Veterans Day: Central Florida salutes military personnel with deals and freebies
To honor those who have served or continue to serve the United States, several establishments in Central Florida are offering deals or freebies in honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Here are a few.
7-Eleven
Veterans get a free coffee or big gulp on Nov. 11 at 7-Eleven. For more information, go to 7-eleven.com/promo/VAAdvantage.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a limited menu on Nov. 11 at participating Applebee’s locations. Offer is valid for dine-in only. For more information, go to applebees.com/en/veterans-day-free-meals.
Bar Louie
Active or retired military with a valid ID can receive a free craft burger or flatbread of their choice on Nov. 11 at Bar Louie. For more information, go to barlouie.com.
BJ’s Restaurants and Brewhouse
On Veterans Day, all service members can enjoy a complimentary entree up to $14.95 and a free Dr. Pepper by presenting a military ID or proof of service. For more information, go to bjsrestaurants.com/VeteransDay.
Bob Evans
Veterans and active-duty military can enjoy a free item from a special menu of seven homestyle favorites — hand-breaded crispy fried chicken, country biscuit breakfast, brioche French toast, mini sampler, stack of hotcakes, country fried steak and soup and salad combo — on Nov. 11 at Bob Evans restaurants. For more information, go to bobevans.com/veterans-day.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
To honor the “real Lt. Dans, Forrests and Bubbas out there,” Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is offering military personnel (with a valid ID) and their families 20 percent off food and retail purchases on Veterans Day. Offer is for dine-in only. Find more information at bubbagump.com/featuring/veterans-day.
Chevys Fresh Mex
On Nov. 11, Chevys Fresh Mex invites veterans and active military (with ID) to enjoy a complimentary three-item (such as enchiladas, tacos, pork tamale, crispy chicken flautas and chile relleno) combination plate — which also includes rice, signature sweet corn tamalito and choice of beans a la charra, refried beans, or vegetarian black beans.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Active and retired military members can enjoy a free single-day ticket to the Central Florida Zoo on Nov. 7-11. Immediate family members will also receive 25 percent off single-day admission. The complimentary ticket and discount are only available when purchasing tickets in-person at the zoo and cannot be applied to online purchases. Tickets can only be purchased the day of the visit at the zoo’s admission window with proper ID. Find more information at centralfloridazoo.org/news/veterans-day.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Veterans and active-duty military personnel can choose a complimentary meal from a select menu — chicken crispers, margarita grilled chicken, bacon burger, cajun chicken pasta, oldtimer with cheese, chicken bacon ranch quesadillas and bowl of chili or soup and salad — on Nov. 11. Valid in-restaurant only. For more information, visit chilis.com/restaurant-events/veterans-day.
Colonial Room Restaurant
Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free breakfast on Nov. 11 at Colonial Room Restaurant in Sanford. Enjoy bacon or sausage, two eggs and grits or potatoes with a beverage until 11:30 a.m.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Cracker Barrel is honoring American heroes throughout the month of November for Military Family Appreciation Month. The company will donate a $10 Cracker Barrel gift card to Operation Homefront for each country fried turkey family meal basket sold during November (up to $50,000) and the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Foundation will make an additional $50,000 donation to Operation Homefront to support military families this holiday season. In addition, the eatery will offer all U.S. veterans a complimentary slice of double chocolate fudge Coca-Cola cake for dine-in only on Nov. 11. For more information, go to crackerbarrel.com/newsroom/news-releases/2020/oct/military-appreciation-month.
Crayola Experience
Throughout November, Crayola Experience invites active, retired and veteran military personnel with a valid ID to enjoy a free day at the attraction through the “True Blue Heroes” program. In addition, immediate family members get 25 percent off admission. For more information, go to crayolaexperience.com/orlando/plan-your-visit/special-offers.
Daytona Lagoon
On Nov. 11, 14 and 15, Daytona Lagoon is offering active and retired military a free all-day play pass, which grants unlimited access to go-karts, laser tag, rock climbing wall, mini-golf, Sky Maze ropes course and Island Hopper. On Veterans Day, Daytona Lagoon will also have a one-day online sale on all-day play passes: Buy one pass and get one free with code “VETSDAY20.” These on-sale passes are valid until Dec. 31. For more information, go to daytonalagoon.com.
Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions
The Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions is offering active, reserved and retired military as well as first responders free tickets to the upcoming tournament — which takes place Jan. 21-24 at Tranquilo Golf Course at Four Seasons in Orlando. Use code “SALUTE2021” in the Access Key section when purchasing tickets at diamondlpga.com/tournament/tickets to unlock two complimentary four-day grounds pass tickets.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
To celebrate our nation’s heroes, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is offering a free classic sandwich and side for military service members with a $10 minimum purchase on Veterans Day. Use code “VETFREE” in-store or online to get the freebie.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Dine at Firebirds with a veteran on Nov. 11 and the military member (with valid ID) will receive a complimentary entrée (equal to or less than your entrée purchase). For more information, go to firebirdsrestaurants.com/promotions.
Gatorland
In honor of Veteran’s Day, Gatorland offers free admission Nov. 11-30 to veterans and active-duty military personnel with ID presented at the gate. Up to four family members can also receive 20 percent off tickets.
