Child turning 3 during trip

[2Lunds]

Help me with this timing guys. I've seen some answers on the Parks Planning Panel, but I'm still not clear on check-in vs first day in parks.

Trip dates: checking in o Paradise Pier Sept 22 2024. Child turns 3 on the 23rd - which will technically be our first park day. Will we have to purchase admission tickets for her?

ETA: As suggested by @BobaFettFan later in this thread, I'm pasting the most helpful answer here, to save anyone else having to read through the entire thread.

"The fine print on hotel packages says: "To enter a park, both a valid ticket and park reservation for the same park on the same date, are required for Guests ages 3 and older." No exceptions there."

This applies to WDW as well as DLR. Thanks to @brightlined for sourcing the official Disney Policy!

 

[JerrodDragon89]

You should be fine

It's on the honor system.

 

[2Lunds]

Her mom is definitely not going to go for that, and we're not looking for a nasty (expensive) surprise at the gate. Can any one say from experience what the official policy is? 3 upon check-in, or 3 upon entry to the park?

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I will preface this by saying that I tend to be a rule-follower. My opinion is that the 3-year old should have a ticket because the child will not be entering the park for the first time until the child is 3-years old.

 

[Pluto468]

It would be based on age at the time the child is entering the park. So the child will need a ticket.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

Her mom is definitely not going to go for that, and we're not looking for a nasty (expensive) surprise at the gate. Can any one say from experience what the official policy is? 3 upon check-in, or 3 upon entry to the park?

You can look up other's experiences online but most say they just ask you/the child the age and that's it

If they really just turned 3 they should not be able to tell, but if the mom is worried then buy a ticket but the CM's aren't going to call you out unless the child looks like they are clearly over 3

 

[sophy1996]

You should be fine

It's on the honor system.

You can look up other's experiences online but most say they just ask you/the child the age and that's it

If they really just turned 3 they should not be able to tell, but if the mom is worried then buy a ticket but the CM's aren't going to call you out unless the child looks like they are clearly over 3

Your advice isn’t helpful in answering the OP’s actual question. And it’s making me side-eye you pretty hard. If the kid needs a ticket, then they need a ticket. Trying to skate by without paying doesn’t set a good example for a kid. Especially when it’s the kid’s birthday trip and they’re likely going to want a birthday button, etc.

 

[JerrodDragon89]

Your advice isn’t helpful in answering the OP’s actual question. And it’s making me side-eye you pretty hard. If the kid needs a ticket, then they need a ticket. Trying to skate by without paying doesn’t set a good example for a kid. Especially when it’s the kid’s birthday trip and they’re likely going to want a birthday button, etc.

They should buy a ticket then

Day one if they aren't 3 then they don't need one but if they are going in and following the rules 100 Percent and want to pay 100+ bucks for a 3 year ago then go for it

The question is if they need a ticket and it depends on them. It's on the honor system which is official policy, the CM is not going to ID someone who looks under 3.

 

[BobaFettFan]

It is never worth it to risk it. They checked to see my son's information. Or at least I remember someone asking. I know my wife brought a copy of his birth certificate and showed it to the front gate woman but I don't think they "gave him a ticket".

Yes, there's cast member magic and they can look the other way if they choose. But since you gotta pick a park for the first part of the day you're risking your park "filling up" and you two not being able to enter together.

Piece of mind is worth $300ish bucks.

 

[2Lunds]

Just to clarify - we're not trying to sneak anyone in. I'm trying to establish if the policy is 3 at time of check in to the hotel, or 3 at time of entry to the park. I have seen BOTH answers on the Plan Disney official site, and the question submission form is not working for me.

I think we're just going to move the trip by 2 days to avoid this issue.

 

[BobaFettFan]

Just to clarify - we're not trying to sneak anyone in. I'm trying to establish if the policy is 3 at time of check in to the hotel, or 3 at time of entry to the park. I have seen BOTH answers on the Plan Disney official site, and the question submission form is not working for me.

I think we're just going to move the trip by 2 days to avoid this issue.

Smart momma!

You just saved yourself $300... Which is how much a Dooney and Burke costs... So vis a vie and ipso facto it'd be free so go ahead and reward yourself.

 

[Pluto468]

Just to clarify - we're not trying to sneak anyone in. I'm trying to establish if the policy is 3 at time of check in to the hotel, or 3 at time of entry to the park. I have seen BOTH answers on the Plan Disney official site, and the question submission form is not working for me.

I think we're just going to move the trip by 2 days to avoid this issue.

We've always gone with age of the child when they will enter the park, not age of the child when they check in to the hotel.

 

[tony67]

What is the time of birth? Will they enter the park before they actually turn 3 at say 10PM on the day?

 

[gmi3804]

Airline ticket agent, in 1978: And your son is 9?
Dad: Yes.
My brother: Dad, I'm 11!
[Dad steps on brother's foot.]
My brother: OWWWWW!

 

[2Lunds]

What is the time of birth? Will they enter the park before they actually turn 3 at say 10PM on the day?

LOL. Our birth certificates in Manitoba don't include the time of birth, so even if she wanted to get that technical, she couldn't.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

Just to clarify - we're not trying to sneak anyone in. I'm trying to establish if the policy is 3 at time of check in to the hotel, or 3 at time of entry to the park. I have seen BOTH answers on the Plan Disney official site, and the question submission form is not working for me.

I think we're just going to move the trip by 2 days to avoid this issue.

It’s the time they enter the park. I would definitely move the trip back a few days so it’s before they turn 3. Not only will you not need a park ticket, but the child will be free at buffet meals and things like the World of Color Dessert Party.

 

[sophy1996]

Just to clarify - we're not trying to sneak anyone in. I'm trying to establish if the policy is 3 at time of check in to the hotel, or 3 at time of entry to the park. I have seen BOTH answers on the Plan Disney official site, and the question submission form is not working for me.

I think we're just going to move the trip by 2 days to avoid this issue.

That’s how I read your question—that you wanted to comply with Disney’s policy, if you could just figure out what it is! Good move in adjusting dates so no need to worry.

 

[starlite_]

What is the time of birth? Will they enter the park before they actually turn 3 at say 10PM on the day?

Me, born at 12pm. Does that mean I would need a ticket after noon :v?

 

[tony67]

Me, born at 12pm. Does that mean I would need a ticket after noon :v?

Just get to the park before noon and you are good

 

[GoingSince1990]

From the Disney Mom’s Panel:

“If my child turns 3 during our trip, is he still free?”

Greeting Sherri, and welcome to planDisney!

I am thrilled to hear that you will be celebrating your little Mouseketeer’s birthday during your upcoming trip. You will also be able to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Walt Disney World Resort too!

I am happy to tell you that your little Mouseketeer is considered to be a special guest of Mickey Mouse when they arrive. Guests of Disney do not age during their visit, so your little one will remain his guest during your entire trip. You do not need to purchase a ticket or make park pass reservations for children under 3. However, you must include them in your Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservation and also all dining reservations. Be sure to stop by Guest Relations and pick up a birthday celebration button for your Mouseketeer to wear during your celebration. They are free and Cast Members and other Guests will help him celebrate.

https://plandisney.disney.go.com/question/child-turns-during-trip-free-489700/