how old is too old for stroller

[mommyintn]

We went last Feb. and had a double stroller for our 8 & 5 year old boys. Neither boy had an issue riding in and it helped us navigate busy crowds. I've got a great photo I'll post later that has both boys sitting in the stroller at EPCOT dead asleep. It's a lot of walking for kids that may not be used to walking miles a day. We are going back again in Feb. and this time I'm going to just rent a single for my younger son in case he wants to ride or in case either get tired, otherwise I'll use it to push our stuff! Do what's best for your kids and your family, there is no age restriction on the strollers.

 

[MyDizneyBoyz]

We're on vacation and to our boys, the stroller is another way-cool ride to enjoy at the parks! I don't think it's necessarily a matter of whether or not they "can" walk all day, but whether or not you're willing to give them an option.

My boys get cranky in the heat and overwhelmed by the sights and sounds at Disney which can turn an otherwise fun and relaxing day into something not quite so fun... If having a mobile place to sit in the shade and relax with a cold drink keeps them relaxed, then it keeps us all happy.

We all like to take it easy when we're on vacation and while I make my boys walk at the mall, the boardwalk, grocery store, and every other local place, Disney is special. You know your kids and your family best. If you want to give them the option of being able to lounge in a stroller, then you go right ahead, regardless of age.

 

[Casey in AL]

When we went last year my dd was 3 1/2 and she rode in her stroller every day. We had to beg her to walk at some points. We are going back this November and she is 4 1/2 and she has already requested that we take her stroller with us again. She still rides in the buggy at the grocery store and even at the mall she asks for her stroller. I don't mind because it is a lot easier to keep up with her this way. She's small for her age so her weight isn't a big issue either.

Casey

 

[disneymomof2boyz]

I don't think there is a "right" age for a child to be or not to be in a stroller. I think parents know their children best.

Here's my experience: I have 2 boys (3 and 4), they are big for their ages. We never use a stroller here at home, or at the mall, church or whatever. But for our upcoming Disney trip we will be shelling out the big bucks to rent a double stroller. I read somewhere that you walk close to 8-9 miles per day while at Disney, and if I am exhausted after a day of walking, I can just imagine how my boys will be tired. We will probably rent a stroller until they are at least 6, and then they gotta suck it up and walk!! lol

Good luck....

 

[princesspiglet]

My DD will be 6 during our next trip in Feb and you can bet I will be renting a stroller there if need be. I will leave it up to her and see how she does. We are regulars at Hersheypark and she does okay there for about 6 hours, then she wants to ride Daddy's shoulders. If she wants to get a stroller and is tired, I have no problem with that. I know my legs are killing me after a day or 2 and I am a long-distance runner!

 

[perriwinkleblue]

My dd is 6 and by the end of the day she NEEDED a stroller. (We didn't bring one because my Mom uses a wheelchair and ds3 had a single stroller... and we ran out of arms! )
My dd is active and we walk to/from school everyday, so she's no stranger to walking but Disney is SO much walking - even if you try to take it easy. Many times the poor kid fell asleep on the bus ride back and I had to wake her up and make her walk back to the room. I felt so mean. My advice is to bring a cheapy umbrella stroller but let your dd know it's only for later when her legs are too tired. Like another poster said, you can use it to hold stuff or you can park it a couple of times (put your name/phone on it w/a sharpie or tag). You may not need it everyday/in every park. If you go to the park early and then return to your resort for a break, don't bring it. Bring it if you go back to the parks for the afternoon or evening. BTW her legs will be a little too long for the umbrella stroller but she can put them on the foot rest and it'll be fine

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

 

[firechick139]

We will definately be taking a stroller for our 5yo DD. We will take a little collapsible umbrella stroller. If we need to get somewhere quickly, she can't walk as fast as the rest of us, so she will just hop in the stroller. She will walk around for the most part, but if she gets tired after a long day of nonstop walking, she will have it, and we won't need to hear "But I'm too TIRED" all evening. Also, like many others have said, even if she doesn't use it at all, WE will be using it to hold our stuff. I think it's a very good idea to take it.

 

[FairyGodmotherJen]

I agree that it depends on your kids. We just returned from Disney 2 weeks ago. It was horribly hot, and we put in pretty long days. We brought a stroller for DS (5 mo.) and one umbrella stroller. Our DD 7 and DS 4 fought over it. I think that it preserves sanity - I don't care how much walking/activity your kids do at home, Disney is different. We found that our DD was good with walking as long as she could have piggy back rides, etc. until it got REALLY hot. She was even ok walking to and from the bus stop and everything - it was the heat that got to her.

We had to put DS(4) in it simply because, at the rate he moves, we never would have gotten anywhere!!!

 

[Ourtoystory]

You have had some really good advice here and I echo deffo not to old for a stroller. We have been a few times in pretty tight crowds at Disney. Especially heading down mainstreet after fireworks or even sometimes just arriving. Even at Disney we have experianced some aggresive crowd behaviour, not much but it happens.I believe having your little one in the stroller is actually a safer way to go. My own opinion only.

Something others haven't mentioned is your own backs. Your little one will get tired and after all that walking so will your body. It is really yucky to have to hold a tired little one when you could do with a piggy back ride yourself

Just remember to let your child loose at times as well. There are several areas that even a little one will want to stretch their legs and explore.

 

[Dizisfun]

BRING A STROLLER!!!! You will be glad you did. My granddaughters were 4 and 6 years old last October and even the six year old made use of the double stroller that my daughter took with them. If you don't take a stroller you can rent them, but honestly they don't look very comfortable and sit really low to the ground.