Ticket Question - Child Turning 3yo

[tjkraz]

Please help confirm if my memory is correct or not.

We are tentatively planning a trip for the week that our son turns 3 years old. I seem to recall reading posts that indicated that under these circumstances, a park ticket is not required for the entire duration of a trip begun before the 3rd birthday. Is that correct?

I realize that CMs will very likely not ask for proof of his age, but just don't want to be perceived as "beating the system" if the above is not official Disney policy. I want to pay my fair share, even if it costs me a couple hundred bucks.

Thanks.

 

[Melora]

We too are going the week DS turns 3.
We are taking 9 people with us (us, 2 grandparents, 3 teenagers, an 8 year old and the little guy). I am not buying him a ticket. He is small for his age so I don't think anyone will even question us. And after putting out as much money as we are (including 9 airline tickets from the west coast... toddlers MUST have their own seat on a 5 hour plane trip) I don't feel bad not paying for him. We will be buying him plenty of souveniers and food anway.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Melora
We too are going the week DS turns 3.
We are taking 9 people with us (us, 2 grandparents, 3 teenagers, an 8 year old and the little guy). I am not buying him a ticket. He is small for his age so I don't think anyone will even question us. And after putting out as much money as we are (including 9 airline tickets from the west coast... toddlers MUST have their own seat on a 5 hour plane trip) I don't feel bad not paying for him. We will be buying him plenty of souveniers and food anway.

Really, no one gives a fig how much you spent getting there ,or how much you spent on tickets. The fact that the child is under 3 when you get there is really all that matters. If he was over 3 would the fact that you spent all that money (big deal many people do it) make a difference? One expense does not outweight another.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by tjkraz
Please help confirm if my memory is correct or not.

We are tentatively planning a trip for the week that our son turns 3 years old. I seem to recall reading posts that indicated that under these circumstances, a park ticket is not required for the entire duration of a trip begun before the 3rd birthday. Is that correct?

I realize that CMs will very likely not ask for proof of his age, but just don't want to be perceived as "beating the system" if the above is not official Disney policy. I want to pay my fair share, even if it costs me a couple hundred bucks.

Thanks.

The fact that your little one turns 3 after you get there is like a free ticket to Disney. Have a great time, and don't worry.

 

[w8ting4pooh]

Gail is correct - if your child is 3 before you begin your vacation, no problem. If the kid is 3 when you arrive at Walt Disney World, he needs a ticket.

I don't understand how spending alot of money on a vacation equates to the size of your child. It's age not size that determines how much you pay for admission.

 

[peachgirl]

I don't feel bad not paying for him.

That's good, because you're not "getting away" with anything. You're not supposed to pay for him.

I realize that ruins all the fun, but I guess you'll just have to find another way to really cheat Disney.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by peachgirl
That's good, because you're not "getting away" with anything. You're not supposed to pay for him.

I realize that ruins all the fun, but I guess you'll just have to find another way to really cheat Disney.

Peachgirl,

LOL!!!

 

[Gabrielle]

Another thread going right down the toilet thanks to the rudeness of the DIS "vets".

 

[DrTomorrow]

I disagree. The "DIS Veterans" politely and correctly answered the OPs question. Any snark was directed (and appropriately so, in my opinion) at a poster of the "I'm paying so much already" variety.

I want to pay my fair share

Kudos to you, tjkraz.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

My daughter turned 3 on the last day we were in WDW in June of 2001. We were spending the day at the the MK and having lunch at Cinderella's Castle as her special birthday treat. I was unsure about whether or not I needed to buy her a ticket until the moment we were to go through the turnstyle. She was officially 3 and three year olds are suppose to have a ticket. I bought her the ticket (one day, one park) and went about the day without worrying if I had done the right thing. Buying the ticket was the right thing for us. Besides...those few dollars aren't going to make that big of a difference considering the total cost of the trip to begin with.

 

[Geoff_M]

Graywife,

I certainly understand your feelings, but Disney's policy is that the age status of a guest is determined at the beginning of the visit and remains the same throughout your stay.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by GRAYWIFE
My daughter turned 3 on the last day we were in WDW in June of 2001. We were spending the day at the the MK and having lunch at Cinderella's Castle as her special birthday treat. I was unsure about whether or not I needed to buy her a ticket until the moment we were to go through the turnstyle. She was officially 3 and three year olds are suppose to have a ticket. I bought her the ticket (one day, one park) and went about the day without worrying if I had done the right thing. Buying the ticket was the right thing for us. Besides...those few dollars aren't going to make that big of a difference considering the total cost of the trip to begin with.

This was the one time that Disney does not require a ticket.
If they are not yet three at the beginning of the trip, you don't need a ticket if they have a birthday during the trip.

But, I sure do commend your honesty, wish there were more in the world like you.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Gabrielle
Another thread going right down the toilet thanks to the rudeness of the DIS "vets".

I don't believe anyone was being rude.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

I really get confused with all of the official Disney Policies and just thought it was the right thing to do. Where do we get the info on Disney Policy...is there a place we can get this information? Or is it just things that we learn the more time we spend at WDW?

 

[snuggles]

Once again...I'm posting a warning. Please keep your comments to yourself if you can't be nice when you post. Thank you.

 

[sha_lyn]

Where do we get the info on Disney Policy...is there a place we can get this information?

Much of the info is on the WDW site. I tried finding the policy reguarding turning 3 during the trip but haven't found it yet. I know that many here have e mailed WDW and received the same info.... If they child turns 3 during a trip they will not need a ticket.

 

[peachgirl]

Originally posted by GRAYWIFE
I really get confused with all of the official Disney Policies and just thought it was the right thing to do. Where do we get the info on Disney Policy...is there a place we can get this information? Or is it just things that we learn the more time we spend at WDW?

I believe the information regarding who has to purchase tickets is posted on the Disney website. They also have a place there where you can email guest services and ask questions.


You can ask questions here, but you're likely to get a lot of different answers/opinions. If it's something that's really important, I always double check with WDW either by phone or email. On this particular question there's no disagreement. Under 3 before you arrive and they're free.

It is refreshing to see someone with your honesty and integrity. It's rare quality these days.

 

[peachgirl]

I tried finding the policy reguarding turning 3 during the trip but haven't found it yet.

I couldn't find that particular detail either. I believe they handle the change of age question just like they do a lot of other things. For example, whatever rate is in effect the day you check in is the rate you pay for the entire trip.

Basically, whatever your status is on check-in day, that's the status you have for the entire trip.

I can see where GRAYWIFE'S situation might be confusing. If she was only buying a one day ticket and the child turned 3 that day, would she be required to purchase a ticket?

I was only thinking about purchasing multi-day passes in my answer. I know that she wouldn't have to with a multi-day/park pass.