have you taken a 3yr old and wish you hadn't?

[sha_lyn]

banks37 ... I certainly hope you never punish your chidlren for lying to you since you've set the example that is is ok to do so. Please don't tell me that at 4 1/2-5 yrs that they don't know what you are doing. A couple of yrs ago we went to see a Dsieny movie at the theatre (can't remeber which one at this time). DD was about 2 1/2 or so. A little girl (obviously a couple yrs old) started talking to us. She asked how old DD was. We told her 2 (I think it was 2 and not 3 its been a few yrs). The little girl said "I'm 4 but when we go somewhere I'm 2, Dad won't pay for me to see a stupid movie".

 

[rejobako]

Originally posted by Zippa D Doodah
I cannot, by any means, advocate what this post is suggesting you do. Anyone who goes to WDW should conduct him/herself morally and ethically (as you would anywhere else in life). If your child is 3 years and 1 day old, you need to pay for that child to enter. Anything else is stealing.

What if the child was born prematurely? What if the child in your example has lived through a leap year? Why should he/she be treated differently just because of the year in which he/she was born?

More importantly, what if the parents of a child like that are in financial circumstances such that paying that child's admission is the difference between taking him/her to Disney or staying home, or being able to buy the kid an ice cream cone? You think Walt would turn over in his grave if the financially struggling parents of a kid who just turned 3 went up to the gates in hopes they wouldn't be asked about the child's age?

"Stealing" it may be, but I'm guessing I wouldn't be too quick to cast moral and ethical stones at the choices some parents have to make to justify a small sin of omission to allow their children the joy of a day at WDW.

Believe me, the suits at Disney, Inc., will make up the difference soaking the rest of us, who can afford to pay $25 for a t-shirt without blinking.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by rejobako
What if the child was born prematurely? What if the child in your example has lived through a leap year? Why should he/she be treated differently just because of the year in which he/she was born?

More importantly, what if the parents of a child like that are in financial circumstances such that paying that child's admission is the difference between taking him/her to Disney or staying home, or being able to buy the kid an ice cream cone? You think Walt would turn over in his grave if the financially struggling parents of a kid who just turned 3 went up to the gates in hopes they wouldn't be asked about the child's age?

"Stealing" it may be, but I'm guessing I wouldn't be too quick to cast moral and ethical stones at the choices some parents have to make to justify a small sin of omission to allow their children the joy of a day at WDW.

Believe me, the suits at Disney, Inc., will make up the difference soaking the rest of us, who can afford to pay $25 for a t-shirt without blinking.

blah, blah, blah...

There are no what-if's. It's Disney's policy and trying to 'sneak' anyone over the age of 3 in for free is stealing no matter how you try to justify it. Like I said before, handicap, pregnant and elderly people pay full price and they can't go on very many rides if any...they don't try and 'sneak' in for free.

If you can't afford a ticket, then DON'T GO!!! It's so simple.

 

[sha_lyn]

Originally posted by rejobako
What if the child was born prematurely? What if the child in your example has lived through a leap year? Why should he/she be treated differently just because of the year in which he/she was born?

What does being premature or living thorugh a leap yr have to do with anything?
My 13 DS wishes he could drive. Should I just go ahead and let him since he is being treated differently for being born in a different yr than those already able to get a drivers liscense?

More importantly, what if the parents of a child like that are in financial circumstances such that paying that child's admission is the difference between taking him/her to Disney or staying home, or being able to buy the kid an ice cream cone? You think Walt would turn over in his grave if the financially struggling parents of a kid who just turned 3 went up to the gates in hopes they wouldn't be asked about the child's age?

I can't afford the X box DS wants for his B day. I guess you think I should just go to Walmart and shop lift it. After all why should he have to suffer because we can't shell out that money right now.

 

[rejobako]

Originally posted by beattyfamily
If you can't afford a ticket, then DON'T GO!!! It's so simple.

It is simple, in your black and white little world. I'm glad you're not running the show at the gates; you'd have armed guards with Uzis patting down the youngish kids and demanding birth certificates.

It seems clear that as far as you're concerned, the theme parks are meant to be enjoyed only by those with the financial means to do so. Frankly, I find financially challenged parents "sneaking" their three year olds into the parks less morally and ethically objectionable that anal-retentive elitists.

