Veterans Day provides an opportunity to honor the service and sacrifices of military personnel, and in Orlando, a wide array of businesses and institutions offer special discounts, free meals, and complimentary admissions to veterans, active-duty members, and their families. These offers span theme parks, attractions, restaurants, and retail stores, allowing service members to enjoy the city's attractions and dining experiences at reduced or no cost. The availability of these benefits typically requires verification of military status, often through a valid military ID, VA card, or other official documentation. This guide compiles the Veterans Day offers available in and around Orlando for 2024 and 2025, based on information from local news sources and official announcements.
Theme Parks and Major Attractions
Several of Orlando's premier theme parks and attractions extend special pricing and complimentary admissions to military members and veterans.
Walt Disney World Resort offers special pricing on packages for active-duty and retired military members. The resort provides detailed information on its official website regarding these military ticket and vacation package deals.
Universal Orlando Resort presents specially priced tickets and vacation packages as a thank you to active-duty and retired service members. Interested individuals should consult the Universal Orlando Resort website for specific details and terms.
SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica participate in the Waves of Honor program. This program provides all U.S. active-duty military and drilling reservists, including National Guardsmen, with one complimentary admission annually, plus as many as three direct dependents. For retired military personnel, the program offers 50% savings on single-day tickets for themselves and up to three guests. From November 8 to November 11, SeaWorld Orlando will host special events, including a “Hero’s Salute” during select animal presentations and patriotic fireworks displays on November 9 and 10.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island Water Park also offer the Waves of Honor program, providing similar benefits to active-duty, drilling reservists, National Guardsmen, and retired military personnel.
LEGOLAND Florida & Peppa Pig Theme Park provide different options for military members and veterans. Offers are available from now until November 30, allowing active military members to receive a free 1-Day 1-Park ticket and 50% off 1-Day tickets for up to six guests attending with the military member.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex grants free admission to all active-duty, retired, reserve military, and veterans from November 11-17 for themselves, with 50% off for four family members. Military members can also receive $5 off tickets year-round.
Gatorland offers active military and veterans free admission on Veterans Day, with accompanying family members receiving 20% off single-day admission.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium provides 30% off admission tickets for active military, veterans, first responders, and their immediate families. Tickets must be purchased onsite with a valid ID.
Harry P. Leu Gardens offers free admission on Veterans Day for all veterans and current military personnel.
ICEBAR Orlando grants free entry for active-duty military and offers a 50% discount for veterans.
National Parks offer free admission to all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee on November 11.
Orlando Science Center provides complimentary admission for veterans and active military, along with 50% off for their family, thanks to Lockheed Martin. This offer is valid from November 4-19, 2024.
Orange County Regional History Center invites veterans and active-duty military personnel to visit the museum free of charge on Saturday, November 9, 2025, and also offers free admission from November 8-11, 2025.
Dining and Restaurant Offers
Numerous national and local restaurant chains in Orlando offer free meals or special discounts for veterans and active-duty military personnel on Veterans Day. Most of these offers require a valid military ID and are for dine-in service only.
Denny’s offers a free Original Grand Slam (comprising two buttermilk pancakes, two crispy strips of bacon, two sausage links, and two eggs) to veterans and active-duty military personnel from 5 a.m. to noon local time.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit provides a free Pulled Pork Sandwich at all nationwide locations for veterans and active-duty military personnel who show a valid military ID or wear their uniform. This offer is eligible for both dine-in and carryout.
Einstein Bros. Bagels gives veterans and active-duty military a free hot or iced coffee (any size) on November 11. The complimentary coffee can be enjoyed in-bakery, through the mobile app, or online using the code FREECOFFEE.
Firehouse Subs offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on subs with a valid military ID at participating locations.
Hooters provides one free meal from a special Veterans Day menu for veterans and active-duty military members with a valid military ID, dine-in only.
Huey Magoos offers a free 3-piece tender meal with the purchase of a regular beverage for veterans. A valid military ID or DD-214 is required.
IHOP offers free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo meals to veterans between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on November 11.
LIME Fresh Mexican Grill provides veterans with a free meal and a $50 Challenge Coin to use anytime. Veterans with the coin can eat free on the 11th of every month.
Menchies offers 6 oz of frozen yogurt free to veterans and active-duty military members with a valid military ID.
Outback presents an "Aussie 3-course meal" with a starter, choice of select entrée, and dessert for veterans and active-duty military for dine-in on November 10 and 11 with a valid military ID.
Olive Garden offers a complimentary entrée from a special menu, including classics like Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo, to veterans with a valid military ID, dine-in only.
Publix provides a 10% discount on groceries for veterans and all active military personnel with a valid military ID.
Qdoba gives veterans and active-duty military free chips and dip with no purchase necessary when they show their military ID.
Red Robin offers a complimentary "Red's Big Tavern Burger" and a bottomless side to veterans and active-duty military at participating locations.
Additionally, some restaurants offer specific freebies. For example, veterans and active-duty military can receive a free breakfast at participating locations on Veterans Day (dine-in only, military ID required). Other establishments provide a free full-size entrée from a Veterans Day menu, which may include items like a 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, Chicken Tenders Platter, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, or Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. Another offer includes 10 free boneless wings and fries for dine-in and walk-in orders at participating locations, requiring a military ID. A free entrée up to a $59 value is also available for veterans and active-duty service members, with the offer covering food only and requiring a military ID. Furthermore, a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® is offered when dining in on November 11 with a valid military ID, along with an additional free appetizer offer from November 12 through December.
Entertainment and Activities
Beyond dining and theme parks, other entertainment venues offer special Veterans Day benefits.
Kings Dining & Entertainment provides a thank you to all military personnel. Troops bowl free any day, every day at Kings. All veterans, active, and reserve military members will receive free bowling and shoe rental with proof of service. This deal is valid year-round.
Retail and Services
Publix extends a 10% discount on groceries for veterans and all active military personnel with a valid military ID.
Events and Community Activities
Orlando hosts several community events to honor veterans.
The City of Orlando Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a new location: Lake Nona Town Center. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and his Veterans Advisory Council will honor the armed forces. Following the parade, a Honors Ceremony will feature a formal Honor Guard presentation, live performances, appearances by special guests, and remarks from local elected officials.
In Casselberry, FL, a 5k Run or Walk is scheduled for Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 7 a.m. at Concord Park. This event allows participants to honor active and retired military veterans on Veterans Day weekend.
Eligibility and Verification
The offers detailed above are generally available to veterans, active-duty military personnel, reserves, and National Guard members. Some offers may also extend to retired military personnel and their dependents. Proof of service is almost always required. Acceptable documentation typically includes a valid military ID, VA card, DD-214, or wearing a military uniform. It is crucial for individuals to check with each specific establishment for their verification process and any location-specific restrictions. Many offers are limited to dine-in service at restaurants and require a valid ID at the time of service.
Conclusion
Orlando provides a significant array of Veterans Day freebies and discounts across its theme parks, attractions, dining establishments, and retail stores. These offers serve as a tangible way for the community to express gratitude for the service of military members. Service members and their families should verify offer details, including dates, locations, and required documentation, directly with each provider, as terms and participation can vary. Planning ahead and checking official websites or calling venues can ensure a smooth experience when taking advantage of these Veterans Day benefits.