Disney with a 5 year old

[minniemomof3]

On our last trip to Disney, my son was still 3 so I brought a stroller with me. On this trip he is 5 and doesn't use a stroller at home anymore. However, I don't think he'll make it in the parks all day.

What's the best option for a 5 year old. I would think and umbrella stroller (good quality) would be to small. Is renting the buggies at Disney the best way to go? Any other options?

 

[snickerboo]

How big is he? When my ds was 5 we took an umbrella stroller. Dh decided not to take it the first day to see how he did. After that, we took it every time and were grateful for it! And soooooo much cheaper than renting something at Disney. My dd had just turned 6 the first time we went and had no problems walking the entire thing but she is, and always has been, a trooper.

 

[tjbaggott]

My youngest just turned 6 and we are taking him to WDW for Halloween. We do plan on renting a Disney one, a double one as it has more room so it can also accomadate anything bags ect. we may bring in with us. The strollers there aren't so much like strollers but more of a cart on wheels, so DS most likely won't have an issue with thinking he looks like a baby. I've rented the same kind of strollers in Marine Land when my other children were between 8 and 13 at the time. My oldest then and my youngest made use of it! When legs are tired, I don't think they care what they sit in as long as they CAN!

 

[dancin Disney style]

Absolutely get a stroller.....we had to rent one for my youngest when she was 6. We thought she would be fine but no way. I remember arriving at MK at about 9am and by 11am she wanted to leave. She was totally miserable. We took a lunch break and she was better but it was very clear that she was not having fun. We really didn't realize that it was all from being tired and hot. I really thought she didn't like MK

The next day I got a stroller, which DH thought was silly, and she was a whole new person. She had a blast.


Whether you bring one or rent one is really up to you. If it were me, I like the rentals. They are big and roomy for older kids and very comfortable to push.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

I would say it depends on a few things. What time of year your going and your kid. Last time we went it was June and our son was 5. We brought the stroller and left it at the van the first day. We never ended up using it the whole trip 10 days inside the park. We got at the parks at opening time and left at closing. Now in June the lines are not as hot and long as July or Aug. We just planned it so we did a few shows were we could sit and relax some inside in the a/c. We also make sure we take our time eating meals that was he could relax more. As it turned out it was us that had sore body by the end of the day. The kids were still ready to go lol Kidding they went out like a light but were up first thing ready to go. Each of our kids also had there own messenger bag they carried with a water bottle, snacks and camera. We also spent good money on walking shoes for them and had them work them in months in advance. We kept asking him if he wanted the stroller and he sid no. We didnt complain we managed to move around the parks quicker without the stroller. As said here and above bring it if you can and try leaving it in the room or car for the first day and see how it goes.

 

[canadaman]

Last summer my son was 5 when we went down. He didn't have any trouble walking all day. He was completely worn out by the end of the day though. Before you go tak e him to some place he will have to walk all day like a zoo or another amusment park and see how he does.

 

[2gr8DisneyKids]

Yep, take the stroller! My son routinely took over his sister's and she rode in a carrier. We figured he would avoid it since it was pink and brown, but a tired kid does not really care.

If you are thinking of buying one, but are afraid an umbrella one might be too small, you might look for a used one @ a consignment shop or craigslist. It might be good to have a bit sturdier one if you are going to add bags to is during the day or carry around snacks, etc.

 

[mom22belles]

I haven't tried them but I have read good things about Orlando Stroller Rentals. http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/

The cost isn't any cheaper than Disney but you would have it 24/7 . So you can avoided those long walks your transportation.

 

[stefanospops]

The only other comment or consideration I would like to add would be if you are staying at the park. If so, you may be able to get by without the stroller if your intention is to make it back to the hotel at lunch. I think we all take for granted how overwhelming WDW can be for our kids. They tire out pretty easily. You're 5 yr old will be pooped in no time so if you won't be resting at the hotel then I think a stroller is a good idea.

 

[pooksma]

Our DS was 6 his last trip and he only really needed the stroller at Epcot. We rented just for the day. I think it all depends on your child'd tolerance for heat, sun and how crowded the parks are.

