Big kids and Strollers - your opinion please!

[Disney Khaleesi]

They're well past the age where I personally find stroller use acceptable.

I went to Disney when I was 5 and I had to walk. Yes, my feet hurt, but I was at Disney and knew complaining wasn't going to get me anywhere. I lived.

 

[cattywampus]

They're well past the age where I personally find stroller use acceptable.

What is the consequence for riding in a stroller at WDW past your cutoff? Will they turn into hardened criminals that use strollers to hold up convenience stores and put forth the defense "I rode in a stroller during a trip to WDW as an older child"?

Such nonsense. Who cares?

 

[Happyjen27]

If you don't arrange for seated transportation for everyone, you'll have 2 kids who are potentially more tired than the 2 kids riding.

When that happens, what are you prepared to do? It would be only fair to cater to the tired kids, taking them back to the resort and giving them rest in a cool room. Take a long break in the shade with a nice snack, enjoy a show.

In my opinion, having rides for only 2 kids would leave the whole trip off-kilter. The 2 tired kids will be happy to sit and rest, but the 2 rested kids are going to be full of get-up-and-go.

I think you're best of having all 3 older kids (your and BFF's) under the same conditions, so that they will all be in a similar place of tiredness/overheatedness, etc. Yes, it's your rules, and your family, but you don't want to be constantly correcting your kids all the time, and you don't want to hear your BFF constantly correcting her kid all the time when your kids are tired and resting and hers is bouncing off the walls.

So, I say it's strollers for all, or just one stroller for the 3 year old. Any other scenario seems like a pain.

 

[ajwolfe]

My boys stopped using strollers by the time they were 5 for sure, and really more like 4 for most things aside from Disney.

I'm sorry but if a healthy, normal 9 year old is not able to spend the day walking around Disney then they don't need to be there. It's crazy to me to consider putting a 3rd or 4th grade child in a stroller because they are lazy. Now if there are health issues, I'm fine with it but just because no. My kids at ages 7 and 11 would likely point this out to me and ask why such a big kid in a stroller. Can't imagine a 9 year old that wouldn't be embarassed to be in there.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

My boys stopped using strollers by the time they were 5 for sure, and really more like 4 for most things aside from Disney.

I'm sorry but if a healthy, normal 9 year old is not able to spend the day walking around Disney then they don't need to be there. It's crazy to me to consider putting a 3rd or 4th grade child in a stroller because they are lazy. Now if there are health issues, I'm fine with it but just because no. My kids at ages 7 and 11 would likely point this out to me and ask why such a big kid in a stroller. Can't imagine a 9 year old that wouldn't be embarassed to be in there.

I don't think that anyone who uses strollers for older kids pushes them around all day like a baby (at least we don't). Where they come in handy is when someone gets tired at the end of the day, when someone wants to sit somewhere for a snack but can't find anywhere to sit (thanks to Disney removing so many benches) or in the crush of people that leave the parks after the fireworks. Many people would not find it "worth it" to deal with a stroller all day long just to use it for a grand total of 45 minutes or less...but for us, it's invaluable. The kids walk through most of the day (we park the stroller in a 'land' and come back to it when we're done) and they're by no means "lazy." But they do get tired and when they do, they get whiney. Having a stroller for them to sit in at certain points is as much as benefit to me as it is to them, because then I don't have to listen to whining.

That being said...we have a 4 year old and a 7 year old. We get a double, because we figure if the 4 year old is riding anyway, we might as well have an extra seat for the 7 year old for when we need it. The 7 year old and I have done a solo trip (last summer when she was 6) and we didn't get a stroller then. But as long as we're getting a stroller anyway, we're going to get one with two seats. Heck, some days I wish I fit the weight limits so I wouldn't have to walk!

 

[mjkacmom]

That being said...we have a 4 year old and a 7 year old. We get a double, because we figure if the 4 year old is riding anyway, we might as well have an extra seat for the 7 year old for when we need it. The 7 year old and I have done a solo trip (last summer when she was 6) and we didn't get a stroller then. But as long as we're getting a stroller anyway, we're going to get one with two seats. Heck, some days I wish I fit the weight limits so I wouldn't have to walk!

This I understand - when we had two 4 year olds, and a 6 year old, we got a double stroller, and the 6 year old hopped in. However, months later, when we took a trip to DC, leaving the 4 year olds behind, we walked miles and miles, and never considered getting a stroller for the 6 year old, because, she was, well, 6.

The OP has a 7 and 8 year old, her friend has a 9 year old. Those ages are WAY above what most consider stroller-age. I think once a child is in elementary school (4/5), parents wouldn't even consider using a stroller for them around town, at the mall, etc. Maybe at WDW, but 7/8/9? At those ages, my kids could run circles around me!

 

[msmama]

Could you actually deal with pushing 3 (2 large) kids around all day? I was exhausted pushing my 50 lb 5 year old on our last trip. Is your friend renting a Disney stroller? Has she thought about how it'll be pushing a 9 year old around in a Disney stroller? Those things don't really maneuver well with small kids in them.

I guess if it were me (and I only have one so it's a different situation) I'd know that I have the option of renting if necessary, but I would make them walk. That's what I did on our Disneyland trip with my just turned 6 year old - he got sick half way through and I offered to rent a stroller for him, but he still refused.

 

[Ava]

I can't imagine pushing an almost-9-year-old around in a stroller, even for a short time. I'd need a stroller to ride in after doing that! Especially those big plastic WDW rental strollers.

We're renting one Citi Mini on our trip next month. Mostly for the baby, but if the 5yo needs a rest then the baby can be worn for a while. At 5, I expect that she'll be able to walk most of the time.

