How do I prove my child's age?

[jlfabbri]

Hey all....I have a 2 1/2 year old DD, who takes after her mom...simply put...she's tall! I stand 5'10" in flats!!

I'm afraid that when I get to the entrance - and I don't have a ticket for her - b/c she's not yet 3 - I'll get called out.

Do I need to bring a copy of her birth certificate to the parks?

Probably sounds like a dumb question, but I figure I can't be the first parent to ponder this issue...

Thanks!

 

[LadyZolt]

I'd bring it -- better safe than sorry. It's easy enough to get and bring with you and then you won't have to worry about it. Plus, if you have it, you probably won't even be asked! Have a great time!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[seashoreCM]

Bringing a birth certificate does not hurt but currently they play it by ear.

The most common test is asking the child himself how old he is.

As far as the 2009 promotion birthday gift (admission, gift card, fastpass) a legal government issued ID or an embossed (certified or original) birth certificate is needed.

 

[AJKMOM]

I would bring a photocopy of the birth certificate. Most say no one will ask, but I have read here where a CM starts a converstion with the kid and asks, "So, honey, how old are you?" Of course, yours will give the right answer, but....

I have always had copies of the birth certificates when I travel, just because I am slightly paranoid that something will happen and I will need to prove "ownership".

 

[jlfabbri]

Thanks guys - I always feel better being prepared...especially considering the fact that my DD has been on a weird kick lately where she tells people she's 8years old - or 30...

You should have seen the look this one little old lady gave, when she asked my DD how hold she was, and my DD replied by saying she was 8...too funny...

Thanks again!!

 

[WrightFamily06]

We have never been questioned to our child's age . I don't think you have anything to worry about , there not as strict at WDW as there are at the Airport's, etc. . My Best Friend's kids that have always been above average in size and height for there age were never questioned about age and the one was just 2 1/2 last year when we were there so I wouldn't sweat your daughters height at all Have a wonderful vacation and don't worry everything will be fine

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Like mentioned, it is better to be safe than sorry. Supposedly, the CMs aren't suppose to ask for the child's age or question the Guest. They assume there are some 3 year olds getting in for free. That is why the cut-off is two and under. A four year old can't pass for a two year old, but a three year old could pass for a two year old in some instances. If you don't want to travel with an original birth certificate, bring a copy. If you have any problems, ask for a Manager.

Have a magical trip!

Jennifer

 

[kenny]

As others have posted I would bring a photocopy of the birth certificate.

That being said, my DD 1st trip was when she was 2 1/2 also. I am 6'3" and my DW is 6'0. Needless to say our DD is tall also!

We weren't even asked 1 time to prove her age but better safe than sorry.

 

[karensi]

I've been to WDW numerous times with my 5 DGC (different times, different grandchildren). Anyway, we've never had anyone question us, and I've been with every grandchild when they were in the 2 to 3 year old range.I've also never seen anyone else questioned.

If it makes you feel better you coould bring a birth certificate (I'd make a copy of the original) or maybe even the childs immunization record from the doctor. Basically, anything that had an age on it.

That being said, I suspect that most posters will say that you really don't need to bring anything to prove your DD's age.


Have a great trip.

Karen

 

[Commando2319]

I just returned from 7 days in Disney world going with my two youngest daughters. One was days away from turning 3, but still two. And the other was days away from turning 4, but still 3.

Not only was I never asked their ages by anyone, but most people thought they were twins. I have the strong feeling that I could have not bought park tickets for my 3 (almost 4) year old and never had a problem.

While it does hurt to bring a copy of the birth certificate, from my experience I guarentee that they will never ask.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[henrylovespooh]

My kids are both really tall and we never got asked about their age at the park entrances or restaurants when they were 2 o3 3. I did take their birth certificates, but never had to use them.

 

[Traveliz]

I would bring the story of their birth - if anyone asked the age - I would tell them and then if they asked for proof (which they won't) I would regal them with stories of the labor and delivery right down to what songs were popular on the radio.

Liz

 

[Tink_Kel]

I can relate to that!! My "runt" (he weighed 4 lbs when he was born!) has always been tall for his age (he's 15 now, and 6'2")...when we'd go to buffets when he was younger, people always looked like I was trying to "cheat" with his age to get cheaper prices. Luckily, he's a military brat, so I could show his ID card to verify his age!

I think it's hillarious that she's giving out fake ages! Kids are too funny!

You could bring her birth certificate, but I don't know how much good it would do, since it's not a photo ID...if they are that anal about her age, they could always say the certificate is someone elses. I think basically, people are honest, and your word should be good enough!

Just think, she'll be lucky when she gets older, and get to ride the "big people" rides before other people her age!

 

[LilGMom]

We have never been asked to prove our childrens' ages. Last year we went two weeks shy of our youngest DS's third birthday and he was just under 40" so he is a tall child. Nobody ever questioned his age.

 

[Supermom3]

Me too! My dd 2 1/2 likes to say she's 5 because that's how old her brother is. It makes me nervous if they ask her even though obviously she is not 5.

I was wondering the similar thing for my 9 1/2 year old. Will anyone question his age, restaurants or where ever?

For us it's an ideal time to go. My oldest is 5 months shy of being a Disney adult and my youngest is just 2 1/2. It's almost too perfect, I'm hoping they don't think I'm lying.

 

[carmiedog]

Asking a young child is an extremely unreliable way of finding out how old they are. Kids are either confused (for example if the family has been talking a lot about an upcoming birthday) or they just don't know. The most consistent answer my daughter gives is that she's 6 (her 4th birthday is this Saturday).

OP, you can take a copy of your child's birth certificate if you want to, but I don't think it's necessary. Besides, unlike adult photo ID, a person can take in ANY child's birth certificate and say it's their child's. And since the child doesn't have a ticket to begin with, there's no name to match it to. OK, so they might question it if I take one that says my pale white daughter's name is Jose Gonzalez, but you know what I mean.

 

[DWFan4Life]

Just bring child's birth certificate if you want to, same as I do. My DS turns 3 next month is tall, but during our trip last December they don't ask anything, so nothing problem happens.

 

[teacup princess]

We just got back from Disney just 1 & 1/2 weeks shy of my son's 3rd birthday. I brought the birth certificate to prove he was 2 mainly because if asked, my husband would just round up his age and say he was 3.

Nobody ever asked for it.

 

[KnittingMom]

I would bring a photocopy of the birth certificate. Most say no one will ask, but I have read here where a CM starts a converstion with the kid and asks, "So, honey, how old are you?" Of course, yours will give the right answer, but....

I have always had copies of the birth certificates when I travel, just because I am slightly paranoid that something will happen and I will need to prove "ownership".

My child could not be depended on to tell people his correct age -- he wanted to have another birthday and more presents so he would invent, "today is my birthday and I'm really 3," or he would say things like, "It's my turn to be 5 (his brother was 5). He outgrew this story-telling at about 6, thank goodness!

 

[BudgieMama]

Wow, return of the 7 year old thread..