Tickets for a just 3 year old

[BethR]

Please everyone, step back from your keyboard and read what you are typing before you hit "Submit This Reply."

I am seeing some posts that are sounding very mean-spirited, and there is no need for that.

Please let's keep this a friendly discussion so the thread does not have to be closed...

Thank you!

 

[madge]

Originally posted by LKS
We handled this issue by planning a trip in the weeks before whichever or our children was the youngest turned 3, so that they were free. It was a perfect strategy and I recommend it to all of my friends. Personally, I'm in the camp that couldn't take them in without a ticket once they turned 3, so that was not an option for me. My kids had a great time - riding many rides, enjoying characters etc.. at 2 years 11 months.

our APs expire on September 30 for a reason, LOL...our youngest turns 3 on Oct 1

our next trip next year will be a killer--our youngest will be 3 and our middle DS will be 10.

I know the expense and plan accordingly, though.

FWIW, Disney doesn't penalize if you turn 3 after the trip has started. That's what we were told. If she's 2 at the beginning, then she won't need a pass.

 

[ironwood58]

Wow! This is the first time I have posted here but I have been reading for about a month. I hope all first timers are not treated the way bouncytigger was. It is definately clear this is a touchy subject but give me a break. Not very nice at all.

 

[famfab5]

I was interested in this post too considering my son turns three the weekend after we leave from Disney which is how we planned it...and I too was taken aback by some of the overly harsh responses... Giving an opinion is one thing but jeesh! I had to laugh when the post was ended with "have a disney day!"

Actually, I "sold" our upcoming vacation to my dh by showing him how cost effective it would be to go on our first Disney vacation before our youngest turns three and our oldest turns 10...he saw the light! It turned out to be a great deal because we were able to book the Visa Kid's stay free package which made my dh very, very happy...


E.

 

[beattyfamily]

Well, I'm sorry if telling it like it is is harsh. I'm just stating facts on Disney's policy and how it's lying and stealing if you choose to 'sneak' your child in free and how it doesn't set a very good example to our children.

My first reply was to the OP and I was just giving her an answer. Nothing harsh or mean spirited IMHO.

Then when someone else posted how "cheating is a harsh word" and then went on to give all her 'excuses' for why she 'chose' not pay to for her 3 year old, I blew a fuse. We can all come up with excuses and reasons why a rule, policy or law shouldn't apply to us but it still doesn't make it right.

My harsher, more detailed responses were toward that post and all the 'excuses'.

Sorry if the truth offends but I really don't think I've done anything wrong but tell it like it is. If that bothers you so much than maybe you should think twice about cheating Disney. I certainly don't think I'm being 'mean spirited' and I'm not attacking an one person with any personal attacks.

I know it's natural, though, to attack the messenger when you don't like hearing what they have to say. Especially when deep down you know it's true.

I won't post anymore as it's just a waste of my time, unless, of course, I'm directly quoted or accused of something again, then I may.

 

[undertheradar]

There is no moral question involved here. Children are proud to grow older and tell the truth to anyone who asks. Is it worth embarassment when a small lie is exposed? The Disney Corp. doesn't force you to visit the parks, that is a choice that each person makes. The parks have a policy that requires a ticket for anyone over age 2. This is park policy and to knowingly abuse it is theft. The ages for tickets are clearly marked at the park entrances and entry without a ticket is grounds for removal from the park. Do I think that removal of a 3y.o. is public friendly, NO. You have a choice of where you spend your money and you are aware of the admission policy. You must decide what is right and that is how we should leave the issue.

Good luck on your vacation and welcome to the boards.

 

[kfeuer]

It's funny, DH and I were just talking about this because we have a trip planned for this fall and we have a 3-year old. Anyway, DH was telling me that when he was growing up his parents made him lie about his age to get the cheaper prices when he got too old for children's tickets. DH was always mortified about it. Definitely not my in-laws shining parenting moment.

I wonder how much money Disney is losing each year because they don't enforce this rule?

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I just think this whole thread has turned nasty.

I am so sorry that new people are being done this way.If i were new and had asked a question and had been talked to like the OP has, I would not be back.Pretty Sad.
Misty

 

[BethR]

Originally posted by ironwood58
I hope all first timers are not treated the way bouncytigger was.

