Have we ruined our DisneyWorld trip?

[Odellio]

I need some reassurance or advice. We are due to fly to Florida for DisneyWorld this afternoon with SC and DS. We have little knowledge of international travel, I knew we needed ESTAs but didn’t understand the process. I checked with in-laws who are organising the whole trip if they had sorted ESTAs, and they said they had. Obviously I misunderstood that they were talking about their ESTAs only and not ours. We applied yesterday afternoon as soon as we realised we didn’t have ESTAs. Still pending authorisation. I am hugely panicking now that we won’t get them in time to check-in.

This is a VERY bad idea, given whats going on in the US just now.

Fingers crossed for you
I take it you’re able to rebook flights for a minimum fee,which is good

I’m sorry this has happened op! My esta I did a few weeks ago came back approved a couple hours later. You’ve been so unlucky it’s taken this long. I hope it approves asap so you can relax!!

I have been to the US 20+ times but immigration is a pain every single time. Last year (pre Trump), the immigration officer asked if I have had US visas before. I said yes, I have had several ESTAs taken over the years. He turned very aggressive and started shouting that an ESTA is not a visa, just a waiver and why am I lying and hiding the fact that I have had work visas before (in 2002!). I got really scared and was very close to being dragged into the questioning room for a very casual comment. US immigration can turn on you in a second, so be careful (everyone) and answer with the correct terminology. It's not a new or Trump phenomenon at all.

So confidently wrong 🙄. What do you think the word “waiver” means in visa waiver form? ESTA waives the requirement for a visa, i.e. a visa is not required if you complete the form, i.e. every single person who enters the US on an ESTA is doing so WITHOUT a visa.

Just a though @Odellio - Where are you staying? Do they need to know you will be arriving later or will your in-laws book you in?
Same with transport to the hotels/villas make sure they are aware and you are prepared for when you do get to fly.
Good luck - I hope you have a fab time when you go.

Huh? You just backed up what I said - it is possible to enter the US without a visa. Contrary to what the person I quoted said.

Yes sorry I meant to quote @JeanGenieJean

Got it. Sorry for jumping the jump and not wondering if it was a misquote.

But what if you need to rebook again tomorrow (as is more likely than not) are you going to pay every day to rebook??

We did the same thing OP we were flying to Mexico for our honey moon but transferring at Atlanta, didn’t realise we needed ESTAs to get through customs. We applied the day before and it came through in a matter of hours. This was last year.

Keep checking back. I have everything crossed for you.

Bloody typical.

ESTAs all approved 26 minutes after check-in closed.

Too happy to be annoyed though, we’re off the Disney tomorrow!!

Great news.. shame it wasn't 30 minutes earlier but at least you are sorted now.

Just to reassure people, I was worried about immigration after reading comments before travelling there last year, however we had a great experience. The officer even joked with us when we told them we were visiting Disney World.

Good luck for tomorrow.
Re pregnancy insurance check it also covers baby too - there was a case where baby born prematurely in USA and whilst mum’s policy covered her it didn’t cover the baby.

glad it came through albeit too late

dont forget to contact the hotel or are you staying in a vila they wil cancel your reservation if you dont check in

If you are flying into Orlando you can use MPC app to skip long immigration line. We used it in January.
www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control

We've only experienced arsey US immigration staff at JFK. The officers at Miami 3 weeks ago couldn't have been more.

BTW passport stamp fans - American immigration no longer stamp your passport.

That’s amazing news! So happy that it’s all sorted and you’ll be on your way tomorrow. Have a great time!

Disappointing that it wasn't earlier but good that you're going to get there. Have a wonderful time.

@Odellio So pleased they've all been approved, albeit, annoyingly too late for today, but, have a good day in London and a wonderful trip.

Fantastic news OP. And of course the ESTAs were going to be approved just after you'd paid for new flights - that's sods law. Let's hope you all have a great holiday and that this becomes a funny family story.

Very late to this post, don’t often pop on..
I applied for an Esta a couple of years ago, what I hadn’t realised was the website I applied on was a 3rd party company who charge a whole lot more than the regular £12(it was circa £80!) I completed it the form in a rush and only realised some days later. Contacted my bank, who cancelled it, I was angry because this company had my personal details, that I willingly (naively) gave them. Massive lesson learned..always check it’s the official website.
not sure if that’s what happened here, but good for others to be aware.

I was fuming because it’s not illegal, they do apply on your behalf, but the point is you give them all the info, and basically they run on the fact that most don’t realise. It can though take longer to get the Esta through.

We have never had any issues with immigration whilst entering the states. I have probably been at least 20 times. I have got through immigration in 10 minutes after landing up to 4 hours after landing due to crazy queues (with no toilets and small children!)

but at the actual desk they might be a bit stern but usually it takes about 5 minutes to get through. Holiday Travellers, on the whole, don’t pose any issues.

really pleased the ESTA came though OP! Hope you have a lovely day in the sun today and have a comfortable flight tomorrow and a great holiday!!

You might have already done this but please contact the hotel or villa that you're staying at to tell them of your delay as they'll put you on the system as a no show and it is a long process at the reception desk to sort out. Been there, done that and learned that lesson!

Have a fantastic time! 🐁