Does a newly turned 3YO need a ticket for the parks?

[skeeter8888]

My daughter turns 3 in August and we are going to Disney in Oct., do I need to buy her a park hopper?

 

[WDWorBUST]

Children 3 years and older do need a child's ticket.

 

[skeeter8888]

How do they check the age?

 

[CarnotaurDad]

From what we saw, it appears to be the honor system......

I know this was discussed in great length in a previous thread but there does not seem to be an official "age verification" process......

Maybe it's old fashioned, but one should always be truthful about things like this....sets a good example for them and it's the right thing to do.....

 

[beattyfamily]

Oh, great here we go again!

Why would you post a question asking if it's ok to cheat (steal from) Disney and so publicly a place? To stur up trouble and yet another debate here? Or maybe it's just because you are new here?

Here's the last thread that mentions trying to cheat Disney by not purchasing a ticket for a 3 year old...other 3 year old thread They tend to get very heated.

Why don't you go to that post and read some of the reasons why what you are suggesting is so very wrong.

If you can't afford to buy your DD a ticket, then don't go! It's that simple. Or better yet, go BEFORE her birthday!

And before you post all the reasons it's alright for you to steal from Disney, let me just tell you I've heard them all and NONE of them are justified.

I just can't believe some people.

 

[allie5]

My DD turned 3 last month and we travel to WDW next month. DH declared that he wasnt going to spend $200 on a ticket for her as she couldnt go on half the rides. I pointed out that it was OUR choice to visit WDW, therefore it was our responsibilty to respect the rules. This didnt work.

What did work, was pointing out that if DD had an accident whilst at the World, then without a ticket, we would be on very rocky ground.... Disney Insurance wouldnt cover us. As it happens, we have seen a couple of "incidents" at WDW over the years, so this was enough to convince him

DD now has her very own 10 day World pass!

Of course, people will flount this rule, and yes it is pretty grim having to pay only a small amount less than the adult ticket for under fives, but hey, no one is holding a gun to your head to go are they?

Allie.

 

[Elk34]

Originally posted by skeeter8888
How do they check the age?

Beattyfamily

Did you ever think that maybe this new poster was just asking what documentation was normally required to verify proof of age for children in general. I know I asked that question on one post because my 7 year old daughter takes after me and is taller than many 10 year olds. I just wanted to know if I needed a copy of her birth cert or something. Maybe that is all skeeter wanted to know.

P.S. When you jump that hard on someone after their 2nd post they aren't very likely to be around for a 2000th one like you.

You probabally were right in your assessment of what skeeter was trying to do but then again maybe not.

 

[jel0511]

First off, yes your 3 year old needs a ticket. The CM's at the turnstiles are very smart on getting the information they need. Once, DH and I were there with our 3 year old, and were a little slow getting all the passes out. I had mine and went through, DH had his, and I forgot to take DD's out. She was in the double stroller, and the CM nicely asked HER how old she was. She of course answered 3, and then the CM told me I needed a ticket for her. I of course then remembered to take it out, and I gave it to her with my apologies. So, they usually ask anyone who looks around 3 without a ticket, and unless you want to tell your child to lie, you're in for some trouble at the gates.

 

[WDWorBUST]

Skeeter -
As you have already probably figured out this is a very controversial topic on these boards. I am confident you weren't aware of that when you posted however. Although some responses were pretty harsh please just remember that a lot of the people here spend a lot of money going to Disney World and resent when others do things that are not "right" and end up raising the costs for all those who are doing the "right" thing. So you can understand why my answer was short and to the point. I myself am expecting my first in November and hope to be able to take him/her at least twice before he/she turns 3 and I have to start paying for him/her. I am going to give you the benefit of the doubt on your question being for information and not how to cheat the system since you are new to these boards. You can gain a wealth of information from these message boards so please don't let the harshness deter you from sticking around. It will be worth your time. As far as doing the "right" thing....that's up to you and no one here will change your mind - all I'm going to add is be true to your heart and know that you are molding your children's future as much as doing the "right" thing. There seems to be a problem with children learning the difference between "right" and "wrong".....one of the key things we as parents are responsible to teach them. So with that.....please have a wonderful trip and follow your heart Oh - and I'm not assuming you weren't going to do the "right" thing all along

 

[hipporina]

I sure hope they don't ask my DS (2) how old he is. He tells everyone he is 4!! Wishful thinking! He won't even be 3 until mid June!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by Elk34
Beattyfamily

Did you ever think that maybe this new poster was just asking what documentation was normally required to verify proof of age for children in general.

