Another stroller question

[chloelovesdisney]

My 6yo hasn't used a stroller in 1.5 years since our last Disney trip, and hadn't used it for several months before that. I've kept the citi mini just for Disney trips but am debating bringing it our not for this trip. He wouldn't need it at all during the day, but may be tired after a long day of walking especially towards the end of the night and getting out of the parks to the bus stop.

Think I should bring it or pass? I'm also considering renting from one of the stroller companies to avoid having to deal with it at the airport, on the other hand seems silly to pay for what I already have at home.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

We're going President's week which is supposed to be crowded so also thinking it may be good to keep him from being squashed in the crowd.

 

[Retro EPCOT]

2 years ago, when my son was 6, we debated on bringing the stroller and we decided to give it a shot. However, after a few minutes of him riding in it, it just seemed ridiculous and not age appropriate. He used it at age 4 and that was fine, but it's a little iffy after age 5.
I liked the fact that we could use the stroller for storage, and that was part of the reason we decided to go for it but unfortunately it's time had passed.
We instead bought some backpacks and used them for storage, it worked just fine.
Use your best judgement though. If you feel comfortable using a stroller at an older age and your child is ok with it, let no one judge you. For us though it seemed kind of awkward.

 

[Wubar]

Leave it at home. Try the parks without it for a few days, and if you think you need it towards the end of your trip, just rent one from Disney for a day or two. Don't have to lug it around on the buses or transports. If you want it for storage, use backpacks or rent a locker ($7 for a small locker with in/out privileges all day).

We just got back with our 4 year old. Debated the stroller, decided against it. He did great, we made sure we took breaks now and then so he could rest, and he never complained about walking or sore feet once! Plus, he slept really well every night!

 

[Klayfish]

Like every other stroller debate, it comes down to personal preference. I say bring it, without question. But that's just my opinion.

 

[musika]

We rented a double stroller for our soon to be 6yo and her brother, but if it was just her going I would likely make her walk it.

 

[Helene_C]

If you're already open to the idea/cost of renting one, I would leave yours at home and see how the first day goes without a stroller. If you really miss it, rent and it can be delivered to you that same day usually.

FWIW, we used a single stroller when we went with a 5.5 yo and baby, and again with a 7.5 yo and 2.5 yo. At 5.5 I think the oldest rode in the stroller once or twice at the end of a day, with baby in a carrier, and at 7.5 he only got in there because the 2.5 yo was insisting on pushing the stroller. We would have been fine without the stroller if it had just been the older one.

I'm going to WDW this spring with just the older one, who will be 8, and I'm SO excited for a trip with NO stroller, NO naps, NO diapers. I do joke that I'll miss my Starbucks cup holder!

 

[disneydreamer1980]

when my youngest DD was 6, we took a stroller for her as well as my 1 year old. She's on the whiney side, and I knew she'd be whining about the walking, as she did every year. I had no qualms about her using the stroller when she was younger than 6, but I debated as well whether or not to bring it, and I'm glad I did. She used it in the evenings and when she was tired. And it gave us valuable extra storage space (I pack thing in my park bag for every possible situation, lol). You can also use it to ram your way through crowds or run into peoples ankles (just kidding obviously, lol). We did get a few eye rolls, but I'm not one to care what others think about me and they're not the ones who have to deal with a crying 6 year whose little legs gave out. So, if you think there's even a small chance she'll need it, bring it.

 

[AFwifelife]

If you only think he might need it for afternoons/evenings, I would probably just rent the park stroller when you need it (or just pay for the time you are there for one). That way you can just pick up the stroller when you need it in the park and you don't need to transport it anywhere else.

 

[ErinMarie74]

My daughter will be almost 6 when we go in April. I couldn't tell you the last time she was in a stroller. Now..that being said, I opted to rent one while we are there for those later nights when her legs get tired and I know she will want daddy to carry her. Even if she never uses it, at least I'll have someplace to keep all our stuff!

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Thanks, I have a few weeks to think it over, I may just bring it just in case and try the first day without it and see how it goes.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

When DD was 5 we went without a stroller and agreed that if she needed one we would just rent it. We went in August, for 7 days, did midday breaks by the pool and never needed it once.

 

[HuskyGal]

My question for those of you who have rented a stroller for an older child, how do you get around the weight or height limits? My DD 6 is a smidge above the weight or height limit for the stroller rental and I’m worried that. Do you just go ahead and ignore and cross your fingers?

 

[sponica]

My question for those of you who have rented a stroller for an older child, how do you get around the weight or height limits? My DD 6 is a smidge above the weight or height limit for the stroller rental and I’m worried that. Do you just go ahead and ignore and cross your fingers?

The reality is we overload our strollers anyway...you look at the owners manual for most strollers it tells you not to put things on the handles, what do we do? Put things on the handles. I'd be more concerned about height limits leading to an uncomfortable child or being unable to close the canopy if it's raining. we're all tall differently, some people have long legs, some people have long torsos...

 

[AZMermaid]

We went in June with my 5 and 6 year olds. We decided to wing it and figured we could rent there if needed. We did 9 nights, 7 park days. Fitbit said 71 miles. Neither kid complained once about walking. I have very typical kids- not star athletes, we didn’t “train” ahead of time, nor do they have any special needs that may make a stroller necessary. I was really surprised how much of a non issue the walking was.