CM insults child in stroller

[mushumadness]

we rent a stroller for our nieces, one is 12 (about the size of a 8 yr old) and one is 6,

we get loads of comments about them being too big for them, but maybe people should think why, the 12yr old has downs syndrome, an brittle bones. the little one has a section of hip missing, and understnads all the horrible comments made. some adults are very unfair

my other niece who also goes with us whos 6 too walks as she knows she is fully able to and is lucky to be just that

so im sorry about the comments you got. its hard when people think its their right to comment

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Dinky, don't you think 9-years-olds should walk?
2) Sounds kind of spoiled to me.
3) Maybe rent them an ECV next time.

 

[Cbarr]

It was wrong for a CM to say that comment to your child, however...a 9 yo with no physical disabilities should be walking. I imagine you got LOTS of comments that you didn't even hear.

 

[cstraub]

No matter what everyone's opinion is on to stroller or not to stroller they should keep their rude comments to themselves!

But it's OK for you to make the following rude comment about my DD and I.

Here is what I said to clarify:

I was not referring to "rude" comments on the DIS. I'm referring to those made in real life at the parks in the situation istelf. It is rude to give someone a dirty look or make a comment on someone being too old for a stroller. That is what I meant.

I don't think what I said was a rude comment anyway. It is shallow to think that your DD9 is superior to other 9 year olds who ride in strollers.

Look, you started it. Laughing at other's is the ultimate rudeness.

 

[cstraub]

To each their own, I guess.

You said it!

 

[dejr_8]

Whoa - people are missing the point.

This was a CM in CHARACTER who has a few others have stated was there to MAKE wise cracks.

This was not a CM just making a rude comment (even though I don't think it was a rude comment but that is my opinion)

Now if in the case that the 9 yr old in the stroller was indeed disabled, don't you think that if this fact was pointed out to the CM (again in CHARACTER) that they would have gone out of their way to make the 9 yr olds day. I bet they would have.

You're at Disney - lighten up. Believe it or not, you ARE part of the show.

A word of advice for the OP. If this comment from the CM upset you I would stay away from 50's Prime Time Cafe.

 

[cstraub]

First of all, I would never allow my healthy 9 year child to be in stroller,if they get fussy or what not, we would leave and go back later after they had rested, but to each there own

What if you had other children that did not want to leave the park. Would you drag everyone out of the park because one of your children gets fussy? I personally would opt for the stroller.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

I don't think the CM should have made snide comments in case the 9 year old did have a disability. I don't think a parent with a healthy 9 year old should be surprised if there are looks and comments from others. It's the parents' business but they should be ready for the comments. I work at a school with 8 and 9 year olds and it is totally ridiculous to have a healthy 9 year old in a stroller. If they are that tired then break up the day with a break, nap, etc. Let's face it...pushing a child to that point is for the enjoyment of the parents. "We should leave but don't want to since we paid so much for this trip" mentality. I'm not saying what the OP's motives were but that does happen. I know I'll get flamed for this but it is at this age that those of us who actually work with that age children realize it is the time to have them learn to grow up some, it will benefit them in the future.

I completely agree with this poster. I also agree with Marseeya...my ONE year old didn't even want to be in a stroller! He wanted to be out walking and looking at things. Yes, ALL day...until park closing. Maybe he is some kind of a superfreak child; I don't know. Since it's been made clear that posting our opinions about whether a healthy 9 year old should even BE in a stroller is a no-no, can I at least say that I'm SHOCKED the kids would ride in them? As a 9 year old (healthy, thankfully), there is no way in this universe I would have ridden in one, aching feet or not. I would have passed out on the pavement before I'd be caught dead in a stroller at age 9. And I don't think I was a particularly atypical kid, either. Maybe times have changed. But yes, technically the OP is totally correct. It was inappropriate for the CM to comment, as he did not have any way of knowing if there were special needs among the 9 year olds riding in strollers.

 

[labdogs42]

The one thing I know as a parent is never say never.

That's what I say, too. My DS is only ten months old, so he'll be using a stroller for his first Disney trip in May for sure. I have no idea how many years he'll be using the thing, so I can't chime in on that.

Now, if you want to talk about annoying means of conveyance, how about all of those able-bodied people riding those motorized scooters -- what's up with THEM?

 

[MareQ]

That's what I say, too. My DS is only ten months old, so he'll be using a stroller for his first Disney trip in May for sure. I have no idea how many years he'll be using the thing, so I can't chime in on that.

Now, if you want to talk about annoying means of conveyance, how about all of those able-bodied people riding those motorized scooters -- what's up with THEM?

How do you know who is able bodied and who isn't?????

 

[wdwfan]

My kids are now out of strollers which makes our Disney trips easier for us. However, my son used a stroller at Disney (only) until he was 8 simply because he got hot and tired and needed breaks. My daughter stopped around 7 years old on her own. We did get the rude comments a few times from people who just had to "express their opinion." I handled it by just rising above their rudeness.

There are a small contingent of people on the Dis boards who are outright rude with their comments, and they are very good at hiding behind the guise of "expressing my opinion and just giving the facts." Rude is rude. Most people know it when they see it.

I think that there are many more people on the Dis boards that are helpful and kind and articulate themselves in a way as to not insult others.

So to the OP, let your children be in a stroller if they want and don't feel badly about it. When they are finished with strollers, they will tell you.

Happy New Year, Everyone!!

 

[salmoneous]

I think the world (or at least the discussions on this forum) would be a better place if people followed two simple rules:

1) It's OK to be a bit upset if you are actually insulted. But this business of being offended at what a CM said because it maybe, possibly might have insulted somebody else is just ridiculous. Worry about yourself.

2) Unless the partents are being abusive, don't worry so much about how other people raise their children. If some Mom puts her kid in a stroller - who cares other than the Mom and the kid?

