How closely do they check kids' ages?

[design_mom]

I was wondering about this issue...except in regards to a nine year old. We are going to be in WDW March 17th-24th. My son turns ten on March 23rd, so we of course only had to pay for a child's admission ticket. We also purchased the dining plan, and I'm worried that we are going to be constantly questioned about how old he is. He is very tall for his age. I am truly hoping this isn't going to be an issue during our whole trip. I understand that the CM's are trying to protect Disney's interests, but I am really hoping that we don't feel constantly like everyone thinks we are lying about his age. I also know he will be HUGELY embarrassed if CM's are constantly quizzing him about his age and giving him the impression that they think he is lying. How should we handle that??

I don't think you need to worry about it.

My kids have both been asked their ages at WDW (and we were never trying to pass them off as anything they weren't). The cast members do it in a VERY casual way.

This trip a cast member asked my son what grade he was in at school in a very conversational way. I have no idea whether he was 'checking' or just making conversation. Either way, my son's answer was truthful and the conversation continued to another subject. Another time a cast member asked his age, and about his sister, and what he liked to do for fun.

It was definitely not like an interrogation (and they may have just been making conversation)...but on the other hand, for a kid who *needed* to lie, it would be very easy to get caught in the lie because they're "just talking to you," not really quizzing you about your age.

At table service meals, the most anybody said was "two adults and two children on this plan, yes?"

 

[nmmom95]

I was wondering about this issue...except in regards to a nine year old. We are going to be in WDW March 17th-24th. My son turns ten on March 23rd, so we of course only had to pay for a child's admission ticket. We also purchased the dining plan, and I'm worried that we are going to be constantly questioned about how old he is. He is very tall for his age. I am truly hoping this isn't going to be an issue during our whole trip. I understand that the CM's are trying to protect Disney's interests, but I am really hoping that we don't feel constantly like everyone thinks we are lying about his age. I also know he will be HUGELY embarrassed if CM's are constantly quizzing him about his age and giving him the impression that they think he is lying. How should we handle that??

Kids aren't great at lying, so I'm sure the CM's will know he's telling the truth, especially if he says "I'll be 10 on Friday." My DS11 has always been tall for his age & we've never had a problem.

 

[JUJU814]

I was wondering about this issue...except in regards to a nine year old. We are going to be in WDW March 17th-24th. My son turns ten on March 23rd, so we of course only had to pay for a child's admission ticket. We also purchased the dining plan, and I'm worried that we are going to be constantly questioned about how old he is. He is very tall for his age. I am truly hoping this isn't going to be an issue during our whole trip. I understand that the CM's are trying to protect Disney's interests, but I am really hoping that we don't feel constantly like everyone thinks we are lying about his age. I also know he will be HUGELY embarrassed if CM's are constantly quizzing him about his age and giving him the impression that they think he is lying. How should we handle that??

You are fine. It won't be an issue. As long as he is 9 when you arrive and check, you only have to pay for a child age ticket and the child dining plan. That is Disney policy. He'll be turning 10 the day before you leave.

You can be totally honest.

If you're really worried, call Disney and confirm this, but really, you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Arabella1978]

Okay good that makes me feel better! Maybe I will just stick his birth certificate in my purse just in case!!

When I called to make all our ADR's the CM asked me if I wanted to purchase him the adult plan since he might want more to eat than the kid's meals. She did tell me he didn't HAVE to have the adult plan since he will only be nine when we check in, but just wondered if we would like to. I hemmed and hawed about it because the kids' meals really might not be enough for dinner. So instead she suggested we book predominantly buffetts so it wouldn't be an issue...told me that would be the best bang for our buck! She was great! Hooked us up with some great dinner reservations!

 

[britfish]

Why do people ask advice on breaking the rules or even breaking the law? Its stealing, don't do it, tell your sister its wrong, follow the rules and do what is right so her children can learn to do what is right in life. geesh.

 

[brymolmom]

Why do people ask advice on breaking the rules or even breaking the law? Its stealing, don't do it, tell your sister its wrong, follow the rules and do what is right so her children can learn to do what is right in life. geesh.

