Disney prides itself on having theme parks that are perfect for kids, as well as kids at heart. Each beautifully crafted theme park has rides, attractions, and experiences that both adults and children will love. From Mickey’s PhilharMagic at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom to Soarin’ Over the World at EPCOT, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Indiana Jones Adventure over in California at Disneyland Park, and so much more.
Children of all ages visit Disney theme parks every day, and almost all of them have to purchase tickets in order to do so. However, Disney does allow children under three to get into the theme parks without needing a ticket. It can be incredibly tough to prove a child’s age, which has led to some guests lying about their children’s age in order to get them into the parks for free.
With people appearing to scam Disney more frequently, cast members have become more diligent in trying to find out a child’s actual age. This is leading some parents to wonder if they should bring birth certificates as proof.
We are going next year and my kid will be 2 years 8 months at the time. I’m worried a bit they’ll think he’s over 3 (he’s a little big) – do I need to bring any documentation to show he’s under 3? Do they ever ask for proof?
Have you ever had to prove your child is under 3?
byu/Suspicious-Kiwi816 inDisneyWorld
One big issue seemed to be common amongst those who commented. Some children are much taller than others, which can lead to some kids looking older than they are. Other kids have a more developed vocabulary at a younger age, which can also make them appear older.
Once. A cast member tried to accuse me that my daughter was over three. She had just turned two, but was very big and she was sitting in the stroller, so I guess that made her look even bigger.
I actually took a pic of her birth certificate for that very reason. So a bit extreme, but it helped me in that circumstance.
Several parents said that, while it most likely will not be a problem, the Redditor could always take a picture of the birth certificate, so they can show the cast member if they are asked.
I’m taking my child one week before he turns 3. I plan to take a photo in my phone of his birth certificate just in case, but chances are they aren’t going to question it. He’s also in my MDE account with his birthday and none of the info has changed since I entered it.
Overall, parents seemed to agree that cast members typically won’t ask, but if they do, they’ll trust your answer. Some cast members may even ask your prince or princess how old they are. Children are typically not going to lie about their age, because they love to tell people how old they are. Of course, there are always some hilarious exceptions.
Yes we’ve told her she can’t have popcorn until she’s 4 because it’s a choking hazard so if anyone asks how old she is she says “I’m 5 I have popcorn”.
Parents Are Getting Sneaky
Disney cast members want to be able to trust that guests are telling them the truth. However, there are always people that will act like the rules don’t apply to them. And they will do anything to save a buck, even if that something is illegal.
More than once, families have been filmed sneaking children into the theme parks. The guilty parents have been filmed shoving their children into baby car seats and scrunching them up into strollers meant for infants. Once they get through security and the turnstiles, they let the children out of the cramped space and continue further into the parks.
@myfrienditsmebarbie Poor kid was in an infant car seat #theyaregoingtoknow #disney #onlyindisney #theywillneverknow
It’s important to note that this is a TERRIBLE idea. Not only is it illegal, but if you are caught, it will most likely get you kicked out of the park. It may even get you banned. Disney does not like being taken advantage of and, if they find out that you have lied about your child’s age to avoid paying, they may not want you to come back.
