Has anyone ever had CM question child's age?

[PreppyPolyMom]

We have a DD that is 2, but she is big and looks like she is 3 (she will be 3 at the end of August). We are going to Disney the 1st week of August. Has anyone ever had a CM question their child's age and why they do not have a ticket, etc. 2 and under is free so DD won't have a ticket.

 

[bicker]

We were questioned about DN1.5 (who wears a 4T). It wasn't a problem. Mom had a copy of her birth certificate.

 

[PreppyPolyMom]

We were questioned about DN1.5 (who wears a 4T). It wasn't a problem. Mom had a copy of her birth certificate.

Okay, note to self: Take copy of birth certificate.

 

[Disneydreaming6]

In all the times I have traveled to Disney with my children and yes they all looked older then what they were I have never been asked their age. My last trip my son was going to turn 3 in a month. and still no problem. Now, when I went to UV/IOA I was asked many times how old my son was.

 

[DisneyDadof3]

We have never been questioned although we're getting close to DS 3rd birthday; however, I carry a copy of his birth certificate just in case they question him at the park entrance, at rides, or at meals.

 

[pezpam]

My DD is tall for her age and has been asked how old she is since she was 6 when she'd use a child's ticket. It's never been a problem since she answers honestly and obviously without thinking about it or looking at me, but I suppose a CM having a bad day could have decided to hold us there for a while...... If you're worried about being stopped or held up at the gate, it's probably worth it to carry a photocopy of the birth certificate. One sheet of paper's not heavy, but will give you peace of mind, even if you never have to get it out.

 

[grimley1968]

We're going to DL in June, when my youngest DD will be within 2 months of turning 3 YO. She has looked 3, or 4, for some time now. So we're definitely bringing a photocopy of her birth certificate.

 

[Jennifer_Jayhawk]

We went a few months before my daughter turned 3, so I took her birth certificate and never needed it. We were charged for a meal once and I told the server that she was under three and she promptly took the charge off the ticket. Not a problem at all. (of course this was nine years ago, so I don't know how they deal with it now).

But on the safe side, I would take the birth certificate.

 

[LBKMAMA]

I've been a nervous wreck since switching our trip from Dec to end of Sept. to take advantage of free dining, school days off and the added bonus is my dtr. doesn't turn 3 until 2 days after we get back....but she is HUGE and actually might be able to ride SM (1/2" to go). I also wanted to celebrate her b-day there, but didn't want to draw attention. I joked about bringing b-certificate but since all of you have done that I will to make myself feel better. Thanks for this post.

 

[Windy City Heather]

I've been a nervous wreck since switching our trip from Dec to end of Sept. to take advantage of free dining, school days off and the added bonus is my dtr. doesn't turn 3 until 2 days after we get back....but she is HUGE and actually might be able to ride SM (1/2" to go). I also wanted to celebrate her b-day there, but didn't want to draw attention. I joked about bringing b-certificate but since all of you have done that I will to make myself feel better. Thanks for this post.

If she is 2 when you check in she is considered 2 the whole week. So, celebrate her birthday.

 

[Evil Queen]

I worried about this last trip. DS was 9 but is as tall and big as a 12 or 13 year old. They never asked. I thought about bringing the birth certificate, but didn't and never will.

I'm curious would they NOT take someone's word for it and deny admission for not believing you?

 

[Lindy Loo]

Our DD was almost 3, got back to UK and the next day was her 3rd Birthday. We took a copy of her passpport and birth certificate, we were asked her age and offered proof at MK and AK. They were very nice and I was happy to show them proof ( so many people cheat a system that IMHO is generous. In the Uk only under 2s get in free in most places)
Take a copy and then enjoy, yes you can celebrate her birthday, as previoulsy said. In fact we "brought forward" her birthday to the last day, and had a blast at CP, with loads of fuss and a birthday cake !!!

 

[allegracristina]

I'm curious would they NOT take someone's word for it and deny admission for not believing you?

