5 y/o and strollers

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

I have 3 DDs. On our next trip they will be 11, 5 and 3. In the past the 5 & 3 y/o have used our double stroller on the trips, but we really don't want to take that thing this time. We're thinking of just taking a single umbrella stroller for the 3 y/o (who probably won't want to use it since big sister won't be in a stroller now) and having the 5 y/o just walk. Do you think that a 5 y/o (5 1/2 really) can handle the parks walking all day? We don't go back to the hotel during the day so it's a long day. If anyone has any alternative suggestions to the double stroller I would appreciate that also. We thought of just doing 2 single strollers, but I don't know if we're going to do that. TIA

 

[Microcell]

Just took DS 5 to the Iowa State fair and he did pretty well walking. I think that resting alot and taking your time your five year old could probably walk. I am budgeting some money for stroller, because 7 days of walking seems a bit much.

I would take the extra stroller and try leaving it in the room the first day.

 

[BarbWB]

It depends on the kid. My 5 yo can walk, but he doesn't mind a stroller ride when he's tired. You can always rent a double when you are there. I like the Disney strollers. They are easy to maneuver and my kids (who never ride in a stroller at home) think they are fun.

 

[jakenjess]

We rented the double strollers at Disney for that age. It's a LOT of walking for those little legs, and it will probably still be pretty hot while you're there. We find the strollers really help preserve their energy, gives them a nice break in the shade of the stroller, and we can keep moving along as they enjoy a drink or a snack. Especially at Epcot, I find it much easier to enjoy browsing around the countries while the kids relax in the comfort of the stroller.

 

[Minnie824]

We're going in Oct w/our almost 6yo and 3.5 yo. We're not bringing a stroller. We brought a single stroller last year with a step thing I bought (forgot the name of it) that attaches to the back, so the older one stood on that. But, then they argued about who got to stand, etc. We ended up renting a few times. This year our plan is to definitely rent a double stroller at Epcot, and try to get by with them walking in MK, but the option of renting is there as well.

 

[TinkerValkyrie]

We're going in under a month with out 4.5 year old and 1.5 years old and we're taking our Joovy Caboose Sit and Stand stroller. We bought it mainly for the trip. It's not as bulky as a double and the child in the real can either stand on the platform or sit on the little jumpseat Our 4.5 year old usually doesn't use a stroller anymore, but we don't want him getting tired and cranky and then resenting the fact DS 1.5 gets to ride in a stroller.

 

[Hannathy]

I've taken 3 different 5 yr olds and we have never taken or used a stroller for that age. And although it has very little to do with the discussion but people always mention it, 2 were very small kids. We go commando and stay very late, one trip was Easter and one in summer so long park hours. Truth is if they are getting tired I probably am to so we sit down for a bit. We don't take mid day breaks at the hotel. After all most of the walking is from one ride to the next with standing and sitting in between. Kids have as much energy as adults and it is so freeing to not deal with a stroller! I think your idea of one stroller for the 3 yr old is great.

 

[jeni1072]

My 2.5 year old would not ride in the stroller, so I can't imagine my 5 year old doing it. Then again neither of them have ever been ones to be ok with feeling "confined". As far as them handling the walking, they did for 6 days just fine!

 

[lrab1126]

We plan to rent a double stroller for the week. We will have it just in case they want to use it. It is so much walking and I know my 5 year old will eventually want to take a ride, especially since it will be so hot. Heck I will want a ride !! My 2 1/2 year ld will likely use it quite a bit too, even though she is fiercly independant and hates strollers... we will have to make the stroller seem like a fun cart to ride in

 

[momxx5]

I have 2 major reasons for taking strollers. I know everyone is different and thus there are many thoughts on the issue.

My DD8 is very petite. She has a hard time walking for a long time. My DD5 is also small. I have three boys 10-13yrs old. I know that my girls could not keep up all day, in the heat, with the boys.

Last time we went little DD was 3yr old and other DD was 6yrs old, and small for their age. We took a reg stroller for DD3 and an umbrella stroller for DD8. When DD8 did not sit in stroller we simply folded it up and hung it from the handle of other stroller(if that makes any sense).

This time I bought a Mclaren for $99, that goes to 55lbs (each DD weighs under 50lbs). It was heaven. They took turns riding and walking. Everyone was happy. Since I have been pushing strollers....both double and umbrellas for 13yrs I guess it is a non-issue. Plus the bonus of having a basket, etc to keep stuff in.

BUT, one of my main reasons for taking a stroller for 5yr olds and under, again this is different for each family/child, is to KNOW exactly where DD is! During the crowded summers at the parks and DTD, for my own comfort I know DD is sitting in her stroller and I am comfortable with that. I do have 5 kids so knowing the little one is safe in her stroller reduces my stress.

Just a thought as being pro-stroller.
Wishing you wonderful and magical trip.

 

[Loriannf]

But then, we go every year in August. It's a lot of walking, and we try to see alot. Trust me, if you want to get Fast Passes for some of the major rides at rope drop, you're going to want them in a stroller for a couple of reasons: 1) You're not dragging them through a crowd; 2) you know where they are; 3) you can move so much faster.

At first I felt guilty; after all, this is a kid who in one week plays soccer, swim team, tennis lessons, rides her bike, and takes karate, in addition to all the usual five year old running around, so she's not a lazy child. However, never once did she have a "meltdown". I noticed several "walking wounded" children being dragged around near the end of the day by their equally exhausted looking parents. While we weren't bright eyed and bushy tailed by the end of the day, we weren't totally wiped out either and could go back to the park in the evening.

Lori

 

[mnasmom3]

BUT, one of my main reasons for taking a stroller for 5yr olds and under, again this is different for each family/child, is to KNOW exactly where DD is! During the crowded summers at the parks and DTD, for my own comfort I know DD is sitting in her stroller and I am comfortable with that. I do have 5 kids so knowing the little one is safe in her stroller reduces my stress.

Just a thought as being pro-stroller.
Wishing you wonderful and magical trip.

This is also one of my biggest reasons for renting a stroller.

 

[Schmeck]

Both of my kids walked when they were 5 yrs old, no meltdowns from either of them. I'd take a stroller for the youngest, then rent one if needed for the 5 yr old - most likely at EPCOT?

I agree with the poster who said the majority of the walking is broken up into walking, standing in line, sitting, then walking again. Also, if my kids are getting tired, we take a nice ice cream/cold drink/cool place type of break!

 

[Kies99]

Why not just trade off time in the stroller?

We went with a 5yo and a 3yo. We took one, single seat stroller. We just traded off. The 3yo rode for awhile and then the 5yo rode for awhile. It was never an issue. Between the trade off's and riding on my shoulders, everyone was fine.

 

[overthemoon4mickey]

I am pro stroller!!! We took one for our 6 yo and she never complained the whole trip! We could also walk at an adult pace and hang the back pack on the handles. My #1 reason for taking an umbrella stroller is that carrying an exhausted 6 y.o to the bus or to the room from the bus is a back breaker!!!

If you can make your life easier....go for it!

 

[THESCHULTZFIVE]

Just wanted to check in and say thanks to EVERYONE for your opinions and stories. I agree that keeping track of them is an important part of having the stroller. I like the idea of taking 2 and hanging one on the other until she needs it, I had thought of that but thought it might not work. It's nice to hear that it does. I want to check out the Joovy Caboose sit and stand. It's also great to hear that some of you, even with kids younger than my youngest don't take strollers at all and do fine. I think mine would prefer NOT to have a stroller, at least in the beginning of each day. Thanks again.