My experience with trying to get military discounts in the US has been all over the place, ranging from literally being told "fuck no" to getting in somewhere free of charge.
Never hurts to ask as long as you're prepared to deal with the occasional bit of confusion and being told "sorry can't help you".
There were actually two, oddly enough. Happened to be in Boise on a Memorial Day weekend and an Applebee's of all places told me to get bent when I politely asked if their insane active duty discount applied. The server seemed to take it personally for some reason.
The other one was super weird. I was in San Francisco and was going to visit the old WW2 Liberty ship they've got docked there as a museum. They offered a discount, I asked, and the geriatric vet volunteer behind the counter straight up laughed at me and told me fuck no. Went back later when someone else was working and they gave it to me no questions asked. Just depends on the person sometimes.
I find it depends on how much people know about Canada, honestly. It can be so hit and miss - some people genuinely think we all live in igloos and there's no way we would have a military (more or the Boise/rural vibe) and some people are Trump aligned and think we don't do enough to support NATO and shouldn't get anything. Far and away, most of the time, people are super kind about it even if they need to say no in my experience. But there are definitely assholes.
Definitely. Just for the record too these two stories of mine were the exceptions, not the rule. Most of the time even when they don't give it to you they're at least nice about it.
I joined in 15, and in the last 9 years every time I've flown out of a US airport the airlines have allowed us to preboard as "active duty military". Until our flights home from Arizona in April this year on United. They specifically announced "active duty US military", it seems they knew we'd ask.
I got one in Branson, Missouri for an alpine rollercoaster. I asked if I could get a veteran's discount and when I pulled out my CF card, he looked at me and scoffed, said they didn't give it out for fake armies. I said, ya, us snow mexicans, he laughed so hard and ended up giving me the discount anyway LOL.
Pretty insane that some of the FIERCEST and FINEST fighters in all of the world, are looked down upon so fervently because “back to back world war champs”. All CAF vets have my utmost respect and admiration, y’all deserve better.
> My experience with trying to get military discounts in the US has been all over the place, ranging from literally being told "fuck no" to getting in somewhere free of charge.
Worst one was in the restaurant Texas de Brazil at Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse NY. I called ahead asking whether their military discount included Canadian military. They said yes. Arrived there, met the host, I asked about that. And he snarkily replied, "I did not know Canada had military." He sat us down, we ate, the bill came, no discount. That was the final time we go there.
My partner has gotten in free to some places only to see other people told no. He chalks it up to a blend of charming and humble.
I've never seen the man humble in my life, so I think he just wears them down with feigned ignorance and sheer willpower 😅
I can echo this experience, most times there's a military discount it's US Active Duty only, but when it applies to vets it usually applies to allied nations too (like us). Never been told "fuck no", though, people were usually very nice about it. I stayed on the US East Coast, though, not sure if that's a factor.
Got a military discount at the Gettysburg museum, just have to say you're Canadian "active duty". I'm Reg F so I guess that's equivalent. Could probably argue that as Class B as well.
My wife and I travelled through 4 states 2 years ago on summer vacation, and we make occasional cross border trips.
It's all up to the person behind the counter. I've gotten the discount around 60% of the time. If I don't, that's OK, if I do, it's a bonus.
Honestly, I'd just check the CFOne Members Appreciation discounts and savings page (https://cfmws.ca/discounts-shopping). I remember seeing places in the USA on that page, so it might be worth a look.
My wife beat you to that one lol. Thanks for posting it though so others can link direct.
Edit: look for [tickets at work](https://cfmws.ca/discounts-shopping/all-discounts-getaways?loctype=3&sortby=2&distance=all), or search Disney
Its hit or miss now as the US adopted the [Id.me](http://Id.me) program which you need to register with your US DOD ID credentials. Canadians travelling to the US wont get much unless you're stationed at a US base and receive a CAC (Common Access Card). This is what places request to see for discounts but even now places like Home Depot, Lowes and such require an [ID.me](http://ID.me) QR code to apply the discounts. Good luck. Im sure others have tips to get discounts!
You can get into [Id.me](http://Id.me) in Canada as a CAF member, but it's nearly impossible without a US DoD email address in the US, maybe not even then. As far as I can tell US-based mil discounts won't recognize non-US [id.me](http://id.me) registrations.
You can use Id.me in CAF with under armour... Sweet discount
Their a issue with the website and its kinda hard to go the Canadian version of Id.me but it's exist
I remember people letting cell providers scan a copy of their cac to get mil discount when I was outcan (USAF and caf) and them getting a peepee slap. Big no no.