I think they do it so that they don't feel as guilty. If others say 'go ahead- I've done it.' then they don't feel like they're really cheating because 'everybody does it'.

And, OP - actually the just turned 3 year old will be enjoying the park as a 3 year old, NOT a 2 year old. The fact that the child turned 3 indicates that.

I, too, think it is generous of WDW to allow a child who is 2 years and 364 days old into the parks (and eat a buffets) for FREE. Especially since they can see/do/enjoy as much as many adults (at least the ones who don't do thrill rides).

 

[VirataMama4]

I would just plan the trip earlier so she's 2 when they check in! Like the PP just wrote even if she'll turn 3 the next day of so, she still gets in free because of when you checked in. That way no one has to lie or "fudge" when asked how old they are.

We planned our July trip for the week before my DS turns 3, so we could have 1 more trip while he was still 2 and free...

 

[moepanz]

We went in Sept before my twins turned 3. My boy twin is bigger than his sister but she is highly verbal. We were questioned by a CM going into EPCOT she huffed and rolled her eyes when we said they were 3. My mom got really annoyed, it was funny.

 

[TiggerStac]

I was asked at a restaurant (cape may) how old all my kids were. I had 2 under 3 and one 8. No one ever asked my son how old he is, and he is big for his age, he was 2.9 when we went down. When we go in 2 months, he'll be 3...buying him a ticket. He's 3... But, if anyone asked him old he was, he'd probably say 5 Everything is 5 and every color is green to him.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Well, ofcourse they don't ask how old your kid is. If you have them in the stroller and just push him through with no ticket, they won't say anything.

They absolutely do. Our DD's first trip was when she was 2. Despite being premature, she caught up quickly and is big for her age. We got stopped at the gates once i think but were questioned at EVERY buffet (despite it being noted she was 2 on the ADRs). We were charged for her a bunch of times.

So yes, they will and do ask. Please don't advocate for anyone to lie. This is why the prices go up for the people who don't

 

[MSSANDRA]

IHe's 3... But, if anyone asked him old he was, he'd probably say 5 Everything is 5 and every color is green to him.

DGS just turned 3 but he will tell you he is 27. His birthday is on the 27th.

We have friends with quads. They planned the trip a week before they turned three. They are tiny tiny tiny, but they would not try to pass them off as three!

 

[JEWLSVERN]

My DD turns 3 on our trip. We are taking her to CRT on her birthday. I am just so worried that they may try to charge us there since she is 3. We leave 2 days later after having been there 5 days already.

What do I do if they do charge us? We ordered her a chocolate slipper that says "happy 3rd birthday" so it is obvious she is 3.

 

[Lady V]

Not that we want to buck the Disney system.. but, then again, we kinda do!

I know that when I have worked where ages make a difference in price I do tend to ask the ages. I don't ask the parents though. I always ask the other kids or the child themselves. While there is nothing I can do if the parent 'persists' the child is 2, it is satisfaction enough that everyone in the group knows they are lying. It is funny to watch a parent try to explain to their kids why they aren't the age they thought they were. And kids will call their parents out without meaning to. Do i get to add something to the bill? no-but I get a great story to tell and get to watch the parents be really nervous.
Now-I do understand how it is really expensive. Could the trip just be moved up?

 

[Lady V]

My DD turns 3 on our trip. We are taking her to CRT on her birthday. I am just so worried that they may try to charge us there since she is 3. We leave 2 days later after having been there 5 days already.

What do I do if they do charge us? We ordered her a chocolate slipper that says "happy 3rd birthday" so it is obvious she is 3.

I would 'think' you would be fine. It's not a buffet so she's not getting a meal. She has to eat off of your plate. And if they question it you could just show them your KTTW card that shows your check in date as before that date. I think you'd be fine.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

Personally, I would buy the ticket. My oldest DD is VERY small. She is the exact same size as a 7 year old friend even though she is 10 1/2. She could probably pass for a child ticket, but by her age she needs an adult ticket.

