Maclaren Volo for a 7 year old?

[Disney 'Ohana]

If she doesn't want to walk?


I really don't see the need for a stroller for a 7 year old.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

tete01830~ congrats although I have to admit even at 69 its still a good deal considereing online the are 129.

I also have a kolcraft stroller that I have used for my dd7 in the past two years she is petite so it worked well for us considering its an umbrella stroller and dh liked that it has shocks unlike the standard umbrella stroller.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2329732

This is last years model so to speak they have a few new colors that are brighter for the regular price.

 

[mousemomof2]

Well, I received the Volo stroller today and I already love it. Very light weight, nice rain cover. Folds up nice, easy to push and I love the strap to carry it. I had my daughter try it out and she looks very comfy in it. She is excited and well, so am I. Now I do not have to hear her whine and cry.
I guess I don't blame her though. She is not used to walking that much.

 

[Mickeyherewecome123]

I have not been able to find the Volo for $50 anywhere. I've checked 2 Targets in my area and they were $69 and all sold out!

I havent seen the Maclaren that cheap either. I did find it the cheapest on Ebay. I just bought two (one for each of my 4 year old twins) and they were53.99 and shipping was 15.00 each. I did see pink Volos for 49.99 on Ebay too if that helps anyone lookingfor one for a girl.
Also the last time I looked on Babiesrus.com there was one onsale for 99.00.

HTH
Fran

 

[andreschris]

Is the Volo comfortable enough to sleep in it? I have a Chicco ct 0.6 and even though it only reclines a little ds can sleep well in it.

 

[TJA]

There is another type of maclaren that may have a higher weight limit -- I think 65 pounds -- just in case someone can't find the volo. I wholeheartedly agree that even older kids could use a stroller. My twins were 4-1/2 last trip and still fell asleep late at night in the stroller. In fact, it's something that they look forward to -- like when we're staying at BC and are at HS/MGM for Fantasmic, the girls can get in the stroller after the show and get cozy and fall asleep while we casually walk back to BC. DH and I can then stop on the boardwalk for a snack and sit on the outside benches and enjoy the scenery while the girls sleep comfortably in the stroller. It's absolutely wonderful. If we didn't have the stroller, then obviously it would've been a miserable trip back to the resort and no stopping on the boardwalk. This way, it's a win-win situation for all 4 of us.

 

[mom2aredhead]

But, I don't ever remember bringing a stroller for a kid over 5. Yes, there was that one time when the 3yr was going strong and the 7yr crashed, but, I wouldn't have drug a stroller around just for that.

I really don't see the need for a stroller for a 7 year old.

I totally agree. My son was just 4 on our last trip and although we brought the stroller, we only used it about 1/2 the time. We could have done without it and maybe rented one for the 1 or 2 times he really needed it (AK park comes to mind). It was so liberating just walking up to an attraction and going inside without having to park somewhere else first...and not having to look for the darn thing after exiting a show was great! We will not be bringing one on our next trip, whenever that may be.

 

[TJA]

Ok I finally read through this whole thread and I see the OP got the volo. Congrats! Our twins are 4-1/2 and we'll be going back to WDW soon and I just got my Baby Jogger City Series double! I am SO excited to take it! I posted above about how much fun we have when we stay at Beach Club. We have an afternoon rest normally, and then we pack our jogger in our room for dinner and late rides/fireworks. The girls have so much fun with this -- they pack their babies and a couple blankets. So when it gets late, like after Fantasmic ends, they get in the stroller, recline the seats, put up the large canopies, get out their blankets and babies, and they fall fast asleep. We can then take our time getting out of HS/MGM and then enjoy the walk back to Beach Club. We stop on the boardwalk for a snack and enjoy the scenery. We all love this. Without our own stroller, this wouldn't be possible and the trip wouldn't be as fun for us.

I should also add that the girls don't use the stroller much during the daytime -- a lot of times we leave it in the room. However, when we plan to walk back and forth to parks, we definitely need the stroller for that. It really makes quite a relaxing trip this way.

 

[nonzerosum]

I have a 1 year old who obviously needs a stroller, and a 4 1/2 year old who is a real princess when it comes to walking. This summer we travelled to Europe and after much thinking about which strollers to bring (my latest count is 9--I'm slightly addicted to strollers which may explain why my daughter is such a stroller proncess), I settled on bringing 2 umbrella strollers that were super cheap, about 15 -20 dollars each). My thinking was that I could just ditch them in the end if they were trashed. I was SO happy we did this and didn't bring our more expensive ones. Much to my surprise, they were quite durable and comfortable enough. Because the fabric is very light, they also kept the kids nice and cool. We walked over some pretty rough terrain, miles of 500 year old cobble stone streets, and even did a light hike up a dirt hilly path--for the most part these strollers were great. Sure there were a few moments when I was wishing for my $600 stroller, but in the end I would make the same decision again. In fact, I just pulled out these 2 cheapies this morning for our WDW trip in 21 more days. A little silicone spray to all the joints and wheels makes it function more like a McLaren at a fraction of the cost. I also got some elasticized heavy duty velcro straps from the dollar store (2 for a dollar) which allowed me to carry both strollers over one shoulder like the Volo. One final tip that I picked up on allears is to use the large canvas carry bags that collapsible lawn chairs come in to put your strollers in when you check them at the ariport gate. This helps protect the flimsy parts, keeps them clean, and gives you a carry strap.

 

[Mickeyherewecome123]

A little silicone spray to all the joints and wheels makes it function more like a McLaren at a fraction of the cost. I also got some elasticized heavy duty velcro straps from the dollar store (2 for a dollar) which allowed me to carry both strollers over one shoulder like the Volo. One final tip that I picked up on allears is to use the large canvas carry bags that collapsible lawn chairs come in to put your strollers in when you check them at the ariport gate. This helps protect the flimsy parts, keeps them clean, and gives you a carry strap.

