Help, I think my 6 year old will need a stoller!

[anabelle]

We went for a walk last night and my DD had a side ache after 2 blocks. She is a little thing, only 45 lbs, so I could still squeeze her into the umbrella stroller. I waited too long to see if the kids could handle it. Maybe I should just rent one. I don't want to buy one for one week a year

 

[Lyndarella]

Try renting one the first day, and if she doesn't need it, you can carry your stuff in it! Or to save $, maybe you could borrow one from a friend to take with you.

It reminds me of going to the State Fair with 3 year olds, a stoller, and my 5 year old daughter. My younger son said, "I'm too old to ride in a stroller!" My 5 year old daughter said, "Well, I'm not!" And she got those littler kids to push her around all day! LOL

 

[my3princes]

My ds6 will also require a stroller for our trip. He is only 35lbs! He has flat feet and has prescription orthopedic supports that were casted specifically for his feet, and even when wearing them he often experiences intense foot and leg pain if he spends too much time on his feet. We always bring our double stroller (we have an 18 mth old and an 8 yr old too). I also suffered from flat feet when I was a child so I know how painful this can be. My ds8 also has flat feet (heredity ain't it great), but he doesn't have nearly as many problems as the 6 yr old. I would definately bring your stroller if she is already complaining at home because I'm sure that it will be worse there. There are many older kids in strollers and my son doesn't mind riding at all and we can move faster and he is always right with me, no wandering.

 

[Serenity]

You know your child best. If you think that a stoller will help, then use one. The last thing you want to do is get there and then have her complain or be in pain and you both be miserable. Most umbrella strollers are easy to fold and lightweight so it won't be that much of a hassle to bring it. If you are flying, you can stroll her right up to the gate, they will store it under the plane and then it will be waiting for you when you exit.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

I agree....get her the stroller.

We bring our own every year so I do not know how much they cost to rent at WDW, but it you take in consideration how many days you are going to be renting one, it might be worth it to buy one so you have it at your disposal the entire vacation and not just at the parks.

 

[kabauer]

My daugher is 6.5yrs. We were at WDW from 5/2-9/04. Put on alot of miles and by day 5 we got a stroller for her. What a difference. She actually had some energy reserved for the late evenings! Worth it. Everyone was much happier with her on wheels!!!

 

[232271]

we used a stroller when my son was 6 and my 8 yr. old rode sometimes too. it is worth it. we bought an inexpensive one for $30 and it was cheaper than renting, plus came in handy at the end of the week at the airport.

 

[tolookaa]

My 4 yo DS is 45" tall and is too tall for the average umbrella stroller. Does anyone have any inexpensive ideas for a stroller? I do not want to spend a lot because he won't be using this a lot at home. Thank you for your help.

 

[slo]

When we go in Sept. we are renting a double stroller for our children. They will be 13 months and 6 yrs old.

I love strollers everywhere I go and because of this my 6 yr old is very used to them and still uses them when we go to the mall or anywhere I fear her getting lost.

Even if I didn't have my 13 month old - I would still rent the stroller for my 6 yr old in Sept.

A sidenote about the Disney Strollers - I absolutly love them. I think they are comfortable for the child and provide a decent amount of shade from the hot sun. I would definitly recommend them. We do take an umbrella stroller for Downtown Disney - but to push that all day at the parks would be back breaking because the handles are always so low.

So...don't feel odd about putting your 6yr old in a stroller - I will be right there with you!!!

 

[Beca]

My 2.5 yr old DD is VERY tall, she was outgrowing her stroller. I went to a children's consignment store and got one (Graco, I think) that is HUGE!! The wheels are much bigger than her old one, and she can recline and still not touch her head on the canopy!!! I paid $28 for this!! That is quite a bargain compared to the WDW world prices. Plus, it has a really large basket for carrying things, a really nice "meal tray" with her own cup holders, and two cup holders for us.

I LOVE strollers!!! I think my DD will be in one for a LONG time, if I have ANY say in it!!!

Anyway...look at the different ones, and have your child sit in them. Some are MUCH larger than others. The bigger the wheels are, the better, and if you can get both front and back wheels that rotate, it is easier to steer (although those tend to be expensive). Just remember, pushing around a 45 lb child is not going to be like what you remember. My DD is 27lbs...and, sometimes the stroller can be a bit difficult to manuever!!

