Anyone NOT bring a stroller to MK with toddler?

[PWammy]

I brought it for our trips when she was 3 and under; after that she refused to use it. You kind of have to know your kids and be prepared to carry them if it comes to that, but it wasn't an issue for us.

 

[maxiesmom]

I brought it for our trips when she was 3 and under; after that she refused to use it. You kind of have to know your kids and be prepared to carry them if it comes to that, but it wasn't an issue for us.

Carrying them has its own drawbacks. Especially on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, where you have to deal with the tracks in the middle of the road. It is very easy to take a bad step, and then both of you go crashing down.

Also, if you go the on the shoulder route you really need to pay attention to how low some of the signs hang. My nephew was smacked pretty good by one when his dad had him up on his shoulders.

 

[Geomom]

I agree with the others--bring a stroller, park it in the 'land' you're visiting. There is a lot more walking than anyone realizes. Epcot, especially, is huge! Just be aware, that when you park your stroller in 'stroller parking' that there are stroller attendants that will move your stroller multiple times to keep things orderly. It's helpful if you can mark your stroller in some way to find it more easily. (It'll still be in the same stroller parking, just not where you left it.)

 

[LynnTH]

I too agree with the others that you should bring a stroller and use as needed. We were there in June and I wore a pedometer everyday. We averaged 8-12 miles each day. So, take that into consideration (now my kids are older so we probably went at a faster pace but still alot of walking for a 2 year old and carrying for that long wouldn't be much fun either).

 

[OhanaBreadPudding]

We are bringing our stroller everyday for my almost 3 year old. My plan (hahaha, planning with toddlers!!) is to put him in it to conserve his energy on things like walking to the bus stop or from the stop to front gates. I would also like to push him from land to land. He will get lots of freedom but I really want to have the option.

Plus I like stuffing all my crap in it!


He gets overwhelmed, so I'm sure he'll like the break. We have the city mini and it works great to block out stimulation because the shade comes down so far.

 

[starsweeper]

I would take or rent a stroller. We took our older kids when they were 2.5yo and 3.5yo. They didn't use strollers at home but they would use a stroller at WDW getting into the parks, sometimes going between lands, always wanted in by 3-4pm for a 30-60 min break from walking (and short nap), and again before and after fireworks.

We're taking a 2.5yo and 1.5yo in a couple weeks and plan to bring our double stroller because DH will likely return to our room after dinner with the toddlers. He'll be able to roll them out of the park, onto the monorail and to our room without my help. Also, my YDS and YDD are used to 1-2 hour mid-day naps, and may want to snooze in a stroller after lunch. I'd much rather push a stroller around than try to carry a 30-lb toddler all over MK.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

OMG, yes, about the end of the day!!! Think about being really hot and tired. Then think about hot, tired, and carrying a 2 yr old all the way to the busses, monorail, or your car. Also, kids will often feel really good after a 20 or 30 minute brief nap, or just chill-out in the stroller. So it allows you all more time in the parks.

At Disney, it's not just about the walking (though lets be honest, if someone offered to push me in a stroller all day, I'd jump at the chance).

Think about walking around crowds of people and everyone around you is a giant. That's what's it like for kids. Plus, Disney is SUPER DUPER SENSORY OVERLOAD!! My son needs his stroller still just to sit and chill out for a few minutes (because of this, I recommend strollers with large sun shades).

I have been debating whether to get a single or a double (our oldest kid is really too old for a stroller), but these posts just sealed it for me...you guys are totally right. We may look like silly parents who spoil their kids, but ultimately, I think the trip will turn out for the best if we have a place for both kids to sit whenever they feel like it. If we get a single, I envision two things happening: (1) the 3 year old refusing to ride in the stroller when he needs to; and (2) when the 6 year old decides she wants to ride, that's when the 3 year old will decide he needs to ride, too, and then an epic battle will ensue. I think the minor inconvenices of a double stroller are more than worth the potential headaches of only getting a single.

 

[Gracie09]

If I recall correctly, op is planning on bringing her own mini potty, laptop and other largish items to the parks. I don't see anyway around a stroller with all that additional weight.

 

[sb682]

I would definitely get a stroller. We walked a minimum of 10 miles each day of our last trip. DS is 4 and walked part of the time, but he was grateful for the stroller, especially close to naptime. My 4-year-old niece was with us one day and we had to take turns carrying her after lunch because her little legs couldn't keep up.