Now I am worried about my 2yr old, though, after this thread. She is very small for her age, but if questioned, she'll tell you she's 3. She's 2, won't be 3 until June, but will argue with you that she is 3. She's been doing it since she turned 2. She likes to argue. Little stinker..... Maybe I'll bring a copy of her birth certificate just in case. Wait a second, she's aging again. She just told me she's 4.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

My DD turns 3 on our trip. We are taking her to CRT on her birthday. I am just so worried that they may try to charge us there since she is 3. We leave 2 days later after having been there 5 days already.

What do I do if they do charge us? We ordered her a chocolate slipper that says "happy 3rd birthday" so it is obvious she is 3.

You tell them she was two when you arrived and is not on Dining. They will correct your check (we had this happen a bunch of times). Disney only counts how old they are on arrival day. They do not care if you age during the trip.

 

[Jamoky]

We travelled to WDW with my son just before he turned three. We were questioned about his age at EVERY park gate. The CMs were friendly but sometimes we were even asked for his birthdate. We had his BC just incase but it never became necessary. I would suggest to just buying the ticket to save the stress.


______
OUR MOST recent WDW Trips
BLT (this coming Aug & Dec 2010...woohoo!)
BW & BCV September 2009
AKL & BCV January 2009 (DS Birthday celebration)
SSR September 2008
HH June 2004 (HUGE family reunion)
WL August 2002 (Honeymoon)

 

[lillykat]

Personally, I would buy the ticket. My oldest DD is VERY small. She is the exact same size as a 7 year old friend even though she is 10 1/2. She could probably pass for a child ticket, but by her age she needs an adult ticket.

Now I am worried about my 2yr old, though, after this thread. She is very small for her age, but if questioned, she'll tell you she's 3. She's 2, won't be 3 until June, but will argue with you that she is 3. She's been doing it since she turned 2. She likes to argue. Little stinker..... Maybe I'll bring a copy of her birth certificate just in case. Wait a second, she's aging again. She just told me she's 4.

If she is three I would buy a ticket.

This is what I'm worried about - DD#1 won't be 3 until June. We are going to be celebrating her sister's 1st birthday on the trip. I'm bringing a copy of DD#1's birth certificate with us though b.c DD#1 is the youngest in her preschool (2 year program) class - all the kids are turning 3 between Dec and April - so they are several months older. There are always birthday celebrations in her class - so now when you ask her how old she is she will say 3!!!

So I guess if they ask her and she says three I will then have to pull out her birth certificate the whole trip? - I assume if she says she is three then I will have to prove she isn't right?

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

If she is three I would buy a ticket.

This is what I'm worried about - DD#1 won't be 3 until June. We are going to be celebrating her sister's 1st birthday on the trip. I'm bringing a copy of DD#1's birth certificate with us though b.c DD#1 is the youngest in her preschool (2 year program) class - all the kids are turning 3 between Dec and April - so they are several months older. There are always birthday celebrations in her class - so now when you ask her how old she is she will say 3!!!

So I guess if they ask her and she says three I will then have to pull out her birth certificate the whole trip? - I assume if she says she is three then I will have to prove she isn't right?

They *may* ask for her BC. My DD is big for her age so we always traveled with hers just in case. Nobody ever asked to see it but I felt a lot better having it with us. We were questioned a LOT at Disney though.

 

[scrappingizlife]

Very good point. Anytime someone starts a thread about whether or not they should take a toddler (there was one just this week), many people will comment on how much their toddler enjoyed the rides, shows, and characters. Disney is giving you a break by letting those under 3 enjoy the fun at no charge.

I would not lie as this is not the message that I want to send my children.

honestly. I would have to disagree here. I think it's great that they allow under 3 in free, but honestly, they should. Any age under 3 is not going to remember their days at Disney later on. Think back to your first memories, mine are age 4. I would be lying if I said I could remember doing something at age 2. If I had to dish out a couple of hundred $ for something my baby is not going to remember, I probably wouldn't go. JMO.


......I would say, it's really her call on what she wants to do. I personally wouldn't. but thats just me.