CitySurfing Orlando’s Guide to 2023 Veterans Day Events And Deals In Central Florida

- Michelle Snow

Veterans Day Specials in Central Florida

Veterans Day is this Saturday, November 11, and many Central Florida businesses are honoring former and current service members with events, deals, and specials.

Here are the deals specifically for veterans, U.S. Armed Forces members and military families, along with city-wide events to honor them:

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EVENTS

24th annual Veterans Day Parade and Celebration, Orlando – The parade begins at 11am on Saturday, Nov. 11, traveling along Orange Avenue, Central Boulevard and Rosalind Avenue in Orlando. This year’s parade will open with a tribute to those who have fought for our country and defended our freedom, led by Mayor Dyer and local veterans. The parade’s theme will recognize the significant role of military families and transitioning veterans.

Following the parade, viewers and participants can continue celebrating and honoring our veterans at the city’s Veterans Day Celebration event from 1-3pm at Lake Eola Park immediately following the parade.

Orange County’s Veterans Day Flag Raising Ceremony, Orlando – Mayor Jerry Demings and other officials will honor veterans with this event. The ceremony is 12pm-1pm Thursday, Nov. 9 at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando and will be livestreamed on the Mayor’s Facebook page by Orange TV. Free parking is available in the Orange County Parking Lot.

Lake Highland Preparatory School, Orlando – The free show, titled “Veterans Salute 2022: Foundation of Our Freedom,” takes place at 11am and 6:30pm on Friday, Nov. 10 at 901 N. Highland Ave. in Orlando. After the first show guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch or complimentary dinner before the second show. TIckets are free but must be reserved at the link above.

Ocoee Lakeshore Center, Ocoee/strong> – Will hold a ceremony at 11am on Thursday, Nov. 9. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Yolanda Frazier will be the keynote speaker. Ocoee resident Sherri Gladney will sing the National Anthem. The Ocoee Middle School Wind Ensemble will play a medley of songs. The Ocoee Police Department Honor Guard will present the colors and carry a wreath to be set in place at the city’s Memorial Wall. An Ocoee High School Band member will play Taps. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

Orlando Science Center, Orlando – Will hold a wreath placing ceremony at 11am on Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Red Tails monument outside by Loch Haven Park. Plus, veterans can enjoy complimentary admission through Nov. 19, 2023, with 50% off for their families.

Orlando VA Medical Center, Lake Nona – Will host a Veterans Day Ceremony, on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 10am at the new amphitheater, located at the back of the Orlando VA Medical Center next to the Community Living Center, in Lake Nona. Major General Douglas Metcalf, USAF (Ret.), will be the keynote speaker. Parking for the event will be made available in the east and west parking garages, and in any available parking spots located in the south parking lot near the emergency room.

Winter Springs Town Center, Winter Springs – The ceremony will feature a presentation of colors and the national anthem by Winter Springs High School students from 6-7pm on Saturday, Nov. 11.

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ATTRACTIONS

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales – Free admission for Retired military on Saturday, November 11. Active duty military with proper I.D., including Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard, and Reserve members, receive free Gardens general admission every day of the year, with up to four additional friends and family members admitted at half-price.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, Sanford – All veterans and active military get in the Zoo FREE on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12. Veterans and active military members will also get buy-one-get-one tickets for up to 6 tickets (buy 3, get 3).

Crayola Experience, Orlando – Offers a free True Blue Heroes annual pass to military members (including active, retired and veterans), law enforcement, firefighters and EMTs. This includes unlimited visits for one year, 20 percent off on-site purchases, and discounted tickets for friends and family.

Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando – Offering free admission to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island – In honor of Veterans Day, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is thanking veterans, active duty, retired, and reserve military for their service to the United States. These military heroes will receive complimentary admission November 6-12, 2023 for themselves and 50% off for four family members.

Orlando Auto Museum at Dezerland Action Park, Orlando – Active and retired military and service personnel will receive free admission on Saturday, November 11. Guests accompanying military members can purchase tickets for 50 percent off retail price.

SeaWorld Orlando – Through November 12 veterans can purchase a Military Pass with unlimited visitation to SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando and free parking through December 31, 2024, for only $169.99. Plus November 11-12, there will be special in-park events honoring veterans. Click the link above for all the details.

The Wheel at Icon Park, Orlando – To celebrate Veterans Day, active and retired members of the U.S. military can take advantage of ICON Park’s ongoing military discount and receive 25% off admission to The Wheel at ICON Park with valid ID. Army vehicles will also be on display outside of Brother Jimmy’s and The Carousel on the Promenade for guests to take photos with all weekend long. Discount for The Wheel is available in person only.

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RESTAURANTS

4 Rivers Smokehouse (Multiple Locations) – Offering complimentary sandwich and piggy back to veterans on Nov. 11.

Applebee’s (Multiple Locations) – Serving complimentary full-size entrees to veterans on Nov. 11, from an exclusive menu created just for them, plus a $5 coupon off their next meal to be used within three weeks.

The Boathouse, Disney Springs – Veterans get 20% off with valid ID on Nov. 11.

Bob Evans (Multiple Locations) – Active-duty military and veterans get a free meal from a special menu on Veterans Day.

Hard Rock Cafe, Universal Orlando CityWalk – Active-duty and retired military members get a free original Legendary Burger on November 11.

IHOP (Multiple Locations) – Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11 from 7am to 7pm.

Island Fin Poke Co. (Multiple Locations) – Veterans and active-duty military get a complimentary poké bowl.

Rodizio Grill, Orlando – November 6 through November 11, veterans will eat FREE* with purchase of another adult Full Rodizio meal. Proof of Service required.

Sonny’s BBQ (Multiple Locations) – Veterans and active-duty military get a free pork big deal on November 11. Must visit link above to get the coupon.

Tijuana Flats (Multiple Locations) – On Saturday, November 11, Tijuana Flats will offer active military and veterans with valid military ID a free entrée with the purchase of a medium drink (or minimum purchase of $2.79). Use code VETSFREE to redeem.

Yard House, Orlando – The ICON Park location celebrates veterans and active-duty military with a complimentary appetizer on Veterans Day.

Many establishments require a military ID, veteran ID or DD-214 form as proof to receive the above deals.

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If you know of an event or special we missed, please leave the info in the comments.

Thank you to all who have served our country!

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and is head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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