7 year old walk the world vs rent stroller??

[pweyl36]

My Dd Was 6 When We Went,i Was Worried About Her Getting Tired
Too,but She Walked The Parks With Out Any Complaining At All. We Would Ask If She Wanted A Rest . She Would Say No,out Of The 6 Days Of Going To The Parks She Only Asked 2 X's To Rest.just Try The First Day And See How She Will Do.

 

[beattyfamily]

The last time my older DD was in a stroller at WDW was age 6. At 7 she and I both felt she was too big for a stroller and old enough to walk. She does still whine from time to time, after a long day, that she'd like to sit in her younger sister's stroller and sometimes we let her.

We go for walks all summer to get in shape for the Disney walking.

 

[pyrxtc]

I'l be there in December with my 3 and 5 yr old boys and we don't plan on renting a stroller but if they want one, we will. They walk wonderfully and the one who will be 3 spent most of his time walking the last time. The double stroller was used mostly to hold our stuff or our 8 and 11 yr olds.

 

[missymagic]

I am a single mom that takes 2 dds as well. Last year I took single stroller for my 5 yr and she only used it occasionally. Mostly used to store all of our stuff. That time of the year you always have a jacket with you so that saved me from having to carry everything. My oldest is 8 and she has been walking since she was 5 also. They do get tired occasionally but then you just take a mini break have a snack or find a parade spot for snack and relax.

Plan on the budget for a stroller to rent but you may not need it. Take it day by day if they wake up tired after the third day maybe consider it. Leva the single in the rrom that you brought and rent a double when you get to the park.

I find my girls start to complain not at the park where the excitement is but the walking to the bus leaving and then the walk at the resort to the room.

I feel nothing wrong with getting a stroller if you feel you need it that day. I have seen bigger kids squeeze into the doubles but I am sure it is for a little break then they are ready to go again after a beverage & some quick nourishments.

Have a great time and play it by ear.

 

[mercydisney]

My DH does not enjoy disney as much as me, DD10 and DD6. So we go alone at least 2x's a month. I bring my stroller. I feel safer w/my stroller If DH is not w/me and we go into a shop or if we are eating CS. Disney world is a very big place w/lots of people it takes only a second for a young child to wonder off (I've seen it).

What we do is bring stroller and park it at every park. Ex. we'll park stroller by Buzz lightyear ride and do tommorowland. When it's time to do Mickey's toontown she'll get in stroller and I'll drive her their. Also DD6 likes to look around and take everything in. When it's 100 degrees and your DD6 is staring at those big balls they try to sell, Disney is not fun. SO, You want to go indoors and what better way to do it then to have your DD6 be pushed right by those money breaking balls.

A funny story; Last year DH, DD9 (at time), DD5 (at time), and me,were going on our week long trip to Disney, I had bought a very nice, very expensive maclarren sroller for this trip. Like you I thought it would be cheaper to buy then to rent. Well we live outsife of tampa so it only takes about 45 min. to get to the world. Half way to Disney I realize I forgot my stroller. DH was only driving us their and staying the night (remember disney is so much more fun without him). Well, he refused to turn back and bring us the stroller. I ended up renting a stroller.
The DIsney strollers are very easy to push, and if you are planning to stay all day in the parks I suggest you get them. They will also give you a small discount if you rent for more then 1 day.

Also, are you flying down? Because it might be easier for you to get around the airport w/ a stroller. Also are you staying on property? I've encountered many nice people willing to help w/ the stroller on and off the bus.

This year we will be their for free dining and I am planning to take my stroller. If I don't forget it.


Sorry if I've given you to much info. but I think a stroller is great!! Heck if someone could push me around I'ld let them. And believe me I'm not lazy.

 

[MEM]

DD was 5 and DS was 7 for our first trip to WDW in 2001. We did not bring or rent a stroller. DH was adamant that they walk everywhere.

When one of them complained of being tired, it seemed like a good time for all of us to take a break, usually heading back to the room or the pool. Most of the time, they had energy to spare and it was Dear Mum who needed a break!

