Do they check ages

[Tinkerbellmom33]

No flames here! Use your own judgement. You booked it before she was 3. I would say go for it and if there's a problem, buy a ticket when you're there.

My friend went through this too. She booked a trip and her Dd was 9 at the time of booking. She would be 10 by the time they were going on the vacation. My friend made it clear to the CM of the age change and the CM said, "She's 9" in a tone that made it clear that she was giving her a break. No one questioned her at any park gates. It's one minor detail, it's not like you're scammimg your whole vacation.
It's your call. Flame away all, but I don't think it's such a big deal.

 

[JamieW]

i agree w/ Tinkerbellmom33.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Teach her to lie well, and you won't have a problem. If she starts telling people she is 3 just say she makes things up all of the time. (Prescription for schizophrenia...)

 

[tamu91]

Teach her to lie well, and you won't have a problem. If she starts telling people she is 3 just say she makes things up all of the time. (Prescription for schizophrenia...)

Seriously, I agree with MKCP5. The rules are clear so follow your heart and have a good time on your vacation. FWIW, my daughter was almost 3 on our trip 2 years ago and I was afraid the CMs were going to ask for the birth certification because she was really tall for her age but no one did. Disney will not put you or anyone else in such situation, they will not ask. Who wants to see a mother sreaming from the top of her lung that her child is 2 7/8? It's totally upto you, a honor system, so do what you feel comfortable.

 

[meandtheguys2]

Perhaps I should have added " "

 

[Figment&Piglet]

We had the opposite problem -- we purposely scheduled our last trip a week before our daughter turned 3 (not only because she was free, but DH's and my APs expired on her B-Day), but she told people when they asked that she was 3 anyway! Including one CM at one of the buffets, who, after we corrected her and said she was still 2, then asked each of us parents (when the other was up the buffet) how old she was (as in, she didn't believe us and she was checking out our "story"). So after that, we offered to produce a copy of her birth certificate at every turn, to ensure we weren't thought of as cheating when we really weren't! Bottom line is, if I am not comfortable with people even thinking I'm cheating when I'm not, then what a guilty conscience I'd have if I really were trying to get away with something!

 

[unixadm]

If she is not big enough to go on the rides that an older child can, than I don't see a problem. Our 2 1/2 year old is very small for his age (he has food allergies and had some digestive issues, which doesn't help either) and when he turns 3, he still won't be able to go on many rides (nor does he want to at this point!) so I plan on keeping him at 2 1/2 for a little while longer.

I know this is a "hot" topic and there are strong beliefs on both sides of the fence. Go with what you feel is best for you and your family.

 

[cgbsilver@hotmail.co]

Teach her to lie well, and you won't have a problem. If she starts telling people she is 3 just say she makes things up all of the time. (Prescription for schizophrenia...)

You are too funny.

They will not ask... So in general don't worry. If you feel uneasy then just buy her a ticket. If not get this last trip in and use the extra money to get Disney souveniers, that way everyone is happy.

 

[foxtrotter]

Seriously, I agree with MKCP5. The rules are clear so follow your heart and have a good time on your vacation. FWIW, my daughter was almost 3 on our trip 2 years ago and I was afraid the CMs were going to ask for the birth certification because she was really tall for her age but no one did. Disney will not put you or anyone else in such situation, they will not ask. Who wants to see a mother sreaming from the top of her lung that her child is 2 7/8? It's totally upto you, a honor system, so do what you feel comfortable.

When we go in September, my daughter will be 2 99/100, as she will turn three on the day we leave for home at the end of our vacation. (Yes, I did that on purpose so we'd have on last 'free' trip for her, so sue me.) She is so tall and her hair is so long that many people think she's closer to 4 than 3 so I have to say I'm nervous about going through the gate. I would hate for the CM's to ask, for me to tell the truth, and for the CM (or another guest) to not believe me. Even though I would know I'm telling the truth, it would still bug me. I know they're not going to harass me about it, but I hate for someone to think I'm trying to pull one over on Disney as I'm habitually honest. Oh well, I guess I can't control what other people are going to think.

As for the OP, I would buy my child a ticket in your case. If we were going after my daughter's birthday instead of before, I would be buying my daughter her own ticket. I just wouldn't feel comfortable lying about her age.

 

[lfama]

I say if you can get the child in, get the child in. Let's face it, a 3 year old isn't really going to be riding much rides anyway - what's the big deal if he/she doesn't have a pass, (aside from Disney requiring it?) It's not like they will check their birth certificate or something, and 3 year olds do not really carry around I.D. with their birthdate on it. I think it's much different than someone who is an adult sneaking into the park, because that's the person who will be taking in all the same attractions and rides and shows as most of the other people around the park. If that makes any sense whatsoever. I don't think it's wrong or immoral, I think it's saving some cash and it's not like you're throwing an 8 year old in a stroller and saying she's a newborn or anything. Just my .02!

