Has anyone from Canada taken their child's friend with them to Disneyland?

[jory29]

We are planning on taking my son's 12 year old friend with us on our next trip to Disneyland, flying from Alberta. Aside from making sure that he has his passport, and that we have a notarized letter from both of his parents stating that they grant us permission to take him abroad, as well as health insurance and travel and trip interruption through AMA, is there anything else we should be thinking of??

Thanks, for any input. We are really excited to share in the joy of Disneyland with our son's friend. He has never been to Disneyland, and so it will be awesome to see the park through his eyes.

 

[Phil'sFrontier]

Make him feel like part of the family. I would expect them to have a few disagrements on hte trip so be ready for that too. Also just the fact that your son has his parents with him, while his friends parents are thousands of km's away.

 

[abirdd]

I think on the paperwork front, you have everything required for entry to the US and entry back home into Canada. Just be prepared for the customs official to possibly talk to the little one; "Do you know these people? Where are you going? Where are your parents". Basic stuff, but it might come up.

Otherwise - kudos to you for sharing the magic of Disney

 

[Colfireman]

Maybe have his parents phone number (both home and cell) with you. We took our daughters friend with us and had no problems last christmas. We also brought our laptop so she could MSN her parents over the holidays. I also had a phone card and gave her an open invitation to call home if she felt she needed to. They got along great with no issues. Just have fun cause you know they will


Greg

 

[jory29]

Thank you everyone, for your warm replies!!

Great ideas!! Phils'sFrontier, We will definitely make him feel like part of the family - that's a great suggestion, as even though he is 12 (old in his eyes I suspect) and has been away from home for a week before at camp, I wonder how being so far away from home could affect him.
Yes, disagreements for sure can crop up, so we'll be on the lookout for that, and may sometimes split up here and there (group of 3 and group of 2.)

Abirdd, customs is very good about things like that I think; they were asking our 4 year old where she was going and I thought she was asking us where we were going, and she said she was asking the little one - I am sure they were doing that for security and that was with our own child. Good that they're up on that. You're right, they will probably ask him some questions. Luckily it's not a surprise trip, ha ha! I feel like we'll get more out of the deal than him because we get to see his reactions to the Disneyland parks, attractions, etc. etc.
Colfireman, MSN is a great idea, so is the calling card. I wish roaming fees were less on cell phones but his parents are good at texting, so we'll do a lot of that, too. Phone calls from the hotel room using the calling card will be great, though.

Thanks, everyone!!

 

[drag n' fly]

Thanks for posting this. I am taking dd to DL for her 14th birthday as a girls surprise trip. I am allowing her to bring one friend and this thread is helpful for knowing what to have!

 

[jory29]

That's cool to know!! I'll have to PM you after we're back, and let you know of any hints or tips that we pick up along the way.

 

[tink1969]

Last August, we took my niece with us to WDW and on 3 day cruise.
My sister-in-law gave me my niece's passport along with a notorized letter. She also signed all the boarding passes for the cruise and had those notorized as well.
Not once did anyone question why she was travelling with us or ask to see any of the notorized documents. I was especially worried when the ship docked in the Bahamas and we disembarked.
I don't think you will have any problems but obviously its best to have the proper documents just in case.
Enjoy your trip!

 

[squirrel]

I think you have all the required documents.

Have fun!

I had no problems leaving Canada with my niece, but they usually question me when I bring her back. This last time (she has been on the last 3 trips) I was asked when she would be returning home to her mother. It was after midnight when we made it to the boarder, I replied as soon as we get back to Chilliwack. I ended up lying-by the time we got to my house (in my neighbours van), she didn't want to get into my car and drive the 5 blocks to her house. She wanted to sleep in the spare bed (basically her bed) at my house. I was so tired I didn't argue!