Turning 21 at Disney? Questions about carding?

[Bonnie151]

Was in line at DHS and the family in front was celebrating their DD 21st! It was their first day, she had on a birthday sash and they were planning on trying drinks all over the world to celebrate. Poor thing was ordering her first drink and the cashier would not accept her ID. She called for a manager and she verified that they would not accept an international ID - only a passport. She had left that in the hotel. No idea if that is official policy but needless to say the birthday girl was disappointed.

That is policy about the passport. My 37 (can I repeat 37 as in THIRTY SEVEN and looking all of his 37 years) DH was carded in the Kidani gift shop a week and a half ago and his UK drivers license was refused as acceptable ID. He too was told that only a passport would suffice and had to go back to the room to get it.

 

[D&R love Disney]

I am assuming you mean that if your birthday is on Nov 2 you can go to a bar on Nov 1, and at 12:01 on Nov 2 the bartender may serve you?

Actually the day you open the bar is the same day when you close. So, Nov 1 turns to Nov 2 at 12:01 but for the business it's still Nov 1. It's all up to the business on how they deal with it. I know technically you are 21 once the clock turns to 12:01 am.

 

[D&R love Disney]

Was in line at DHS and the family in front was celebrating their DD 21st! It was their first day, she had on a birthday sash and they were planning on trying drinks all over the world to celebrate. Poor thing was ordering her first drink and the cashier would not accept her ID. She called for a manager and she verified that they would not accept an international ID - only a passport. She had left that in the hotel. No idea if that is official policy but needless to say the birthday girl was disappointed.

I'm not allowed to take international ID's either. It's got to be a US state drivers license, passport or current military ID.

 

[BudgieMama]

Was in line at DHS and the family in front was celebrating their DD 21st! It was their first day, she had on a birthday sash and they were planning on trying drinks all over the world to celebrate. Poor thing was ordering her first drink and the cashier would not accept her ID. She called for a manager and she verified that they would not accept an international ID - only a passport. She had left that in the hotel. No idea if that is official policy but needless to say the birthday girl was disappointed.

As an international visitor, I was told I would need to be able to prove I had legally entered the US, therefore I would need to carry my passport at all times. Is that not the case?

 

[mom2of2]

As an international visitor, I was told I would need to be able to prove I had legally entered the US, therefore I would need to carry my passport at all times. Is that not the case?

You either need the passport or your drivers license and a copy of your passport. That is the rule at WDW for international visitors

 

[BudgieMama]

You either need the passport or your drivers license and a copy of your passport. That is the rule at WDW for international visitors

That'll always be my passport then, as I can't drive, but I thought for visiting anywhere in the US (I was told this before we went to NYC in August).

 

[Bonnie151]

That'll always be my passport then, as I can't drive, but I thought for visiting anywhere in the US (I was told this before we went to NYC in August).

I always thought that was one of those urban legends. I've never seen it documented anywhere and once when I asked at the US Consulate in Edinburgh they said it was recommended but not a requirement. It's a bit different for alien residents but it'd be interesting to see an official link stating that for tourists.

Whilst Kidani did not accept DH's UK driver's license, Target DID accept MY UK one (and a good thing too as my passport never leaves the hotel safe!)

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I didn't read the replies, but thought I'd post our DS's experience on his 21st birthday. He was disappointed that he never got carded. He'd volunteer, "don't you want to see my license?" I don't know if being with his parents made a difference or not. It shouldn't have. Anyway, as long as you have a valid license with you & turn 21 at some time that day, you'll be fine. I'm sure there are places that aren't as lax as the places we went, but I wouldn't worry too much about it. Enjoy your big day.

 

[mininewman]

To the OP, I can't tell you about Florida specific law but since you said you are from the Chicago area I would like to say I am Basset certified and have been working various alcohol related jobs in Illinois for the last 8 years, and you shouldn't have any problem at all using your state issued ID at any location as of 12:01 am on the day you turn 21. That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind

