Most of the times we've seen a difference for residents happens at the check in, when ID can be viewed. Even here in Florida, in earlier years, we got Vets and Senior discount only at the gate when we paid and showed our ID. Now that has changed some, and we get the discount but also pay a registration fee, which was not the case in the past. In the past, a gate check-in within two days required no registration fee. Now, even a two-day in person check-in requires a registration fee, which in a sense nulifies the discount. The main difference now means the registration company gets that fee, not the park.
Personally, on in-person check-in, I'd rather see the park get the fee instead of a company that does nothing on an inperson check-in. As I've heard, now the NPS is also requiring a check-in fee regardless of in-person or short - one or two - day stays. Makes little sense to me from a park revenue position, but once again, many things today are all about the money and not about the service.