Golden Corral
Active or former military members can pick up a promotional card during the month of November redeemable for a free meal. The cards can be used Monday-Thursday through May 31, 2021, for dine-in only. For more information, go to goldencorral.com/military-appreciation.
Great Clips
On Nov. 11, veterans and active military members can visit Great Clips for a free haircut or a free haircut card to be used at a later date. Also, non-military customers who purchase a service at Great Clips on Veterans Day will receive a free haircut card to give to a military service member. All haircut cards must be used by Dec. 11. Find more information at greatclips.com/about-us/giving/thank-a-veteran.
Hinckley’s Fancy Meats
Hinckley’s Fancy Meats is giving away free Spam terrines to active duty, reserve military, or a veteran on Nov. 11.
Island H2O Live
Military members can enjoy free admission to Island H2O Live and up to four family members or friends can enjoy half-off admission through Nov. 22. The discount is not available online. For more information, visit sunsetwalk.com/offers/959.
Joella’s Hot Chicken
Veterans and active-duty military can receive a free meal on Nov. 11 at Joella’s Hot Chicken.
Legoland Florida
Legoland Florida is offering active-duty military personnel free admission to Legoland Florida Resort & Water Park. To redeem the deal, bring a current U.S. military ID to the ticket window. For more information, go to legoland.com/florida/tickets-passes/military-discounts.
Leu Gardens
Veterans and current military personnel get free admission on Nov. 11. Find more information at leugardens.org/veterans-day-monday-november-11.
Little Caesars
Little Caesars is offering all United States Armed Forces veterans and active military a free hot-n-ready lunch combo from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Veterans Day at participating stores nationwide.
Mission BBQ
Veterans get a free sandwich on Nov. 11 at Mission BBQ. For more information, go to mission-bbq.com.
Pilot Flying J
Veterans get a free Pilot coffee of any size and one free breakfast item through Nov. 15. The Veterans Day Breakfast Combo offer is available through the Pilot Flying J app and redeemable at participating U.S. Pilot and Flying J travel centers.
Red Lobster
On Nov. 11, Red Lobster is giving veterans, active-duty military and reservists with a valid military ID a free dessert or appetizer — including lobster and langostino pizza, seafood-stuffed mushrooms, Parrot Isle jumbo coconut shrimp, langostino lobster-artichoke-and-seafood dip, crab-stuffed shrimp rangoon, jumbo shrimp cocktail, mozzarella sticks, chocolate wave cake, vanilla bean cheesecake apple crostata and key lime pie. Offer is only available for dine-in.
Red Robin
Veterans and active military who are Red Robin Royalty members can redeem their free tavern double burger and steak fries Nov. 12-30 for dine-in or to-go. For more information, go to redrobin.com/pages/veterans-day.
SeaWorld Orlando
Through SeaWorld Orlando’s Waves of Honor program, tickets for veterans and their guests are half-off year-round, plus tickets are free for active-duty military personnel. For more information, visit SeaWorld’s website.
Sonny’s BBQ
Sonny’s BBQ will provide a free pork sandwich to veterans and active military with a valid ID on Nov. 11. Service members who stop by on Veterans Day will also receive a voucher for a free BBQ egg roll appetizer that can be redeemed with ID from Dec. 1-15.
The Market Restaurant
Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free breakfast on Nov. 11 at The Market Restaurant in Sanford. Enjoy bacon or sausage, two eggs and grits or potatoes with a beverage until 11:30 a.m.
The Wheel at Icon Park
Throughout November, active and retired military with valid ID will get free admission to The Wheel at Icon Park. Up to four additional guests receive 50 percent off the ticket price. For more information, go to iconparkorlando.com/events/military-november-2020.
TooJay’s Deli
TooJay’s salutes veterans and active-duty military personnel on Nov. 11 with a free entree from a special menu, including shepherd’s pie, open-faced turkey sandwich, chopped sirloin, fish & chips, black bean burger, Choose Too half sandwich and soup, create-your-own omelet, grilled cheese with tomato and bacon, chicken Caesar salad, patty melt, deli dogs, chicken tenders and liver and onions. The offer is valid for dine-in and takeout with the coupon and valid military ID or proof of service.
Walt Disney World
Disney World offers military personnel specially priced tickets valid through Sept. 26, 2021, plus a discounted Memory Maker of $98 valid through Dec. 18, 2021. Reminder: Tickets and advanced reservations are currently required to visit Disney parks. Visit Disney’s website for more information about the deals and to make a reservation.
Yard House
Veterans and active-duty military receive a free appetizer on Veterans Day at Yard House. For more information, go to yardhouse.com/events.
Zorbas Greek Restaurant
Veterans and active-duty military personnel receive a free dinner on Nov. 11 at Zorbas Greek Restaurant in Sanford. Enjoy a gyro or a small, one-item with a beverage from 4-8 p.m.
Want to reach out? Email me at kchristiansen@orlandosentinel.com. Find more fun things on Instagram @fun.things.orlando and Facebook @fun.things.orlando.
———
©2020 The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.)
Visit The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) at www.OrlandoSentinel.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.