I'd like to say this isn't a stroller question...

[kimmac1]

but it is!
We have a DS4 & DS6. (Each about 40 lbs.) We have been pretty set on just renting the double stroller at each park--or at least the ones that we figure we will be at all day. We had not planned on returning to our room for naps, etc... So, a stroller would be a must. We don't think they'll sleep in it, but it will let them rest some from walking.
However, after further research here on the Dis, it seems that most people are big on taking a rest in the middle of the day. If we do this, do we really need to have a stroller? I just think the boys will be so excited they won't want to ride in it.
AND, if we do leave the park, what are the chances of getting a stroller if we return?

Thanks for the help!

 

[TheDizMom]

A) yes they will want to ride in it . We had a 4, 6 and 7 year old who were fighting about who would get into the stroller and a lot of the time had all three crammed in there . They like to be able to ride. Ours were doing it from the minute we got the stroller. There were times it was empty and when we did Fantasyland we just parked it and left it there while we did all the rides and ate lunch.

B) if you hold onto your receipt for the day they will give you another stroller if you decide to leave the park and come back. We did this and it was no problem at all .

C) if you were thinking about doing it I would. We stayed in the parks all day most days so we really needed it.

D) have a great trip

 

[SmallWorld71]

Hi,
I think weather can be a huge factor in whether or not you take a break in the middle of the day. We found we did not need to take too many breaks last February and the kids were fine. DD(then 3) slept in her stroller. When we go in August it is a different story. Everyone, including DH and I, are ready to leave the parks by 1 pm to hit the pool or watch some T.V. in the room. We then head back out in the evening. There is no way you can do a really long day without a break when the heat and humidity are brutal. (IMHO) I have been in May before and it was a mixed bag. I think the weather could be really nice or really hot. You might have to wait and see. Don't stress out about it too much. Just listen to cues from the family and if you are getting cranky - leave. Have a great time!

 

[onelovejw]

I had the same question! Glad to see this post. My DD is 5 and we weren't sure if we should get one but she gets tired of walking easily. Last time my DS and my DD were fighting over who would ride in one but they are so much touble to drag around when riding the buses. How expensive is it rent to one for the day?

 

[Dina]

On our most recent trip, my boys were 3.5yo and 6.5yo. We got the double stroller every day. They hopped in and out of it. 6yo was in it maybe half the time, 3yo more than that--- but I'd get it again (in fact, I probably will get it again in December when I have 4yo and 7yo). Kids get tired, and when they're tired, they whine. I'd rather pay for the legnth of stay stroller than hear whining in Disney. When they're not in it, we're still using it for all of our junk-- so it's all good. We always take breaks mid-day no matter what time of year--- I've never had trouble getting a stroller at the end of the day (but I haven't been there at a really busy time of year yet--- may be singing a different tune after our Christmas trip).

Editing-- someone asked how much it is a day. I thought the double was $18 a day, and the single $9 a day. But I could be a dollar or two off. I just go to the first park on the first day, and get a length of stay for our trip,and pay the whole thing there--- so I forget the exact amount per day.

 

[onelovejw]

That is good advice..usually we do end up carrying all of our "stuff" in the stroller too...thanks!

 

[Dina]

I just re-read and saw you mentioned the busses. We used to take our own double stroller when the kids were really little because just walking around the resort and airport was hard for them. The last two trips we started renting, because I couldn't be bothered anymore with the hassle of folding them up for the busses (and my youngest was 3 at that point). It's so much easier renting. However, the only problem is if any kids are still big nappers--- sleeping in the rented stroller can be tough (uncomfortable). But, if they're past that stage, the rentals are great!

 

[laughinplace199]

You could always just wait and see how they do with walking and then rent if necessary. They may surprise you. We were in WDW two weeks ago with DD7, DS5, & DS (5 months). We brought our stroller for the baby, but decided to wait and see if the big kids needed one. They walked for the first three days with no problems. By the 4th day, they were moving slower and DS5 was definitely tired so we rented a double for the rest of our trip. DS5 used it for the rest of the trip (he also got sick on our second to last day so that may be part of the reason why he was so tired) and DD7 used it sometimes. The weather was really nice, warm but not hot and sticky. If it had been warmer or humid, I think they both would have needed a stroller before the 4th day.

 

[WantToGoNow]

We had gone with the intention of taking a mid-day break -- but never did. The kids were fine but they were both riding in strollers -- they were 2 and 5 at the time. The little one would usually doze off mid-afternoon in the stroller and someone would just wait out with her while the rest of the family continued doing rides/shows. We did finish up evenings early (6-7) and ended each day at the pool.

 

[hddanis]

I have to get a stroller for my DD6 and DS4..They can't walk though the grocery store without complaining that their legs hurt. I'm not going to deal with that all through WDW. I ordered a double jogging stroller from a baby's best friend. That way, I'll have it even when we leave the park

 

[TheDizMom]

I had the same question! Glad to see this post. My DD is 5 and we weren't sure if we should get one but she gets tired of walking easily. Last time my DS and my DD were fighting over who would ride in one but they are so much touble to drag around when riding the buses. How expensive is it rent to one for the day?

The strollers are $18 per day for a double and $16 for a single. If you purchase a stroller for every day you will need one at the same time you get a $2 a day discount. If your kids are old enough to walk from the bus to the gates and vice versa it is definitely the way to go. Also when you buy for every day you only have to stand in the pay line once. After that you can just go and pick up your stroller and it is a pretty fast procedure. If you're going at a hot time of year I say don't decide later just get it, because they will get tired in the heat and not want to walk and it also gives them some measure of protection from the sun.