How old is too old to have a stroller??

[DisneyMommaToTwo]

We used a sit n stand stroller for my DD 8 and DD 2. They both used it frequently during our long days in the park. It was nice to have it for stowing the diaper bag (DD 2 is still potty training) and extra bottles of water and jackets. Disney is really great about having ample stroller parking. My sister didn't bring a stroller for her 4 year old and broke down and rented one an hour into the 1st day.

 

[sbarisch]

Last year, our DD had just turned 5 and the umbrella stroller we borrowed from a friend was a godsend! She doesn't nap at home during the day, but with all the hustle at WDW, she napped a couple of times in the stroller. To echo the thoughts of others, it was a great place to put bags and other things when she wasn't riding and provided her with a break. I debated this year, as she'll just have turned 6 before our trip in September and how it would look to have a stroller. After thinking about it, I actually went out and bought one to take this fall. We can walk more quickly with her riding, she can have a break, and we have the storage to boot!

Whatever works for your child and your family is what you should do

 

[Autumnslight]

My kids will be 3 and 7 when we go to Disney at the end of September. I'm thinking of actually buying a Sit-and-Stand stroller specifically for the trip (it'll be cheaper than renting for 8 days, and I can resell it too!). My oldest hasn't used a stroller in years, and my youngest really doesn't use one anymore either. But I KNOW they're going to get tired out at Disney, and I don't want to have them be miserable, and make everyone else miserable, because they're tired or their feet hurt.

As for when are they too old? Whenever you and they decide that they don't need/want one anymore. That's the important part. Who cares what anyone else thinks, it's your vacation!

 

[WantToGoNow]

I would not take a stroller for those ages. I have taken kids at all of those ages, and none had any problem walking all day for 8-9 consecutive days.

 

[3mama3]

We are always glad to have our stroller! My seven year old son used a stroller last year. I would much rather push a stroller than deal with a hot and tired child. Great for late nights in the park too, and we put our stuff in it! No need to carry anything!

 

[powellrj]

Our cut-off age was 4, BUT we never take things into the park that needed to be carried and always would take our time and rest when they needed to.

 

[reader562]

I've seen this question a lot and just wanted to say that my kids at 28 & 24 ARE too old for a stroller!

 

[cieslack]

My kids are 5, 6, & 8. This will be our first trip that I am thinking we may not take a stroller. We are not planning on going back to the hotel during the day so I know they will get tired...I thought I had decided on just taking a single stroller for them to switch off in case they need a break but now I am debating bringing a double stroller. Thoughts???

When mine were that age I would have brought a double. Little legs take a lot of steps. It beats carrying them.

 

[Mom2six]

I'm definitely for using a stroller. However, I worry about the width and size of a double. We are going to use a double on our upcoming trip, and it does concern me. How are you getting to the parks? If you are taking a bus, a double rather than a single might be a big pain for travel. How often do you think your children will sit in the stroller and will they use both seats enough to justify having the extra size? (Unless you plan on using the seat for packages etc too.)

My DD will be 7 on our next trip. I don't think she will use the stroller very often at all (since she did not use it much on our last trip). She has arthritis though and I like to provide a place for her to rest if she starts to hurt. She's always jumping out to see things or walk.

 

[GadgetTheInventor]

Unless there is an underlying medical issue, I don't see why to use a stroller at those ages. Part of the magic of a Disney vacation is interacting with your kids while walking...pointing out interesting sights to each other, asking questions, conversing in general. I always cringe a bit when I see parents going commando through the parks to give their kids the Disney experience, but without slowing down and experiencing Disney WITH their kids. Strollers just don't easily allow for intimate adult/child conversations. Isn't the point of a vacation to have more family time?

There is noting wrong with going back to the room for a midday nap and then hitting the hotel pool. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing for everyone involved...kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I unfortunately see way too many parents forgetting the basics...there is just only so much a kid's brain can healthily absorb in one day.

 

[ryjaxaddie]

I would bring a double umbrella stroller. they are so light that even if you had to carry it, it would be lighter than your 5 year old. I have 3 kids very close in age myself. My worst Disney nightmare is when it is 7:00 and 1 or 2 or 3 melt down together. And then they won't walk. How many adults do you have to carry children through parks to busses to hotels. My other thought is 3 kids have a lot of baggage even at their ages... how nice to have a rolling "baggage carrier". Lastly... a 5 year old will need to rest more than an 8 year old usually. Will you miss out on more by having to stay in one place? If you are considering bringing the stroller than my guess is you already have some or all of these fears. If the kids never use it, then you know not to bring one next time. But the peace of mind having it could greatly improve your day. (and your back).

