From Disney to Las Vegas: Special travel discounts for teachers

Teachers are at the top of the list when it comes to those who deserve a well-earned vacation.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we’ve gathered a list of places where teachers can take advantage of discounts for free or reduced-price fun, relaxation, and entertainment.

A few standout educators will even win an all-expenses-paid cruise in the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy sweepstakes. Nominate your favorite teacher, and 100 lucky winners will get a cruise and up to $25,000 for their school. Nominations close on June 3, 2022.

Exclusive teacher discounts at Disney Springs hotels

Several Disney Springs hotels (though not the official Walt Disney World Resorts) offer ongoing teacher discounts. These hotels share many perks of Disney resorts, like early park access, and include chains such as Wyndham, Holiday Inn, and Hilton.

Hilton Orlando advertises special teacher appreciation rates starting around $215 per night, with most rates falling between $250 and $350. Use the TEA rate code when booking, or call directly to find even better deals.

Holiday Inn Orlando, located in Disney Springs, also provides discounted rates for teachers and education staff from daycare to college. Plus, up to four kids (ages 11 and under) can eat free during your stay.

Not a teacher or can't find the right discount? Check out our guide to using points for a stay near Disney World and tips for visiting Walt Disney World.

Teacher discounts available at Disney's Swan and Dolphin hotels

An even better option than Disney Springs is staying within walking distance of Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios at Disney's Swan or Dolphin hotels, both offering discounts for teachers, nurses, medical personnel, law enforcement, and first responders. Call 1-888-828-8850 and request the TEACHERS RATE promo code, or use code ZTC online for up to 25% off regular room rates.

I searched upcoming dates and found teacher discounts of about $30 per night, but some dates are excluded, so make sure to check in advance.

These properties also offer up to 25% off on connecting rooms for families, just ask when booking.

Free theme park and attraction tickets for teachers

Some theme parks offer free tickets to teachers, likely to encourage future field trips. But whatever the reason, free is still free!

• SeaWorld Florida: Free, unlimited admission for Florida K-12 teachers through Aug. 31, 2022.
• SeaWorld San Diego: Free Teacher Fun Card for unlimited admission through Dec. 31, 2022, for California and Arizona K-12 teachers.
• SeaWorld San Antonio: Free Teacher Card for unlimited access to all rides, shows, and attractions for certified Texas Pre-K to high school teachers.
• Kennedy Space Center: Free educator study passes for Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands teachers, offering free access to the visitors complex (valid ID required).
• Legoland Florida: Free Annual Pass for Florida Pre-K to Grade 12 teachers, valid for a year at Legoland, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and Sea Life Orlando. Upgrade for $59.99 to include water park access and more.
• Sesame Place: Teachers in PA, DE, NY, and NJ get a Teacher Pass for unlimited Sesame Place admission for a year. Registration for 2023 opens in fall 2022.
• Arizona Science Center: Free admission and discounts for Arizona K-12 teachers at the planetarium and theater.

More travel deals for teachers

Teacher travel discounts are available if you search and ask. Here are a few more examples:

In conclusion

While not every place offers travel discounts for teachers, there are still plenty of options out there.

If you're eligible and don’t find what you need here, try searching online or give a call. Also, government employee discounts may apply to public school teachers as well.