Contentious issue - DD nearly 3 years old - which ticket ?

[KarenS]

Hi everyone,

Any opinions please? DD2 turns 3 on 21st June - we fly on 29th. We planned to buy her tickets for Disney and the flexi-ticket for Universal etc. Total cost £220 .Anyone I have mentioned this to - non-dibbers but friends who have been to Disney think I am mad. I think I would rather buythe tickets and not have to worry about being asked her age by a CM but I am wondering what other people would do.

Any thoughts ?

Thanks

Karen

[tiggermeister]

As we dont have kids and this problem to worry about, would it not be better to carry a photocopy of passport to prove age if this is the issue, not sure what age is required to warrant paying for entry, but just a thought

[MinnieSues]

I would buy the tickets, we also dont have to worry our ds will be 2 in May while we are away, so he does not need any tickets.

[ilovepbandj]

I know that a lot of people don't buy tickets for their (just over) 3 year olds. I am not going to add anymore fuel to the fire on this one! I didnt get a ticket for my DD who turned 3 whilst we were on holiday as we had been told we didnt need to and when I checked with a CM on the first day they verified that. We only got asked one day how old she was (that was before her birthday ;)) so I could say in all honesty then that she was 2 LOL.

I think you have to do what you feel is right, don't listen to what other friends tell you - you have to make the decision you feel comfortable with.

Emma

[truesdpr]

Karen,

We went when my dd had just turned 3. We were in Orlando for only 5 days as aprt of a tour right at the beginning of our holiday and we didn't buy a seperate ticket for her. We spent one day in the parks and I was glad I didn't in the end as she was so overwhelmed and jet-lagged that she spent most of the time asleep!! We were not asked at any point for confirmation of her age.

She has made up for this on subsequent visits though!!

Pam.

[KarenS]

Thanks,

We are there for 3 weeks and are planning on being in the parks a lot so we will definitely get a lot of value for money. Last year when she was just 2 she really enjoyed the smaller rides and shows and had lots of interaction with the characters. For peace of mind I think buying a ticket is the right thing to do.

Thanks

Karen

[keswick1uk]

I know what decision I would make but its personal and you must do the same.

Just some practical points to take account of.....

When we went last year we had vouchers and had to show passports to get them transferred into tickets. If thats the case they will may ask to see the non-ticketed childs passport and that will show the age so better to be upfront about it.

On one Disney buffet the CM asked my daughter (7) how old she was. Children don't lie. Be aware that might happen.

On her birthday. Are you going to celebrate/collect a birthday badge for her? It will then be obvious she is 3 and not using a ticket on that day (unless previously authorised that you don't need one) could prove embarrassing. (if not worse)

[ianpetchey]

Why don't you ask this question on the DIS board, they are very helpful :D Whilst you're at it, I suggest asking about pool hopping and refillable mugs

Back to reality, just do whatever you personally feel is right.

[KarenS]

Thanks,

She is actually 3 before we go and we are having a party at home so she will be well aware what age she is if anyone asks her!! LOL!!

I've already booked a couple of PS's and given them her age as 3.

DH says its her holiday too and she's entitled to her own ticket and he's right - I think I just wanted to be reassured that I was doing the right thing.

Thanks

Karen

[alxzar]

Ive just read this thread and i too think you should do whats right for you but surely you dont want to be worrying about this while entering the parks. you want a stressfree holiday. Whatever you do have a good one!

kim

[Winnies_No1fan]

I am lucky in the sense i dont have to buy my daughter a ticket as she is only just going to be 2 this year but will need them for next time ...If we ever go again ...This will be our 6th once in a lifetime trip :D

[loadsapixiedust]

Whatever you do, that will be the example you set for your children to follow. If you don't get a ticket you will be involving your child(ren) in a lie and what parent wants that as the backdrop to their magical holiday. I think your original plan was the right one, how sad your friends are not so honest.
I see you are a fellow Scot, get the ticket, we can't have them calling us mean!;)

[PoohBears#1fan]

I would definately buy the ticket.

Apart from the moral issues, there's also an issue of insurance. Can you imagine if god forbid something went wrong and there was no liability found because you'd chosen to save a few pounds?

[Chelle27]

I think you should buy her a ticket.

1) You don't need the hassle of worrying everyday when you go to a park that you are going to be stopped and questioned, etc.
2) Kids know how to show you up!! (I can't come to work today -
my DD isn't very well - reply in VERY LOUD voice - 'there's nothing up with me mummy, I'm fine! LOL)
3) Peace of mind!

[Raymond]

Whats to debate ?

Your daughter is 3 BEFORE you fly, the rules say aged 3 and over need a ticket ? No queries really.

If you dont buy a ticket you are stealing.

If a child turns 3 on the 2nd day of the holiday, or any other time during the holiday then maybe there could be a query.

My son is 7 so he has only been over 3 for a couple of years .. maybe we could sneak him in :)

[alijolly]

I had this question with my son who had just turned 10 and needed an adult ticket, I bought the adult ticket, because thats the rule, but he was stopped nearly every time we went through the ticket machines because the CM thought he would be too young to need to have his fingers checked. At one point i did think, goodness it would actually have been easier to have lied about his age! but i am glad I did the right thing.

When it came to booking meals I wasn't quite as true to the rules because I asked for my daughter to have the childrens meals even though she is 12, when I booked it I did give her true age but said she would be eating off the childrens menu and this was fine everywhere, even at the character breakfast where, as it was a buffet, I thought there may be an issue. I think I would have felt really guilty if I had just lied and said she was 11 but as she eats like a sparrow I was happy asking for her to be classed as a child.

Ali

[ali-s]

Is she likely to drop you in it if asked her age ?Last year at Legoland DS, then 5, was desperate to go on the cars which were strictly for 6 and over, he successfully lied to the attendant only to have his brother announce to the world that he was really 5- total embarrassment ! wished the ground would open up ! cos of this experience I would buy the tickets :D

[KarenS]

Thanks everyone for their very helpful advice and Raymond for his 'strong' opinion. LOL!! I can take it!

We will be getting DD2 her own ticket as planned. I must however admit that it isn't from a sense of right or wrong bbecause we will spend a small fortune in Disney but more because I don't want to have to worry about it or have it cast a shadow on our holiday in any way.

It is very tempting not to buy the ticket especially when it seems that an awful lot of people do it quite easily.

Thanks again

Karen