Fortunately, ironwood, the vast majority of first time posters are not treated poorly. Unfortunately, bouncytigger first post was a question which is one of the "hot buttons topics" on the DIS, right up there with pool hopping, five in a room, reusing refillable mugs, and taking your children out of school for a WDW vacation.

It is unfortunate that Disney enforces its rules so fuzzily. Why wouldn't someone at least ASK about these things when they are aware that employees of Disney itself question people when they ARE doing the RIGHT thing?

Isn't it like going 59 MPH in a 55 MPH zone? Many people do it because they know police look the other way for those 4 MPH. Everyone tells you that you will not risk a ticket if you stay under 60 MPH - and they are probably right. But is it the RIGHT thing to do? Of course not. That is breaking the law. But it doesn't make someone a bad person for asking if they will get a ticket if they drive 59 MPH in a 55 MPH zone.

I don't know if I am analogizing this very well and it seems that I have turned a "Welcome" into a lecture.

So WELCOME to the DIS ironwood! I hope that you enjoy planning your WDW vacation here. And unfortunately, my best suggestion to you is to just avoid threads like this. They tend to just end up with many people getting upset.

 

[skiwee1]

Originally posted by ann0511
Thank-you..thank-you...thank-you...I feel honored to have received the clarity on my moral responsibility as defined by the disney boards. I don't know how I have lived with myself until now. All I know is that when it comes to how we live our lives and the choices we have to make I can truly say that I am not superior enough a being to judge others. But as I can see...the Disney board is different. As far as I stand...I am happy to have responded for all those other disgusting individuals like myself who would dare subject a child to the Disney experience without a ticket. This would not be such a hot topic if there were not lots of people who do it. While we are at it...lets make sure we do not use any discount codes that did not arrive in our mail boxes with our name on it...and make sure if you buy a refillable mug you are the only one to drink from it. Disney does not expect that you will be sharing a mug with another person and still get free refills. All in all life is too short to be so wrapped up in what everyone else is doing...get a grip!

Actually Ann I do buy a new mug each trip, taking 2 trips a year add up, and I do not share them with anyone. I also only use codes that come in my mailbox, it is set up that way anyway, or I use a public code or ap rate. I also think it is stealing to bring in a 3 y/o and lie about it. I bought my 3 y/o and AP when she could have easily snuck in without so much as a question about her age. I also spend lots of money at WDW each trip yet still do not feel the need to cheat them out of another few bucks.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Originally posted by skiwee1
Actually Ann I do buy a new mug each trip, taking 2 trips a year add up, and I do not share them with anyone. I also only use codes that come in my mailbox, it is set up that way anyway, or I use a public code or ap rate. I also think it is stealing to bring in a 3 y/o and lie about it. I bought my 3 y/o and AP when she could have easily snuck in without so much as a question about her age. I also spend lots of money at WDW each trip yet still do not feel the need to cheat them out of another few bucks.

Good point, skiwee1. Your position is clear.

 

[jaross]

I think this thread should be closed. It obviously is not going to end or come to any conclusion.


I'm sorry for anyone new to the boards.

Chris

 

[BethR]

Originally posted by jaross
I think this thread should be closed. It obviously is not going to end or come to any conclusion.


I'm sorry for anyone new to the boards.

Chris

I'm not saying that it won't happen, but we try REALLY hard not to close threads, Chris. We try to make sure that posters stay on track, carry on a friendly discussion and follow the Guidelines for Posting.
I am hoping that we won't have to close this thread...

 

[sarivers]

You know, judgement has gotten a really bad rap. We judge each other every day, judge political candidates before we vote, judge the disheveled stranger loitering on the corner before we cross the street to avoid him/her. It's the basis of our legal system. Judgement USED to be what regulated day-to-day behavior. "For heaven's sake, put on clean underwear in case you're in an accident," our mother's told us. She didn't care if the underwear was clean for the sake of hygiene, she was terrified the doctors and nurses in the ER would judge us for being lazy, sloppy, dirty, etc., and therefore, her for being a bad parent.

