Park Tickets for a 3 year old

[The VWL Five]

Hi,

What would you do if your child just turned 3 just before your trip to Disney? Buy them a ticket or just say they are under 3? How far would you stretch it out? 4 onths too long? I don't see how they would know but I hate to be dishonest.

Thanks.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I haven't faced this yet, DD is still 2 years old. I have heard a number of accounts of people getting a park hopper for their 3 year old and then keeping it with them. Most of the time they just stolled the kid in, but had it just in case people asked. (didn't happen offten). Then when the next trip came and the child really couldn't pass for under 3 they already had a park hopper ticket all ready for them.


Personally I think I would try this, but do what ever feels right for you.

 

[tjmw2727]

Disney requires paid admission for children who are three years old. What have I done? - I purchased a ticket for my dd 3 ys and 2 months. Just because no one catches you or questions you dosen't make it ok, IMHO.

I know if a CM asked my dd how old she was (which they will occasionally do at the gate!) she would have definately told them she was three and been very proud of it.

TJ

 

[Disney Princess 6]

We went in March when my DS was 4. We did buy him a ticket and he used it on the first day. On the second day, he went with my in-laws and they walked through without presenting his ticket. No questions were asked. Afterwards, we didn't know what to do the rest of the week - if we should present the ticket or not, you know?

But in the end, we decided not to present it since, let's face it - the tickets are pricey and this way we could save his days for another time. We didn't make a big deal of explaining it to the CM or anything. We just walked in without acknowledging anything, so our son was never ready to spout his age. We didn't tell him not to, we just didn't say anything about it at all. I don't like being dishonest, but it seemed silly to use up the ticket when we didn't need to do so.

Just my thoughts...

 

[skiwee1]

The fact is that you did need to use the ticket. Just because you got away with something doesn't make it right! Yes, tickets are expensive. Hopefully one factors in those expenses when planning their WDW trip and makes provisions to PAY. When I took my 3 y/o she had her own AP. It cost over $300 but if the rules say she needs a ticket then she needs a ticket. Why on earth would any honest person even question that? Do the same people question price tags and then just put the item in their pocket? Is that okay as long as you don't get caught? Sneaking a child in, and yes it's sneaking, is not only being dishonest, it is stealing, plain and simple. If you can't afford the ticket then by all means, stay home until you can! WDW isn't a charity.

 

[The VWL Five]

I agree Disney Princess. My DD will just be over 3 and a 5 day hopper is around $183. We will be back to Disney MANY times so I won't feel bad if we stroll her in without the ticket this time. It's one of those 'what do i do' scenarios. I'm sure people go through this all the time without mentioning anything on the DIS boards, let's be honest.

Thanks!!!!!

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by The VWL Five
I agree Disney Princess. My DD will just be over 3 and a 5 day hopper is around $183. We will be back to Disney MANY times so I won't feel bad if we stroll her in without the ticket this time. It's one of those 'what do i do' scenarios. I'm sure people go through this all the time without mentioning anything on the DIS boards, let's be honest.

Thanks!!!!!

ROFL! I like your last line "lets be honest" Yes, lets be honest and buy that kid a ticket!

 

[The VWL Five]

....some people take this stuff too seriously.

 

[peg2001]

Better yet, plan a trip right BEFORE a child turns 3. The child is FREE without any moral quandaries. We did a cruise this way.

Peggy

 

[CEDmom]

I'd buy a ticket for my child. If I wanted to avoid this expense I'd go before the birthday.

 

[CEDmom]

Originally posted by The VWL Five
I agree Disney Princess. My DD will just be over 3 and a 5 day hopper is around $183. We will be back to Disney MANY times so I won't feel bad if we stroll her in without the ticket this time. It's one of those 'what do i do' scenarios. I'm sure people go through this all the time without mentioning anything on the DIS boards, let's be honest.

Thanks!!!!!

For heaven sakes, if you didn't want people to give you their opinions why did you ask the question in the first place? This issue has been addressed in the past and I think Disney's policy is pretty simple to understand - children 3 years and older need a ticket. By the way, I'm well aware of how much a child's ticket cost since I bought one for my 3 1/2 yo just last month.

 

[PattnFmly]

This is such a touchy issue. I can't talk about it with my girlfriend at all. I bought an AP for my 3 1/2 yo last year when we all went together but she passed her dd off as under 3 - and they are only 2 months apart in age! We've had to agree to disagree because we feel so differently about this issue!

 

[campingcorgi]

Just got back, and we bought an AP and 2 E tickets for a petite 3 year old. Why? Cause that's the rules.

Please, if you are going to lie--PRACTICE! We were behind a group with a very large (ahem!) 2 year old. When the dad was asked how old the child was, he stammered several times before he could say 2. My guess would be at least 4 for that kid!

Do what you want, but don't ask for the group's approval.

 

[tjmw2727]

Sorry.... to the op - you asked people what they have done and got responses. You mentioned in your op that you would hate to be dishonest. Then in a follow up post you praised those who admitted sneaking their children over three in to disney without paid admission as being honest?

TJ

 

[karen1]

My daughter will turn 3 10days before our trip in July, but I have older children. How would it look if I got caught lying about her age??? Not even an issue--I BOUGHT HER A TICKET!!!

 

[Selket]

Buy the ticket! That way you don't have to worry about it! Hey...you have a kid....you're already "in for a penny...." I would think most 3 yr old kids are old enough to know how old they are...and could overhear you if you have to lie to get them in free...which could have unintended consequences on several levels!

 

[MELSMICE]

In answer to your question of "what would you do". I would buy the ticket. Why take the chance. It's part of the expense of the trip. I am sure many people pass off a 3-yr. old as a 2-yr. old but that doesn't make it right.

Anyone with morals and a consciensce (sp?) would buy the ticket without thinking twice about it. JMO.

 

[wdwobsessed]

When my DS had just turned 3 we did not get him a ticket and were NEVER asked his age because he was so petite. I almost wish they would do the tickets by height. If you are not at least 40" tall you end up sitting out alot! Since I was with a large group my DS sat out 1/2 the rides since he wasn't big enough!!

I feel absolutely no guilt because every childs physical and emotional level is different. My son .. though just turned 3 was still very much a two year old in almost everyway.

Do what you feel ok with.

wdwo

 

[primax]

I really don't worry about someone buying a ticket or not for a three year old. Frankly - if they don't good for them. If they do then good for them.

ME? - Oh hell no I wouldn't buy a ticket for someone who just turned three.

 

[sarivers]

Hmmmmmm........

Five day park hopper: $183.
Doing the right thing: Priceless.