Tickets for a just 3 year old

[madscrapper]

Well, I certainly understand the OP view that buying a ticket for a 3 year can be a difficult pill to swallow. My youngest DD has made 8 trips to WDW since she was 1 and the oldest 9 trips. I dreaded when they turned 3....more money to get in, more money for character meals, shows, etc. And although I hated to spend more money and was tempted to do otherwise (in a dark moment), I did fork out the extra money. Now, not to spark another debate and not that Disney is the only corporation that set 3 as the age to start paying, but...IMHO that's too young. I feel that my kids, while they had fun, really didn't participate and appreciate their surroundings until they were 4. And no I won't say that same thing when they need an adult ticket. 3 is too young for that type of admission price, Disney and elsewhere.
Jeannine

 

[mad4themouse]

Hi madscrapper,
I understand what you mean by 3 being very young to appreciate WDW completely. 3YO children experience the world in a way that is so much different than older children.

Yet, from a business perspective, it is understandable why Disney sets this as their cut-off age. Their target demographics are families with small children. So many families regard a trip to WDW as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Many of them wait until the baby of the family "can remember it". That age is usually closer to 4 or 5 YO. Think of the revenue lost if the cutoff age for free admission were another year older!

From what I can tell, just about every theme park begins charging admission at age 3 (Busch Gardens, Sea World, Universal, Hershey Park, Great Adventure). It appears to be an industry-wide thing. Just like 2 YO's fly free in an adult's lap on airlines or kids 12 and under eat free with a paying adult at restaurants.

 

[MEM]

As a Mom of two, one of whom is autistic, I would question exactly how a parent ascertains what his/her child is "getting out of" a visit to WDW. In my opinion, its much more than counting the E-ticket rides he or she is too young to ride. Its much more than what he or she "remembers." A child's mind is a fertile and wondrous place and I would never presume to understand exactly how my children's minds work. In my experience, many of the benefits are intangible and that is part of the Disney magic. I do know that my son's development advances with each trip we take. I am glad to pay the full admission for him, even though some might argue that he is not "getting enough out of it" because he skips the coasters and other E-ticket rides and may not appear to be enjoying himself. There are so few true bargains left in this world and I think park admission to WDW is one of them.

 

[disney4us2002]

Originally posted by madscrapper
....... 4. And no I won't say that same thing when they need an adult ticket. 3 is too young for that type of admission price, Disney and elsewhere.
Jeannine

I think madscrapper has a valid point; however, Disney movies require a ticket after after ONE !!! What does a one yr old get out of a movie? LOL. I didn't take my kids at one but my sil brought her youngest with us when she couldn't find a sitter and at 13 mos she had to have a ticket!

Madscrapper says she won't 'complain' about paying for an adult ticket for a 10 yr old, but I will. I have never agreed that a child of 10 or 11 who still orders from a child's menu and otherwise is considered a child, has to have an adult ticket. Will I buy an adult pass for my small 11 yr old, absolutely! I still retain the right to complain though!!!!! I'm glad I at least get a price break on food and hotels, lol. What is worse than the over 9 paying adult pricesat Disney is Six Flags because they go by height (at least here in MD) and my son at age 5 was over the 44" requirement! Yikes!

 

[MELSMICE]

Originally posted by MEM
A child's mind is a fertile and wondrous place and I would never presume to understand exactly how my children's minds work. In my experience, many of the benefits are intangible and that is part of the Disney magic. I do know that my son's development advances with each trip we take. I am glad to pay the full admission for him, even though some might argue that he is not "getting enough out of it" because he skips the coasters and other E-ticket rides and may not appear to be enjoying himself. There are so few true bargains left in this world and I think park admission to WDW is one of them.

MEM - You have made such a strong point. I had never even thought of the fact that there are many children/people wheelchair bound and many who appear to "not understand what is going on", however, they have paid full price to be there if they are over 3.

With that in mind, I believe that anyone of any age or any capacity gets something out of Disney. You're right - you don't have to ride the E-ticket rides to enjoy it.

Disney has their policies for a reason. Regardless, it wouldn't matter if the policy was that children were free until they were 4 or not considered an adult until they were 14 - someone would still complain!!!

As far as whether someone will buy a ticket for a 3-year old - I guess it is still a personal decision.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

Originally posted by ann0511
Cheat is such a strong word........I don't think Disney missed out on my 3 year olds ticket.

Stealing is stealing, whether or not the victim misses what is stolen. If they notice, it's stealing -- and if they don't, it's not...huh?

 

[BethR]

Anyone think that this thread can ever take the humorous turn that the Refillable Mug one did?

Robin??? Do you have a cute graphic we could use here?

 

[Belle1962]

This can only be settled if after we die and go to whatever After Life we believe in, Uncle Walt is waiting there with his great big book of everything, pointing the ones who reused mugs on different trips, put 5 in a room, pool hopped, parked in resort parking, and didn't buy 3 year olds a ticket into a "non-Disney" line. (Which by the way will NOT have fastpass) And then we can see

 

[disneyfanz04]

No opinion here, everyone else has covered it, so I just want to say hello, and welcome to the boards. I am also a newbie, and have found many wonerful tips and other ways to save money, so don't be discouraged by the explosive first post. When you need an answer....ask the question. Oh yeah and have a wonderful trip to the magical place!!