P.S. When you jump that hard on someone after their 2nd post they aren't very likely to be around for a 2000th one like you.

You probabally were right in your assessment of what skeeter was trying to do but then again maybe not.

I replied to these two posts:

My daughter turns 3 in August and we are going to Disney in Oct., do I need to buy her a park hopper?

and when told YES she then replied:

How do they check the age?

There is little doubt in my mind that she was NOT "just asking what documentation was required to varify proof of age"

Why would she as she already stated her DD is OVER 3 when her trip arrives? Why would she need any documentation?

She was told YES and her reply was "how do they check the age?"

I can completely understand someone asking if you need a birth certificate to proof a child is under 3...and I've replied very nicely to those posts.

It drives me insane when someone asks if it's ok to lie and steal in a public forum and not expect some harsh replies.

Maybe it bothers me even more because I went to WDW this past October when my DD was 3 years and 2 weeks old and I didn't even consider not buying her a ticket. It was MY choice to go 2 weeks after her birthday. I could have easily gone before her birthday but I chose not to. So I bought her a ticket. It's so simple.

Everyone should play by the rules, but of course, as we learn here everyday, not everyone does, unfortunately.

I don't feel I'm being harsh. I'm replying to what she asked with Disney's policy and my opinion on what she's trying to do.

Oh, and this is the second "over 3 need a ticket?" post in 2 days so that's part of my frustration too!

 

[hipporina]

I believe that there is one exception to the rule, but I might be wrong. I think that if a child is 2 at the beginning of the visit, and turns 3 while there, he does not need a ticket for any part of the trip. I could be wrong on that point, and I know it doesn't help OP, but it might apply to someone else.

Kristy

 

[juliette]

What if your child turns 3 while you are there then what. My kids are older then 3. My friend is going and her DD is turning 3 on the 7th day that they are there. Staying for 10 days

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by hipporina
I believe that there is one exception to the rule, but I might be wrong. I think that if a child is 2 at the beginning of the visit, and turns 3 while there, he does not need a ticket for any part of the trip. I could be wrong on that point, and I know it doesn't help OP, but it might apply to someone else.

Originally posted by juliette
What if your child turns 3 while you are there then what. My kids are older then 3. My friend is going and her DD is turning 3 on the 7th day that they are there. Staying for 10 days

Yes, this is true.

If you start your trip and your child is age 2 and they turn 3 later on that week, then when you buy your tickets at Guest Relations, they will NOT make you buy a ticket for your child.

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by juliette
What if your child turns 3 while you are there then what. My kids are older then 3. My friend is going and her DD is turning 3 on the 7th day that they are there. Staying for 10 days

I have been told that if a child turns 3 during their stay at "the world" they do not need a park ticket.

beattyfamily - whether or not the OP is or is not trying to get a 3 yr. old into Disney for free I also think you came down rather harsh on them. If you'll look at the # of posts they have you can see they are new to the boards. I think giving think link to this same question was sufficient enough.

Skeeter - yes, this is a very heated topic. Legally you should get your 3 year old a ticket. It is the right thing to do. Whether you do or not is your own decision & your own business.

 

[nativetxn]

<b>Stop!</b>

Arguing is against the DIS posting guidelines. You can read all about it right <b>HERE</b>.

The official answer to this question is that legally the Walt Disney Theme Parks <i>require</i> that a hopper pass or one day admission be purchased for a child that has attained the age of 3.

If you choose to circumvent this policy by lying about your child's age, that is up to you and any type of conscience you may possess.

This question has been asked and answered and this thread is closed.

Katholyn