Little white Lie???

[retired and happy]

We have 3 children, all in wheel chairs. We have to buy adult tickets for all of them even though they are able to
enjoy only 2 or 3 rides and those are the ones that can
accomodate a wheel chair. When we buy tickets for the backyard barbecue, we have to buy 5 adult tickets....yet two of ours can NOT eat the food. They are fed through tubes. But they say we are paying for the entertainment, which we are. It is expensive, but we try and do the right thing even though our children would never know if we lied or not. We WOULD know.

You all might find this interesting. When we went to Ghost Town in the Sky in Maggie Valley a few weeks ago,
our three wheel chair bound children were given free admission. When we took them to Santa Land in Maggie Valley....same thing. They also asked if we had others in the group who were disabled but not in wheel chairs. We did not.

It was wonderful having two entertainment venues showing love and compassion for these children. God Bless them all.

Hope all of you are having a great day.


Judy and the Angels

 

[duffy]

Actually, lying about a child's age to get a service for free when you are supposed to pay is called FRAUD. The CMs will ask the child his/her age, and there have been posts on this forum about people being escorted over to the ticket booth in order to pay for their child's entry to the park.

Seriously? People were escorted over to pay for their child's entry? I would think that Disney employees would have had to PROVE that the kids were over the age of 2 to force this to happen. If so, then I'd think that Disney would REQUIRE proof of age for all kids of all ages.

If I say my kid is 2, or 9, or 17, and an employee challenges me, I'd ask him or her to prove that she isn't that age. I don't have to prove that my child is any age, unless it's for the birthday promotion they're running now.

 

[rt2dz]

I know, right? Believe, I'm trying like mad to squeeze in one more trip before DD turns 10. My mother always described me as her "painfully honest child". I just can't lie about their ages, not for something as optional as a trip to Disney.

I can relate. I told DH today that we're skipping WDW in 2010; maybe we'll go to Disneyland that year. But I'm having baby #4 in the beginning of the year, so that is a no-go. I won't go during the summer because it's just too damn hot in FL. So we could only go in the fall. BUT, if we wait until the beginning of the next year, we can go a day or two before DS#1 turns 10. Buy the child's AP for him, then upgrade to the adult AP at no cost when he does turn 10 and take him on the next trip the next year as a child.

I also planned 2007 trip for a couple of weeks after DS#3 turned two. Knowing we'd have to be back before our APs expired. I ended up with two trips in 2008 all before he turned 3 (turned 3 the day after we left).

I'll manipulate the system. I'll plan smartly. But I don't cheat. I don't want to have to start paying at age TWO! Our movie theater had so many people cheating, they charge at 12 months, even if baby is sleeping (which is the only way I took my kids at that age--during their nap time). They used to charge at age 3.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I HATE lying

OP, I think you have your answer right here. You are feeling attacked by people's opinions here because you know what the right thing to do is, but you are feeling pressure from family members to do otherwise.

 

[princessmom29]

Seriously? People were escorted over to pay for their child's entry? I would think that Disney employees would have had to PROVE that the kids were over the age of 2 to force this to happen. If so, then I'd think that Disney would REQUIRE proof of age for all kids of all ages.

If I say my kid is 2, or 9, or 17, and an employee challenges me, I'd ask him or her to prove that she isn't that age. I don't have to prove that my child is any age, unless it's for the birthday promotion they're running now.

I think that requiring proof of age would be a great idea. I think it would cut down on a lot of "cheating the system" if you have to show proof a child is under 10 to buy a child's ticket or to get a child under 3 into the parks. You have to show proof of age for a child to play sports now matter how old they look or what age a parent says they are. I realize that that particular rule is in place for safety reasons, but I think a system like that would make it harder to cheat and eliminate the need for CM's to question children as to their age.

 

[DISNEYNV]

If they just turned 3 I would not worry about saying they were two, but if they are clearly three going on four it is not fair to say they are younger then their actual age!!! We are planning a trip for next October when my DS will be turning three halfway through the trip. They consider him two for the whole trip and we do not pay halfway for a three year old.

I do not think they ask for proof of age at check in or at the parks, but if you feel guilty enough about it just buy your child a ticket. Vacations with kids can be stressful enough, you dont need guilt to play a part in ruining your fun!

