockside) because they have 2-bedroom suites that sleep 6 without using a sofa bed so there’s plenty of room for the whole fam! So let me know, are you a military family, and will you be getting a Universal Studios Freedom Pass this year??
Looking to plan your Universal Studios Orlando trip? Check out these posts:
- Universal Studios Orlando Height Requirements
- Universal’s Volcano Bay with Kids
- All The Ways To Get Butterbeer | Universal Studios Orlando
Hi! Thanks for sharing this awesome info. I have been trying to figure out how to verify that both the active duty member and spouse can each purchase up to 6 freedom passes. How did you figure that out? Also, is it true that they have to all be bought and activated at the same time? Thanks for the help!!
Author
Hey Tiffany! Great question! On the Shades of Green website, it says, “Six (6) tickets per valid military ID (not to exceed 12). Ticket must be purchased and activated by an eligible Service Member or their spouse” in reference to the 2021 tickets – they haven’t updated with the 2022 info yet. https://www.shadesofgreen.org/experiences/attractions/universal-orlando-resort Even before the Freedom Pass was a thing, Universal’s offer has always been 6 per ID (service member + spouse) and we’ve never had a problem getting between 7-12. They don’t have to be bought/activated at the same time – totally fine to do a few now and more later. We always get ours from SOG either in person or they’ll send them FedEx to your house for $10.
Once activated does the active duty military person have to be there every time it’s used or just the 1st initial time?
Author
Just the first time! And if you’re the spouse, you’re able to activate them on your own. Are you headed to USO soon?
Hi I have a question, after purchasing the passes (or at the time of)…is there a way to add on the express pass?
Author
Hey Kelly! You can definitely purchase the Express Pass separately and use it with the Military Freedom Pass but as far as I know, there’s no military discount available for it. But, if you’re also looking to combine with a hotel, Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, and Portofino Bay all include free Express Pass and offer a military discount on the rooms. 🙂
Do the Universal hotels offer military discount on the room if only staying for one night ?
Author
Yep, they do, subject to availability! And if you’re staying at Royal Pacific, Hard Rock, or Portofino Bay, you’ll actually get Express Pass for the day you check-in and the day you check-out.
What about special events such a Halloween Horror Nights?
Author
As far as I know, there’s no military discount on events at USO. Disney World does usually offer *very* slightly discounted tickets for their Halloween/Christmas events though.
Does the entire party have to be present to activate each individual ticket?
When activated does the military member/spouse have to (must) be present to enter the park with member on first time entrance?
Author
Nope, the entire party does not have to be present to activate tickets – we’ve done it MANY times without everyone there. I believe once they’re activated, the service member/spouse do not have to be there to enter the first time, but I’m not 100% sure on that one.
When you say service member does that include Retired Military and thier spouse’s also
Author
Yep! As long as the service member is retired and retains ID, they’re eligible! And the spouse (with ID) is able to get 6 additional tickets!
Hello! If the service member and spouse can each buy six tickets, does this mean we can purchase tickets for non-military friends/family that are tagging along? I was hoping to purchase one for my sister when we go this week.
Author
Yes! The service member (or spouse) needs to activate but they can be used for non-mil fam/friends! Have fun on your trip!