#1 Alcohol fines are HUGE. $500 for the first offense for the server along with $5000 for the bar/restaurant, and second offense they lose their liquor license. So they will make their own policies, and they are well within their right to enforce them. One of these include not accepting the "under 21 until" ID's even after the date. Although I can see a place not selling on the business day even if it is legally the next day, again that is a policy and not a legal distinction. The places I have worked have not made either of these exceptions though, we would let you drink anytime as of the day you turn 21
#2 The license you have expires 3 months from your 21st birthday. I will not and can be held legally liable if I were to sell you alcohol on an expired license/ID, so make sure you get it updated ASAP.
#3 If you have a passport I might suggest using it, as that big red Under 21 may be a turnoff even without it being technically correct. If you don't have a passport, get one and start exploring the world outside of the USA, it's pretty nifty
#4 If you get refused DO NOT GET UPSET. I know its a downer, but you do have a few options still left. You can always ask to see a manager, and if you are polite you will go a lot further. You can also always go somewhere else that may not be as picky, though in MK I understand BOG is the only option, it's just a short monorail ride to a lapu lapu... If you are unruly about it you will not get your way, and going back to #1, with such stiff penalties if someone doesn't think they should be serving you they absolutely will not, and if a guest gets mad I know I won't be serving them regardless of what may have happened.
#5 Have fun!

To those outside of the country, know this: In the states the drinking age is 21 and STRICTLY enforced (in some areas at least, especially tourist areas/cities). The fines for this are steep, and there are government groups that have no other task then to test alcohol sellers and see if they sell to someone with improper, altered, or underage ID. Because of this places have to educate their employees on different IDs and keep books that tell them of different identification security measures and ways to authenticate them. For this reason most places, especially those under stricter scrutiny, will only except three forms of ID. Those include ID's issues by state governments (drivers license and state ids), U.S. military ID and passports. Because so many countries have poorly made, easily doctored, hard to validate, or otherwise incompatible ID it is hard to educate on what is and is not valid, authentic identification from other areas of the world. I know where I work we do also accept IDs from the Canadian provinces/territories, but not from Mexico or anywhere else in the world.

Please note: I think US drinking laws are incredible stupid, over enforced and actually cause more harm than a socially progressive culture that doesn't demonize and thus under-educate/ill prepare its youth for intoxication. This does not change the fact that these laws are in place, the penalties stiff and the enforcement strict, so please don't try to argue with those serving you about how its 18/16/whatever where you come from. It is just one of those crappy things about traveling abroad, sometimes there are stupid laws you have to follow in order to more easily make the world a smaller place.

 

[disnut8]

To those outside of the country, know this: In the states the drinking age is 21

Also, for those outside the US, most of our laws are state driven. A few are federal like voting age and registering for the military draft but those are regulated by the Constitution and amendments.

Currently, all 50 states' legal alcoholic drinking age is 21 years old. BUT, there are several states where anyone can drink alcohol as long as a parent or legal guardian is present. Florida is not one of those states.

The US takes some getting used to. My 15 year old granddaughter can legally drive at a certain age in one state but can't at that same age in another state. States rights triumph here unless the federal government steps in and makes it a national law. Hasn't happened that often.

 

[mininewman]

Also, for those outside the US, most of our laws are state driven. A few are federal like voting age and registering for the military draft but those are regulated by the Constitution and amendments.

Currently, all 50 states' legal alcoholic drinking age is 21 years old. BUT, there are several states where anyone can drink alcohol as long as a parent or legal guardian is present. Florida is not one of those states.

The US takes some getting used to. My 15 year old granddaughter can legally drive at a certain age in one state but can't at that same age in another state. States rights triumph here unless the federal government steps in and makes it a national law. Hasn't happened that often.

This is largely true, I'm assuming that the granddaughter is driving on a permit, as a license would allow her to drive in another state based on full faith and credit (As far as I know no state has a minimum 'driving' age, just a minimum age in which they will issue a license). Some things like drinking age and .08 BAC were a federal issue though. Despite not being law congress just withheld highway funding to a particular state until they complied with the issues congress wanted them to apply to (IE: 23 USC S158, the national minimum drinking age act passed in 1984). As far as drinking law variance goes, there is a good deal. In some state (such as mine) a minor can drink with parents on private, non alcohol selling premises, for religion or for education (Education is strictly defined). LA, NY, NV, WY and WI are states that allow under 21 drinking with parental consent/presence at an alcohol selling institution without restrictions, and there are a handful of others that allow it with restrictions (Like in KS you can have a 'serial malt beverage'). Florida is not one of these, the only exception Florida has is 562.111, which is strictly defined tasting for education, strict enough that there is no way you will get a loophole for it at disney! http://drinkingage.procon.org/sourcefiles/FloridaUnderAgeAlcPossessionLaw.pdf

 

[mom2of2]

WDW rules are:
US drivers license/ State ID
Military ID
Passport

For international travelers:
Original Passport
Or
Drivers license and a COPY of Passport

If its expired its no good. At 12:01 on your 21st birthday you are of legal age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.

