Does my 6 yo really need a stroller?

[chrisn]

Saying that, every child and situation is different. You know your child best. Are you a commando park tourist like us? Does your child lag behind when walking through the mall like mine? I hate that. We walk fast and we would be stopping and waiting a lot not to mention little legs equals twice as many steps. We walk 10-14 miles at a park per day. That's a lot of walking for little legs. Does he/she get tired of walking easily? If you answer yes any of these questions then you will DEFINITELY need the stroller. If you are planning on taking afternoon breaks or if you are taking it easy and strolling at a leisurely pace or if your child has A LOT of stamina then I might THINK about a stroller. My son will be 7 1/2 when we go in February and we are DEFINITELY renting the stroller. One not only would he/she be tired from overstimulation but physical exhaustion as well. My son wakes up refreshed the next morning being able to ride in the stroller. I think the key here is your child, your situation. I recommend one though.

 

[gary4jenn]

Babies r Us or Target.

They make double and single covers.

But since I have a side by side umbrella stroller, I couldn't find a rain cover so I used a clear WDW adult size poncho that I had left over from another trip. I duct taped the hood area so that there were no leaks and stored it in a gallon size ziploc bag. It worked great and a lot cheaper. You could check the internet too.

 

[laceemouse]

Here is one vote for the "see if the kid can just walk" camp. We just returned from our first non-stroller trip to the world and it was great!!! My oldest is almost 13 so we have been doing the stroller thing for a looooong time. Sometimes we rented, sometimes brought our own, sometimes one stroller, sometimes two. We have 4 kids, 12, 11, 8, and 6. I feel that the walking is not that bad, I mean you walk to a show and sit 20 minutes, walk to a ride and sit 15 minutes, etc. DH was determined not to use one this time but I was worried. DD6 is a real baby. Anyway, it was great not having to park and unload the thing before a ride and then look for it after. I think we saved a lot of time not fooling with a stroller and she really complained very little. We carried one backpack which DH and I, and sometimes the older girls, took turns carrying. You will still have to have a stroller for your younger one, but look forward to doing without ASAP. We were at MK last Tuesday and it was packed. Fantasyland was utter gridlock with strollers and wheelchairs. I was great for us to just hold hands and snakes around everybody to get through the crowds, people pushing strollers were just standing around waiting for a break in the masses and we were BOOKING IT BABY!!!!! I am not in great shape myself, and the walking was no big deal. Have a great trip, I would just play it by ear.....Lacee

 

[Julia M]

No one has mentioned the length of the trip. When we went in 2001, we took one stroller, for our ds (who was just 4) We were there 10 days. DD (age 6) did okay the first five or six days; she switched off with little brother, who walked sometimes, and while there were a few times a second stroller would have been nice, we made it okay. By day 6 or 7, she was TIRED. We started renting a stroller for her, because she just couldn't make it. It was alot easier to have a second stroller than a kid who was exhausted.

Just another thing to think about.

 

[lenshanem]

My oldest hasn't used a stroller at WDW since the age of 3 and she is now 6.
My youngest is now 3 and we will take a stroller for her for when she gets tired. Every kid is different.


Good luck!

 

[always quiet]

Our first trip with our kids (only the oldest 2 at the time, #3 was 'in the cargo hold'!), they were 3 and 2. We used a stroller for the 2 yr old, but our son walked every day and never once complained or asked to be picked up. When we went in 97, the one from the cargo hold was 2 1/2 and we used the stroller for her. Never once on the trips since then. I miss them for my use though....now I have to carry the camera bag and the Disney bags!!

I know every child is different, but personally, I think there is no way a child who is 6 should be pushed in a stroller. Unless the parent is trying to literally run from ride to ride, they should have no problems keeping up (I am not talking about children with physical disabilities). These little bundles of energy have more umph that many parents give them credit for! I have had this discussion with my sister recently. She, my BIL, her son, his wife and 6 yr old grandson are going to disney in Oct. She was telling me that she wanted to bring a stroller for Chris. I told her flat out I thought she was nuts!! He is not a baby any longer. Keep in mind, this is the same sister who told me that my son didn't need a stroller at 3 (and he didn't!). I think as parents, we don't really see that our kids are quite capable (after all, they ALL can twist us around their little fingers, now can't they?!! )

Now please don't blast me...this is only my opinion!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

If you want to make this an easy trip I would definitely say yes. Last year we brought an umbrella stroller for the 2 1/2 year old and rented a double stroller every day for the 4 and 5 1/2 year old. This year we're buying a double umbrella stroller for the girls and bringing the single umbrella stroller for our ds. I can't tell you how much easier it made our life. The kids were able to go for much longer periods of time and they weren't whining and could rest, plus we had a place to store our stuff. I wouldn't even think of going without a stroller.