Have a nice day.

 

[rejobako]

sha lin. If you don't see the difference between taking merchandise out of a store, and entering DisneyWorld with your paying parents, which takes not one cent out of Disney's coffers, I'd be happy to explain it to you.

But I'm late for my "how to bankrupt Disney by turning your kids into hardened criminals" seminar at the Hyatt.

Later.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by rejobako
It is simple, in your black and white little world. I'm glad you're not running the show at the gates; you'd have armed guards with Uzis patting down the youngish kids and demanding birth certificates.

It seems clear that as far as you're concerned, the theme parks are meant to be enjoyed only by those with the financial means to do so. Frankly, I find financially challenged parents "sneaking" their three year olds into the parks less morally and ethically objectionable that anal-retentive elitists.

I didn't resort to personal attacks, but I know when you are loosing a battle, it's so tempting isn't it??

 

[sha_lyn]

you don't see the difference between taking merchandise out of a store, and entering DisneyWorld with your paying parents, which takes not one cent out of Disney's coffers, I'd be happy to explain it to you.

You can try to justify stealing as much as you like but it won't change the fact that theft of services is the same in the laws eyes as theft of merchandise.

 

[vicb]

When people want to "bend the rules" they always have tons of excuses and justifications but the fact remains it is wrong to lie, I think that is why they get so defensive too!

 

[Darian]

Hehehe rejobako, "Leap Year" thats a good one! So instead of me being 46, being born in a leap year I could say I'm really 11? Gosh, that will really be a problem at this year's Food and wine festival... I won't be able to buy a drop of the good stuff! Oh wait! Maybe I should turn in my driver's license, cuz by that logic i'm an underage driver!

Not to split hairs, but a "sin of omission" is when you DON'T do something you should. Putting on an act to misrepresent you child's age so you can steal is a sin of comission.

I understand financial difficulty. Try living on disabilty. I do. But the ends don't justify the means. As parents we need to be examples of integrity to our children. That is a more lasting memory, and a more important one, than a day at a Disney park.

As far as the whole "don't judge me, man" thing, forget it. It is a necessary part of life. People are judged every day when they use racist language. Should we stop doing that? Should we allow hate mongers to assault and torment gay people? Oh, maybe we shouldn't judge them... its their "moral" point of view after all. (wrong answer.) Sorry dude, behavior has to be judged and responded to if a society is going to hold together.

I'm not trying to get all nasty with you - these words aren't typed in anger. Its all good and I wish you the very best.

Darian

 

[BrerMom]

Originally posted by banks37
It's been my experience that if you put your child in a stroller, with a blanket over his/her lap and maybe even have them drink out of a sippy cup as you walk up to the gate you can get your child into the parks for free until they're 4 1/2 or even 5 if your good. Also look for the oldest or the youngest CM at the admissions gate (they seem to care the least).

I enjoyed the tongue-in-cheek response.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by rejobako
It is simple, in your black and white little world. I'm glad you're not running the show at the gates; you'd have armed guards with Uzis patting down the youngish kids and demanding birth certificates.

It seems clear that as far as you're concerned, the theme parks are meant to be enjoyed only by those with the financial means to do so. Frankly, I find financially challenged parents "sneaking" their three year olds into the parks less morally and ethically objectionable that anal-retentive elitists.

Have a nice day.

I do believe that theme parks are only meant for those financially able to do so. So what. Disney isn't a charity and you are not entitled to get things free that are supposed to be paid for. If one cannot afford to pay for everything that goes along with going to WDW then by all means do something you can afford to do. Like camp.

 

[sha_lyn]

Originally posted by skiwee1
I do believe that theme parks are only meant for those financially able to do so. So what. Disney isn't a charity and you are not entitled to get things free that are supposed to be paid for. If one cannot afford to pay for everything that goes along with going to WDW then by all means do something you can afford to do. Like camp.