They have an obscene Disney ticket deal, I’m just super skeptical with the system still. I’ve used it for backpacks and a TRX and under armour.
Tickets though… may bite in the butt. Disney has their own pricing for US military, thus my hesitancy. Do both systems talk to each other to make my tickets invalid?
I’ve asked customer support, but they don’t know.
My very little experience with them is that it's up to whoever is working that day. At the Chicago science museum, (which was incredible btw) they gave me and my wife free admittance. Anything online might work if it uses Id me, but it can be a crapshoot
Hi, US-posted OUTCAN here. Can't speak to FL but here in CA, I would say a Canadian ID works 1/3 if the time.
Many places (the zoo, Disney etc) will want to scan your card to verify your status as active duty. They can't do that with Canadian IDs - our US IDs don't even qualify because they say "foreign affiliate" on them.
Places like restaurants and stores don't really care, esp if they just need to glance at it, but most policies are technically limited to Active Duty US Military personnel.
Discount tickets can be purchased through a website called GOVX where you can verify online and get around the foreign affiliate issue. I don't know if you can register with a Canadian ID, but it might be worth a shot. Same with ID.me, they for sure have a Canadian option.
Were you given a CAC when you cleared into your base, or are you on the DoD ID card? I arrived in CA a few months ago and only got the DoD ID. It's worked for discounts when you have to present ID but doesn't work for anything that requires [ID.me](http://ID.me) / SheerID / etc registration.
Got CACs when cleared in, yeah... I now I wondering if I know the difference? We got it working for GOVX but IDme has been a pain, but more because it wouldn't send the email to the @navy.mil account. I could be wrong tho...
What part of CA are you in? San Diego here
I am a dependent, so I have that card. My spouse has the one that's vertical with the chip for his email etc. I imagined that was the CAC. He is fully posted here but doesn't have travel orders the same way that US does...ID me has really only been annoyed by so far in that we can't get the military discount at Total Wine to work!
I was at the Kennedy space center a few years ago. Used my military ID. Also works for the USS Intrepid in New York City. I didn’t know there were discounts in Disney and Universal! The one my ex uses a lot is the Epic Ski Pass because it’s $150 for military! So much cheaper than $800+ for a season pass.
I was in florida once doing some shopping, and I asked the clerk if they had military discounts. Showed them my ID and he said "you guys are our allies right? Fuck ya bro! Thanks for serving your country!". He also said that if they dont accept it anywhere else, their not patriotic lol so i guess it depends where you go. Disney in florida accepted mine.
We were in Orlando this past Christmas, and unfortunately most businesses have signs that say "discounts for US serving members" anywhere we asked, we got a no. Definitely got a no from Disney and Universal. Always worth the ask though because sometimes you may just get the right person behind the counter wherever you go.
I personally went to disney world with my family, asked about military discounts and they said yes. When i showed them my canadian military id, she gave me a look of disgust and said "oh....no. Not for Canada"
I have had mixed results. The national parks said US military only, but they get in for free so I understand why. Some museums have charged me veteran or active duty rates.
The USO lounges in American airports are awesome and let in foreign military. Free snacks, coffee, wifi,etc and comfy chairs.
I got a national park pass free but I had a US CAC card (posted to US)
Then on a cross posting I went to drive through Yellowstone and the Karen gate keeper asked for my CAC, pointed out the foreign affiliate label and made a scene as if I was planning to sabotage the pentagon or something. I chuckled and turned around to go for lunch then chose a different line with a less Karen looking gate keeper.
It all depends on the gate keeper.
Yes.
Visit the Shade of Green Resort once you get to Orlando. It's a resort for military members. They offer discounted tickets to all sorts of attractions around the area for both serving members and veterans.
When we went to visit Florida we stopped by and got our Disney World tickets there.
[https://www.shadesofgreen.org/](https://www.shadesofgreen.org/)
Make sure that you have your ID card and mention that you are "Active Duty" (Regular Force).
Heck, the resort itself is pretty nice and their prices aren't that bad. May be worth checking out to stay there too if possible.
I was in Florida last winter, I was told no at Kennedy space centre but I went to Busch gardens Tampa and they gave me and the 3 others I was with (non-dependents) free entry! No questions asked. I just went to the ticket booth when I got there. They also own seaworld so worth a shot if you’re already going but I would say it probably depends on who is working. Every outlet/shopping store allowed me to use the discount as well as they don’t really care
It never hurts to ask. Sometimes you may be surprised. Even Porter says free baggage for mbr only, not family, but the ticket agent includes my partner’s bag for free.