 

[minnie's mommy]

I definitely feel that putting older kids in a stroller is a great idea. It doesn't mean that you are giving into them, by letting them ride for Disney. It makes the trip go so much smoother. I know that my 4 and 7 year olds "could walk", but why make them when they could be so much more comfortable riding. Last year I used the double stroller for them and I brought my single for my 2 year old. Everybody was happy. I will absolutely do the same thing this year. Especially that it is so warm in August, riding will help keep them from getting sluggish.

1979 Polynesian
1981 Polynesian
1983 Polynesian
1985 Polynesian
1991 Grand Floridian (Honeymoon)
1992 Grand Floridian
1995 Beach Club
2000 Port Orleans
2003 Private Home
2004 Back to the Polynesian in August

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by laceemouse
Here is one vote for the "see if the kid can just walk" camp. We just returned from our first non-stroller trip to the world and it was great!!! My oldest is almost 13 so we have been doing the stroller thing for a looooong time. Sometimes we rented, sometimes brought our own, sometimes one stroller, sometimes two. We have 4 kids, 12, 11, 8, and 6. I feel that the walking is not that bad, I mean you walk to a show and sit 20 minutes, walk to a ride and sit 15 minutes, etc. DH was determined not to use one this time but I was worried. DD6 is a real baby. Anyway, it was great not having to park and unload the thing before a ride and then look for it after. I think we saved a lot of time not fooling with a stroller and she really complained very little. We carried one backpack which DH and I, and sometimes the older girls, took turns carrying. You will still have to have a stroller for your younger one, but look forward to doing without ASAP. We were at MK last Tuesday and it was packed. Fantasyland was utter gridlock with strollers and wheelchairs. I was great for us to just hold hands and snakes around everybody to get through the crowds, people pushing strollers were just standing around waiting for a break in the masses and we were BOOKING IT BABY!!!!! I am not in great shape myself, and the walking was no big deal. Have a great trip, I would just play it by ear.....Lacee

ITA

Last week my 5 year old niece and 6 year old nephew were able to do all 4 parks without a stroller. I'd hate to have to deal with a stroller in Fantasyland.

 

[zurgswife]

I make my 6 yr old ride...I like having the stroller for storage...hate to give it up..

 

[zurgswife]

I make my 6 yr old ride...I like having the stroller for storage...hate to give it up..

 

[bcinohio]

The last few trips to WDW with our stroller I bought a clear cheap shower curtain and covered the stroller with it. It was large enough to be tied to the legs of the stroller to hold it down. It worked great for us. Most of the time I just untied the front and pulled it back for my son to get in and then when we got to a ride I would just have to tie the front down. We always go in Aug. and it rains everyday. It really worked good.

 

[STFXU]

I personally think a stroller is a good idea. especially if you are at the parks late.
When our youngest was 5 we bought a cheap umbrella stroller for him to ride in. It was great as he alwas had a comfortable place to sit while we were watching parades or waiting for the bus at the end of the day.
I think it was better than a rental as it was always easy to spot our stroller when we got off rides. also I didnt care if it got stollen as it was inexpensive.It was easy to fold it up and carry getting on and off the buses.
Yes my son could have walked the whole time.. but personally there were many times the rest of the famly would liked to have been pushed in a stroller too
We also appreciated it at the airport..we got in late and the Orlando airport is so big
I would consider taking a cheap umbrella stroller and if he doesnt need it just park it somewhere, better safe than sorry

 

[PLibster]

I am there to enjoy my trip! I want my children to be comfortable as well. I always rent a stroller at all parks. We have always done this. I give the children their choice. If they want to walk for awhile they can; if they want to ride for awhile they can. We are going in June and my children are 6 and 8! Yes, my son is 8 years old. I have talked to my son about this and he says he doesn't care if he looks like a "baby." Trust me, my kids have went to Disney every year of their life. They know by now how we walk the parks. We all like the storage as well. As said before, you know your child. You know your stress level. Just base your decision on that and you will be fine.

 

[xyb110]

All,

We are going to WDW in 10 days and stay for 6 days. I have read all the posts regarding rent or bring a stroller. My daughter is 5 1/2 now, but she is tall (47.5 inches) and heavy (50lb). She hasn't used a stroler since 3. I am confused of what type of stroller should I bring? It seems all the umbrella types are too small and the regular ones are too heavy. Any ideas?