 

[coastgirl]

Hmm, I'm trying to remember...last time ds was 6, and we had an umbrella stroller for his little sister. We did rent the park stroller a couple of times, at Epcot in particular I remember. Dd will be 6 this time, and maybe I need to reclaim the stoller I gave my friend...I found one that fit her well at 3-going-on-4 (and ds on occasion now that I think of it), it was a sort of "deluxe" umbrella stroller, taller/longer/sturdier with a small mesh basket and a bit of a recline. I got it at WalMart or Zellers. It was...Cossato brand, or something like that? Dd has always been tall for her age, and this one was noticably taller than the cheap umbrella ones...also made it more comfortable to push.

Good luck!

 

[peigirl]

We have a cheap ($30) stroller that we take with us (not umbrella type). Bought it on sale at Walmart. DS will be 5 or 6 on our next trip and I plan on taking it with us. I am going to give it away before we head back home.

Paula

 

[tinapops]

The one upside I like about bringing a stroller is the storage at the bottom to carry stuff even if my kid doesn't sit in it!

 

[mom22belles]

Hmm, I'm trying to remember...last time ds was 6, and we had an umbrella stroller for his little sister. We did rent the park stroller a couple of times, at Epcot in particular I remember. Dd will be 6 this time, and maybe I need to reclaim the stoller I gave my friend...I found one that fit her well at 3-going-on-4 (and ds on occasion now that I think of it), it was a sort of "deluxe" umbrella stroller, taller/longer/sturdier with a small mesh basket and a bit of a recline. I got it at WalMart or Zellers. It was...Cossato brand, or something like that? Dd has always been tall for her age, and this one was noticably taller than the cheap umbrella ones...also made it more comfortable to push.

Good luck!

I have the same one and we got it at Zellers.

The other consideration you have to think about with umbrella strollers is your childs weight. We bought a cheap one down in Flordia one year and my DD was to heavy for it. It made it really hard to push and the wheels got bent too.

 

[bookbabe626]

We went with my just-turned-6yo niece and her parents last August. She didn't need a stroller at all, and in fact, she outdid us in terms of walking just due to how excited she was. It all depends on the kid and how active they are normally. She's also the type that wouldn't be caught dead in a stroller, since "mom, they're for babies" as she would say.

Personally, anyone in the party (kid or adult) needing a rest just provides a good opportunity to find a bench and people watch for a few minutes, to grab a drink or snack, or to hit one of the longer shows, preferably one with A/C. There's lots of fun ways to rest when you need to...

 

[minniemomof3]

Hmm, I'm trying to remember...last time ds was 6, and we had an umbrella stroller for his little sister. We did rent the park stroller a couple of times, at Epcot in particular I remember. Dd will be 6 this time, and maybe I need to reclaim the stoller I gave my friend...I found one that fit her well at 3-going-on-4 (and ds on occasion now that I think of it), it was a sort of "deluxe" umbrella stroller, taller/longer/sturdier with a small mesh basket and a bit of a recline. I got it at WalMart or Zellers. It was...Cossato brand, or something like that? Dd has always been tall for her age, and this one was noticably taller than the cheap umbrella ones...also made it more comfortable to push.

Good luck!

I'll have to go to Walmart and Zellers and look for the stroller. My son is too tall for a regular umbrella stroller, this one might work. Thanks.

 

[ferris198]

I am still trying to figure out why strollers are needed at all.
My son was 4 when we first went, no stroller.

 

[coastgirl]

http://hbc.ca.flyerservices.com/cached_Banner_pages/publication.aspx

Not sure the link will hold, but the "Cossato" Dixie on sale at Zeller's this week looks like the one we had. Says it holds up to 40 lbs, but I know my 5yo at the time (occasional visitor, not main occupant) was probably pushing that limit. Hope that helps.

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

I know at WDW my kids used strollers LONG LONG after they ever would have at home. In fact, we didn't even have strollers at home to take, so rented at Epcot - by WS is such a nice place to rent, quiet & calm. And at AK also. Don't think we had to rent at MK or DHS. It was a lifesaver. The Disney strollers are so sturdy & a novelty so the youngest couldn't wait to hop right in. Have a wonderful trip!!