9 y/o need proof of age?

[aubriee]

My GD turned 9 y/o in September. I am taking her to WDW Jan 2nd-8th. She is an average size kid (maybe a little tall for her age). I will be buying her a kid's ticket and there will be times she will eat a kid's meal. Should I bring a copy of her birth certificate, in case we are questioned about her age.

Also a question to other grandparents who travel alone with their grandkids: Do you get a notarized statement from the child's parents stating the child can travel with you and that you can get medical treatment if needed? I took her to San Antonio a couple of years ago and got notarized statements from both her parents saying I could do so, but never had to show them. Her parents have been seperated for several years, so would I need statements from both of them or just my son? Her mom has no problem with her traveling with me, but it may be a little hard to get a notarized statement from her as she is often hard to find (GD stays with her dad).

 

[bicker]

Both are good ideas, but neither is necessarily always necessary.

 

[Jabber_Jaws]

My GD turned 9 y/o in September. I am taking her to WDW Jan 2nd-8th. She is an average size kid (maybe a little tall for her age). I will be buying her a kid's ticket and there will be times she will eat a kid's meal. Should I bring a copy of her birth certificate, in case we are questioned about her age.

Also a question to other grandparents who travel alone with their grandkids: Do you get a notarized statement from the child's parents stating the child can travel with you and that you can get medical treatment if needed? I took her to San Antonio a couple of years ago and got notarized statements from both her parents saying I could do so, but never had to show them. Her parents have been seperated for several years, so would I need statements from both of them or just my son? Her mom has no problem with her traveling with me, but it may be a little hard to get a notarized statement from her as she is often hard to find (GD stays with her dad).

To answer your first question. I don't think it would hurt to have a copy of her birth certificate. I doubt you would get questioned, but you never know.

As for the second question. All you need to 1 parent sign a note stating you can give the ok for medical treatment. My DD's mom has been AWOL since she was 1. When my parents take her all they have is the note from me, and it has never been a problem. ( She was taken to the hospital once during her stay with grandma, and grandpa because of a rash she developed. ) The hopsital did not have a problem with only one parent on the note.

Have fun and enjoy your trip.

Cheers:

 

[momof2inPA]

No, a birth certificate copy is not necessary and would be useless without a photo ID, and I would be a little worried about misplacing it. Identity theft is so prevalent. No one will question her age.

 

[tjmw2727]

If your last names are different I would seriously consider having something giving her permission to travel with you. Perhaps the airline website can give you some guidance on that, if not, if it were me I would make a phone call.

As for authorization for medical treatment, Definately!. I had to rush my godson to the ER with a gash on his face fairly close to his eye. I know for certain that they would not lay a hand on him had I not had authorization from his parents.

I have since found a nice form online to leave with my SIL when dh and I went away for the weekend. You can google it or if I have time this afternoon I will see if I can find my link. One parents signature is fine for anything short of a passport.

You will have no problem with a childs ticket or kids meal with a 9yo so enjoy and don't worry. You didn't ask but my 8 and 10yos often choose an appetizer or soup instead of a kids meal as they get tired of the nugget/hot dog fare after a day or so. Not as expensive as an adult meal but a bit more healthy and interesting then the kids stuff.

HTH
TJ

 

[bicker]

I would definitely not bring an original birth certificate, but rather a photocopy, so you're not concerned about losing it.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We just returned from WDW and nobody ever batted an eye at DS9. He is small though, and probably looks more like a 7 year old. I don't carry any ID for him because I have always been told it isn't necessary. He doesn't have a passport because we have never traveled internationally.

You should absolutely get a notarized authorization for medical treatment to take with you, as well as a copy of your grandchild's health insurance card. I am a nanny and I carry authorization to treat the little ones both in my purse and in the diaper bag. Consider including a clause requesting a plastic surgeon in the event of a facial injury. Any ER doc can stitch up a laceration but better to have a specialist called in if there is concern about scarring.

Enjoy your trip!