A Couple Questions... from a Firstimer!!

[My 2 princesses]

My DD will be 5 when we travel. DH thinks she will be tired and we will need a stroller for her. First of all, will she be too big for one, and any recommendations for a not too expensive stoller. I'm thinking of picking one up from BUF as they will be lot cheaper.

Next question - for those who take babies on their laps - do you take a car seat with you?? Of course we will have the car seat for the trip to BUF, but not sure if we should take it on board or not. Can it be used on the Magic Express. I am sure my TA will tell me all this, but I'm jumping ahead of myself here, LOL!!

Oh and what is a must see for a 5 year old?? If each of you give me one 'must see', you have help planned my vacation.

 

[disneynuts777]

Not sure about the carseat but A five year old will definitely fit in a DW stroller. My 12 year old DD gets terrible leg cramps and this past March we ended up getting her a double stroller and she was fine (She is 5ft and 100lbs) Pushing her was not that hard either!!! We thought we were going to get her a wheel chair but she wanted the stroller because it had a sunshade. She actually even had a nap.
You can also check out www.abbf.com. They rent all kinds of stuff at decent prices and will deliver and pick up at your resort.

 

[JackJack08]

I would agree that DD will get tired and and need to sit. I would get an umbrella stroller if you can. The disney strollers, have went up in price this year and the prices are crazy. As far as picking one thing for you to see...I can't. There are soooo many exciting things to see...you will have a ball. My kids love the safari at AK.

 

[pooksma]

Go with the stroller for sure, especially if you visit Epcot.

A must see??? Finding Nemo and, if she likes princesses, the Beauty and Beast show. But the choices are truly endless. Everyone has their own favs.

 

[OntFamily]

We have a 5 year old, and for the first time we went without a stroller this year on our Disney trip. While it did slow us down a few times, overall it was better for him (we all need exercise.....). Plus, it made it much easier to go through the heavy crowds after parades/fireworks.

He complained a little the first day, but once he realized we were not going to give in, he stopped complaining. The rest of our vacation went smoothly.

 

[OatsZoo]

We went last year when our DS was 5 and DD was 7. We went with the WDW stroller, it was about $120 for the week but worth every cent. You get a new one at the entrance of every park and just bring it back at the end of your day, or you can just leave it anywhere really but remember to bring your name card with you. Then you don't have to worry about it on the buses or taking up room in your room. We started out with a double stroller and then went to two singles two or three days later. They are big and sturdy. They have a sun shade and a basket for you stuff. Both my kids had naps in them. I brought a towel and roller in up behind their heads. Strollers are a must for WDW. There is so much walking and I think we would have only seen half of what we did if we didn't have strollers.

One thing to see or do is Disney Studios. Alot of people think it is too old for little ones, but both of mine loved the Studios. There is Playhouse Disney on stage with the Little Einsteins and Handy Manny. The Little Mermaid show. Also the Cars Parade with Lightning and Mader. Please there are plenty of meet n greet locations, Buzz and Woody, Mickey (of course), Kim Possible, all the Little Einsteins etc. The parade is also good with all the characters riding in really cool cars, even all the princesses. We can't wait to go back.

 

[pl'smama]

Our DD turned five just after our trip in January and the stroller was a must. She did her fair share of walking, but when she got tired and cranky it was a great place for her to unwind and have a snack.

I bought a Maclaren from Sears for about $80.00 and we used it for two trips ( first when DD was 3.5 years). It was light enough to fold up on the busses, but had a decent basket for our junk. I bought several rain ponchos at the dollar store for rain and they are large enough to fit over the stroller during the rain. We had several clear ponchos so DD could sit in the stroller when it rained, be dry and comfy and still see. ( Yes, there was an air hole!!)

The stroller was especially great when the day was done and we had to leave the park, wait for the bus and then get back to our room. DD had a few naps that way.

I would suggest doing the BBB for your DD if she is a princess lover!! Bring her favorite dress up dress from home to save some money and then let the magic take over. You will both love it.

Our DD loved Soarin in Epcot. It was her favorite ride. She also loved the 3D shows like Philharmagic ( my fave too ) and Muppets. Character meals, at least one, are a must. Chef Mickey's is fantastic for food, character interaction and just plain great fun.

Enjoy!

Suz

 

[Northstar]

My two cents...

Stroller: If you can't carry her dead weight when she falls asleep in the parks, take a stroller! (I speak from painful experience here. DD at age 6 conked out so thoroughly that we had to "fireman's lift" her aalll the way back to the hotel room). Umbrella stroller is fine... don't worry about getting something comfy, she won't need it constantly.

Car seat: If you're renting a car, I'd take the car seat. If you're using Disney transport, don't bother. Buses aren't constructed for car seats. It'll sit unused with you tripping over it in your hotel and you will completely regret lugging it.

Must-do: 1. A character meal. I like the Crystal Palace with Pooh and friends but go with what she likes and what fits in with your plans. Reserve early... they fill up fast.
2. In most of the parks, there is a playground-type attraction... Tom Sawyer's Island in Magic Kingdom, Boneyard in Animal Kingdom, Honey I Shrunk the Kids land in Studios, and I guess the interactive fountains in Epcot. When kids get tired and cranky standing in line and experiencing all the razzle-dazzle, it is amazing how they revive when you let them loose in a place where they can just be kids. I recommend putting time for these into your touring schedule!

 

[My 2 princesses]

"I bought a Maclaren from Sears for about $80.00 and we used it for two trips ( first when DD was 3.5 years). It was light enough to fold up on the busses, but had a decent basket for our junk. "


Sears Canada or in the States?? I've been checking Target and Walmart etc on-line and they have much better strollers than us and cheaper too. May have to pick one up on our way out.

 

[Luhts]

We will be taking our small folding "mall stroller" but may rent a double one in the parks for the sake of our 8 y/o who may need a place to rest, too.

As pps have said the "must sees" for your 5 y/o will vary a bit depending upon her favorite characters, but I would vote for Winnie the Pooh and, if it's open when you go, the new Toy Story ride.