Retired military discounts?

[scgustafson]

My husband is retired DOD. What type of ID is required.

Per the DCL website (https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/booking-reservations/qualifying-for-special-discounts/):

"Military Status

To take advantage of Military rates, proof of military status must be provided at time of check-in. Special Military rates are available to all retired and active U.S. Military personnel (or spouse), including:

• U.S. Air Force
• U.S. Army
• U.S. Marines
• U.S Navy
• U.S. Coast Guard
• U.S. National Guard
• U.S. Army Reserve
• U.S. Department of Defense

This offer is limited to a maximum of one stateroom per military member (or spouse), per sailing. A U.S. Military service member (or spouse) is required to sail to take advantage of this offer.

Proof of Military ID is required.

Active members (or spouse) of the U.S. National Guard or the U.S. Army Reserve must also show active duty orders dated as of January 1st of the previous year."

So, the only valid form of ID for a US military retiree, would be a DD Form 2 (Retired) ID card.

 

[DCSWO]

A blue retired military ID card - DD Form 2 (Retired). A retired DOD civilian would not rate the military discount.

Although from the post above, it does say DOD so perhaps it is possible.

 

[Mil leech]

I believe retired DOD can still get a CAC card, so if someone has one of those, I would assume the discount would apply as it is the approved ID.

 

[smiths02]

I have a DD214 and since I am not "retired" I cannot get a discount on Disney but Carnival, Princess, RCCL etc are happy to help!

Good to know that other cruise lines will give discounts with DD214 without retirement. Most places only give discounts to retired. DH and FIL (both served during wartime and qualify for GI Bill stuff) can usually get a free meal on veteran's day, but that's it.

the DD214 documents the release from military service

if one retires they get a DD214 and the block that records 'type of separation' says RETIRED (block 23 on mine)

there are many other terms that can be placed in this block ......

when a cruise line offers a discount for RETIRED

this is not the same as an offer to 'veteran'

serve for 'any amount of time' and you are a vet ......

somewhat higher bar to be 'retired' .....

Just to clarify while the dictionary definition of "veteran" might be 'any amount of time,' the military doesn't qualify service for "any amount of time" as a veteran for most benefits (VA loans, medical care, education benefits, burial in a national cemetery, etc.)

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

You need the retired blue ID or an active CAC card. That checks all the blocks for DCL (as we are doing on the 10/2 Magic cruise). Non-retired Vets (regardless of length of service) who are not DoD employees, do not qualify for the discount. Right or wrong, it's the policy.

Granted, the MTO discount is very nice.

 

[DCSWO]

So what their policy should really say is active or retired military, or current DoD employees.

 

[dad of 3 addicted to DCL]

Pretty much

 

[PrincessShmoo]

So what their policy should really say is active or retired military, or current DoD employees.

Well, it kind of does say that, just not very clearly.

Special Military rates are available to all retired and active U.S. Military personnel (or spouse), including U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve (one list for active and retired) and U.S. Department of Defense personnel(separate group that doesn't say retired).

"Special Military rates are available to all retired and active U.S. Military personnel (or spouse), including U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve. Also, available to U.S. Department of Defense personnel (not retired)." would work better.

 

[ILoveMyKellen]

Just to clarify while the dictionary definition of "veteran" might be 'any amount of time,' the military doesn't qualify service for "any amount of time" as a veteran for most benefits (VA loans, medical care, education benefits, burial in a national cemetery, etc.)

Actually, if you served honorably, whether you retired or not, you would still get all of the benefits listed above. You just wouldn’t qualify for the DCL discounts if you didn’t retire from the military.

 

[ludari]

As a US Marine veteran I wish DCL did offer a discount for all current or former military personnel but hey I understand. I was not aware that other cruise lines do grant discounts for military veterans so I'm going to have to look into that. Does someone have an actual list of those other cruise lines that grant military discounts to all veterans?

 

[over50visits]

Good to know that other cruise lines will give discounts with DD214 without retirement. Most places only give discounts to retired.

The difference is that "retired" is just a duty status, and they are still in the military. Veterans who served then separated are no longer members of the military. It would be easier if they just said "discount for military members" but there is some confusion on the part of those who do not know that military members may be in active, retired, or a few other status.

However, separated veterans have also done their duty, served the country, and in many cases served in harms way. It seems that businesses wishing to honor military service would extend it to all those who served, whether or not they are still in the military.

 

[smiths02]

Actually, if you served honorably, whether you retired or not, you would still get all of the benefits listed above. You just wouldn’t qualify for the DCL discounts if you didn’t retire from the military.

There are specified amounts of time to have served to get an honorable discharge and get benefits, though...it is not "any amount of time."

 

[ILoveMyKellen]

There are specified amounts of time to have served to get an honorable discharge and get benefits, though...it is not "any amount of time."

You are correct. I misread what you posted. The timeframe would be 90 days to 24 months depending on the reason for the discharge.