ORLANDO, Fla. – With Veterans Day on the horizon and many people relieved of duty from work or school, many Central Florida businesses are offering deals and discounts for veterans.
Originally created as Armistice Day following the end of WWI, and later becoming a national holiday in 1938, this year marks the 81st Veterans Day the U.S. has recognized.
Below is a list of local businesses that are offering deals and discounts for veterans in honor of their service.
Attractions and Services
Brevard Zoo welcomes veterans in for free from Nov. 9-11, or in the event they are overseas, a military spouse may take this offer in place. Proof of military service is required for an animal-filled day at the zoo. Standard admission is $19.70 for adults and $14.70 for children.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers a year-round 20% off discount to veterans and active service members on a single-day admission ticket.
Great Clips is giving free haircuts to veterans on Nov. 11, and non-veterans who purchase a haircut on the holiday will receive a free haircut card to gift to a veteran.
Harry P. Leu Gardens is giving free admission to veterans and active military on Nov. 11. For more information on the attraction's offerings, click here. Standard admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Kohl's is doubling its military discount to 30% off between Nov. 7-11 in honor of Veteran's Day.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will welcome service members and up to three guests in their party with free admission from Nov. 9-11. The tickets may be claimed at the ticket booths on property.
Lake County Animal Shelter will waive pet adoption fees for veterans during November. For more information on how to adopt your next forever friend, click here.
LEGOLAND Florida is offering veterans free admission from Nov. 1-25. Veterans will also be able to purchase up to six tickets at a 50% discount during this period, too. Click here to see the full list of discounts the brick wonderland is offering.
Maguire Road Self Storage is offering 30% off the first three months on any new storage unit rental from now until Nov. 12. The business is located as 2631 Maguire Road Ocoee, Fl.
Orlando Science Center has offered free admission to veterans from Nov. 1-17, and 50% off to guests accompanying them.
Publix is offering 10% off groceries to customers on Veteran's Day. Click here for more information.
Planet Fitness is offering all of their gym services to veterans and one guest of theirs for free between Nov. 8-15. Veterans wishing to take advantage of the offer must show a photo I.D. and proof of military service.
Target is offering a 10% military discount for purchases in-store and online between Nov. 3-11.
Universal Orlando is allowing military members to purchase two and three park four-day tickets for the cost of a one-day admission ticket for up to six visitors. This offer must be purchased from a military information, tickets and travel office. Click here for full details.
Florida state parks will offer free admission for all families and visitors on Monday in recognition of Veterans Day, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Friday. State parks also offer year-round discounts on annual passes to veterans, surviving spouses of members of the U.S. military killed during combat and anyone currently serving.
Food
Please note that all the below deals require proof of service and are valid for active and retired service members, and will be valid for dine-in only. The mentioned offers also do not include tax or tip.
Applebee's is serving veterans and active-duty military members a free meal from a special menu on Nov. 11.
BJ's Restaurants are offering a free meal under $14.95 and a Dr. Pepper to former and active military patrons on Nov. 11 with proof of service.
Buffalo Wild Wings wants veterans to enjoy a free small-sized order of their traditional or boneless wings and fries on them. The deal is valid for Nov. 11 only. Click here for more details.
California Pizza Kitchen is rolling out a special menu for Nov. 11 that veterans may choose one item off of for free. Patrons will also receive a BOGO free pasta, pizza or salad that may be redeemed from Nov. 11-20.
Chili's has a special menu on Nov. 11 where veterans and active military service members can select a free meal.
Denny's will give veterans and military personnel a free Build Your Own Grand Slam from 5 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11.
Dunkin' Donuts is giving away a free donut on Nov. 11, limit one per military ID shown.
Golden Corral hosts a Military Appreciation Night on Nov. 11 where service members may receive a free meal. It is open to family members as well, but they will need to pay standard pricing to join.
Outback Steakhouse, everyone's favorite chain from the down under, is giving a complimentary Bloomin' Onion and fountain drink to service members on Nov. 11. The restaurant is also offering 20% off the check for service members and first responders from Nov. 8-11.
Panera Bread will be offering a free You Pick Two to each veteran or active service member on Nov. 11 only.
Starbucks is giving veterans, active-duty service members and military spouses a free tall brewed coffee at participating stores on Nov. 11.
Does your business have a Veteran's Day deal or discount? Email Tandreala@wkmg.com to have it added to this list.