Underage drinking at WDW? Do you think people do it?

[redrosesix]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to start this thread -- Mods, please move it if you think it would fit better elsewhere

Let me start by saying this is just something I'm curious about. I've been legal in Canada and the US for a loooooong time, and it will be a long time before my DD is legal in either country.

But I'm wondering about the difference in the legal drinking ages between our countries and whether guests who are legal here but not yet in the US try to drink when vacationing at WDW. Plus, when we dine at any of the CS restaurants we only send 1 of us to get the order -- nobody has ever asked us who we're ordering beer for, and I've never seen anybody asked for ID while I've been at WDW.

Having said that, if a person here was caught ordering alcohol for somebody underage they could be charged criminally. At the very least, they'd be kicked out of the restaurant/park/venue. IMO, not worth the risk. But I've never seen anybody carted away by security for anything at WDW.

 

[onelilspark]

My parents used to order a beer for my 20 year old brother when we were in England (in Epcot's England, not the real one.) I know when he went with friends he didn't try.

When I go, at 24 (and I look older) I get carded all the time.

 

[DebbieB]

I have seen them ask who the second beer is for if someone goes up to a window and orders 2. They have to point out the second person.

 

[jb01]

I'm sure people do it. Most probably have a fake id saying they are of legal age. The person ordering for someone underage could also be charged under the law (not sure exactly what the charge would be). Also the restaurant or bar could lose their liquor license.

 

[oybolshoi]

It doesn't matter if that person is of legal drinking age in another country - while in the US they are subject to US law. And yes, if caught purchasing alcohol for minors the person doing so could be subject to prosecution. I think Disney tries to keep a handle on it by limiting the number of drinks that can be purchased during an order to two. And they do very randomly card guests ... even people like me who are obviously old enough to drink.

 

[BeckWhy]

I have been one to drink underage at WDW. My friend's brother got us a bottle of Seagrams from the gift shop.

But on the flip side... since I have turned legal... I have purchased drinks for myself and not been IDed, I have purchased drinks for my boyfriend (overage) but did not have to point him out. And he has done the same.

But most are right it is illegal and you can be charged with it. I believe Disney can also kick you out.

I'm not saying that in my upcoming trip that I won't drink, but the last time I found it to be almost... to have no purpose. I had a lot of drinks in Epcot and didn't even get a buzz... not even in the heat. And Disney has a lot of non-alcoholic mixed drinks that are very good!

 

[MickeyNicki]

Here is my 2 cents...I think that at the F&W it is very easy for underage drinkers to get a sip or a full drink from their legal age friends or family but I dont think they can purchase it themselves.

I am 37 and was carded at the F&W boothes a few times..that was shocking but flattering at the same time

There were many people that were obviously not 21 walking around with GG shushies and Cosmo slushies but there wasnt a checkpoint or CM's calling them out on it.

And what about a scenario like this? Having your child hold your drink while you go to the ladies room or dig something out of your bag? Saw that alot too..doesnt mean the kids are drinking it.

 

[PghLybrt]

I get carded everytime ( I am 34) and if my GF gets the beer she takes my ID and points me out.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm sure it occurs and I'm sure Disney has ejected folks for it.

I wouldn't risk it and though I drank underage in college--I would never dream to do it at any establishment or venue.

Though on one disney trip--at an off-site restaurant, my daquiri came back accidentally spiked when I was younger. My step-father had ordered one as well and we both got refills--the refills came back...both spiked.

 

[golfgal]

In most states it is perfectly legal for parents to buy alcohol for their OWN children-even at restaurants and bars. It is NOT legal for them to buy for other people's children. So, if you are vacationing with your parents and they let you have a drink, there isn't anything anyone can say about that. Now, if you are vacationing with your college buddies and they buy you a drink, that is a problem.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

In most states it is perfectly legal for parents to buy alcohol for their OWN children-even at restaurants and bars. It is NOT legal for them to buy for other people's children. So, if you are vacationing with your parents and they let you have a drink, there isn't anything anyone can say about that. Now, if you are vacationing with your college buddies and they buy you a drink, that is a problem.

Not in Florida. Very expressly posted that no alcohol can be served to anyone under the age of 21. It doesn't matter who is buying it.

