Turning 3

[Karens]

Hi,

My 2 year old will be having her 3rd birthday when we are at Disney. I have been told that I do not have to buy her a ticket as she turns 3 while we are there.

Will I have to take proof of her age with me? I don't really want to carry her passport around.


Thanks

 

[ccgegg]

No, you don't need proof of age. And I don't think you're the first person to not buy a ticket for a child who recently turned 3. Two year olds are under the 40" height restriction to go on some of the rides, hence that's the age cutoff, IMO. Have a great time!

 

[WDSearcher]

No, you don't need proof of age. And I don't think you're the first person to not buy a ticket for a child who recently turned 3. Two year olds are under the 40" height restriction to go on some of the rides, hence that's the age cutoff, IMO. Have a great time!

Just an FYI ... as her child is turning 3 DURING the trip, Disney does not require her to purchase a ticket. It has nothing to do with not buying a ticket for a child "who recently turned 3."

As for being under the height restriction ... say you're planning to visit WDW on May 5. If you're two years old and 38" on May 3, but then you turn three on May 4, it's not likely that you instantly add those two inches overnight and are now magically able to go on the 40" rides simply because you're three. Yet, you still will need a child's ticket on May 5, regardless of your height.

 

[drusba]

We had this issue when taking little ones. Official policy of WDW is that if child arrives at WDW under 3 for the stay, the child shall be treated as being under three for entire stay regardless that birthday occurs during stay.

 

[ccgegg]

As for being under the height restriction ... say you're planning to visit WDW on May 5. If you're two years old and 38" on May 3, but then you turn three on May 4, it's not likely that you instantly add those two inches overnight and are now magically able to go on the 40" rides simply because you're three. Yet, you still will need a child's ticket on May 5, regardless of your height.

Thanks for the clarification on child growth patterns.
I was simply offering my opinion on why the 3 year birthday is the "free" cutoff for Disney passes. Most kids reach the 40" plateau sometime during age 3.... and can then go on more rides.

 

[WDSearcher]

I was simply offering my opinion on why the 3 year birthday is the "free" cutoff for Disney passes. Most kids reach the 40" plateau sometime during age 3.... and can then go on more rides.

I know. But there are a lot of people who bring 3-year-olds who are not yet 40" OR are just not emotionally ready for some of the rides that they can ride on at that height. However, they must still purchase tickets for their 3-year-old regardless. Just didn't want someone to think that it was somehow height-related. Just doing the anal-retentive clarification thing.

 

[ruebeesoho]

I'm facing this same situation in October. We're planning to spend my DD's 3rd birthday at MNSSHP on Oct 16. We will be arriving Oct 14. I'm assuming if she doesn't need a ticket for regular admission she won't need it for MNSSHP too.

 

[WDSearcher]

I'm facing this same situation in October. We're planning to spend my DD's 3rd birthday at MNSSHP on Oct 16. We will be arriving Oct 14. I'm assuming if she doesn't need a ticket for regular admission she won't need it for MNSSHP too.

Technically, if she is three years old on the day you're at MNSSHP, then you need to purchase a child's ticket for her for that event. It's a totally separate ticket from your normal passes, so it acts as a "one day / one park" ticket you'd be purchasing. If you're in the MK that day and just stay as part of that day, you'll be fine. But if you're doing something else that day and then entering the MK just for the party, you could end up having to pay. If you get to the turnstiles for the party with your ticket and the CM asks your daughter, "How old are YOU?" and she says, "I'm three today!", the CM will likely have you go and purchase a ticket.

 

[Karens]

Is it likely that a CM will ask the child their age though?

I woluld have thought if the child turns 3 during the holiday and Disney normally say not to buy a ticket for that child that would apply to any additional tickets too?

Karen

 

[WDSearcher]

Not necessarily. For special events, tickets are done as if you were purchasing a one-day park ticket. You need a totally separate ticket for the Halloween Party than you do to enter the park during the day. If you were at WDW for a week but were ONLY purchasing tickets for the Halloween Party and your daughter had turned three the day before the Halloween Party, you'd buy her a ticket, right? Same thing here.

It's possible that a CM will ask. They do tend to strike up conversations with kids, and "How old are you?" is a common ice breaker. It would be a Guest Relations call at that point as to whether or not you needed to purchase a ticket to enter the MK for a special event with a 3-year-old. If you're already in MK that day and just stay on for the party, it's less likely anyone will ask.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm facing this same situation in October. We're planning to spend my DD's 3rd birthday at MNSSHP on Oct 16. We will be arriving Oct 14. I'm assuming if she doesn't need a ticket for regular admission she won't need it for MNSSHP too.

MNSSHP is a totally different issue and I think your child needs a ticket but that's just me. I would buy it.