Yes, we are each free to choose to adhere to Disney's policy or not. But, we are also each free to judge those who choose not to do so. Shrug. If being judged by others as one who cheats or steals or sets a poor example for your children doesn't bother you, I guess your behavior will exemplify that.

I just chuckle when I hear folks say, "Don't be so judgemental," or "You have no right to judge unless you've been there." Judgement is a valuable tool in our society. It keeps us from doing things we know are wrong, but for which we are reasonably sure we will never get caught or suffer consequences.

 

[DMRick]

The parks have a policy that requires a ticket for anyone over age 2.

And actually, in spite of what someone wrote about a chld turning three DURING the visit, and do you then go and pay Disney more. The answer is no. Disney "forgives" a child for turning three in the middle of a visit. Just as they forgive that same child, if you buy the 3 year old a ticket, and then don't return until they are 13. As long as they used the ticket once, at this time, Disney lets you upgrade to an adult ticket at no extra charge. So buy a ticket with lots of days, and plan a return ticket whent he child is into the adult fee..you'll actually save money, if Disney still does that! I think that is very generous of Disney..especially when we had two grands "outage" their tickets last trip. I was trying to upgrade them to adults, and was told I didn't have to, Disney doesn't punish a ticket buying child for growing up..they just handed us over the equal amount of days left on the child's ticket to an adult ticket!

 

[disney4us2002]

A technical note to the OP, any other offended poster, and all others who are unaware or new to the disboards, you will find there are some posters who are very verbal/active and opinionated. It happens everywhere. If you find yourself frustrated by specific posters, please familiarize yourself with the 'ignore list'. You can put a poster on your ignore list in your "User CP" at the top of the page and then any post you read with a reply from anyone on that list will not appear. You will see a message like "This poster is on your ignore list" and a blank message box.

As for the subject of this post, I'm thinking it has all been covered, lol!!

 

[wdwdvcdad]

"Fortunately, ironwood, the vast majority of first time posters are not treated poorly."

There are only certain people who like to pontificate on how terrible you are and how righteous they are. Everyone that has been on these board awhile knows who they are. Their act grows old and rather funny after awhile. They become a caricature of goodness & virtue gone awry. Enjoy them. Once you see how they act, it makes you appreciate how nice it is to be around normal people. I just don't know what we would do without these moral compasses for the masses.

 

[undertheradar]

Bottom line - treat others as you wish to be treated yourself. Disney has a set policy and you are on your honor to respect it. The boards are full of preachers and you must pick your parish. I err on the side of virtue and cannot picture teaching my 3 children any other way. Buy the ticket and enjoy your vacation.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by luvindisneyworld
Please remember that bouncytigger is new and we dont like to run people off before thay even get started here.The question could have been answered in a nice way instead of being so harsh.Please remember that we dont have to be rude to get our point across.
bouncytigger, I am sorry that you asked a question that stirs up so much stink around here.Please stick around.Forgot to say Welcome to the Dis
Misty

Bouncytigger: Please also remember that sometimes responses are to what others have posted and not to the the person who asked the question. You had no idea it was a hot topic.

I do agree though, it's very simple. The rules are tickets are required for 3 year olds. It does not say, tickets are required for 3 year olds that will enjoy all attractions.

As to whether you want to follow the rules that is your choice, now you know the rule.

Personally I don't see any difference in buying a ticket for a 3 year old than a 4 year old.

 

[disneychick05]

Our DS will turn 3 during our Oct. trip. I am definitely happy about the policy that he doesn't need a ticket. I did make reservations at the Hoop Dee Doo for his b-day dinner. I did pay the 3 year old price since that day is his b-day. It is a little frustrating that I have to pay the $26.00 knowing that he won't eat $26.00 worth of food. On the other hand it is also a show. It really is frustating knowing that we could go to Hoop Dee Doo the night before his b-day and he would be free. But since we want to go on his b-day I will have to follow the policy and pay. Personally I couldn't hide the fact that my son is 3 but I am pretending he is 2 so he will be free. He is way too smart for that anyway...he' loves to talk to people and tell them his age. How embarrasing would it be for a CM to ask him his age and he would say 3 but have no ticket. I do not judge anyone however for not buying a 3 year old a ticket...I just personally could not do it...I would feel too uncomforatble with that... but that's just me.