Some CMs will take your word for it, and others won't. They won't deny you admission-they will just make you pay for a ticket for your child if you cannot prove that they are under 3. I know of people who haven't brought the birth certificate and have had to purchase park tickets for their child-when they got home, they faxed a copy of the birth cert. and were refunded the money for the park tickets/meals, etc. IMHO it is less trouble to bring a copy of the birth certificate.

 

[Jennifer_Jayhawk]

I worried about this last trip. DS was 9 but is as tall and big as a 12 or 13 year old. They never asked. I thought about bringing the birth certificate, but didn't and never will.

I'm curious would they NOT take someone's word for it and deny admission for not believing you?

I used to work at a amusement part in Kansas City. The price break was around 5 or 6 years old. You would be surprised at the number of people who try to get their kids at the child rate when they are clearly not that age. I have seen parents put their kids in strollers (once they get through the gate they head for the lockers to put the stroller away), kids pretending to be asleep on their dad's shoulder (suddenly wakes up and starts walking after they are through the gate), and parents flat out being dishonest. After a few years you do see all the tricks and you train the newbees each year on what you are seeing. Our policy when in doubt was to ask the child how old they are, if they answer 5 they got in free, if they answered 6 they were charged the child rate. We told the adult with them if they produce a birth certificate (could be faxed to the office) we would refund the entire amount of ticket. Few took us up on our offer.

Not everyone in this world takes advantage, but some clearly do. I've just learned to be more cynical in my old age.

 

[Cor44432]

Our youngest daughter was 2 last June, turning 3 in August. We were in
the parks for 13 days, and only twice were we questioned, both at the front
entrance to Magic Kingdom.

We were never asked for a birthdate or birth certificate though. (Personal rant
here, I think it is absolutely ridiculous for Disney to crack down and ask for
a birth certificate for a 2/3 yr.old. People are on VACATION, spending tons
of money. I'm sure those that are honest far outnumber those that try and
pass off their kids as being younger....... end personal rant)

 

[pdarrah]

Ok - slightly off topic, but I have a DS who is very small and looks younger than his age. The only time we were ever asked about his age was a CM who was shocked he had his own AP and tried to explain to us that children under 3 don't need tickets! DS piped up (greatly offended) with "I just turned FOUR!" Of course, in the poor CM's defense, we still had DS in a stroller because his short little legs just couldn't keep up easily and being small he still fit easily into a stroller - so a small child in a stroller probably looked younger!

pdarrah

 

[bicker]

And that's typically the way I've heard CMs handle the situation: They ask the child, who is almost always honest, sometimes to the chargrin of the parent.

 

[traviesojmt]

Our youngest daughter was 2 last June, turning 3 in August. We were in
the parks for 13 days, and only twice were we questioned, both at the front
entrance to Magic Kingdom.

We were never asked for a birthdate or birth certificate though. (Personal rant
here, I think it is absolutely ridiculous for Disney to crack down and ask for
a birth certificate for a 2/3 yr.old. People are on VACATION, spending tons
of money. I'm sure those that are honest far outnumber those that try and
pass off their kids as being younger....... end personal rant)

I have to respectfully disagree. My DD2 is at 95% for height and people are always shocked that she isn't 3 yet. I have absolutely no problem showing proof of age. We are on vacation and spending tons of money, but Disney is a business. I think it is well within their right to verify that someone isn't try to cheat them. In my mind, since I am being honest about her age, it isn't a problem to prove it. I understand that it can be inconvienent to keep a photocopy with you at all times, but it is minor. I think that there are more people than you realize that try to cheat the system. I think this thread is a good thing in that it encourages parents who think there might be a problem to have the solution ready when asked.

 

[beattyfamily]

I think its great if a CM wants proof of age for a discounted or free ticket!

Seniors need to show their ID for a senior citizen discount.

Nothing wrong with asking for proof of age for a discount you want to show you qualify for it.

I don't see a problem at all.

 

[Tam1067]

I personally witnessed an incident where the CM asked the girl (at park entrance) how old she was, and the girl replied "Three." Mom said something like, "She's only two but she's been practicing for her third birthday in a few weeks." The CM then told the mom she'd either have to buy a ticket or produce a birthd certificate because the girl had claimed to be 3. So like the others have said, bring that birth certificate, just in case.