Ding ding ding ... we have a winner. A trip to WDW is not something one has a "right" to do.
We'd love to take advantage of the free admission to SW/BG for military members. However we can't afford the price of a motel or a kennel for our dogs right now. Sure we could find a cheap motel and pay the occupancy based on one or 2 vs 4 in the room and bring the dogs with us. However what lessons would I be teaching my kids.
1) you deserve what you want wether you can afford it or not
2) its ok to break rules because theft of services is different than stealing (see if the kids buy that one when they get caught stealing)
3) if you're not taking money out of someones pocket then it is not stealing
4) its ok to disreguard laws and rules you disagree with

Well I certainly do not want to live in a world of people raised with such values

 

[CamColt]

Well, I wouldnt say I regretted it, but we had a tough trip when DS was 3.5. He was going through a stage where he had a hard time adjusting to new things. We went on the land/sea package and of course, everything was new(he had been to WDW at 15 months, but didnt remember much). He didnt want to do anything and we heard a lot of complaining. And example is when we went on Buzz, he had a blast "shooting Pop", and then with no line we were going on again and he refused to go. The entire trip was filled with things like that. By the time we were on the ship, I vowed I would never take him anywhere again, LOL! That didnt last long as we booked another trip for 11 months later. The good news is on that trip, he had the time of his life and loved everything. It was such a treat for me!
On the other hand, we have also gone when DS#2 was about 5 months shy of 3, and he didnt have any problem like that...however Im a little nervous of our August trip when he will be about the same age as DS#1 was during that bad trip.

I should add, I dont think any age is really too young. Between my 2 kids we have made trips at ages 8 mos, 15 mos, 20 mos, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5. They are now 3 & 6 and we have 2 trips booked before their next birthdays. I think each age offers a new experience, and the chance of having a bad trip like we experienced is rare. Like I said, DS just happened to be in a phase

 

[C.Ann]

A child's 6-day park ticket purchased thru Ticketmania is something like$245.95.. Over a course of a year, that is 67 cents a day.. Most folks plan their trips to WDW at least a year in advance and if you can't put aside 67 cents a day, then I really don't see how you can afford to go at all because you must be in such dire financial straits that any money you spend would be money you shouldn't be spending..

Now just out of curiosity, if flying, does the same thing apply? Telling a lie to get a cheaper fare?

Oh - and what about eating? Children under 3 eat free at the Character Meals and many of the buffets.. Tell another lie? Or justify it by saying, "Well if I don't lie, my child will starve! He/she
has to eat!!!!!"

And how many months of practice does it take to drill it into Johnny or Suzie's head that when asked how old they are they need to reply "Two and three-quarters.." - or better yet, act like they don't know how to talk at all!!

And what exactly do you tell this child about why they have to lie and the REASON that it's "okay?"

As for not hurting Disney financially? On a peak holiday as many as 92,000 people have walked thru the Magic Kingdom alone.. Let's say that 12,000 are children over three who are being snuck in for free.. Do the math - 12,000 times $245.95 each and then 12,000 times the "free" meals and you have a major, MAJOR loss that is NOT going to be made up because you bought a couple of $25 tee shirts instead..

There isn't any justification for sneaking a child through the gates without paying the proper admission and no "hard luck" scenarios is going to change that..

Empty out your pockets every day - take your soda cans back and get the deposits - use coupons to do your weekly grocery shopping - or even sell ONE item on eBay a week and you won't have to teach your child to lie...............

 

[dawnloves cbr]

I agree with bringing kids at any age.....I have taken mine at 1&1/2 & 2&1/2, and then at 5,4, and 1&1/2. Each trip was incredible, for different reasons.

As for the sneaking thing, that is so wrong. (Ok I may be biased because my now 3yr old is taller than most 5 yr olds, and is to her 7 yr old sisters nose...lol.... So no sneaking for us) But come on. I am a single mother of three. It has taken me almost 3 years to save enough to go again, but my gosh, save I did. I wouldn't shame our trip trying to sneak my little one into everything. I am proud I can take them, and Im not saying that to gloat, trust me I worked my butt off, Im saying it is possible for finiancially challenged people to go. Maybe it'll take a little longer than some, but do it the right way. Dont make the kids lie and be uncomfortable........Even a three yr old knows he/she is 3.

