Age for strollers?

[donna in Oz]

I recall seeing a thread not long ago about the age range for kids using strollers at WDW. I didn't pay much attention because I don't have children, but now a co-worker is planning a trip and thinks a stroller won't be necessary for their 4-year old.

I'd like to find that thread, but now I can't locate it. It may have been on the Theme Parks board, I'm not sure. Does anyone remember this, or can you give me advice on this topic? All help appreciated !

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

Im not sure of the thread, but we are using a stroller for our 4 yr old, and 10 month old. I think its a personal preference kind of thing.

 

[kingcrab]

I agree, personal preference.

my 2.5 y.o will not be in a stroller.

 

[lauren5406]

We use a stroller for the 4 year old. Disney World is the only place she gets in a stroller. There is just so much walking she gives up at some point and there is no way I want to be carrying her.

We left it in the room one day because we were only going to be at AK for a half day and desperatly needed it. On the flip side we spent most of one morning in Fantasyland and didn't use it so much; it sat in stroller parking for like 3 hours.

I say it's better to need it and not have it than not have it and need it. But, if you're flying in I understand that it may cost money to check your own and renting them is expensive.

There are several things to consider but my vote is to use it for a small child even if you normally wouldn't.

 

[tam626]

We'll be using a stroller for our 4 year old.

 

[RMulieri]

Its personal preference. My 4 yr old DID not use one.But I am the minority here. We started a family walking training 6 mos before our trip. As a result No stroller, No fatigue , and No complaints.She outpaced us most days and lasted 10 hr park days. I refused to rent one or bring one since we haven't used one here since she was 2.

 

[bartleby1]

It is a personal preference. If the 4 year old can walk 8-10 miles per day for a few days on end, then no stroller is needed. None of my kids could at 4 years old (especially not in August heat), but some people have posted on this board that their kids had no problems with it.

I'd advise bringing one and leaving it in the hotel if it isn't needed. I certainly wouldn't want to get stuck carrying an exhausted cranky 4 year old and the rental prices can really add up if they decide they need to rent.

 

[karen624]

My 5 year old has not been a stroller since her sister was born when she was 2 and 8 months. She WILL have a stroller for Disney and she is excited about it. We test drove them at BRU, and she thought they were comfy. I know she will not be in it a lot of the time, but for the few times when her legs are pooped, or we are trying to get from pt A to pt B quickly, I know it will be worth it's weight in gold.

 

[blum74]

I had my 5 year old in a stroller. It is so much walking for little ones, they don't walk as fast as the adults, the stroller is a good place to hold your stuff and you can keep track of them easier in a stroller.


Just walking from the resort to the monorail into the park is a lot of walking for a young child.

 

[riley2008]

We had strollers for our 4yo's last year and we're bringing them again this year.

If you have it, bring. We LOVED having them. Our intentions was to only use them on the days we'd stay for fireworks. We didn't use them on arrival day or the next morning. (We regretted not having them at the end of the first morning.)

Certainly we would have managed without them. It was very nice to have them though. As soon as we realized them boys were getting tired (about 11:00am), it was 20 minutes or so until we could get to the bus and then we still had to get to the room for nap.

It was also nice that they stayed in the stroller while waiting for the bus, while the other tired cranky kids were melting down, throwing fits and falling asleep.

If your co-worker has a stroller, take it.

 

[crisi]

My son wouldn't have needed one at four (but had one because his little sister did). My daughter we wouldn't have gotten very far without one at four.

Since this is your coworker, I'd just smile and nod. No reason to judge - advice might be taken wrong (especially since you don't have kids), and if she gets there and discovers she needs a stroller, they are rentable or Disney will sell her an umbrella stroller.

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

Its personal preference. My 4 yr old DID not use one.But I am the minority here. We started a family walking training 6 mos before our trip. As a result No stroller, No fatigue , and No complaints.She outpaced us most days and lasted 10 hr park days. I refused to rent one or bring one since we haven't used one here since she was 2.

If it werent for our little one, our 4 yr old would have walked. But since we have to push one anyway, he gets a free ride LOL

 

[mejkjj97]

For us, it depends on the park and what you plan on doing for the day. HS is small and you really don't need one but the MK we will use one.

For me personally, I prefer having a stroller with my DD (who will be 4 on our next trip) to help with getting through crowds. She has a habit of trying to pull away from you but we put her in her stoller, give her a drink or her fan and she is as happy.

 

[SmallWorld71]

IMHO, another big factor in the decision that I haven't seen anyone mention is family make-up. It is much easier to have a 4 year old who is the only child or oldest child walk because you can tailor your touring plans to that child and stop when they are tired. On the other hand, if there are older siblings involved, (or if you are traveling with a large group) it's not really fair to cut their touring short because the little one is tired nor is it fair to force the little one to try and keep up.

There are so many variables, it's not really a question that has one right answer.

 

[Max1*]

My oldest is 6 and she get tired very easy. I plan on having a stroller for our little one who will be 2 by then and if my oldest gets tired of walking they will switch. My little one usually outlasts my older one for walking.

 

[PurpleTurtle]

Our two 4yos (last year) did not use stroller for most of the trip. We wore everybody out, though, by the last couple of days, and got two doubles just for those days. It was really hot last June, and I think that made the biggest difference. It was nice to just be able to get the stollers when we really wanted them.