Veterans Day 2022 in Orlando: Freebies, deals and events to celebrate service members

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
Updated ·8 min read
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Veterans Day is Friday (Nov. 11), and many Central Florida businesses are honoring former and current service members with deals and specials.

Here are ways to take advantage of meals, deals and discounts that honor veterans and active-duty military personnel this holiday. Many establishments require an ID or DD-214 form as proof.

Events

  • The City of Ocoee hosts a Veterans Day Ceremony to honor all who served in the armed forces. The ceremony will feature remarks from First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones, a retired combat veteran with 22 years of service in the U.S. Army. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 10 at 125 N. Lakeshore Drive in Ocoee. More information: 407-905-3100 or ocoee.org

  • Lake Highland Preparatory School students and faculty will pay tribute to veterans with music, dancing and live performances. The free “Veterans Salute” honors the “Foundation of Our Freedom” and takes place at 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at 901 N. Highland Ave. in Orlando. A virtual event is available online. More information: lhps.org/veterans-salute

  • Orange County’s Veterans Day Ceremony will honor veterans with Mayor Jerry Demings and other officials participating in the event. The ceremony is 11-11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in Orlando and will be livestreamed on Facebook by Orange TV. More information: orangecountyfl.net

  • Orlando Science Center hosts a special event to honor veterans with a wreath ceremony outside the entrance at the Red Tails Monument. The ceremony is 11 a.m. Nov. 11 at 777 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. In addition, veterans can enjoy complimentary admission through Nov. 20 and their families can receive 50 percent off. More information: osc.org

  • The City of Sanford hosts a Veterans Day Ceremony at the Sanford Civic Center to honor active and retired members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guard. Speakers include Alex Babcock, a U.S. Army Veteran and Sanford resident, and Lt. Cmdr. Jason Althouse, a retired member of the U.S. Navy and veterans service officer in Seminole County. The presentation is 11 a.m. Nov 11 at 401 E. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. More information: facebook.com

  • Winter Springs honors our nation’s heroes with a presentation of colors and the national anthem from Winter Springs High School students. During the ceremony, a local veteran will receive the 2022 Hometown Hero Award. The ceremony is 6-7 p.m. Nov. 11 at Winter Springs Town Center on Tuskawilla Road in Winter Springs. In the event of inclement weather, the tribute will be moved to City Hall. More information: winterspringsfl.org

  • The City of Orlando brings its 23rd annual Veterans Day Parade to downtown Orlando to honor those who have served. This year’s theme honors the 80th anniversary of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACs) and Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVEs). The parade, beginning at 11 a.m. Nov. 12, travels along Orange Avenue, Central Boulevard and Rosalind Avenue in Orlando. More information: orlando.gov

Restaurants

  • 4 Rivers Smokehouse and The Coop are both offering specials for veterans this holiday. At 4 Rivers, the restaurant will offer a free sandwich and two sides to veterans, while The Coop gives two free chicken tenders, two sides and a fountain drink. More information: 4rsmokehouse.com or asouthernaffair.com

  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill offers all service members, veterans and first responders 10 percent off on Nov. 11 and year-round with a valid ID. More information: carrabbas.com

  • Metro Diner gives active and retired military 10 percent off all year, but on Veterans Day, the restaurant chain is offering 50 percent off with a valid military ID. More information: metrodiner.com

  • Cicis, the unlimited pizza buffet, is offering a free adult buffet to all veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only and requires a valid ID. More information: cicis.com

  • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is giving away pulled pork sandwiches to veterans on Nov. 11 for in-store and online pickup orders with the code VETFREE. More information: dickeys.com

  • Duffy’s Sports Grill allows veterans to eat free from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11. The deal, available for dine-in only, requires a military ID and has a $15 maximum. All active-duty military get 40 percent off food purchases every day. More information: duffysmvp.com

