[Dopey]

Originally Posted by Kippage

I also am adding to birth certificate group.

We've always had problems with my little brother. He just turned 13 in Jan, is 5'11", and wears a 14 shoe. Needless to say - he's always looked older than he is. My parents always had to correct the waitstaff and tell him that their (then) 9 year old wasn't 15.

omg, that sounds like us. Our boys wear now size 13 shoes. And even their cousins, not very close by, see them now and then asked if they were 15 or 16 years old. Made me giggle, but it really is a pain.

[irisbud]

When I was in kindergarten (at age 6), I was 4'8". By 12, I was 5'8", which is where I stopped growing. During that time, because of my height, no one believed my parents that I was as young as they said, but it usually was not a problem.
As a sidenote, about a month ago, my Dad and I went to a restaraunt and, at age 23 now, I was given a kids menu for children 12 and under. Though I seldom drink, I had to order a Pinot Grigio with that one!

Amy

[Dopey]

Originally Posted by irisbud

When I was in kindergarten (at age 6), I was 4'8". By 12, I was 5'8", which is where I stopped growing. During that time, because of my height, no one believed my parents that I was as young as they said, but it usually was not a problem.
As a sidenote, about a month ago, my Dad and I went to a restaraunt and, at age 23 now, I was given a kids menu for children 12 and under. Though I seldom drink, I had to order a Pinot Grigio with that one!

Amy

I bet that waitress made eyes

[Amelia's Man]

I was going to suggest bringing his birth certificate, but a lot of folks here have already suggested that!
I can only echo what they say, as this is your BEST proof of his age!

[KarenT]

Something else you can do, if you don't feel like carrying around a birth certificate ( I know I would lose it ) . My SIL took her kids to the place where you get you Driver's License and got them a state ID card. The cost was minimal ( less then 10.00) .
I thought this was a great idea, so you have an ID for your kids, where ever you might go. My kids have passports so I did not get them one. But great for ID at the airport or anywhere else you may need an ID card for you children.

[NokeyNose]

Definately bring teh birth certificate but also go to your local police station and have an "Amber Alert" card made up. It is good to have anyways, especially for places liek Disney taht draw big crowds!

[E&B's Mom]

Some health insurance ID cards list the child's birthdate. Check yours. SInce you have to carry that around anyway, you could leave the birth certificate at home.

[577NitroExpress]

I would not take a birth certificate - no "photo" of your little one on it.

Invest the money and get him a US Passport. It is good for five years and will serve as is official identification.

God forbid anything happens, the US Passport has more information contained it in than a birth certificate.

Just my $.02

[dac921]

I agree, take a copy of his birth certificate with you.

[KittieKChick]

I'm wondering why all these waitresses and waiters give you odd looks for some of these kids. Is it really that common for people to lie about their child's age? I would never lie about a child's age, because as you know, the kids would tell on you.

As for me, I'm 21, and I'll probably get carded at least until I'm 30. I always get "You look like you're 17, 18." DH says I will appreciate that in a few years, and then I'll pretend to be younger than him (when actually I am older)

[dznygrl]

Totally understand this situation! My little sister was past my waist by the age of 2. She was continually asked "how is kindergarten?"

Now, at age 14, she surpasses me in height by several inches, and most people think SHE is the older sister.

KittieKChick, I'm totally in the same boat as you! I'm 21 and I'm sure I will be carded for years to come! It was only on my last WDW trip (in 2003) that the flight attendant was asking me to move out of the exit aisle because she was convinced I was under 15. Oy.

[jenbarnwell]

We had this problem also, My son was almost two and they kept charging him at the buffet meals, This year he will be almost three, but not yet, so he will still be free and I am sure I am going to have to bring his birth certificate!! Because if i had problems last year, I know I will have issues this year, LOL

[DisneyHog6]

My poor kid must be skin and bones... He's 3 y/o, about 40 inches, but only 32 lbs... I was the same way when I was a kid...but I don't have that problem anymore...

I'd go with the birth certificate thing, but I WOULD NOT take the original. Copy, copy, copy...

[llama]

Originally Posted by 577NitroExpress

I would not take a birth certificate - no "photo" of your little one on it.

Invest the money and get him a US Passport. It is good for five years and will serve as is official identification.

God forbid anything happens, the US Passport has more information contained it in than a birth certificate.

Just my $.02

While having a passport will soon become the norm in the world - I don't think I'd recommend carrying a passport around WDW. If you lose a passport, you simply aren't issued a "replacement" (I'm sure the US laws are similar to Canadian ones). You have to go through the whole process of applying again and that's not only costly, but a pain in the neck. A copy of a birth certificate should definitely suffice. I can't imagine anyone at WDW questioning a birth certificate.

[Experiment6-2-6]

Originally Posted by millermouse

The birth certificate is a wonderful idea. Most people believed me or didn't question me last time, but there was one server at Hollywood and Vine. She was convinced I was stealing her tip from her and lying! I was so shocked, its not like I was trying to get one over on us. It took about 20 minutes for her to get our check fixed. I am a very patient person, but also like to avoid conflict!

I would use it to your advantage.

If the waitstaff don't believe you, ask for the manager.

Explain the problem and affirm the age of the child.

If they still balk, inform them if you have to show the birth certificate, you'll be wanting something for the inconvenience and lack of customer service.. One can never go wrong with free desserts..