Image courtesy of Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa
By Maryann Hammers
Amelia Island
Just off Florida’s northernmost Atlantic coastline, Amelia Island boasts long stretches of sand, outdoor activities, water sports, and the charming seaport town of Fernandina Beach with its collection of eclectic shops, attractions, and eateries. Military discounts save you up to 20 percent at upscale resorts, bed-and-breakfasts and everything in between. To learn more about Amelia Island, call (904) 277-0717.
Crystal River
Plantation On Crystal River is an obvious destination for nature lovers, as it’s surrounded by King’s Bay on Florida’s Nature Coast, with nearby lakes, rivers, wildlife refuges, and state parks. And with its full-service marina, 18-hole golf course, and spa, the resort has something for everyone. Military members with ID get a 15-percent discount. Call (800) 632-6262.
Daytona Beach
Hawaiian Inn Beach Resort offers 208 rooms and suites, including oceanfront accommodations with balconies, plus an Olympic-size pool, children’s wading pool, indoor heated pool, nine-hole miniature golf, and a game area. Active duty and retired military members get up to a 25-percent discount. Call (800) 922-3023.
Fort Lauderdale
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is a 25-story, 374-room residential resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Accommodations include studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom residences. Amenities include three restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and a recreation space with outdoor cabanas and pool. Veterans and active duty, reserve, and retired military members get a 10-percent discount on leisure stays. Call (800) 446-6677 and request the “Military Family Rate” or Plan Code “MFR/PGMFR1.” Show valid military ID at check-in.
(While you’re in town, check out the cultural exhibits at the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District’s Fort Lauderdale Historical Society. Admission is free to active duty and senior military members.)
Miami
The 338-room Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club on Miami Beach near the boardwalk offers a government rate for military members that starts at $148 (use rate code GOV). That’s less than half the standard rate of $313. Government or military ID is required at check-in. Call (305) 538-3373.
Miramar Beach
The 602-room Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, directly on the sands of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, offers a discounted Military Family Rate. The military price starts at about $217, representing a savings of about 10 percent. Military members also get 15 percent off food and beverages at most of the onsite eateries. Call (850) 267-3076.
Orlando
Disney World has several money-saving offers for active duty and retired military members, with discounts on four- and five-day theme park tickets, including Park Hopper options. Must purchase before Dec. 15, 2018. Details are here.
Military members also get special rates at Disney Resort hotels, with discounts of up to 40 percent. Details here. Call (407) 939-5684.
StaySky, a Florida hotel chain, offers a 25-percent discount for active duty and retired military members at its properties in and around Orlando. Choose from these options:
- Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa, condo-style suites near Disney theme parks, (866) 401-2699
- Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista, one- and two-bedroom suites, 1 mile from Disney World, (866) 756-3778
- The Enclave Suites, spacious suites near Universal Studios, (800) 457-0077
- staySky Suites I-Drive Orlando, one- and two-bedroom suites near International Drive and Universal Studios, (800) 228-2027
- Coral Cay Resort, three- and four-bedroom vacation townhomes in Kissimmee (less than 15 minutes from Disney World), (866) 357-3682