Walt Disney World Brings Magic to Military Families at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa

Disney Surprises Military Families with Walt Disney World Tickets at Special Blue Star Books Event

More than 200 military children and their families received an unexpected dose of Disney magic this week during a special Blue Star Books event at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. Hosted by Blue Star Families in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, the event celebrated literacy, military families, and the power of storytelling while delivering a surprise many attendees will never forget: complimentary tickets to Walt Disney World Resort.

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The June 16 event featured a special appearance by Second Lady Usha Vance, who helped launch her 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, a nationwide initiative encouraging children to read as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Families attending the event were treated to a day filled with books, activities, and Disney-inspired fun while learning about the importance of literacy and lifelong learning.

Each child was able to select ten books to take home and two additional books to share with friends, helping build personal libraries and encourage reading within military communities. Families also received Blue Star Welcome Kits designed to help children navigate the challenges that often come with military relocations and Permanent Change of Station moves. Disney VoluntEARS recently helped assemble many of these kits during a volunteer event at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.

The celebration also included appearances by Mickey Mouse, themed crafts, literacy activities, and the surprise announcement that every attendee would receive a one-day Park Hopper ticket to Walt Disney World. The giveaway is part of Disney’s broader “Disney Celebrates America” initiative, which includes a $2.5 million commitment to Blue Star Families as part of the nation’s America250 commemoration. Over the course of their nearly 15-year partnership, Disney has donated more than 370,000 books to military children through the Blue Star Books program.

Blue Star Families has reached more than 775,000 military-connected children through its Blue Star Books initiative, helping provide access to books, educational opportunities, and community support for families who frequently face the challenges of military life. This latest event brought together literacy, community, and a little pixie dust to create a memorable day for military families who sacrifice so much in service to the country.

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Military families planning to visit Walt Disney World can make their Disney dreams even easier with help from our friends at Get Away Today, who can assist with special ticket offers, resort stays, and vacation planning worthy of a magical salute.

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