Have fun shopping!!!

Beca

 

[webmomom]

Wish they made them for adults. Not a wheelchair, just a stroller to be pushed in.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

Walmart has umbrella strollers for around $9.00 I think. If he/she fits in this it's the price of a single day's WDW rental, and you could have it for the parking lots, buses, resort, airport, etc. They do sell taller ones with larger wheels somewhere I just can't recall right now, maybe walmart too for a little bit more.

 

[Magic2000]

My DD is 8 yrs old and weighs about 45 lbs. She does use a stroller when we're at Disney - mostly at Epcot! Its a lot of walking! I like having a place to put our "stuff" too! She's also able to put her head back and fall asleep.

Like the other posters have said - you know your child best. If he/she needs the stroller, use it! I know my DD is a lot happier in the stroller, and I don't mind pushing her.

Go and enjoy!!!!!

 

[HeatherAnn23]

We recently picked up a Chicco Caddy for our son. He will be 4 and is about 44 inches tall. What we did is had him try out all of the options at Toys R US. We both liked the Caddy. It's still an umbrella stroller, it has a carrying case with strap for when it's folded, and it comes with a rain cover. It doesn't have a storage bag, but you can buy those as an add on. The portability was more important to us than storage capacity. We had been watching Ebay for a larger umbrella stroller, but when you add shipping it's not much of a deal. We picked up the Chicco for $29.99 - there was a coupon for $10.00 off any stroller over $40, and this one was on sale for $39.99 - they let us use the coupon anyway since it was so close!! Don't underestimate the inconvenience of leaving the stroller at the gate of the park - depending on where you are staying having a stroller to take back to your room with you can be a lifesaver!!

 

[melindaandrob]

Flat footed child in our house too! He is 6 and I bought an umbrella stroller at Walmart, we have taken a couple of trips and each time we put it on the plane to go home we hope they lose it, nope. As we are pulling our luggage off there is the stroller, Dh is convinced that Stephen King could write a story much like 'Christine' He's convinced the thing is alien. Bottom line is comfort of the child, Ds walked and rode at his leisure and because it's just a little stroller it's easy to maneuver through crowds and isn't a hassle.

 

[Toby]

We also got a stroller for my daughter when she was 6. I think people underestimate the amount of walking you do - especially Epcot. Add in the heat, and everyone's exhausted. Maybe you could get an inexpensive umbrella one - even walking in the airports tire kids out.

 

[WhispyPixie]

our youngest will be 6 in July..for our June trip we will take it......she simply uses it for crashing when she tires out!

 

[momshark]

I know that there is a lot of walking in WDW. And I will be the only parent on this trip. There is NO WAY my DD(13) or I could carry my DS back to the hotel or on the bus if (when) he falls asleep. Since he is so active at home he will probably only ride in it later in the day. But I think it is better for me to plunk down $20 now, use the stroller at the airports, hotel (POR, which I hear can be a trek) and parks, instead of spending $50+ on rentals. Just MHO.
I suggest getting one.
Have a great trip!!!

 

[MrsJackSparrow]

Umbrella stroller from Wal-Mart all the way! At $10, it beats WDW's price ($8/day) by far.

To combat back issues, I purchased a handle extension set from Babies R Us for about $16. It is called Handle Helpers and is manufactured by Safefit. These are a cinch to add to the umbrella stroller and make a world of difference on your back strain from pushing it all day. Well worth the money for the convenience and comfort.

 

[madscrapper]

I have a double stroller for my girls...they are 5 and 8..the 8 year old is is 4'5" and 68 lbs. I have been using this for years at the parks and will continue to use it until it falls apart. They both like having a place to rest-up and get out of the sun for a while. I have never gotten a dirty look, but wouldn't care if I did. As previous posters have said, you know your kids.

It has been a true life saver for tired and hot kids...plus I love that I can stow our backpacks in the storage area so the adults don't have to carry anything.

If you didn't want to buy a new stroller, try looking at thrift and consignment stores as well as yard sales.

Jeannine