How old is too old for a stroller?

[wayneg]

I think only the parents of the child can know, we took one when DS was 3 but not when he was 5.

 

[wifey]

It's your choice as a parent but I'm wondering if like at home strollers have have a weight limit and an age limit? If you still have one at home that fits the criteria for the child take it, what's to lose? If you find your child copes well enough without it leave it in your hotel room or only take it when you know you'll have a very long day ahead of you and take plenty of rest breaks and drink plenty of non fizzy drinks. Kids cope better with the heat and humidity if they stay hydrated and rest from time to time.
We get that all children have their own problems and achievements to aim for in life. Our DS wouldn't be in a stroller now, he's nine, hasn't been in one since he was 6 and even then we ditched it in the hotel room after the first couple of days as it became such a hinderance.. he wasn't staying in it but getting out and wandering away to see things. DS is very fit , he represents the school on the gymnastics team and he's a very confident swimmer and used to walking long distances but not all kids are as lucky as him.

I do feel though that Disney should not allow teenagers to be sitting in them like we've seen on previous trips surely if they have a disability they should be on a scooter or be sat in a wheelchair
It's been a while since we were at US/ IoA so I don't recall any teens being in strollers there just smaller happy children.

 

[alisonbestford]

We last used a stroller when Eve was 7 - almost 8
She didn't sit in it that much but I found it invaluable for carrying all the bits and bobs

She is rather small for her age so we just bought one from Walmart and left it behind - the ones in WDW look great if they will make your trip more relaxed

 

[WickedPlans]

I don't think it is anyone else's business!
If it works for you and your family, then that's all there is to it.

Although it was handy having the stroller when mine were younger, and it was a godsend at times, I was also glad to be able to go places without it.

I'm not sure how my 10 & 11 yr olds will manage next year - we will probably just have to take everything at a slower pace than we did before.

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

I am not so worried about the walking than the heat and lack of shade in the summer. There are lots of good air-conditioned buildings in WDW though, not like Spain where we all fried for a fortnight even though our room had "air-conditioning"!!

 

[wifey]

Orlando hot and humid is a totally different if you've never experienced it before, totally different from Europe in the summer months so very hard to compare BUT lots more shops and shows and malls and hotels have really cold (goose bumps cold) air conditioning to take advantage of as well as misting fans and water jets the kids can cool off in. If you can make sure to take the kids to Universal Studiosto see Curious George's play area and the splash zone next door lots of wet and wacky fun there for the kids just be sure you have a towel and sunscreen to re-apply. WDW also has great rides like Kali river rapids and Splash Mountain to get drenched on as well as the water parks to play in.
I know what you mean though about lack of shade even waiting for the show in front of the castle can be pure torture in the blazing sun for adults let alone kids.

 

[iluvtot]

Hi,
Last year DD who was 14 totally begged for a stroller when we were walking around Epcot!
Just a thought, you could rent a double stroller. I wouldn't be worried about your daughters' age so much as her comfort. When our kids were small, we had the double stroller for our twins; and DS who is 2 years older walked. As he got tired, we would take the girls out for a walk, and he would 'stretch-out' for a rest! Also, you wouldn't have the 'weight' factor to worry about

Jules x

 

[PoppyAnna]

It is a personal choice, if you feel your DD needs it, then it's best to use it, especially if it means a happier and more pleasant holiday for all of you
I'm all for that

I suspect I am a bit of a lone voice on this but my dd is now 3 (will be about 3.75 on next trip) and I am looking forward to going without a stroller. Have started doing other holidays without one and I find it so liberating!!! I despise lugging it around (always travel fairly light anyway).

I agree.
We have two girls 6 and (almost) 4.
We went to DLRP this year in May for 6 days without a buggy, we were in the park for 0815 every morning and were on the go all day. Yes, our youngest ended up on our shoulders towards the end of the day, and if were were in the Orlando heat (although a couple of the days were 30c) and staying out late to watch fireworks etc we probably would have hired a double so she could rest.
I do feel manouvering a buggy around the parks and constantly parking it up and looking for it when you exit rides does slow you down. We are planning a three week trip to WDW in Aug 2010, it will be our first August trip and youngest DD will be 4yrs 10months. We are planning three weeks due to the heat so we can pace ourselves, therefore I will not be taking a buggy, but if she really needs one I will hire a double. Eldest DD will be 7 1/2, to be honest she wouldn't dream of getting in a buggy, she is a super fit sporty girl though with a great motor on board!
We also do a few weeks prep for a holiday like WDW and take the girls out for long walks for six weeks or so leading up to it, you can prepare them a little.
To be honest, her first trip there was when she was 19months and apart from a few naps here and there she hardly stayed in the buggy even at that age.

 

[karengr]

This year will be our first year without a stroller. i am trying to talk our 6 year old into having one so i can hang the shopping on it she says there is no way she is sitting in a baby buggy. I am really gonna miss our stroller, we are big walkers but still intend on practising our walking over the summer holidays.

 

[loobylou44]

Hi,
Last year DD who was 14 totally begged for a stroller when we were walking around Epcot!
Jules x

I showed this to my DD (14), and said 'this will be you in Dec' she agreed!!