HELP taking six yr old w/o hubby

[cheeringmom]

Hi all. I will be taking my six year old little girl next week to Disney for 7 days. My dh is in Iraq so we are going solo along with her brother. I was curious to see if anyone has ever brought an umbrella stroller for their six yr old. There is so much walking and standing I am afraid she will be exhausted before the day is over. I am not even sure I can get her into a stroller. Is she too old????

 

[ryanally]

Good for you!!! I would love to take my almost 6 DS to WDW myself, but I think my DH and DD (2) would be upset. What a great way to bond. Perhaps just rent a stroller at Disney. My 47 pound guy fits in one just fine. Also nice to put the packages in our sit in for the parades. Hope you have a great time.

 

[DVC Sadie]

We brought our neice who had just turned 6 and she did not want or need a stroller. Just play it by ear. Have a great time.

 

[tmanaster]

My six yo did not need/use a stroller but I have read many reports of other kids doing so. I also agree to just play it by ear.

 

[poohfriend]

You're going to have a fantastic time!!!!

I'd rent a stroller if you need one for the parks. It's expensive, but with a six year old, you won't need a stroller in the airport etc.

If you rent, you can take the name tag out of the stroller if you're tired of pushing it and grab another stroller later in the day. There are several places in each park to get another stroller when you need. one. for example in MK you can get a stroller at the train stations. The point is you would not be tied to a stroller if your six year old wanted to walk. (Although strollers make great storage carts too)

have an awesome time....i'd love to go with just one kid and give her a great time. (thanks also to you and your dh for your service to our country...)

 

[tjmw2727]

With a six year old it could go either way so I wouldn't bother with an umbrella stroller. If you could budget a few $$ for it I would consdier renting one at the parks as needed.

At that age my dd's didn't need one for the most part and did fine walking. When they got tired we all took a break, ate saw a show or something else relaxing. The exceptions were Epcot especially World Showcase, late nights and AK. It was nice in the mornings esp at Fantasyland in MK not to have the stroller and picking one up later in the day if necessary.

It will also be easier using the transportation if you don't have to carry the stroller in addition to the backpack etc.

So - in short my vote for a 6yo would be rent as needed.

Have fun - I love my girls only trips! With a a heartfelt thanks to your DH from our family.

TJ

 

[pezpam]

I started taking DD to WDW, just me and her, when she was 5. We've never used a stroller, but we also don't go commando-style, either. I've found that following her schedule might mean we'd miss some things (like fireworks because she was an early sleeper) but it also meant that we had nothing but good memories - no meltdowns, no ridiculously sore feet (sore, but not crazy-sore, lol), no tantrums, no major discipline issues, great bonding time. **Well** worth it, imho. If you miss something, it's an excuse to go back someday.

As far as tired feet/legs, you can work with that. Sit on a bench and have a snack. Ride something like Carousel of Progress. Head for a show or sit and wait for a parade. Though we never did it, a lot of people like to head back to the hotel for a midday swim and/or nap.

Enjoy! It's a wonderful age to have a mommy/kids trip.

 

[staci]

I wouldnt worry about a stroller, but budget for the possibility of needing one at EPCOT if she gets tired. Have fun!

 

[cheeringmom]

Thank you all for the advice and ideas. I may just borrow an umbrella stroller and have it at the hotel-just in case! If she has a bad day, she may want to be strolled-I know I would!!

I have thought of a mid day trip back to the hotel. We may just call it an early evening. I will play it by ear and see how she feels! Thanks again!