 

[my4kids]

Yes it is expensive - like everything at Disney, but it is still worth it to me to rent a double for my 2yr old and then my 6 and 7 switch off in the second seat -walk a little -rest alittle. by the end of the trip though - they were fighting over being in the stroller so much - that I put the 2 year old in my cheap umbrella stroller that I use for the airports and let the 6 and 7 ride in the stroller full time.....I think the answer to this depends on how much you plan on being in the parks...I think that the ones saying their 7 yr old didn't need it -might not be park commandos like me. We are in the parks until closing somedays so it is absolutely necessary for me to use a stroller. I think it just depends on your style at the parks - if you are there for 5 hrs and then go back to your resort - I don't think the kids will mind the walking. It also depends on the length of you stay. We were there for 7 days and around day 5, my kids were done walking. I don't think they would have needed a stoller for a short stay.

 

[diswith2]

We are going for the first time in May with our 3 and 8 year old daughters. Last year, we went to Busch Gardens and by hour 5 my oldest dd was so tired of walking. We had to keep taking breaks. She kept saying she wanted a stroller but we thought she was too big. Now, I feel terrible about that. I mean, we should have just got it. This year we are buying a double stroller to take. She's such an active kid (has a different activity almost every day of the week), but Dh and I power walk and I will feel bad if we have a repeat of BG (it does get hard to keep up and it's hard for us to slow down! lol).
I actually asked this same question in another thread, though. I thought we might get some weird looks. But now, oh well. If she doesn't wanna use it-I'll love the storage!

 

[Hannathy]

We do commando style touring and did not take or rent a stroller for my DS who was 5 and very small. It was Easter and many days we were out till 11 or midnight from opening. He had to keep up with 2 teens and 3 adults and had no problems.
Didn't take a stroller for DD when she was 4 1/2 either.

 

[njcarita]

we went in november with 3 kids
10,8,4

we rented a double stroller everyday

my 3 kids fought over who's turn it was inthe stroller --heck if I could have fit I would have taken a turn

We are planning on going back in Oct and yes we will be renting a double stroller every day again-- even just for the convience of holding all our junk(cameras, packages etc)

 

[mickeyfan2]

I have taken 5, 6 and 7 year olds to WDW for a weeks and they walked the park. Never even thought of a stroller. Hate the idea of pushing it. I found that when they were tired so was I.

 

[babiesX2]

I have not read this thread but I have a story about a big kid in a stroller. Before I tell my story, I will say that we rented a double for DD13 when she was 7. We realized that we could move much faster from one ride to the next with her in a stroller. That was the last trip she needed one. She didn't ask for one the next time when she was 8.

At Epcot we were near Space Ship Earth resting on a bench at the bottom of the hill. There was a big kid in a stroller - her legs wouldn't even fit through the leg holes - her legs were thrown over the bar. The dad was struggling to push and steer the thing. The girl was screeching and whining for him to turn this way, turn that way, go faster, go slower, screech, screech, whine! The dad lost his grip and the stroller went flying down the hill. The girl started screaming and crying. The dad finally caught it before it crashed into the curb. Thankfully, she didn't get hurt and all was well, but it was funny.

 

[robinb]

My 6 year old walks fine during the day at all the parks except for Epoct. Epcot is just way too big for her little legs. We take an afternoon break every day, but my DD never rests. Instead, she stays awake and swims, plays, watches TV, etc. Then, she zonks out (big time, out dead) sometime around 8:00 PM. We like to stay out later to watch the fireworks, etc, so we bring a stroller for Epcot and evenings and she falls asleep in the stroller. I can't tell you how many times she has missed the fireworks. We forgot ours last December and ended up buying a cheap-o $20 Kolcraft from Toys-R-Us. It worked fine for my 45" 48 lb daughter.