Great tips for umbrella strollers. I did give in and buy two Volos, I think they will be great for Disney.
What do you guys do when you gate check your strollers? Do you put them in bags like the post quoted above? I think its a great idea. My Volo is white and orange, so I am worried it will get dirty when the airlines stores it after I gate check it. So just curious as to what you all do.

Thanks.
Fran

 

[Lauratu]

All of you who are using stroller for older kids, are they wearing the 5 point safety harness when riding in ? I see so many older kids not strapped in. It is so unsafe.
My older kids do strap in and out by themselves but they are always buckled for the ride.

 

[DisFam95]

Is the shade height adjustable like it is on the Triumph and Quest?

I put my DS2 in one the other day and he only had 5 inches above his head at the heighest pt. There is no way my tall 5yr old would fit. I've tried it before (a yr ago at 4yr) and the shade hit him in the head. Am I missing something? I looked at the shade and it did not seem height adjustable. But then I had a fussy 2yr old w/ me so who knows

I need to go look again at it or if someone could tell me about the shade going higher because my 5yr old is too tall for the Volo.

Thanks

 

[AlohaAnnie]

Hiya! My DD 6 and My DS 11 both do not like to walk, a year ago we bought a McClaren Volo fits up to 50 pounds and we took the straps out of the holes and it hangs under the seat in the basket. It fits both of them fine. Our 11 year old is small for his size. He is in 5th grade but the size of a boy in 3rd grade and our DD6 is average size. They both fit fine in the stroller and I use it for the mall and everything and we are taking it with us for our upcoming trip in WDW in May/June. I figured instead of spending money on stroller rental. I could have something to use all year!

I found one at BabiesRus.com They are now Selling one that holds up to 65 pounds and it is only $114.99.

Good Luck, If I were you I would buy one and nix the stroller rental.
Your kids could ride back to the resort in it and DTD.

Tina

I went back and noticed that you bought a the stroller. Good For You! I have to have one because our kids are like yours. They will not give us a moment peace and beg us to carry them. Well our DD6 begs us and DS11 complains how tired he is the whole time. It is just terrible for DH and I. It is more peaceful for something to ride in. Our Stroller is really light weight and it has a strap on it so you can fold it up and carry on your shoulder like a bag. It is really nice.

 

[Lauratu]

Hi AlohaAnnie

I find it really nice that you got a Volo for your kids. But why have you put the straps away ? I cannot imagine using a stroller without the 5 points harness, even with older kids. It is so easy to get thrown out of the seat if there is a sudden stop or hole in the ground. And also not good if they lean forward or move too much or standup while the stroller is moving.
With the 5 point they seat properly.

 

[skjj2009]

I bought two volos off ebay for 49.99 and 53.99. I thought it was a good deal considering what theya re going for in the store. My dh didn't want anymore strollers but he hates the cheapo umbrellas...complains about how they roll like crap so I decided to buy ones I knew would stroll good and be comfy for my 5 and 3 yos. I'll probably sell the pink one on ebay unless I think we'll need it again for another trip and keep the other one for my 3 yo. There is NO WAY I'd go to disney with a 5 yo and expect her to walk the entire park...she's far too young and would get tired and want us to carry her. NO THANKS! I think you made the right decision...enjoy your vacation!

 

[kileybeth]

well, I am definitely the reprobate here concerning safety, maybe it has to do with the fact my oldest is 26 years old, you know back in the day when even car seats didn't have 5 point harnesses?

I still use both my volos for our 5 and 3 year olds, straps totally removed and love them. I guess while it is true they could fall/get bumped out, some things in life are just a risk.

And then you take them out and put them onto all those disney rides with at the most, a loose lap belt? yeah, well, I'm a risk taker I guess.

having been to Disney a few times and with all ages, I find Disney one of the nicest park around stroller wise. It is soo stinkin' flat and unbumpy it is a joy to push the strollers around. Not so much in other amusment parks I promise you!

And for long riding/sleeping purposes? Those belts are so uncomfortable to sleep on for the bigger kiddos.

To each there own I guess. No need for flames. I do also own and use a top of the line, steel reinforced, properly installed car seat and started doing so as we brought our barely 4 pound premmie home from the NICU 3 years ago. PS she loved Disney at 6months and weighing in at all of 10 pounds as she basked in the FL heat.

 

[nilseks]

I just bought a used Mac Quest and we gave it a "Disney Trial Run" at Six Flags today. My 4 yo used it for most of the day and loved it. Toward the end of the day my 7 yo DS got a very bad headache (it was hot, plus he bumped his head on a ride) so I told him to ride in the stroller on the way back to the car. He was so tired he feel asleep, so obviously he must have been somewhat comfy in there. I don't know if the dimensions of the Volo are the same, but my son is tall and in the Quest his head doesn't hit the top.

Enjoy your Volo!

 

[Michelle814]

Yikes! a stroller for my 7 yr old. I didn't think about that! Just thinking of my 4 yr old needing one. I think we'll wait and if we have to rent a second.

 

[sweetbean07]

HAHAHAHAHA. I find this thread incredibly funny. I was walking at Disney from the time I was 3 or 4. If I had pulled the "I don't wanna walk" card, my parents would have taken me home......spending mega $$ or not. If your kids don't want to walk, take them some place that doesn't require them to walk. Why spend the extra $$ for a stroller just for a trip to Disney? Seems stupid to me.

No wonder the world is the way it is today.

JMO.

 

[mjkacmom]

I rented for my 5, 5, and 7 year olds - it was more like a wagon than stroller, and they hopped in and out. It was also great for storing stuff, and we didn't have to drag it on the bus.