Advice on older kids and strollers

[andijean]

My boys are 5 & 7(they are both about the same size...about the size of a 6 yr old 48lbs). They do not have a lot of endurance when it comes to walking and really like the strollers to get away from the noise and crowds. We used 2 umbrella (reclining) strollers on our last trip (boys 3 & 5), but they are quite a bit bigger now. They can fit in them, but look a little funny. Would you bring these strollers or would you rent(I really don't want to spend the money)? What have you all done for your older children who can't keep up with the Disney pace? Thanks!

 

[2tinkerbells]

With their size I would probably rent at the parks. I know the price is a lot more than just using your own, but the size is better. Also, you wouldn't have to hall the stroller around the buses, monorail, etc.

 

[Hannathy]

I never used a stroller past 4 but if you have to use one I would plan on renting. I think a better idea would be to start walking now you have over 2 months till you go . start walking a couple of times a week and increase there endurance because at Disney it really is walk and wait walk and wait and sit it isn't straight walking.

 

[mareed]

We brought 2 single strollers for my 2 DS's until they were 8. So, when they were 5 & 8, we still brought 2 strollers. They weren't umbrella strollers - they were mid-size reclining strollers with a basket underneath. I bought them at a resale shop for cheap!

I would not bring 2 strollers, though if you're using Disney transportation because it's a pain IMO. We stay offsite & drive, and just walked from the parking lots so we rarely even needed to use the trams. We hated having to fold and carry the strollers.

Don't worry about them looking funny whatever you do! There will be plenty other "big" kids in strollers at WDW.

 

[tjmw2727]

I would rent as needed. You may not need one in the morning or at MK where there is less walking but likely will want one at Epcot due to the distance and AK (hot). I found the wdw strollers fit two older kids fine and were very easy to push even with my then 8yo and 5yo in one. My 8yo twisted her ankle and really needed to ride, even though I was the solo adult I had no problem pushing the double through Epcot.

TJ

 

[antree]

My DS is 5 and I will be bring an umbrella stroller. Don't worry about how it looks as long as they are comfortable. Umbrella strollers fold up small enough that you won't have a problem taking them on the bus. I would take my own stroller, #1 it is cheaper then having to rent and #2 it is always at hand when you need it. And as far as people looking and thinking your kids don't need it, ignore it, my son is big for his age and does walk everywhere, he loves being in the parks and never wants to leave, what is the harm to have a place for him to sit and still enjoy being at the park without screaming and crying that he is tired but doesn't want to leave yet. In my opinion he still is my little baby and I will make it easy for him and ME as long as I could. In a few years he won't be in the stroller or want to be in one. At the days end, You will be happier and so will they and that is all the counts.

 

[Schmeck]

When my kids couldn't 'keep up with the pace', I realized that we needed to just slow down, all of us. I second the notion to get them walking a bit more than usual now, to build up a little stamina, but also to rent at the larger parks, like EPCOT and AK.

Plunking them in a stroller all day is only going to tire YOU out, and then what do you do with two kids who have been sitting all day and have energy to burn, and you're exhausted?

For a 5 and 7 year old, I wouldn't bring two strollers, that's for sure. If you really think you might need one outside of the parks, bring a single, and let them take turns.

 

[Elmo888]

I never used a stroller past 4 but if you have to use one I would plan on renting. I think a better idea would be to start walking now you have over 2 months till you go . start walking a couple of times a week and increase there endurance because at Disney it really is walk and wait walk and wait and sit it isn't straight walking.

I agree. I conditioned DD6 with walking, and she didn't need a stroller. I was open to renting one if she needed it (I told DH this but not her), but she did not.

I would consider bringing one or renting one for the 5 yo.

Have a great trip!

 

[XYSRUS]

We rented a double for the week for our then 6 and 8 yr old. My G*d, by the middle of the week, I was ready to crawl in them. Who cares what other people think? Do what's right for your kids. It's really convenient to rent them in the parks, then ditch them on the out...easy, cheesy!

 

[Momx3]

How much are they to rent for a day?

 

[letthewookiewin]

We took our DS's for their first trip when they were 5 & 6. I wanted to take them before that, but my DH wanted to wait until they didn't need a stroller. We did all four parks plus a water park in 5 days. The only time they complained about being tired was on the last day.
I agree with the people that said to get out and walk with them to condition them for the trip. I did that with mine, and they did great. If they get tired, just slow down, or sit for a bit and get a snack.
You might try this: Tell them that you can rent a stroller for them for the day, but it will cost x-amount. You can either have a stroller or you can spend that money how you want.

 

[Schmeck]

We rented a double for the week for our then 6 and 8 yr old. My G*d, by the middle of the week, I was ready to crawl in them. Who cares what other people think? Do what's right for your kids. It's really convenient to rent them in the parks, then ditch them on the out...easy, cheesy!

That was my point - if the kids are in the stroller, then the parents are doing double the work, and the kids are so refreshed at the end of the day, LOL!

