I.D: What can I use?

[NatalieMT]

I only got ID'd once on our trip last month, it was at the Mexico pavilion in Epcot and they accepted my driving license no problem. The other times I didn't even get asked but I do look over 21 I guess.

 

[clareyfairymouse]

I've found it easier to just take my passport on days when I know I might need it - in Epcot for example.
I know Jellyrolls tend to only take passports for ID and I know a number of people have been turned away when they haven't had them with them.
With Disney, staff are spot checked more regularly than in other places so will be a bit more strict in case you are a mystery shopper. When I was there you had to pass your monthly spot check by saying and checking the right things.
It might sound mad, but to a CM asking daft questions to someone who looks 40+ its better to do that then lose your visa.

 

[MrsSparrow..]

Hi all, I just returned from a year working for the Mouse in the UK pavilion. The official rule for Florida is passports are needed for international visitors; the vast majority of places will ID anyone who appears to be under 30 although liquor stores tend to be 40! This isn't just enforced at Disney. I have friends that tried to use drivers licenses/provisional, sometimes with a photocopy of their passport, that were declined at various restaurants/bars in Orlando and Tampa. Officially, this rule also applies to Universal Orlando bars and restaurants (no photocopies!).

Disney, however, WILL accept an international drivers license with a photocopy of your passport. It doesn't even have to be a paper copy - we also accepted digital versions on a phone - as long as you have your actual drivers license or provisional with you. Do not try to bring photocopies of both - this does not work!

I used to carry my passport around with me every time I would go to a restaurant or bar in Florida, pretty much nearly every day for a year. So did most of my colleagues and friends that worked in the UK pavilion. I only had 2 friends that lost their passports in the entire year, and that was through the effects of alcohol and not someone stealing it!

Is it true that you can get served just using your UK license at Disney World? Yes. Are those people risking their jobs every time they do it? Yes.

I worked in the pub in the UK and I never served anyone who gave me an international license, including UK. It doesn't matter that I know that it is real and that it 'makes sense'. It does matter that Disney regularly send in mystery shoppers and observers to make sure that its Cast Members are being compliant to Florida State Law. Working in the pub, we got reminded about this CONSTANTLY and all Disney CMs working with alcohol are required to refresh their knowledge of these laws every so many weeks. I know of some pavilions in Epcot, or even particular CMs (there are a few that I knew in the UK pav) that are more easygoing and probably would serve those with just an international drivers license. If you get caught, you lose your job and have 24-48 hours to leave the country. Some pavilions really struggle with recruitment and will probably try and defend their CM to stop this from happening (Italy, Norway... there are a few others). The UK is NOT one of those pavilions - we are easily replaceable.

When I was working in the pub, I would have this problem with UK visitors everyday and it was probably the least enjoyable part of my job. You wouldn't believe some of the abuse we got!! This is honestly the reason why some less confident CMs working in Epcot accept these forms of ID - they are sick of having these arguments. This ultimately could be improved by Disney putting up the proper signage - something that is requested all the time by CMs in Epcot during meetings!

Sorry for the essay but overall: If you are under 30, or look under 30-35, yes, you can use your drivers license as long as you have a photocopy of your passport or just take a clear photo of it and save it on your phone. If you are going to Universal or elsewhere in FL, be prepared that they may want a passport or you will be refused to be served (anyone not following this rule is risking their own job - being served solely with an international drivers license is not the norm throughout the state!).

 

[flortlebap]

MrsSparrow that's a really helpful post.

Better persuade DH that taking his passport is a good idea lol. That'll go down like a lead balloon!

 

[kittykitty87]

Thank you everyone for your comments and thank you MrsSparrow for this...

Hi all, I just returned from a year working for the Mouse in the UK pavilion. The official rule for Florida is passports are needed for international visitors; the vast majority of places will ID anyone who appears to be under 30 although liquor stores tend to be 40! This isn't just enforced at Disney. I have friends that tried to use drivers licenses/provisional, sometimes with a photocopy of their passport, that were declined at various restaurants/bars in Orlando and Tampa. Officially, this rule also applies to Universal Orlando bars and restaurants (no photocopies!).

Disney, however, WILL accept an international drivers license with a photocopy of your passport. It doesn't even have to be a paper copy - we also accepted digital versions on a phone - as long as you have your actual drivers license or provisional with you. Do not try to bring photocopies of both - this does not work!

I used to carry my passport around with me every time I would go to a restaurant or bar in Florida, pretty much nearly every day for a year. So did most of my colleagues and friends that worked in the UK pavilion. I only had 2 friends that lost their passports in the entire year, and that was through the effects of alcohol and not someone stealing it!

Is it true that you can get served just using your UK license at Disney World? Yes. Are those people risking their jobs every time they do it? Yes.

I worked in the pub in the UK and I never served anyone who gave me an international license, including UK. It doesn't matter that I know that it is real and that it 'makes sense'. It does matter that Disney regularly send in mystery shoppers and observers to make sure that its Cast Members are being compliant to Florida State Law. Working in the pub, we got reminded about this CONSTANTLY and all Disney CMs working with alcohol are required to refresh their knowledge of these laws every so many weeks. I know of some pavilions in Epcot, or even particular CMs (there are a few that I knew in the UK pav) that are more easygoing and probably would serve those with just an international drivers license. If you get caught, you lose your job and have 24-48 hours to leave the country. Some pavilions really struggle with recruitment and will probably try and defend their CM to stop this from happening (Italy, Norway... there are a few others). The UK is NOT one of those pavilions - we are easily replaceable.