 

[DaParkers]

boy am I ever sorry I even posted this question. Some of you have very strong and even harsh opinions... No, I do not work in a bank, I used to, but was actually let go for "profitability reasons"(thier words not mine) ie they could pay my assistant(whom I trained, and groomed from a teller ) less to do my job, and due to that am just trying to save a bit of money on a trip that I have already postponed twice due to financial difficulties and my (almost ) 3 year olds congenital heart defect. Yes, I realize that wrong is wrong and lying is lying but really. GLASS HOUSES PEOPLE...
again, I am sorry to have offended anyone, now that I feel thoroughly attacked...

Are you surprised? You should have known by now that 90% of the people on the Dis don't lie. They always tell the truth no matter what. Now that is a lie. But, seriously, I actually agree with those that say not to do it. Even with small things, you have to get into the habit of telling the truth, no matter what. You are an example to your child. But, I have no right to judge you if you do lie. WE ALL do wrong in some capacity. We all are not willing to admit it though.

 

[starstruck93]

boy am I ever sorry I even posted this question. Some of you have very strong and even harsh opinions... No, I do not work in a bank, I used to, but was actually let go for "profitability reasons"(thier words not mine) ie they could pay my assistant(whom I trained, and groomed from a teller ) less to do my job, and due to that am just trying to save a bit of money on a trip that I have already postponed twice due to financial difficulties and my (almost ) 3 year olds congenital heart defect. Yes, I realize that wrong is wrong and lying is lying but really. GLASS HOUSES PEOPLE...
again, I am sorry to have offended anyone, now that I feel thoroughly attacked...

I am so sorry you feel this way. I'm new to this board and I noticed how judgmental people can be when I saw the "refillable mug" threads. Those are truly insane! I just cannot understnad why people get so upset over that. I don't know... I've always noticed that the people that pretend to be morally superior, usually have something to hide. The BTK killer was a Deacon in his church and was'nt Billy Graham caught in a car with a prostitute? Do not worry about what other people think. I'm not here to judge you! Hugs! April

 

[Tinkerbella001]

I am so sorry you feel this way. I'm new to this board and I noticed how judgmental people can be when I saw the "refillable mug" threads. Those are truly insane! I just cannot understnad why people get so upset over that. I don't know... I've always noticed that the people that pretend to be morally superior, usually have something to hide. The BTK killer was a Deacon in his church and was'nt Billy Graham caught in a car with a prostitute? Do not worry about what other people think. I'm not here to judge you! Hugs! April

Amen! This is exactly why I quit going to church. Going to church every Sunday and sitting in the pew DOES NOT make a person a Christian. It's how they live their lives on a day-to-day basis and their personal relationship with God. I was fed up with those who thought they were "morally superior" as you put it, showed up every Sunday like "good Christians" and then were total jerks the rest of the week. We are NOT to judge anyone...that is up to HIM!

 

[agravette]

Wow, this has gotten kind of ugly. I am a Christian, and I love everyone and I try my best not to judge anybody because we all do wrong every single day. I go to church, matter of fact my husband is the pastor. We help people financially, in any way we possibly can, pay their utility bills, take them places, whatever we can do to show the love of Jesus to whoever needs it. So, let's just try to be peaceful, share our opinions, and not say or type things that we can't take back. God bless you all! BTW, I don't think it was Billy Graham. I'll have to google that one. He is really an awesome man.

 

[turkeymama]

Wow, this has gotten kind of ugly. I am a Christian, and I love everyone and I try my best not to judge anybody because we all do wrong every single day. I go to church, matter of fact my husband is the pastor. We help people financially, in any way we possibly can, pay their utility bills, take them places, whatever we can do to show the love of Jesus to whoever needs it. So, let's just try to be peaceful, share our opinions, and not say or type things that we can't take back. God bless you all! BTW, I don't think it was Billy Graham. I'll have to google that one. He is really an awesome man.

You are right, it wasn't Billy Graham.

 

[starstruck93]

You are right, it wasn't Billy Graham.

Sorry, I stand corrected... it was Jimmy Swaggart. My grandmother loved both of them.. Bless her heart.. she passed away before that fiasco.