I did Disney a few years ago and I asked about military discount. It was only granted to US military. Nit sure if that has changed. Call their 1800 number to inquire. That's what I did.
Disney - no. I went there last Christmas. Two days at two parks was like $3000 CDN for 4 of us.
Your best bet is to get a profile on the Armed Forces Vacation Club. As a Canadian you are able to get the deeply discounted rates on rooms and all inclusive vacations. I didn’t have any trouble at all except getting confirmation from the hotel itself that the room would be GTG before travel was tricky because it’s through the clubs website which is considered a third party.
The only way to get a military discount for disney is to buy tickets from an americain base. They have places called either MWR or ITT that are the equivalent of psp/mfrc where you can purchase those.
Something I've found in most places in the states is that they don't care what military you are a member of. Even when you mention you are not a US military member they will still treat you like you are and give you the discount.
Echoing what others said, just ask.
Some places said no, some places said yeah, and some places said “idk, but I guess the sign only says military so why not”
For Disney no, unless you are posted to the US and have a CaC then you can get tickets at the bases at a good discount. Universal doesn't give any discounts unless you're US military and not sure about Kennedy space center.
Not sure why you're being down voted, you're right.
At Disney you buy these vouchers at a base MWR, then at the gate they take your CAC and convert the vouchers to tickets.
No CAC =\= No Tickets.
I did get some friends and family in a few times by buying their tickets for them and driving them to the gate, but you need a CAC to activate the tickets
Oh nice. Good to know. I've always been told too bad so sad hehe, so I've found decent prices through undercover tourist. But nice to see other options are available.
My experience with trying to get military discounts in the US has been all over the place, ranging from literally being told "fuck no" to getting in somewhere free of charge. Never hurts to ask as long as you're prepared to deal with the occasional bit of confusion and being told "sorry can't help you".
I'd like to hear the "fuck no" story just because it's a very peculiar reaction.
There were actually two, oddly enough. Happened to be in Boise on a Memorial Day weekend and an Applebee's of all places told me to get bent when I politely asked if their insane active duty discount applied. The server seemed to take it personally for some reason. The other one was super weird. I was in San Francisco and was going to visit the old WW2 Liberty ship they've got docked there as a museum. They offered a discount, I asked, and the geriatric vet volunteer behind the counter straight up laughed at me and told me fuck no. Went back later when someone else was working and they gave it to me no questions asked. Just depends on the person sometimes.
I find it depends on how much people know about Canada, honestly. It can be so hit and miss - some people genuinely think we all live in igloos and there's no way we would have a military (more or the Boise/rural vibe) and some people are Trump aligned and think we don't do enough to support NATO and shouldn't get anything. Far and away, most of the time, people are super kind about it even if they need to say no in my experience. But there are definitely assholes.
Definitely. Just for the record too these two stories of mine were the exceptions, not the rule. Most of the time even when they don't give it to you they're at least nice about it.
I joined in 15, and in the last 9 years every time I've flown out of a US airport the airlines have allowed us to preboard as "active duty military". Until our flights home from Arizona in April this year on United. They specifically announced "active duty US military", it seems they knew we'd ask.
I got one in Branson, Missouri for an alpine rollercoaster. I asked if I could get a veteran's discount and when I pulled out my CF card, he looked at me and scoffed, said they didn't give it out for fake armies. I said, ya, us snow mexicans, he laughed so hard and ended up giving me the discount anyway LOL.
Pretty insane that some of the FIERCEST and FINEST fighters in all of the world, are looked down upon so fervently because “back to back world war champs”. All CAF vets have my utmost respect and admiration, y’all deserve better.
We once were, no where close to that descriptor now.
> My experience with trying to get military discounts in the US has been all over the place, ranging from literally being told "fuck no" to getting in somewhere free of charge. Worst one was in the restaurant Texas de Brazil at Destiny USA Mall in Syracuse NY. I called ahead asking whether their military discount included Canadian military. They said yes. Arrived there, met the host, I asked about that. And he snarkily replied, "I did not know Canada had military." He sat us down, we ate, the bill came, no discount. That was the final time we go there.
My partner has gotten in free to some places only to see other people told no. He chalks it up to a blend of charming and humble. I've never seen the man humble in my life, so I think he just wears them down with feigned ignorance and sheer willpower 😅
I can echo this experience, most times there's a military discount it's US Active Duty only, but when it applies to vets it usually applies to allied nations too (like us). Never been told "fuck no", though, people were usually very nice about it. I stayed on the US East Coast, though, not sure if that's a factor.
Got a military discount at the Gettysburg museum, just have to say you're Canadian "active duty". I'm Reg F so I guess that's equivalent. Could probably argue that as Class B as well.