Do not allow minors to taste or eat any garnish that has been in contact with alcohol. If a server sees this, they have to and will report you.

Just an fyi on the rules at WDW

 

[magentarhps93]

To the OP, I can't tell you about Florida specific law but since you said you are from the Chicago area I would like to say I am Basset certified and have been working various alcohol related jobs in Illinois for the last 8 years, and you shouldn't have any problem at all using your state issued ID at any location as of 12:01 am on the day you turn 21.

The chatter around my recently 21 year old friends is that in IL it's now illegal for them to serve you (especially in the city) if you don't have the horizontal license. Which I agree is a stupid law, but that's why I asked to see if Florida is different. Hopefully on the plane ride back they'll let me have a drink!

 

[magentarhps93]

And thanks for replying everyone, I promise I'm not a crazy drinker or anything like that. I'm the second and last child of my family, with my sister being 7 years older than me, so for 1/3 of my life everyone in my family's been able to drink but me, so I'm just excited to order tasty drinks with meals and friends! I'm glad this question helped out some international folks too!

 

[LilyWDW]

The chatter around my recently 21 year old friends is that in IL it's now illegal for them to serve you (especially in the city) if you don't have the horizontal license. Which I agree is a stupid law, but that's why I asked to see if Florida is different. Hopefully on the plane ride back they'll let me have a drink!

I doubt it is "illegal". However, I would not be shocked if some establishments have made it the "rule" to protect themselves. I know many police departments do operations where someone under aged attempts to get served.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

If your birth date is on the ID, and it is your 21st birthday, you are good to go. I think you shouldn't count on being served if they card you at any time before your 21st birthday.

I haven't heard that rule, but how hard is it to look at the birth date? Or is it about fakes?

 

[AmyB2006]

Techinally you are not 21 until the following "work" day. So if you turn 21 at midnight the next day is officially your birthday. It's all up to the bartender and the bar. If I knew you or your family I'd server you at 12:01 am but if I didn't know you, sorry. Good luck an enjoy all the wonderful places to have a drink at Disney.

What???!!! I have never ever in my life heard this. On a work day? Why on earth would/should work days have anything to do with when someone actually turns 21? So if someone's birthday is on a Saturday, they're not 21 until Monday? Come on.

OP... You're 21 on the day of your birthday in the state of FL as far as I know.

 

[D&R love Disney]

What???!!! I have never ever in my life heard this. On a work day? Why on earth would/should work days have anything to do with when someone actually turns 21? So if someone's birthday is on a Saturday, they're not 21 until Monday? Come on.

OP... You're 21 on the day of your birthday in the state of FL as far as I know.

Of course you are 21 on the day of your birth but here in MA we operate as a business. The bar opens and closes on the same "business day". There are so many rules that go along with a liquor license and I don't know most of them but my boss (owner) does and I'm not going to serve someone who turned 21 at midnight and risk my job. I'm sure every state is different and it's good to find out the law before hand especially if you are travelling out of state.

 

[AmyB2006]

Of course you are 21 on the day of your birth but here in MA we operate as a business. The bar opens and closes on the same "business day". There are so many rules that go along with a liquor license and I don't know most of them but my boss (owner) does and I'm not going to serve someone who turned 21 at midnight and risk my job. I'm sure every state is different and it's good to find out the law before hand especially if you are travelling out of state.

Ok, that makes more sense. Still ridiculous, IMO, as far as a law goes LOL, but at least makes more sense. You said "work" day so I assumed you meant like Monday through Friday!! LOL

As far as I know, and I live here, FL has no such law.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I have found the checking of IDs all over the place. I was shocked to carded at the Wave, at 40ish. My comment was REALLY???? Expect to be carded and maybe you will even get a bit of birthday magic when they see it's your birthday!

One note of caution as yes, a 40ish mom of a 21 year old son; if you are not used to drinking, take it slow and easy and don't over do it. You need to see how your body responds to different type of alcohol and you don't want to turn a magical day into a not so magical night! Be sure transportation back to your resort is covered as well. Enjoy your special night!