While some states may have that law Florida does not--EXCEPT maybe in your own home if it is permitted at all. (only exception is sacramental wine.)

Since we are speaking of Disney--Disney is subject to the laws of Florida, of course.

This article is on underage drinking parties--but included a pertinent blurb:

The drinking age is 21 in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. All states prohibit adults from purchasing alcohol for minors or furnishing it to them, though most make exceptions for children partaking in religious ceremonies and those given alcohol in non-intoxicating amounts by parents in private homes.

http://www.stateline.org/live/printable/story?contentId=15799

 

[redrosesix]

It doesn't matter if that person is of legal drinking age in another country - while in the US they are subject to US law. And yes, if caught purchasing alcohol for minors the person doing so could be subject to prosecution. I think Disney tries to keep a handle on it by limiting the number of drinks that can be purchased during an order to two. And they do very randomly card guests ... even people like me who are obviously old enough to drink.

that's true, but I would think that somebody who was legal to drink at home for almost 2 years might be more likely to disregard the legal drinking age in the US -- but I could be wrong about that (maybe they would care less because they can always drink at home)

I am 37 and was carded at the F&W boothes a few times..that was shocking but flattering at the same time

I love it when that happens

 

[Traveliz]

You can buy two drinks now at Disney without pointing out the second person.

That said I have seen people carded. My daughter (22) has always been carded.

As far as those wondering around the World Showcase looking under 21 and drinking - I would bet a large number of them 21. There are some pretty young looking 21 year olds.

Liz

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

In most states it is perfectly legal for parents to buy alcohol for their OWN children-even at restaurants and bars.

Are you serious? I never heard of such a thing.

My DD, recently 21, has been to WDW with a friend (currently 23), before she was of legal drinking age, and she said she DID get served at a WDW restaurant, without being carded. Where, I don't know.

 

[jx3smom]

I know my son and his friends did it when we took them. Some how they found random people to purchase it for them. Didn't make us happy. Security walks right by at night when kids are drinking around the hot tubs.

 

[redrosesix]

Not in Florida. Very expressly posted that no alcohol can be served to anyone under the age of 21. It doesn't matter who is buying it.

While some states may have that law Florida does not--EXCEPT maybe in your own home if it is permitted at all. (only exception is sacramental wine.)

Since we are speaking of Disney--Disney is subject to the laws of Florida, of course.

This article is on underage drinking parties--but included a pertinent blurb:


http://www.stateline.org/live/printable/story?contentId=15799

When I was growing up, it was legal for parents to purchase alcohol for their kids, even in restaurants. Now, anyone under 19 can't even touch the bottle (so there would be no holding a beer for your parent in the washroom here)

 

[maelstrom]

My dad and I shared a fiesta margarita when I was 19. Nobody cared.

Now that I'm 23, I get my own drinks. And I get carded every single time, because I look like I'm 12 or 14. Nobody bothers me once I have my drink, though.

 

[GeorgeG]

It's been many years (decades) since I've been carded, but I have been asked who the second drink is for at WDW on more than a few occasions.

Disney is subject to so many liabilities they have to keep close tabs on who they serve. There are always ways for people under 21 to get alcohol, but if they get caught they can be expelled from the park. If a bartender serves them it they could be fired. If someone else buys it and gives it to the person under 21, they could be charged with a crime. It just makes everyone's life easier to wait until age 21 to drink.

Regardless of age, I'm sure anyone who has had too much to drink would be asked to leave the park.

 

[Metro West]

I never get carded anymore. I guess I look too old now.

 

[redrosesix]

It's been many years (decades) since I've been carded, but I have been asked who the second drink is for at WDW on more than a few occasions.

Disney is subject to so many liabilities they have to keep close tabs on who they serve. There are always ways for people under 21 to get alcohol, but if they get caught they can be expelled from the park. If a bartender serves them it they could be fired. If someone else buys it and gives it to the person under 21, they could be charged with a crime. It just makes everyone's life easier to wait until age 21 to drink.

Regardless of age, I'm sure anyone who has had too much to drink would be asked to leave the park.

I would have thought this too, however here you would never be able to buy a drink for somebody else unless you were in a bar (where everybody is of legal drinking age).