 

[chris7]

For those of you who do an umbrella type stroller with an older child... what is the maximum weight you have found that an umbrella can hold? Whay brand are you using. We are going with our 5 and 7 year olds this X-mas and I know my kids and I know that we will all be miserable if we expect them to walk the whole trip. Last time we brought a double jogging stroller which worked like a dream other than it's size (had to lift over turnstiles). We would consider just bringing a single so they could alternate. Thanks

 

[dcforbreakfast]

My 5 year old is off the charts for height and weight (49 inches tall, 61 pounds) and I totally plan on bringing a stroller in December. He'll be six then, but I don't care. If it helps him have a better time and saves me even one meltdown, it's worth it! I've heard big kids in strollers at Disney are the norm. Now, I'll plan for this and he'll never use it.... We'll see. He complains even walking home from school seven blocks..

That said, I'm buying a Volo...which I think only goes up to 55 pounds, but we tried it at Target and it totally holds him fine.

 

[Hannathy]

I've heard big kids in strollers at Disney are the norm.

No it is not the norm! And the ONLY place I've seen such old kids in strollers. And I've been to activities with just as much walking. There were only a few older kids in strollers when we were there and most were getting looks . I mean just what Disney needs more strollers, it used to be so much nicer years ago when there were far, far less strollers and smaller ones to.

 

[dcforbreakfast]

I just meant that I've read lots of threads and trip reports about people with kids up to eight being in a stroller....in other words...it's common at Disney. Or appears to be.

Like I said, if it saves me a meltdown I'm for it. We did a local Six Flags (walking) and he was dead by the end of the day, and that was just one day and definitely not the size of a Disney park. I want to make sure he has fun and isn't miserable. Sorry if the strollers drive you nuts.

 

[laughinplace199]

Since it can be expensive to rent a double, you might want to start off with the kids walking and see how it goes. They may surprise you.

In Apr, my two oldest were 7 & 5. They walked for the first half of the week with no problems. DS5 was getting tired after that point, so we rented a double for the second half of the week. DD7 hardly used it, but DS5 used it alot. He also ended up getting sick at the end of the week, so he may have been tired because he was coming down with an illness, not from walking - we don't know.

In Aug, the kids were 8 & 6. I rented a double from the very first day because it was very hot and humid and DD has asthma. I didn't want her to overdo it. She did use the stroller more than she did in April, but still not a lot. DS used it a lot. It was also great for nighttime parades and fireworks. It can be so dark and crowded during these events, that I was happy knowing where they were and that they couldn't get lost.

 

[PrincessHeart]

No it is not the norm! And the ONLY place I've seen such old kids in strollers. And I've been to activities with just as much walking. There were only a few older kids in strollers when we were there and most were getting looks . I mean just what Disney needs more strollers, it used to be so much nicer years ago when there were far, far less strollers and smaller ones to.

OP, It isn't the norm for the "real" world, but for Disney there are plenty of older kids in strollers. Where else do you go and spend days on end walking and standing? If you go to a regular theme park it's probably just for one day. My kids will have a stroller and they are 6 & 8. I'd rather have them last and be happy than be tired and cranky. The last time we went the kids (4&6) rode in strollers the whole trip. They were tired at the end of the day. Don't worry about the stroller nay-sayers! Use one if you think your kids need it. Also there are benefits to you - you don't have to carry as much b/c of the stroller basket. Also I find the rental strollers easy to push and that they actually let you have a something to lean on.

 

[flynnmnstr]

Just went in August with almost 3 and almost 6yr old; we brought 2 strollers. Maclaren's because their weight capacity is higher than most 55-65lbs.

Now our situation is a little different because my older son is in the autistic spectrum and needs a stroller at times due to stamina and when he just needs to get away.

DH was on business for 3 days of our vacation, so I rented a double on those days and did not like it. There is no storage for a backpack so you need to wear it and the boys were really squished in there. My 5 yr olds knees were at his chest. My kids are also pretty big for their age. My 5 yr old is almost 60lbs and is 48 inches tall.

We are going back this May (boys will be 6 & 3)for a big family reunion vacation and I will be bringing both their strollers again. If I find they are not using them as much, then maybe I will just bring one with me into the parks. I just like having them to sit in and keep an eye on them in the airport. Also waiting for the buses after a long day in the parks.

Just some more thoughts..

 

[LynnTH]

Our kids were 7 (just turned) and almost 5 on our last trip. Up to that point I had always brought a stroller or double stroller when they were younger. This time I rented the double stroller - not just for them but for me.

Yes, my kids can walk and haven't been in a stroller for a while but it was just easier especially in the crowds. I know exactly where they are and I also like a place to put our jackets and other stuff we bring.

Most of the times we would just park the stroller at one of the lands and then do the land and then when we were done go onto the next land. They are 8 and 6 now and I won't use the stroller anymore - but I will miss it just for purpose of storing everything.