 

[meandtheguys2]

LOL! Thanks! You know, the OP has her answer which is basically that they won't ID the kid. Do I agree with lying to save a buck. No. Would it be confusing to the child to hear her parent lie? yes. Do I honestly care one way or another. No. You know folks do it all of the time, just like they lie about people in rooms or refillable mugs. They used to lie about AP's but disney fixed that. Disney makes plenty, the stockholders aren't going to suffer a great loss and the OP and her family will still have a good time. She has been chewed up a couple of times on the board already, and I hate to see it happen again. I am surely surprised the thread is still alive.

Have an awesomely good day!

FTR, I also think her baby will be fine in August, and that she should breastfeed wherever she wants!

 

[raidermatt]

Why do I open these threads?

Its got nothing to do with whether or not Disney needs the money.

 

[meandtheguys2]

I jsut tucked that in because someone always comes on speaking for all the stockholders about their loss...

I don't think that I have ever seen someone jump sides in this argument, so what is the use? If you are against it you are the morality police, if you are for it you are a thief. The conversation helps no one.

Didn't mean to stress you RM!

 

[familyfirsttimer]

She has been chewed up a couple of times on the board already, and I hate to see it happen again. I am surely surprised the thread is still alive. FTR, I also think her baby will be fine in August, and that she should breastfeed wherever she wants!

Thanks for coming to her defense. She is a WONDERFUL person and mother and I referred her to these boards so I feel guilty about the bantering on issues that seems to keep happening (BTW, since this is her 1st trip since a kid, she doesn't have any refillable mugs to ask about !! I warned her to never mention those words on here! )

Seriously I told her you could pretty much find out anything you wanted to know here (which you can). Her questions are just honest questions, she was told the age issue was at the time of booking and is not really sure if that it true or not so she wanted to ask the "experts", the real people that go there on a regular basis.

Anyway, no further response needed from anyone. I assure you she will think twice about posting a question next time. Told her to stick to theme-park strategies and she should be safe!

 

[raidermatt]

No stress, and I don't go in for the name-calling either.

On the one hand, somebody else lying about their kid's age doesn't directly impact me, and in that way, I don't care, like you. Sure, if enough do it, it may result in more strict rules and regulations for everybody, but I know that's a little abstract for some.

But on the other hand, it does send a bad message to the kids. And if parents are lying about this, what else are they lying about? What will the kids lie about later?

Tts a bigger issue than what any one person does at the MK gate, but that is why some of us do have a problem with those that do it.

I know, its not going to be solved on these boards, but maybe at least somebody will look at the situation in a way they hadn't before and make a better decision.

 

[stashf]

I too have a question in regards to this thread... my son will turn 3 while we are there, with what now looks like 3 days before we go home! Originally I had planned to fly out the day after his bday but that may not happen anymore. Question is, what is the rule, he will still be 2 when we begin our trip but will turn 3 half way through, would I have to buy him a ticket for the last 3 days?

 

[beattyfamily]

I too have a question in regards to this thread... my son will turn 3 while we are there, with what now looks like 3 days before we go home! Originally I had planned to fly out the day after his bday but that may not happen anymore. Question is, what is the rule, he will still be 2 when we begin our trip but will turn 3 half way through, would I have to buy him a ticket for the last 3 days?

Disney cares what age your child is when your vacation begins so you'll be all set since your little one will be 2 at the beginning of the trip.

 

[taximomfor4]

Teach her to lie well, and you won't have a problem. If she starts telling people she is 3 just say she makes things up all of the time. (Prescription for schizophrenia...)

My dd who is NOT yet 3 tells everyone she is 3. Or even 4. NOBODY looking at her takes the age 4 seriously, but the age 3 would be iffy. We just correct her. Man, when she does turn 3 (at WDW) it will be funny to see what age she will start saying she is...2 maybe, or 15 maybe?? or she will say she is 3, then laugh while waiting for us to correct her. GEEZ I hope she doesn't embarass us and say she is 3 on her first day,

To the OP, no they won't check...do what you want to do. If dd were turning 3 the day BEFORE our trip, I dont' know for sure that I would even say she was 3.

Beth

 

[meandtheguys2]

My dd who is NOT yet 3 tells everyone she is 3. Or even 4. NOBODY looking at her takes the age 4 seriously, but the age 3 would be iffy. We just correct her. Man, when she does turn 3 (at WDW) it will be funny to see what age she will start saying she is...2 maybe, or 15 maybe?? or she will say she is 3, then laugh while waiting for us to correct her. GEEZ I hope she doesn't embarass us and say she is 3 on her first day,

Beth

You've forgotten the first rule of being a kid...embarass your folks as much as possible! Don't say I didn't warn you!

(FTR, my son came home from K$ telling us he knew how to speak African. Small private school...we were impressed. Actually told some friends, mentioned it to the teacher...and yes he had been making it up all the time!)

 

[Laurajean1014]

Purchase the ticket and you will have no worries.