 

[samnbilly]

I know stroller rental is kind of expensive, but it's actually easier to have them get in/out of the rented stroller.. It's good for later in the day when they're tired & let face it-they outnumber you!
Correct me if I'm wrong, but stroller rental is cheaper weekly & is usually interchangeable in the parks which is a huge help.
During the day-the kids are usually great, but, during hot days & long lines, sometimes it's a nice break! Whatever you decide..only you know your kids best!

 

[Disneylover99]

I think a five or six year old may need a stroller at Disney.

 

[sss]

I don't know what this is about "your kids will look funny" in a stroller or "they're too old," or because someone's kid was a certain age when they stopped using it then that should be the universal age when strollers are no longer acceptable, ridiculous.
All kids are different. I have 3 DDs. Two will be 11 in August and the third 8. My youngest didn't walk until she was 21 months. WE have been to Disney World almost every year since the twins were 14 months. I want to say my youngest was maybe 6 when we stopped using the stroller. That said, she is also the youngest and I think it was easier to give it up because there wasn't a younger one in a stroller, kwim? I think the twins were about the same age, but don't quote me on that.
Frankly, at Disney you see all kinds. If it provides even just a rest place to keep any of your kids from having a melt down, do it. Disney is happy and melt downs should be avoided at all costs. What one kid can endure in a day is completely different than another child the same age. It isn't just about walking, it's about sensory overload. Sometimes even grown ups just need to chill for a few minutes quietly. YOu know your kiddos best. Oh, and we have done Disney with an umbrella double and it's no big deal. I will say that because your kids are old enough to walk, I would consider just renting strollers in the park. Shlepping the strollers on busses was a real pain so once all our kids could walk, that's what we did.
OH, and I think you should absolutely put your foot down on no strollers when they are 45
Just my two cents.
Have fun!

 

[sss]

I don't know what this is about "your kids will look funny" in a stroller or "they're too old," or because someone's kid was a certain age when they stopped using it then that should be the universal age when strollers are no longer acceptable, ridiculous.
All kids are different. I have 3 DDs. Two will be 11 in August and the third 8. My youngest didn't walk until she was 21 months. WE have been to Disney World almost every year since the twins were 14 months. I want to say my youngest was maybe 6 when we stopped using the stroller. That said, she is also the youngest and I think it was easier to give it up because there wasn't a younger one in a stroller, kwim? I think the twins were about the same age, but don't quote me on that.
Frankly, at Disney you see all kinds. If it provides even just a rest place to keep any of your kids from having a melt down, do it. Disney is happy and melt downs should be avoided at all costs. What one kid can endure in a day is completely different than another child the same age. It isn't just about walking, it's about sensory overload. Sometimes even grown ups just need to chill for a few minutes quietly. YOu know your kiddos best. Oh, and we have done Disney with an umbrella double and it's no big deal. I will say that because your kids are old enough to walk, I would consider just renting strollers in the park. Shlepping the strollers on busses was a real pain so once all our kids could walk, that's what we did.
OH, and I think you should absolutely put your foot down on no strollers when they are 45
Just my two cents.
Have fun!

 

[Trip planner]

My older son is 5 and I still plan to bring the double stroller. It is a great place to stash our stuff and if we stay late for fireworks, he will probably be pretty tired on the walk back to the buses. On our last two trips to WDW, both kids napped in the stroller every afternoon while DH and I browsed through the shops.

 

[jameyh]

I have two sons one will be 7 Saturday and one will be 18 months when we visit disney. Now our 7 year old is small (47lbs -44") we have rented a double citi mini for our trip. I would rather have a seat for him "just in case" he needs a rest than to hear him whine that he's tired. Plus it gives us extra storage room for cooler & bags

 

[purpledisneyprncess]

Haven't read through all the responses so my answer might be a dup... I think for 5 & 6 you could still get a stroller and be fine but it truly depends on your children's walking abilities as well as if they'd be comfortable fitting in the stroller. I know for our upcoming trip my 4 & 7 year olds will be using a double stroller. Could really care less how people feel about it, whether they think my kids are too old, etc. I know it will come in handy when they are tired and need a rest and that's all that matters is my kids. We of course are always mindful of other people when using our stroller in the parks so it shouldn't pose a problem to anyone. Edited to add: to answer your question about "how old is too old" I don't have an exact age in mind. I think it goes back to the size of the child and how comfortable fitting they will be in the stroller, and also to not use it past the stroller's recommended weight max.

 

[zy144622]

My oldest DD will be 5 1/2 and we will still be getting a double stroller. Thought about doing a single for DS2 but getting through crowds with the double was great for keeping everyone together. Storage was a bonus!

 

[lylone]

When I was little my parents didn't take me to Disney until I could walk on my own the whole day with breaks.


I think there are a lot of babies who are too young to be at Disney yet, and also a lot of kids who shouldn't be in strollers.

Hate me if you want, but I miss the days when you didn't see any strollers in Disney. I always get the benefits of other people's strollers being rammed into my shins and feet now when I go....