looks older than 9

[queenmama]

My daughter will be 9 on our next visit to WDW, but turn 10 later in the Spring. She is very mature for her age and looks more like a 12/13 year old. Will we have a problem at the gate using her child ticket? Do we have to 'prove' she is only nine?

 

[PatricenPete]

I would recommend bringing her birth certificate. I read on an airline website once that if your child looks older than they are that you should bring their birth ceritificate with you for proof of age (this was a section about lap children).

 

[meandtheguys2]

The CM's didn't blink an eye re. my DS9 last year who was 5'6". Of course, that could be because he acts like a nine year old...! I don't know, I kindof see the airline thing differently.

 

[kupperman]

I would definately bring a copy of her birth certificate just in case. Better safe than sorry.

 

[paigevz]

Most 9 year old girls, now look about like I did at 12/13.......so they all look like "big 9s" to me! You can always tell, though, by how they walk.........watch her sometime, they still walk like little ones! My son was 9 this trip, and really looks 9.......but still that was so close to the age, and having a big 2 year old who EVERYONE thinks is 3, I thought I might be pushing it, so I brought both their birth certificates, just in case. No one ever asked for them, though..........I didn't take them to the parks, I told dh I would leave them in the in-room safe and IF we had a problem, I would retrieve them..........that never happened. I have a 9 year old in my second grade class (Sept. bdate and repeated) and she just told me she's getting braces next week! I did not know they did that so early..........she does look at least 11.

 

[queenmama]

Thanks for the heads up about the birth certificate-it might be wise to have a copy of it 'just to be sure'. I just don't want a fuss made about my daughter and her age when we go into the parks because she is already self-conscious about 'developing' and would be so embarressed. We don't need the day to start in tears! I was thinking of making her a t-shirt that says 'Yes, I am only 9 years old!', but she wouldn't wear it! lol

 

[meandtheguys2]

Nice plan! My son wouldn't have thought twice... boys are def. birds of a different feather!

 

[sha_lyn]

I would recommend bringing her birth certificate. I read on an airline website once that if your child looks older than they are that you should bring their birth ceritificate with you for proof of age (this was a section about lap children).

I thought the airlines required a birth certificate for all children now.

 

[queenmama]

I just checked with Southwest Airline, the airline we're using, and was told children under 18 are not required to show government-issued photo I.D. OR any form of I.D. at all. It is recommended that I have some sort of ID for them with us 'just in case'.....didn't want to think about the 'just in case'!!

 

[Traveliz]

Disney will not ask for a birth certificate period so there is no reason bringing it for them...they will take your word.

My daughter is 17 and the airlines do not ask to see her ID at all - they just say..."under 18...you don't need one."

Liz

 

[lsteadman]

I was worried about this too! My DD is 9 years old but is very tall for her age (father 6'9'). Thanks for all who replied!

 

[impsmom]

Thanks for the info. I was just coming to ask if I needed to bring my son's birth certificate when I saw this thread. He'll be a month shy of 3 when we visit in June but is already often mistaken for 3.

 

[JoyMouse]

My oldest DD is now 16, she has always looked older than she really is, we've been pretty much yearly and have never been questioned. I think you'll be fine. Have fun!

 

[mickeymousefan]

I had a problem on our past trip when we went to buffets. My 2 year old eats more than my 4 year old and at 3 different buffets, we were charged for the 2 year old. At each restaurant I explained to the waiter that my 2 year old was really only 2 and that we should not have to pay for her. Even though they took off the charge, I got some questionable looks. I think if you want to avoid potential embarassment bring along a copy of the birth certificate just to be on the safe side.