 

[hsmamato2]

I think your kids are old enough to be fine...but if it was me, alone with 2 kids at 5 and 7? I'd want reassurance, so I'd recommend buying a cheap umbrella stroller, which is fine to toss jackets on when needed, and your kids can take turns pushing and riding for those end of day tired times. Honestly Disney without a stroller is SO much more fun! My ds is 6,and this past trip he said"no way!!!!! Strollers are for babies!!!!!"
he walked 4 Disney park days,and 5 Universal days- he considered himself too old....

 

[iluvdisnee]

My 7 year olds do fine without one. Just pace yourself and take the time to absorbe the Disney Magic other than just the attractions! There are plenty of places to stop, rest and enjoy the magical ambience of Disney.

THe only time we might get one is if they have Extended Hours or for the MVMCP or MNSSHP where they are free.

 

[PaulaSue]

I would rent one for both. We jsut went in Jan with a 2, turned 5 and 7 yrs olds and it was nice for the 7 year old to have breaks too. We didn't even have the longer hours like summer time.

 

[tiffany123]

We are taking our 5 grandkids in late June---ages, just turned 7 to 2. We are taking a single umbrella stroller and will rent 2 doubles. There will be six adults and we'll take turns pushing when needed. The 7 year old will probably walk a lot but we know it's going to be hot and humid and he will be looking for someplace to sit too. Plus we've found it much easier to walk at a faster pace when not waiting on 5 sets of short legs to keep pace with us. I see nothing wrong with any child using a stroller if it makes WDW more enjoyable for everyone. Our grandkids are very active and in all kinds of sports and activities but walking on hot asphalt all day drains anyone including young active kids.

 

[fac]

I haven't finished reading all the posts. My girls are 7 and 5 now.

When my older daughter was 5, she was fine without a stroller. Last year, when she was 6, she wanted to have a stroller, but DH did not want to rent one. This past February, I went with the girls alone and I rent a double stroller and it was worth the money. They did not whine and not tired. I think it will be very useful if you plan to stay late in the park.

If you have second thought, you may want to try without a stroller to see how it goes on the first day.

 

[jessica52877]

I would like to say that I would never rent a stroller for a 7 year old but I cannot say that! I am sure she would be okay walking BUT with a 5 year old sister in a stroller she would probably be happy to sit there with her. So I say go for the double, just give in and rent it. If your 7 yr old wants to walk, that is fine too, but you'll have the space and I am sure at some point she'll jump in. If you notice she doesn't you can change your plan for the next day and do the single. I have seen plenty of older kids in strollers at disney. With my son 3 1/2 I just bought a disney specific stroller as I know he'll want to ride for a while longer. I know most people don't put their kids in a stroller at 3 1/2 around town, but he loves his so I am happy. I know where he is at all times, no stress.

 

[Rebeccapaige!]

ok I've gotten soooooo many replies lol wasn't expecting the dead set for or against lol. anyhow I think we'll pretty much play it by ear. My youngest will be a few months under age 5, so I will want a stroller, and if she wants to walk she can, but I will like a place for a bag etc. I'm not super woman lol. Also dd who will be just a bit over 7 when we go probably doesn't care either way whether she is in a stroller or not, since none of her friends will be there anyhow. I am guessing for her it'd be good to have just in case. we are hard core touring people because we don't go every year or twice a year as some get too. the next time she goes she will be at least NINE! so its important to us to see it all, of course at that age she will be walking for sure lol. I honestly want to feel like I won't lose any of my girls in any crowds and I want to stay out really late etc. I don't want to go back to the room for breaks etc. lol. I've planned out our days and she should be fine at magic kingdom and mgm without a stroller, but dd almost 5 will have one. but our days that we go from open to midnight for everyone's comfort we'll have one. thanks for everyone's comments. i did mostly want to hear that she'd fit in it if we needed it! lol. I KNOW my younger dd would not make it for sure a whole day walking, she'd be exhausted, just how she is. older one would probably make it, but if little sis is comfy and not tired she shouldn't have to be either. thanks for all the comments!
Becky, Paige and Hailey
POR Feb. 2005
POP or CSR Feb. 2007