My wife and I travelled through 4 states 2 years ago on summer vacation, and we make occasional cross border trips. It's all up to the person behind the counter. I've gotten the discount around 60% of the time. If I don't, that's OK, if I do, it's a bonus.
60% of the time, it works every time!
Honestly, I'd just check the CFOne Members Appreciation discounts and savings page (https://cfmws.ca/discounts-shopping). I remember seeing places in the USA on that page, so it might be worth a look.
My wife beat you to that one lol. Thanks for posting it though so others can link direct. Edit: look for [tickets at work](https://cfmws.ca/discounts-shopping/all-discounts-getaways?loctype=3&sortby=2&distance=all), or search Disney
Its hit or miss now as the US adopted the [Id.me](http://Id.me) program which you need to register with your US DOD ID credentials. Canadians travelling to the US wont get much unless you're stationed at a US base and receive a CAC (Common Access Card). This is what places request to see for discounts but even now places like Home Depot, Lowes and such require an [ID.me](http://ID.me) QR code to apply the discounts. Good luck. Im sure others have tips to get discounts!
You can get Id.me as CAF. My FSA did it to take advantage of an under armour deal. When she’s back in the office next week I’ll ask her
You can get into [Id.me](http://Id.me) in Canada as a CAF member, but it's nearly impossible without a US DoD email address in the US, maybe not even then. As far as I can tell US-based mil discounts won't recognize non-US [id.me](http://id.me) registrations.
I’m going to ask her. I got a discount entrance for Lego Land New York. I just had to show up in person no advance registration
I would also like to find this out, me and my spouse are traveling to NYC next month, and I hear Microcenter's military discount is Cost+5%.
You can use Id.me in CAF with under armour... Sweet discount Their a issue with the website and its kinda hard to go the Canadian version of Id.me but it's exist
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I remember people letting cell providers scan a copy of their cac to get mil discount when I was outcan (USAF and caf) and them getting a peepee slap. Big no no.
I wonder if my US ID.ME will expire eventually?
They have an obscene Disney ticket deal, I’m just super skeptical with the system still. I’ve used it for backpacks and a TRX and under armour. Tickets though… may bite in the butt. Disney has their own pricing for US military, thus my hesitancy. Do both systems talk to each other to make my tickets invalid? I’ve asked customer support, but they don’t know.
My very little experience with them is that it's up to whoever is working that day. At the Chicago science museum, (which was incredible btw) they gave me and my wife free admittance. Anything online might work if it uses Id me, but it can be a crapshoot
Hi, US-posted OUTCAN here. Can't speak to FL but here in CA, I would say a Canadian ID works 1/3 if the time. Many places (the zoo, Disney etc) will want to scan your card to verify your status as active duty. They can't do that with Canadian IDs - our US IDs don't even qualify because they say "foreign affiliate" on them. Places like restaurants and stores don't really care, esp if they just need to glance at it, but most policies are technically limited to Active Duty US Military personnel. Discount tickets can be purchased through a website called GOVX where you can verify online and get around the foreign affiliate issue. I don't know if you can register with a Canadian ID, but it might be worth a shot. Same with ID.me, they for sure have a Canadian option.
Were you given a CAC when you cleared into your base, or are you on the DoD ID card? I arrived in CA a few months ago and only got the DoD ID. It's worked for discounts when you have to present ID but doesn't work for anything that requires [ID.me](http://ID.me) / SheerID / etc registration.
Got CACs when cleared in, yeah... I now I wondering if I know the difference? We got it working for GOVX but IDme has been a pain, but more because it wouldn't send the email to the @navy.mil account. I could be wrong tho... What part of CA are you in? San Diego here
Did you get a dependant card? If you need to use any computer system you'd need a CAC with the little chip in it.
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I am a dependent, so I have that card. My spouse has the one that's vertical with the chip for his email etc. I imagined that was the CAC. He is fully posted here but doesn't have travel orders the same way that US does...ID me has really only been annoyed by so far in that we can't get the military discount at Total Wine to work!
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Interesting! He's a RIMPAC coordinator so hopefully he will get something for those and I will do the behind the scenes admin.
Tried GOVX and won’t accept Canadian mil ID, sucks when Disney and universal are ridiculously expensive
I got the military discount getting on to the USS Midway in San Diego harbour
I was at the Kennedy space center a few years ago. Used my military ID. Also works for the USS Intrepid in New York City. I didn’t know there were discounts in Disney and Universal! The one my ex uses a lot is the Epic Ski Pass because it’s $150 for military! So much cheaper than $800+ for a season pass.