  • Applebee’s serves complimentary full-size entrees to veterans on Nov. 11 including a 6-ounce top sirloin, fiesta lime chicken, a classic bacon cheeseburger or three-cheese chicken penne. More information: applebees.com

  • California Pizza Kitchen will dish out a free entree and beverage with proof of service for active and retired military members on Veterans Day. More information: cpk.com

  • Golden Corral hosts Military Appreciation Night from 5 p.m. to close Nov. 14 with a free “thank you dinner” for all veterans and active-duty military members. More information: goldencorral.com

  • Red Lobster honors veterans, active-duty military and reservists with free shrimp, fries and coleslaw from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 11 with valid ID. The offer is valid for dine-in and to-go orders. More information: redlobster.com

  • Wendy’s offers a free breakfast combo to those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. Take advantage of the deal from 6:30-10:30 a.m. Nov. 11. More information: wendys.com

  • Yard House celebrates veterans and active-duty military with a complimentary appetizer on Veterans Day. The Central Florida location is open 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Nov. 11 at 8367 International Drive in Orlando. More information: yardhouse.com

  • White Castle gives veterans and active-duty service members a free combo meal or breakfast combo meal on Nov. 11. The Central Florida location is open 8 a.m.-midnight at 11595 Daryl Carter Parkway in Orlando. More information: whitecastle.com

  • Bob Evans celebrates Veterans Day with a free meal to active-duty military and veterans on Nov. 11 with seven different menu options to choose from. More information: bobevans.com

Resorts

  • Westgate Resorts will honor 1,000 active duty, veteran and Gold Star military families at Westgate’s annual military weekend. Starting at 9 a.m. Nov. 11, families will have the chance to sign up for the celebration at Westgate Vacation Villas & Town Center Resort Dec. 9-11. The weekend includes a 5K run, outdoor concerts and a fireworks show. More information: westgateresorts.com

Attractions

  • Icon Park hosts a range of Veterans Day specials. The Wheel is giving free rides to veterans and first responders Nov. 11 and 50 percent off one guest ticket. Active military can receive up to four complimentary tickets. The 400-foot observation wheel will be lit in the pattern of the American flag. Other attractions offer discounts including Museum of Illusions Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Build-A-Bear Workshop. A number of restaurants also provide discounts. More information: iconparkorlando.com

  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will honor veterans, active-duty military and reservists with complimentary admission Nov. 7-13. Up to four additional guests can receive a 50 percent discount on admission. Purchase these tickets on-site at will call. More information: kennedyspacecenter.com

  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers all active duty and retired service members free entry on Nov. 11-12. These heroes can also get buy-one-get-one tickets for up to six tickets. More information: centralfloridazoo.org

  • Dezerland Action Park provides free entry to the Orlando Auto Museum for active and retired military members on Veterans Day. The attraction has a military pavilion with vehicles from America and its allies, including an amphibious vehicle used by the U.S. in World War II. The deal is valid on Nov. 11 at 5250 International Drive in Orlando. More information: dezerlandpark.com

  • Leu Gardens offers free admission to veterans and active-duty military on Nov. 11. More information: leugardens.org

  • Crayola Experience provides a free bronze 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. More information: crayolaexperience.com

Other

  • Sport Clips across the country will host its annual Veterans Day haircut event where $2 per haircut service fees will support “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarships.” In addition, veterans and active service members can receive a free haircut at participating locations. More information: sportclips.com

  • Great Clips will honor veterans with a free haircut on Nov. 11 or a haircut card to be used between Nov. 12-Dec. 9. In addition, nonmilitary customers on Nov. 11 can receive a card and pass it on to an active-duty military member or veteran. More information: greatclips.com

  • Winn-Dixie stores will offer an 11 percent discount to veterans and active military service members on Veterans Day with valid ID.

  • Publix honors veterans and active military personnel with a 10 percent discount on groceries on Nov. 11 with ID. More information: publix.com

Know of other Veterans Day deals and events? Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com.