 

[Gone Disney]

Seeing as how this post is about
WHETHER TO TAKE A 3YR OLD TO THE PARK OR NOT

Lexi I'd like to let you know that you'll have a wonderful time. We put off going to WDW until our oldest was old enough. Before that happened our youngest was here. We finally went for our youngests 4th birthday. She fell in love, so did the rest of us. I think we bought a 4 day pass back then and if I remember correctly the day we used the last day on that pass we turned them in for AP's and we've been going back ever since. It's been nearly four years now. I can't count how many times we've been there and I can't say we regret any of it. I think if you don't put high expectations on the trip and just relax and enjoy you'll find it to be wonderful. BTW I love the idea of staying at the POLY.


There's only one thing to remember. HAVE FUN!


Gone Disney

 

[lexiluke]

Thanks again for all the encouragement! I think we've all had those moments when our preschoolers just wouldn't cooperate. I guess you just have to take your chances on things like that. However, it's comforting to know that no one ever actually regrets their trip, and that there is something wonderful to be found in each Disney experience.

I have to admit that it is discouraging that our son will be just barely three when we go, but to have our daughter and son witness their parents in a dishonest act would be a much higher price to pay than an admission ticket. I admire the single mom who works and saves hard to make it happen. Good for you!

 

[mareka]

I choose to reply only to the original post.

Take the kids - any age.

BUT....

Make sure they drink plenty of water - If they dehydrate they won't realize it neither will you - You'll just have a cranky child cause they don't feel good.

Take that afternoon break - swim - nap - 2-3 hours you'll feel better too.

Remember its their vacation too. Stop for something they want. Find a character.

If you're going to do something a little scary - explain it to them before hand and they will feel better about it.

Tell them the scary is part of the fun and no one gets hurt.

Three kids and two grandchildren and we all have a great time.

HAve FUN

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

You've received a lot of great advice that should help you to make your decision- but ultimately you have to do that because only YOU know your child and how your child will like it, how they'll do with long hours of constant stimulation, heat (if it's during a hot month) or cold (if it's a cold month), how they take to being in a stroller for long periods of time when they are tired- or do they want to be held or lay down in a non-moving place like a bed, etc. Also decide what YOU want from the trip- will you be disappointed if your child doesn't want to spend much time in the parks and instead wants long naps back at the hotel daily? Or will that be okay with you? Is it a short trip trying to cram in as much as possible- or a long trip where you can be more relaxed on your schedule to go around your youngest child's needs?

All those things will play a part in it.

We went when my youngest was barely 2yrs old. It was NOT a waste. Sure she couldn't ride a lot of the rides- she was even smaller than the avg 2yr old! She was scared of dark rides, scared of some shows, etc. She spent a lot of time in the stroller BUT she didn't mind that at all- she preferred that over walking (and believe me- so did I!) She was so young that it didn't take much to excite her! Just the lights, WATCHING the rides, seeing the kids with either me or their daddy getting on and off rides (doing the parent swap thing) -all that thrilled her too! (Especially Test track- I think that's the one that had a little room she could actually watch her siblings take off and come back to get off through a window?) Characters thrilled her also- but some she didn't want to get CLOSE to- just see from afar. LOL But that's okay too! All the big decorations/etc- she loved it all!

Oh and maybe not ALL children will remember at that age -but out of my 3 children who were ages 8 almost 9, barely turned 5 and just turned 2... my 2yr old is the one that mentions it the most! She's constantly coming up with comments about we did this or that when she is reminded by looking at pictures or seeing a Disney commercial OR whenever Mickey Mouse comes on cartoons on tv. She has a lot of Princess (especially Cinderella) clothing, pjs and now even panties (okay so we're not out of the woods yet on potty training- just started -but that's her incentive! LOL) and sandals/shoes... maybe that helps remind her- I don't know. But she sure talks a lot about wanting to go see her AGAIN. She has a Cinderella pillow and a Snow White pillow- probably 5 nights out of 7 she will want to sleep with those pillows and when I tuck her into bed she'll tell me she's going to see them again.
2-3yr olds have a better memory than some people think. My older two barely ever mention it and when they do- it's just to ask when we're going again... they don't really mention or comment about things we DID like remembering it- although they must remember something or why ask to go again? LOL