Uneasy about our super tall 2 year old

[KB'sMom]

A tall 2 year old still has the face of a toddler and you can usually tell age just by looking at the face.

And my 41" 5 year old is jealous - really hoping he has a growth spurt before our trip in January.

 

[Tropics]

My DS was 42" on our trip 3 months before his third birthday. The ONLY time it came up was when they were collecting FP for Soarin. The CM asked for his, we told him he was 2, and we went on our merry way. I figure they don't gave many 2 years that meet the height requirement, so it just didn't occur to him that my son was ticketless.

I was wondering how it would work at Soarin with a 2 year old for this exact reason. We expect that DD will be at least 40in by the time our Feb trip comes around (just a few days before her 3rd birthday). I was wondering if we'd be questioned on Soarin about not having an FP+ for her.

 

[starsweeper]

I carry documents with me on every trip (anywhere) but that's because I have two 7yos that were adopted from Guatemala, and I'll have proof they are my kids if any odd situations arise. I took them to WDW at 2.5yo and was never asked directly if they were 3yo, but a server at Tusker House tried to charge us for 2 additional buffets, even after we said they were 2.5yo and would eat from our plates when we sat down. DH & I went to the buffet once each and the kids ate on mats we provided, so it's not like we ate a ton of food either. It took 25 min to get the bill adjusted.

We have a small 3.5yo and a tall 2.5yo now (362 days apart) that are frequently mistaken for b/g twins. I'll definitely have birth certificates handy just in case we have issues with restaurants charging for YDD.

 

[china mom]

Another parent of s super freakishly tall kid (and one pocket sized one too). We were never challenged at Disney. The closest we came to it was one cast member asked for his ticket and then waved us through when we stated his age. He is now 11 at stands at 5'8, 260 pounds. I got him a state ID card to used here ate home when we ask for Child's price at buffets and such.

DD was challenged one time trying to get on a ride alone in the single rider line. She is 9 but stands at 48 inches and 50 pounds and lacks the language skills to communicate her age when challenged. The CM who escorted her out apologized when I told them she was 9 and took her to the front of the line.

 

[Bean786]

Lol to these post about they'll ask the kids and they'll say their age. Yes some will, I've had kids tell me they are 3 when they are 2 because they are turning 3 soon. Or their 14 and clearly only 2 or 3.

Not saying people should lie but since when do we take what a 2 or 3 year old says as the final answer?

 

[SpringSprite]

I would probably carry a copy of a birth certificate, just so *I* was comfortable in case asked. My son is 45" and he just turned 4 yesterday...and yes, it's really cool that they get to go on more rides!

 

[939913Noles]

I don't think you have much to worry about. Last January my son was 2 (turned 3 last March). He is also very tall for his age (99th percentile height). No one asked us his age, in fact I don't think he got a second look in regards to his height.

 

[SRUAlmn]

Best advice I can give you is to hold your head high, and if questioned tell the truth. I have had issues in "real life" but not in WDW. Both my DDs are tall (my 8yo extremely so). My 13yo is as tall as me (and I'm 5'6" so not short). My now 8 year old is taller than her 10-11 yo friends on swim team and is also very well spoken. Not a single CM questioned us or batted an eye. I just walked up to the turnstile, scanned my ticket, and went through. She has been going to WDW since around 6-7months, and no one has every questioned me. I would not even mention it. You are not trying to cheat the system. If questioned, then say "her dob is xx/xx/xx"

Enjoy your trip.

I feel you on the 'real life' stuff, but we've had a few Disney situations as well.

My worst WDW memory revolved around my height. My sisters and I are also very tall. We took our first trip to WDW when we were pre-teens the Christmas after losing my dad to cancer. I remember being in line to see our first character ever and this woman behind us berating us because we were too old to be in line and this was for LITTLE kids. She kept calling us 'high schoolers.' It made me so sad. If only she knew what we'd been through that year and how waiting to meet that character was the first time I felt like I was allowed to smile in a while. Anyone who is going to question or judge your kids for their height is the one in the wrong, but sadly, its part of our life as tall people. My husband and I have been screamed at so many times at Disney because someone behind us couldn't see even though we got their early and found a spot and they walked up late. Even though you know you didn't do something wrong, you still feel all the eyes on you.

 

[Woodmnky]

My son was also just shy of 42 inches when we went right before he turned 3. About 1/3 of the time I was asked for his ticket when we entered the park. I just responded that he was only 2 and nothing more was said. About 1/2 the time I was asked for him to scan his band for FP+ and again just a response of he is only 2 was enough. One time I had a younger CM give just a bit of a look, but he smartly never said anything. The rest of the time we were greeted with smiles and waved on.

We went back when DS was 3.5 and much of the time the CMs did not expect him to scan his band for anything, in spite of the fact that DS was doing all he could to scan his band.

I too was very worried, but it really is OK. I am sure that Disney knows that some people will lie & cheat to get in without paying, but in true Disney fashion they are very polite and do not really question parents.