possible to *fudge* on ds's age for NeverLand Club?

[zagafi]

We're planning a trip for July 2002 and ds will be 2 months shy of 4 years old (and is big for his age anyway). I think he would love the Neverland Club and it would give dh and I a chance to do E-night.

This may sound dumb, but do you have to "prove" a child's age, or will they take your word on it within reason? Obviously, trying to pass off a 2 year old wouldn't work, but since ds will be so close, will it be ok?

 

[Dolizza]

If you are staying in the Hotel where the club is I'm sure you won't be asked any questions. We did the same thing. They told us as long as they are potty trained it's not a big deal

 

[welovedis]

I do not know whether or not they will ask, doubt they would want proof of age...but you never know.

IMO I would not risk the embarassment & would just go with an in-room sitter like we did for last trip when DS was 3 3/4. Nothing against you personally--just not something I would feel comfortable doing.

 

[zagafi]

There is no earthly way I'll leave my son alone in a room with a complete stranger. I'd rather tell a harmless fib about him being 2 months older than he is than risk his safety.

 

[welovedis]

Sorry if my suggestion offended you.

Luckily for me we were given the names of 3 people who our friends/family had used in the past for sitting purposes thru one particular service. Since we had prior knowledge of their experience we did not feel that this was a problem at all. Please don't assume that by using these services you are putting your child in danger or endangering their safety. If that were the case these companies would not be in business & many safety-concious, caring parents on these boards (like myself) would not recommend them.

Like I said, just my opinion and no offense to you.

Going back to your original question, they probably would not ask you for proof I have not heard of them doing this but I guess, like anything, there is no guarantee.

 

[zagafi]

It's merely that *I* would not feel comfortable leaving my child alone in the room with a total stranger. I realize these people are licensed, bonded, and have references, but this is simply not something I could feel good about. I'm a teacher and dh is a cop and we've both seen freaky things happen in what appear to be benign situations.

 

[zagafi]

I don't for one second think you're a less safety conscious parent than I...like I said, I've just seen too much in my line of work as well as dh's to be able to feel comfortable with an in-room situation. If I knew someone personally as you do who had used the service, I'd probably feel very different.

 

[welovedis]

I agree that some of these things I hear in my work make my head spin & my stomach hurt, that's for sure. We were very lucky to have been provided with such great information before we went & chose an individual based on personal references-we told the company to send either a, b, or c, and not to bother if they were not available.

The other reason I said I would be embarrassed is because DS would be the type to blurt out, "I'm not 4, I'm 3 1/2, etc....."

BTW--My friend just IMd me, as I asked about her experience @ the Neverland Club. Her DD is 4 & very small for her age-looks about 3 or so--they did not ask her for proof, but instead asked the DD how old she was. Her DD said they asked her 2 times after her parents left too. Just more info for ya!

 

[CindyAnn]

Here's a link to a thread where Dizmomof2 had to go back to her room to bring proof of age.

 

[dandelion]

My dd had *just* (days earlier) turned 4 last year when we took her to Camp Dolphin. They did question us, and her separately. Didn't ask for proof, but if dd hadn't been so proud of her four-ness and had goofed and said 3 1/2, I don't think they would have let her in. They said they'd had "trouble" with younger kids being brought in lately. Sorry.

 

[zagafi]

it looks like the requirement for the child to be 4 is a licensing issue, in which case I won't fudge at all. I was assuming it was a Disney guideline, and not law. Oh well, there's always next time!

 

[WDW2002]

Here is a question, what proof of age does one even bring on vacation for a toddler or for any child for that matter. The only proff of age I have for either of my kids is a birth certificate and I certainly don't bring that along on vacation.

But as someone else has said it could be a matter of licensing. Certain "rules" apply to the number of staff to child ratios for certain age groups.

I personally would not think twice of doing this. But then I am also one of those who "cheated" Disney and took my 3yr2mn old and didn't pay for her (OMG!)

 

[skeezixspud]

We all have passports, and a photocopy of the ID pages from them goes with us whenever we travel, even in the US. There are a fair number of reasons one might have to ID a child when travelling, so it is a good idea to always carry a photocopy of their proof of age, along with your medical insurance ID's. You can even make a small copy and laminate it.

 

[TraciMcRee]

Only if you want to teach your child to lie!

 

[LKS]

Disney probably doesn't staff to the ratio required for kids under 4 in Florida. I know for infants the ratio is 4:1 and it goes up each year until 4, where I believe it stays after that. I don't remember what it is. But, if they were subjected to a spot inspection and had too many kids, they could get in trouble. If they wanted to, they could develop centers for 2 and 3 year olds with higher staffing and higher prices. Not sure there would be enough demand for that. I'm sure they have looked into it.

I am always a rule follower and wouldn't even try it. Thank goodness my youngest has finally turned 4 and become completely reliable (being potty trained at 2 was not an issue for him!) I know it's very frustrating when your child is just short of a cut off. Your trip is so far off - could you push it back 2 more months so that you could use the Neverland Club? Plus it would be cooler and less crowded. Just a thought.

 

[LMHB]

How talkative and "nosey" is your son? I KNOW that my son (3 1/2 now) would insist, "But Mommy I won't be four until xx/xx/xx!!!)

A child of that age is often very aware of their personal info, and if you did try to persuade him to fib, that might be very confusing. It depends on how likely you think it is that he will blow the whistle!! Good luck, though!

 

[Linda]

A reminder to please follow the DIS boards posting guidelines. We all have different opinions when it comes to child rearing so if you see something you disagree with please keep you response polite or don’t respond at all. If this thread continues to go down hill I will be forced to lock or delete it.

thanks

 

[catwho]

Disney Resorts can help you with in-room childcare. They know reputable companies. When you leave your child at the Neverland Club you are leaving them with total strangers as well. You can always call back to your room to check on your child if you have any concerns.

There are reasons (mostly liability) why child care centers have age restrictions. Florida Law states that there have to be so many adults per child at certain ages. 4 yo is one of the big breaking points. I believe (IMSMC) that ages 2 and 3 have to have one adult for every 6 children and ages 4-6 have to have one adult for every 15 children. When you are talking terms of employee dollars, that is alot of difference. Plus most 4 yo are better able to handle a few hours away from mom and dad with less supervision more so than 3 yo. Not that your child probably couldn't handle it, but Disney is probably looking at generalities.

I'd either skip e-nights, hire in-room help, or take Jr. with you.

We are lucking out this year and taking grandma and grandpa! Woo Hoo!!!