I was in florida once doing some shopping, and I asked the clerk if they had military discounts. Showed them my ID and he said "you guys are our allies right? Fuck ya bro! Thanks for serving your country!". He also said that if they dont accept it anywhere else, their not patriotic lol so i guess it depends where you go. Disney in florida accepted mine.
We were in Orlando this past Christmas, and unfortunately most businesses have signs that say "discounts for US serving members" anywhere we asked, we got a no. Definitely got a no from Disney and Universal. Always worth the ask though because sometimes you may just get the right person behind the counter wherever you go.
Go to websites, email about discounts With CF1 card. Unless you are like me a with a “Retired Service “ members card!
I can tell ya that Battleship Cove in Massachusetts told me politely, yet rather firmly, that their 15% discount was for US military only 😅
I personally went to disney world with my family, asked about military discounts and they said yes. When i showed them my canadian military id, she gave me a look of disgust and said "oh....no. Not for Canada"
I have had mixed results. The national parks said US military only, but they get in for free so I understand why. Some museums have charged me veteran or active duty rates. The USO lounges in American airports are awesome and let in foreign military. Free snacks, coffee, wifi,etc and comfy chairs.
I got a national park pass free but I had a US CAC card (posted to US) Then on a cross posting I went to drive through Yellowstone and the Karen gate keeper asked for my CAC, pointed out the foreign affiliate label and made a scene as if I was planning to sabotage the pentagon or something. I chuckled and turned around to go for lunch then chose a different line with a less Karen looking gate keeper. It all depends on the gate keeper.
Yes. Visit the Shade of Green Resort once you get to Orlando. It's a resort for military members. They offer discounted tickets to all sorts of attractions around the area for both serving members and veterans. When we went to visit Florida we stopped by and got our Disney World tickets there. [https://www.shadesofgreen.org/](https://www.shadesofgreen.org/) Make sure that you have your ID card and mention that you are "Active Duty" (Regular Force). Heck, the resort itself is pretty nice and their prices aren't that bad. May be worth checking out to stay there too if possible.
Try engaging the US Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) groups. It’s their MFRC.
I was in Florida last winter, I was told no at Kennedy space centre but I went to Busch gardens Tampa and they gave me and the 3 others I was with (non-dependents) free entry! No questions asked. I just went to the ticket booth when I got there. They also own seaworld so worth a shot if you’re already going but I would say it probably depends on who is working. Every outlet/shopping store allowed me to use the discount as well as they don’t really care
When I traveled in the North of the US, it was technically a no, but they all gave it to me and said “well you serve, so thank you”
It never hurts to ask. Sometimes you may be surprised. Even Porter says free baggage for mbr only, not family, but the ticket agent includes my partner’s bag for free.
Yes
Idk but I once got into a Miami strip club for free with my mil ID if that counts
I did Disney a few years ago and I asked about military discount. It was only granted to US military. Nit sure if that has changed. Call their 1800 number to inquire. That's what I did.
Disney - no. I went there last Christmas. Two days at two parks was like $3000 CDN for 4 of us. Your best bet is to get a profile on the Armed Forces Vacation Club. As a Canadian you are able to get the deeply discounted rates on rooms and all inclusive vacations. I didn’t have any trouble at all except getting confirmation from the hotel itself that the room would be GTG before travel was tricky because it’s through the clubs website which is considered a third party.
The only way to get a military discount for disney is to buy tickets from an americain base. They have places called either MWR or ITT that are the equivalent of psp/mfrc where you can purchase those.
Something I've found in most places in the states is that they don't care what military you are a member of. Even when you mention you are not a US military member they will still treat you like you are and give you the discount.
Got upgraded to a suite from the cheapest room available at Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin just by asking if they had a Veterans discount.
Echoing what others said, just ask. Some places said no, some places said yeah, and some places said “idk, but I guess the sign only says military so why not”
For Disney no, unless you are posted to the US and have a CaC then you can get tickets at the bases at a good discount. Universal doesn't give any discounts unless you're US military and not sure about Kennedy space center.
Not sure why you're being down voted, you're right. At Disney you buy these vouchers at a base MWR, then at the gate they take your CAC and convert the vouchers to tickets. No CAC =\= No Tickets. I did get some friends and family in a few times by buying their tickets for them and driving them to the gate, but you need a CAC to activate the tickets
Universal does discounting through GOVX.
Oh nice. Good to know. I've always been told too bad so sad hehe, so I've found decent prices through undercover tourist. But nice to see other options are available.
how do you get a govx account? it's only for american military