Thanks a ton.

 

[traydog]

I just got back today from a 5 day trip. We were apauled be the amount of big kids in strollers! What are we teaching them? They are not disabled and shouldn't be treated as such. If they whine, they tell them they can either walk of leave the park if they're too tired. I think they'll make the wise choice. We live in a society where people are continuing to become obese and out of shape. Putting your child in a baby stroller when they are writing paragraphs and multiplying at school sounds crazy to me. We say kids that looked like they were 10-12 riding in strollers too. If you let your kids be lazy at an early age and spoil them with a wheeled ride around the park, i feel you are doing them a disservice. You are teaching them that being lazy is ok and they don't have to exert any energy. Your child will take that with them forever. If you have your child walk (like they are capable of) and go at their pace, they'll be better off inb the long run. This is from a teacher's point of view! Please let my know what you think. We were joking around saying next time we would come with a wheel barrow and just push eachother around all day (we are in our 30's)! )

 

[PLibster]

Traydog-- As far as my children being active, they are. We make sure as a family we walk 1 mile at least 4 times a week. They also jump on the trampoline, ride bikes and play all kinds of sports. Having a healthy lifestyle is important to us. I think that when we are at a WDW park it is different. I want my children to be comfortable on a hot, crowded day. It keeps them with me and when they want to walk they can, but if they get tired they have the choice to sit in a double stroller. I would not consider them lazy. Anywhere else that we may shop or visit, my children walk. On another note, my DS8 had Guillian Barre Syndrome when he was 5 and was paralized from the neck down for three months. He is fine now, but has some residule issues. He tires more easily and is sensitive to heat. That doesn't stop him, but I always prepare for him at the parks, because I know that he will come to the point when he just wants to stop. To keep him and my DD6 from getting too hot or tired, I offer the stroller and we can "just keep swimming, just keep swimming!" Mom and Dad are happy, the kids are comfy and all is right with the world!

 

[chrisn]

My son will be 7 in August. He is neither fat or lazy. He is an avergage child who is perfectly purportioned on the growth scale/chart. He is also a very active child whom does not like being sedimentary or sedate. I encourage him to play out in the fresh air and sunshine. Even when he is inside, he is not sitting like a lump on a log. He pretends like he's Harry Potter walking around the house with a wand. Everyday he rides his bike, jumps on the tramp, rides his scooter, plays soccer, yard hocky in the backyard and in general is a wild little indian outside. He gets plenty of exercise. While I agree on the older children 10, 12 and even have seen adult women in the WDW strollers, I think that the way MY family tours these parks (every day solid touring from park opening to park closing for 10 days, no hotel, pool breaks, 10-14 miles a day), in my opinion it would be cruel and unusual punishment for me to threaten my DS with walk or leave. What a happy thought for a happy place. If I made him do this, he'd never want to get up the next morning and go again. It would be like a big tiring chore. Also, my son (5 last trip) does not ride every second, he does get out and walk periodically (his choice) but for me, I want my child to be comfortable and happy so that he will have happy, lasting memories. It's not like I tote him around in a stroller in our local mall. This only happens at WDW. Like I said before, your child, your situation.

 

[laceemouse]

traydog, I hear you!!! I have never seen so many big kids in strollers, FAT people, and able bodied looking people in wheelchairs in my LIFE as I did at WDW a few weeks ago. My family is not athletic in the least, and I must admit some of us could stand to lose a few pounds, and we can make it walking. We LOVED our first non-stroller trip and can't wait to do it again. The place is total gridlock with people riding who could be walking. We don't do commando, but we do some pretty long park days. Like I said, it is a lot of sitting in shows and stuff. I think many of you with older kiddos should try to not get or bring a stroller. It makes life a lot easier. JMHO.......Lacee Don't flame me about the wheelchair comment, I know you can't always see a persons disability. But when someone is young, fit looking, tan, and wearing high heals I really have a hard time believing that they need a wheelchair, they need to try Nikes!

 

[kevin doyle]

Without question, rent a stroller. We have a stroller for my 3yo daughter and we rent a double stroller for my 6yo & 10yo boys. My 10yo walked most of the day, but when he needed a break, its easier to let him ride as well. You'll get alot more out of them by pushing and keeping them out of the sun. You'll also move at twice the speed. Best feature is security. You always know where your kids are. Not to mention, it's a great place to keep stuff as well. We've done Disney with and w/o strollers. I would never do it without.