When I was working in the pub, I would have this problem with UK visitors everyday and it was probably the least enjoyable part of my job. You wouldn't believe some of the abuse we got!! This is honestly the reason why some less confident CMs working in Epcot accept these forms of ID - they are sick of having these arguments. This ultimately could be improved by Disney putting up the proper signage - something that is requested all the time by CMs in Epcot during meetings!

Sorry for the essay but overall: If you are under 30, or look under 30-35, yes, you can use your drivers license as long as you have a photocopy of your passport or just take a clear photo of it and save it on your phone. If you are going to Universal or elsewhere in FL, be prepared that they may want a passport or you will be refused to be served (anyone not following this rule is risking their own job - being served solely with an international drivers license is not the norm throughout the state!).

Extremely helpful. I think I will stick to carrying my passport with me.

 

[Jon84]

Hi all, I just returned from a year working for the Mouse in the UK pavilion. The official rule for Florida is passports are needed for international visitors; the vast majority of places will ID anyone who appears to be under 30 although liquor stores tend to be 40! This isn't just enforced at Disney. I have friends that tried to use drivers licenses/provisional, sometimes with a photocopy of their passport, that were declined at various restaurants/bars in Orlando and Tampa. Officially, this rule also applies to Universal Orlando bars and restaurants (no photocopies!).

Disney, however, WILL accept an international drivers license with a photocopy of your passport. It doesn't even have to be a paper copy - we also accepted digital versions on a phone - as long as you have your actual drivers license or provisional with you. Do not try to bring photocopies of both - this does not work!

I used to carry my passport around with me every time I would go to a restaurant or bar in Florida, pretty much nearly every day for a year. So did most of my colleagues and friends that worked in the UK pavilion. I only had 2 friends that lost their passports in the entire year, and that was through the effects of alcohol and not someone stealing it!

Is it true that you can get served just using your UK license at Disney World? Yes. Are those people risking their jobs every time they do it? Yes.

I worked in the pub in the UK and I never served anyone who gave me an international license, including UK. It doesn't matter that I know that it is real and that it 'makes sense'. It does matter that Disney regularly send in mystery shoppers and observers to make sure that its Cast Members are being compliant to Florida State Law. Working in the pub, we got reminded about this CONSTANTLY and all Disney CMs working with alcohol are required to refresh their knowledge of these laws every so many weeks. I know of some pavilions in Epcot, or even particular CMs (there are a few that I knew in the UK pav) that are more easygoing and probably would serve those with just an international drivers license. If you get caught, you lose your job and have 24-48 hours to leave the country. Some pavilions really struggle with recruitment and will probably try and defend their CM to stop this from happening (Italy, Norway... there are a few others). The UK is NOT one of those pavilions - we are easily replaceable.

When I was working in the pub, I would have this problem with UK visitors everyday and it was probably the least enjoyable part of my job. You wouldn't believe some of the abuse we got!! This is honestly the reason why some less confident CMs working in Epcot accept these forms of ID - they are sick of having these arguments. This ultimately could be improved by Disney putting up the proper signage - something that is requested all the time by CMs in Epcot during meetings!

Sorry for the essay but overall: If you are under 30, or look under 30-35, yes, you can use your drivers license as long as you have a photocopy of your passport or just take a clear photo of it and save it on your phone. If you are going to Universal or elsewhere in FL, be prepared that they may want a passport or you will be refused to be served (anyone not following this rule is risking their own job - being served solely with an international drivers license is not the norm throughout the state!).

Thank you!! That's at Ive been saying all along!!

 

[tinkerpea]

They where really strict in may, to the point of being rude!
We did the starwars fireworks dessert package, and they serve alcohol.
I went up to get my drink, I had my license and I'm 30! ( I do look around 25 though) and get Id at home alot lol.
Anyways the lady took my Id and said it wasn't mine. Asked me my age and dob! I told her, and she rudely said so....how old are you supposed to be then.
I said 30, and she said I don't think so.
I went over got my passport out of my bag that dh had. As I knew I'd be drinking that night, and had heard about the issues and came back with it, she took it held for about a minute before saying you can have 1 drink! Well it was a really long line and I wanted to get dh drink too, she refused me.
Every body before me had been allocated two drinks per ID it even said on the board two drinks per ID!!
My husband could see I was really upset and a cm standing next to us heard what's was saying and went and got a manager, I told the manager what happened and she said don't worry I'll speak to her and get you both another drink,
Guess what lol.... The women wouldn't allow the manager to get me a drink! She came back and explained saying she was so so sorry, and that she was calling a catering manager over to speak to her! As the women didn't work for her,
Long story short catering management came. Gave us drinks and said we wouldn't have another issue with her,
Then they took her off and sent her inside.
So? I'd advise having Id haha!

Just to add we had no issues at any table service, not asked once

 

[ABZDisneyFan]

I've been going to the States since I was 21, used to spend a lot of time in Los Angeles & they ID everyone there even if it's obvious that your over 21.
Also used to visit Houston loads for work & hardly ever got asked for ID even when I was in my 20's.
On our 2012 trip to Miami & WDW neither of were asked for ID but last year we were on the Boardwalk & bought a couple of drinks & the girl serving us asked for ID, we are both well into our 40's now so we found it hilarious to be asked, we always carry our passports with us when were in the States so it was no problem but it goes to show that they can ask you even if your obviously well over 21.