 

[WantToGoNow]

Disney said that children pay once they turn 3 years old - if your child is 3 years old, the right thing to do is pay the admission. We went right before my child turned 3 (3 weeks) so she did not have the dining plan. She ate more than my ds(who was 5.5). It was quite a site divying up all of our meals so that she would have enough to eat. That extra $10 a day sure would have made our lives easier. If you've never been to WDW, you might not realize that your child will do many, many rides and shows - Disney isn't about thrill rides, although there are a few, it's about family rides. And if your child rides only 1 ride or sees only 1 show, why would you think it is ok to not pay for that. If you don't want to pay for your child, move your trip before the birthday.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Disney's policy is based on age, not on height, appetite, or willingness to ride the thrill rides. My six year old probably eats less than your three year old, but that is not how Disney charges. My DH is afraid of heights - he doesn't get a price break because he doesn't like ToT.

Disney's policy is that a child who is three at the start of a trip requires a ticket. A child who is ten at the start of a trip requires an adult ticket and must pay the adult price at buffets and character meals, even is he/she weighs 60 pounds and doesn't eat much.

Lying about a child's age to get in free is defrauding Disney of the revenue that they are entitled as the maker of the rules and the owner of the parks. It is not a religious discussion, and people who advocate following the rules don't necessarily feel morally superior.

It is not the policy of the DIS to encourage ways to get around Disney's policies. Disney's policy on this matter is clearly stated.

 

[bratmomma]

We are going to WDW approximately 6 weeks after my DD turns 3 and it never even occurred to me to lie and say she was two. I just thought *darn my luck to go this year instead of last*.

I hope your conscience guides you to do the right thing...

 

[longstangetrip]

I was so "mad" that I had tickets for my three year olds! They were let through the handicapped entrance in their stollers, and I never got a chance to even scan their tickets at least half of our week at Disney! Yeah, cm's might have asked their ages, and they said "22" or didn't answer, or even said "3." But it was NEVER the cm at the turnstile, they are too busy. Yes, I really did feel better than I would have telling a white lie. It would have caused stress to me.

I finally have had an opportunity to ask a former cm what they are told about this age verification issue. She said if your kid is in a stroller and hasn't lost teeth, you aren't going to be questioned. Even if you are questioned, they can not and will not force you to prove the child's age, it's not their policy. Nine year olds are even harder, as they truly come in lots of size and levels of physical maturity. Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

 

[Lady V]

When in doubt....dont.

 

[luvsJack]

Op, when does your child turn 3? I mean are we talking days here or months?

And to everyone else, exactly what is wdw's policy? If the child turns 3 while on the trip aren't they considered "2" or free for the entire trip? I thought that was what I understood. Like I said, I have awhile to worry about it; but just curious.

I understand why everyone is saying don't do it; but I also understand why someone would want to lie. Especially since there is not much difference in a 2 year old that turns 3 in a month and a 3 year old that turned 3 a month ago, kwim?


When my brother was 7, my family went on a short train trip. At that time a child was considered 6 and under, so Mom and Dad told the ticket person that db was only 6. When the man came around to get the tickets, he struck up a conversation with my brother and said "well, big boy how old are you?" My brother answered very proudly, "well, yesterday I was 7 but today I am 6" The man laughed so hard he had to stop for moment and sit with db! DB was able to ride on a child's ticket.

 

[cuucuu4karaoke]

quite the tennis match i see!

I would have problems because of my son's height. My DS is very tall for his age. I used to carry a certified copy of his birth certificate with me in case it was questioned. He's now 6 yrs old and 4'2" only a foot shorter than me!

 

[thewebbs5]

We are planning a trip in October with extended family. My SIL booked saying my neice is 2 when she is really 3, and suggested I do the same. My son will be three just before we go.. I HATE lying, but he will only eat very few things like chicken fingers or fries or fresh fruit, and doesn't care for rides too much yet either, so i kinda feel like paying all that money for him is a waste... do the resorts require proof of age???

Here is my experience...I had a trip planned this month and my 9 year old would have been turning 10 during the trip. I had to reschedule for about a month after his 10th birthday. I told the CM that I need to change my son's ticket because he would be turning 10 before the trip. He said, don't worry about it, no one will ask his age. so honestly, if it's such a big deal to tell the white lie, why would the CM say this?