How do they know ds is under 3 (FREE)?

[Bethany]

My son just turned 2 and he looks like a 3 yr old. I can't even imagine how old he'll look come September when we go to WDW....so how do CM's know that he's under three and therefore FREE? Do we need to bring his birth certificate? Thanks!

 

[Stimpy]

They pretty much take your word for it. DS was very tall for his age (95% percentile) and we took him the month before his 3rd birthday. No one ever questioned us about his age. We had a copy of his certificate with us just in case but never needed it. Someone else suggested that you could make a copy of the birth certificate and shrink it to a smaller size to bring with you.

If you are eating at buffets or all-you-can-eat restaurants, the 3 yr old is free. Make sure to check the bill when it comes. The CM's charged us for DS in 2 places but as soon as we told them he was 2 they took the charge off without any problems.

 

[toystorymom]

This question comes up alot and I know that some people bring copies of birth certificates with them. I don't think it's actually necessary though as I can't see a Disney employee actually arguing with you about a child's birthdate. When my youngest was 2 1/2 he also looked much older. We were in and out of the parks for 7 days and only once did a CM ask if we had a ticket for him. We simply replied that he was 2 and the CM said, "ok great, have a magical day", no further questions asked.

On the flip side, we were once putting our other son's ticket through when he was about 3 1/2 and a cast member kept telling us he didn't need a ticket.

Have a great trip!

 

[elliemae1192]

We just came back and have the same problem. My son is 2 1/2 and looks like he's closer to 4. Someone posted a great idea of copying their child's birth certificate and reducing the size so it would fit in their wallet.

I couldn't find my son's bc (I know that sounds horrible, but we had a hurricane several months ago and packed everything up and it's dissapeared) but no one ever asked his age. They just opened the gate and let him through. Did get a couple of funny looks though, especially when DH was changing his diaper!

If you have the bc, I'd say bring a copy just in case.

Have fun!

 

[YesI'mObsessed]

DD turned 3 January 17th, we went to Disney on December 11th. She is off the charts for a girl, at 40 pounds 38 inches. I too was worried that I would be questioned, but it didnt come up once. A few times I found myself saying she was 3 when we made our ressies for dining, forgetting that we'd be charged. But I just made corrections when we actually got to the restaurant and no one minded.

 

[Colinsmom]

Colin was 31lbs and 39" tall at 2.25 yrs when we went in December. We were only asked where his ticket was (and rudely, I'll add) by one cast member at the entrance gate. I responded that he was only two years old, and he let me through. It was never a problem for meals and such.

 

[DeniseD]

We went the middle of Sept last year and DD turned 3 the end of Aug. I must confess that she had no ticket. No one ever questioned it. Much to my suprise because she is very tall for her age.

 

[Bethany]

Glad to know my ds isn't the only gigantic kid around. Dh is 6'7" and ds is DEFINATELY taking after him. He just turned two on Feb. 11th and he's wearing a shoe size 9/10.....dh wears shoe size 16! Dd is also very tall for her age (just turned 4 yesterday) and you should see her standing next to her vertically challanged mommy (me) at 5'1". Yes, the wedding pics are hilarious!

Great idea, shrinking down the birth certificate! Thanks!!!

 

[areno79]

On the flip side, how do they know if a child is 9 or 10? I was wondering if I should bring BC's just in case, but would Disney really ask for them?

 

[sha_lyn]

If you are eating at buffets or all-you-can-eat restaurants, the 3 yr old is free

3 yr olds are not free, under 3 are.

 

[the kabuki]

Went with my one month shy of 3 daughter and no one questioned us once in 7 days.