Are you a parent who has taken kids to WDW on your own?

[Lizzzys]

Another tip: you might consider have a prep talk with your children about customs officers before you go through immigration. 2 years ago I took my 3 daughters to DL on vacation without their father. I had a notarized letter in hand and passed it to the US custom's officer with our passports. He opened the passports, read the letter and asked me what relation they were to me. I answered "my daughters". Then he addressed my oldest daughter (14 at the time) "Is this your mother"? And she LAUGHED out loud, without answering, thinking he was joking!! I quickly prompted her to answer properly, that he was being serious, and she did. WHEW!!!!!!

We had the talk as we walked away and now I have it before I cross any border with my children.

Liz

 

[disneymath]

There is a form letter you can get off the Canadian government website. This is what we've used when travelling with my cousins. Better to have it and not need it, then not have it and need it.

We have always had the letter notarized by our city clerk (at city hall) who is a "notary public". There was no charge. (Not sure if this is the case in all cities.)

I agree with the OP about prepping the kids for the Customs agents. They are serious about their jobs and some have less of a sense of humour than others. Also, it can be intimidating for kids - my youngest cousin celebrated a birthday during our first trip trip (he turned 9), and he got totally flustered when asked how old he was on both the trip out and the trip back. (He was afraid they were somehow keeping track of his answers and didn't want to "get in trouble" for giving different ages.)