 

[mugsymagoos]

Wasn't there another thread just like this just the other day???

Anyway, as for the CM laughing....MGM is our favorite park...When the CM's are in character there, it is all in fun! I don't think you should take offense or think he was being rude. Some of the CM's are just trying to be funny! Hey, it's Disney....you gotta laugh! I would have fired something right back at him! LOL!

Secondly, on the stroller issue....Don't let anyone's comments here about your kids being in a stroller make you feel bad. It is nobody's business but yours and your families. For all the people that are making rude comments..remember the phrase..."If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." I don't think the OP was looking for slams at her for her kids being in a stroller at their ages. I think she was only asking if the CM was rude for saying what he did. I know it is everyone's right to post their opinions, but she was not asking for an opinion on whether you all thought her kids were too big for a stroller. Gosh, maybe you should all make a New Years Resolution to be nicer and more supportive to people.

Everyone's kids and families are different. What you think is appropriate for YOUR children might differ from a bunch of other families. Bottom line is.. you shouldn't really care WHY another family might have an 8 or 9 year old child in a stroller at WDW. Just enjoy yourself and worry about your OWN family! It IS Disney after all!

On that note, we leave for the WL on Tuesday! Happy New Year!

 

[aplejax76]

Are you kidding me!!!! I have read this whole thread! I DO NOT understand why anyone would even care if older kids are riding in strollers. You are not their parents. That is wrong if you think that children are being babies or lazy. My husband is 6"4'. I'm 5"1'. I can't keep up with him. I'm not going to ask my kids to try. I also do not want to worry every 5 seconds if my kids are going to get lost. I feel better having them in a stroller. I like it, they like it. Why would you even care????? You need to get a hobby if this even remotely bothers you!!!!!

 

[plutolovr]

Whoa! I wonder how differently this thread would have turned out if the OP's child actually was disabled and needed the stroller and the CM made the same comment?

I was thinking that if I (or someone else) has a 9 yr. old with a disability, why wouldn't you just rent a wheelchair? More comfortable than cramming a large child in those strollers. I'm sure if a disabled child was in a wheelchair, no joking would have occurred.

BTW, took twins for the first time when they were 5 (now 18) never even thought about using a stroller. They did just fine. If you want to be considerate to small children, you need to follow their lead. If they're tired, take a break, go for a swim. Kids bounce back quickly. This commando approach to DW with small children is the real problem IMO.

 

[anewvance]

I agree that when posting on a public message board like this, you are bound to get a number of different responses, good AND bad. It happens on every board on every subject...

That being said, I do admit I look twice at big kids in strollers at Disney but usually my first thought is disabled & then second thought is heck they are grabbing a ride, I WANT A RIDE TOO!

My daughters (4 and 6) haven't used a stroller at Disney in a few years, well my 4 year old since she turned 3. We do have ds in a stroller... but I will say that when we go to Animal Kingdom we will usually rent a stroller for them. There is so much walking there that renting those plastic (I don't even really call them strollers) for them to take a ride in to get from one side of the park to the other makes it easy. And we will probably continue to do so for another few years.

 

[SnackyStacky]

You need to get a hobby if this even remotely bothers you!!!!!

Comments like this are EXACTLY what this thread does not need.

Everyone now needs to STOP with the personal attacks.

This is the second warning I've posted.

 

[minkydog]

Thanks for saying that. I have a 10 year old with CP and a big 8 year old with Autism and will rent strollers for both of them on our next trip. Yes the 8 year old will probably look silly in the stroller but it's the only way he can cope with the crowds. It's his "shelter" and if anyone has a problem with that I would be glad to let them walk around with us w/out his stroller and see what happens.

sorry for laughing, but I'm just picturing my autistic son walking around WDW without benefit of his stroller. Actually this would be more appropriate

 

[Tiger926]

I have to agree with the original intention of this thread in regards to the CM taking a chance with commenting on the usage of a stroller at this age - could have had a devastating affect on a sick child.

On the other hand, my experience is that most big kids are in strollers because they are tired and being pushed too hard, plain and simple; therefore none of my response is in regards to ill or disabled children as they absolutely must use strollers. If my 2 year old can walk around Magic Kingdom without a stroller in July, than I'm sure a 9yr old can, but if those kids are out of shape, not used to the heat or being pushed too hard, then that is why I'm sure they are in strollers.

For us it's not about judging or commenting on what other families are doing, but it's about not being able to move around the parks as freely anymore because of all of the big kids in strollers - in the middle of the summer this makes for an unenjoyable day as I can't count the amount of times my 2 year old has been almost run over by strollers - kids racing strollers - if you're too tired to walk, then you shouldn't be racing! Or, adults running over all of our toes as they try and manipulate too very big kids in those darn double strollers.

This seems to be a very sensitive topic and with good reason. Despite the fact that some of you may think those of us who comment are trying to pass judgment (some may be, I guess), for my hubby and I it's about being altruistic. If my 9 and 10 year old kids being in strollers is going to cause problems for others - which I pretty much always see happening as feet hang out, too big for stroller, parents not being able to manipulate the stroller, arguments about being in the stroller, etc. - then we wouldn't do it, plain and simple. As well, these healthy kids are taking away strollers from the unhealthy kids. In my opinion, if they can't get through the park without a stroller, then something needs to be readjusted in the schedule to accommodate that - I'm sure many adults would want to go in strollers if given the choice, but it's not possible, so it shouldn't be for older kids either, IMHO.

Tiger

 

[maxiesmom]

Am I in the minority because I could care less or not if you kid is in a stroller? It doesn't affect my day one way or the other! As long as their legs are not so long that they are draging on the ground who cares? Nobody is being hurt so why you worry about something more important? Like who gets to wake Tinkerbelle?