Legoland

By Maryann Hammers

 

Vacationing with the family? In Orlando, you'll never hear the complaint, "I'm bored." That's because there's so much to keep everyone, of all ages, happily occupied.

 

Theme parks, attractions, and hotels/resorts offer generous military discounts - many half-off or better or even free . Here are some highlights:

 

PLAY

 

Universal Orlando Resort offers three-night vacation packages for servicemembers, with prices starting at $275. The getaways include accommodations, a park-to-park ticket to both Universal Orlando theme parks with two days free, access to live entertainment at Universal CityWalk , and early park admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Call (888) 340-4614 for more information.

 

Active and retired U.S. military personnel (including guardmembers and reservists) or their spouses can purchase Walt Disney World Resort 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper option for $177. For an additional $30, you can purchase the Water Park Fun & More option Buy by Sept. 30, 2015; use by Oct. 3, 2015. For information, call (407) 939-5277 or contact a U.S. military base ticket office.

 

Show your military ID at Legoland Florida - the area's newest theme park - and get free admission throughout 2015. For information, call (877) 350-5346.

 

Putt your way through caves, over footbridges, and under waterfalls at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive, a miniature golf course that feels more like a theme park with sunken ships, cannon shots, and pirate dungeons. Active duty servicemembers play free; regular adult price is $12.50. Call for information: (407) 352-7378.

 

Can you crack the case? Active duty servicemembers get free admission to CSI: The Experience , where you'll test your skills at identifying evidence at crime scenes. Offer valid through June 25, 2015. Your guests pay just half of the regular $20 admission. Call (407) 226-7220.

 

Jennifer Juergens, a spokesperson for Visit Orlando, just tipped us off to another great deal: America's Escape Game offers servicemembers the first game free (regularly priced at $35). Then play a second game in a different room for half off. Call for details: (407) 412-5585.

 

Catch a classic, contemporary, or children's performance or play at Orlando Shakespeare Theater . Active duty servicemembers and guardmembers and reservists and their spouses get $10 off . Call (407) 447-1700 for more information. The Winter Park Playhouse , a professional musical theater, has a buy-one-get-one-free deal for active duty military through Aug. 31, 2015. Call (407) 645-0145.

 

Don't miss The Mennello Museum of American Art , which offers free admission for active duty servicemembers and their families. Call (407) 246-4278. Active duty servicemembers also get free admission for themselves and up to five family members at Orlando Museum of Art from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call (407) 896-9920.

 

Visit Orlando lists lots more military offers on Orlando attractions, recreation, and culture on its website .

 

STAY

 

Military discounts abound on Orlando accommodations.

 

Among most generous deals are Rosen Hotels, which offer 50-percent discount on room rates and food and beverages (excluding alcohol) for active duty servicemembers through Dec. 31, 2015. The deal also includes a kids-eat-free program, free Wi-Fi, free parking, and shuttle service to nearby theme parks. Use rate code "MILITARY 50% SPECIAL." Offer valid at these Rosen hotels:

 

• Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista , a three-diamond hotel miles from Walt Disney World. Call (407) 996-7300.
• Quality Inn International , near Universal Orlando. Call (800) 825-7600.
• Rosen Inn , a recently renovated three-diamond hotel, minutes from the major theme parks. Call (800) 999-6327.
• Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando , a 1,020-room high-rise hotel near the major attractions. Call (800) 999-8585.

 

Bringing the family? The area's newest hotel, the four-diamond Westin Orlando Universal Boulevard has one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Guest rooms with king beds have kitchenettes. Active duty and retired servicemembers get a 40-percent discount through Dec. 31, 2015, plus free self-parking. You may save even more with the hotel's "Pay Rates Equal to Your Birth Year" promotion. Your rate on the first night starts at $129, but on the second and third night your rate equals your birth year. (So if you were born in 1955, you pay $55.) Call for information: (407) 233-2200.

 

Prefer an RV to a resort? At Mill Creek , veterans and active duty and retired servicemembers get half off the daily rate ($36), Sunday through Thursday only. The RV park is in Kissimmee, about 10 miles from Disney World, and features a swimming pool, laundry facilities, bathhouses, and 157 full-hookup sites. Call (407) 847-6288.

 

For more military offers on Orlando accommodations, see this list compiled by Visit Orlando.