 

[Momma2PrinceNPrinces]

I wasn't going to reserve a stroller for this trip (ages 4 and 7). But after thinking long and hard about it, I'm going to afterall. There is no way I can carry my 4 year old consistently and I guarantee the 7 year old will want a walking break.

 

[#1 Goofy Fan]

Every family is different. We took strollers to the parks when DS and DD were 2 and 3 and they never used them - the preferred to walk. The next trip they were 3 and 4 and we rented a double one night when we stayed for EMH and were in the parks past midnight, other than that they walked. We took breaks on a bench if they were tired.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[AZMermaid]

I agree- your kids your rules. No way would I push kids that old. 5- maybe 6 if hot- is my limit.

Ask your kids if they would share a pic of them in WDW in their stroller with their classmates. If not... they are too old. Peer pressure can work both ways.

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree- your kids your rules. No way would I push kids that old. 5- maybe 6 if hot- is my limit.

Ask your kids if they would share a pic of them in WDW in their stroller with their classmates. If not... they are too old. Peer pressure can work both ways.

Nothing like teaching your kids to cave in to peer pressure. That is always such a good thing..

 

[goodeats]

I would question my friend's sanity in a nice way. Like "really, you're thinking of getting a stroller for DS? Don't you think he's too old? I would think he would be embarrassed!"

But really *I* would be embarrassed to push a 9 yo around in a stroller, so what do I know!

 

[AZMermaid]

Nothing like teaching your kids to cave in to peer pressure. That is always such a good thing..

OP was worried about the peer pressure on her tweens to ride in a stroller from the other child. I was just pointing out she could use peer pressure in her favor as well. Heck, maybe they would rub off on the other kid! Peer pressure is a fact of life and it isn't always negative. Hanging out with kids totally anti-drinking can keep a kid from doing so, for example. And it can also work the other way.

 

[asmit4]

I've said this before- it is nobody's business if your child age 12 is in a stroller, or your child age 5 is still in diapers, or you 'look' able bodied and are using a scooter.

With this said- this does not mean that able bodied people all get scooters and all 8yos get a stroller. As a parent you have to decide what is right for your kids and IMO- you KNOW what is right----an able bodied 8yo with no extenuating physical issues- should NOT be in a stroller.

I don't think anyone in my age group (mid 30s) was in a stroller past age 4...now that age is being pushed to age 6 or 8 as 'socially acceptable'. I would get my kids walking a mile a day with you to prepare them. Build up their stamina. The reality is that an able bodied 9yo who wants a stroller for no other reason than being 'tired' is either lazy or perhaps needs a mid day break from the park for a nap.

 

[kohlby]

I wasn't going to reserve a stroller for this trip (ages 4 and 7). But after thinking long and hard about it, I'm going to afterall. There is no way I can carry my 4 year old consistently and I guarantee the 7 year old will want a walking break.

The rides can be walking breaks. If your 7 year old is a typical 7 year old, it shouldn't be an issue. There are 7 year olds who are exceptions though, so of course, you know your child best. (You saying you weren't going to reserve one in the first place though makes me think that your first thought was that the 7 year old didn't need one, and you're probably right). However, it seems like more 4 year olds need strollers in Disney than not, so I agree on getting one for your 4 year old. Another option is to get a single for your 4 year old that has a high enough weight limit for the 7 year old. Then plan on it being for the 4 year old but let the 7 year old hop in if a break is needed. My eldest was too heavy for our stroller at 6 so that wasn't an option - and it wasn't a problem.

We never had problems with the older kids not having energy and the younger child/children having too much and having to work around that. The older kid(s) rose to the occasion. They didn't want to be the reason to leave the parks. So they weren't! It also probably helped with bedtime - getting the older kids walking a lot more than the younger kids help bedtimes to be closer - which can help a lot if you're sharing one hotel room!

 

[amyren]

Everyones different but... my 6yo would be way too embarrassed to use a stroller. She hasn't used one since she was 4. We typically take a break at the resort mid day which really helps her stamina. After a little down time she's ready to go until 11-12pm.

 

[AidensMommy3]

I have taken a travel chair for myself the parks. It has been great it fits right under my sons umbrella stroller and weighs basically nothing. It's super for the parades and my husband has even used it in line lol.
If you are worried about your kids needing a place to sit for a quick rest I highly recommend it. My son just turned 5 and he can sit in it although he's a bit too short.

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FXVAYW?pc_redir=1407943841&robot_redir=1[/URL]

 

[livndisney]

I have taken a travel chair for myself the parks. It has been great it fits right under my sons umbrella stroller and weighs basically nothing. It's super for the parades and my husband has even used it in line lol.
If you are worried about your kids needing a place to sit for a quick rest I highly recommend it. My son just turned 5 and he can sit in it although he's a bit too short.

www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FXVAYW?pc_redir=1407943841&robot_redir=1[/URL]

Folding chairs/stools are not allowed per Wdw rules

 

[Nettester]

Are your kids going to want a stroller, or would they be embarrassed by it at their ages? You know your kids. I would talk to them, and tell them your feelings, and what your vision is. And tell them your friend will have her 9 year old DS in a stroller. Is that what they would really want for themselves, or are they feeling more like they are too old now? Their answers may surprise you. And if they really want a stroller, I'd just do it. Only at Disney, it may make your vacation easier and more fun, if you just let it be OK. I'm really not sure what all the other parents judging is all about. There will for sure come a day that a stroller is ridiculous, but if they still fit, and still want it, I'd say SURE, why not? Only at Disney. Geez its not like your're going to be stuffing them into a stroller at your local mall.