My 7 yr old can't walk ALL DAY long at the parks

[DisneyWurldLover]

I have a 7 year old that is just exhausted walking in the parks all day. He is definately too big for a baby carriage and I don't wanna pay $32.00 a day to rent a stroller. I most definately can't carry him (he's 75 lbs). Any1 have any suggestions how the rest of the group can move along all day w/o my son whining his legs hurt and all of us not stopping every half hour??

 

[connie1042]

I don't know when you are going, but you should start a walking program with him at home. Start small and then add some time and distance each day.Your only other option that I can see is renting a wheelchair, or the Disney stroller. I don't know how much weight the single can hold, but I know you could do it with a double stroller. Then you would also have a place for all the stuff you bring to the parks.

 

[kimbo0569]

I don't know when you are going, but you should start a walking program with him at home. Start small and then add some time and distance each day.Your only other option that I can see is renting a wheelchair, or the Disney stroller. I don't know how much weight the single can hold, but I know you could do it with a double stroller. Then you would also have a place for all the stuff you bring to the parks.

I think this is a very good idea...Disney World is alot of walking and it would be best to start preparing now.

 

[AJKMOM]

There are places to rent a stroller for a larger kid, they might deliver to your resort. someone posted that a person could walk up to 10 miles a day at WDW while at one of the theme parks. That's a lot for a 7 year old, no matter what shape he's in.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Definitely start walking at home to get him ready, and make sure he is wearing supportive shoes in the parks. My kids have been stroller-less at WDW since before they were 5 years old. If someone gets tired, we take a short break on a bench. But the kids do very well keeping up when they are excited to get somewhere!

We do take mid-day breaks - we generally don't go commando from park open to close. We either schedule a character meal for lunch that gives a good break, or we go back to the resort to rest and swim for a couple of hours.

 

[Metro West]

 

[pepe of ohio]

Heck, I've never spent opening to close in any park in my life, couldn't do it, wouldn't want to do it. We feel WDW is a vacation, not a marathon. We always took breaks, every single day and during the stay one whole day was considered a down day. We've been hitting WDW since 1977 and 42 trips later, still tour the same way, more down time than park time. We always wanted our children to come back with a positive attitude about Disney and stayinig in the hot Florida sun in the parks sure can curb even a youngster attitude and perspective of an amusement park. We've been thru the stroller phase, still left the parks and took breaks, worked them thru the pre-teen era and as soon as they were pooped, we left and after a resort break if they felt up to returning to a park for a few more hours, we went back. Them little legs travel 3 times the adult stride, very tiring and we would never put a child in a stroller just so we could tour, toddler, yes but once out of diapers away they went. I guess if you want to stay and commando the opening to close, as others have stated for an older child, wheel chair or double stroller or more breaks.

 

[3_disprincesses]

I agree that start "training" him now is a really good way to get him in shape for all the walking. It would be good for everyone! My youngest has very little stamina compared to her older sister at the same age. But expecting any 7 year old to keep up a full day touring with adults or older children is alot. Just expect to take breaks either relaxing at a restaurant or back at the hotel every few hours. Plan one down day mid-trip. Let him sit and rest whenever he needs to or you could end up with a very unhappy child resulting in very unhappy parents. Good Luck, have fun and just enjoy the time with your young one.

 

[MississippiMom]

I think the recommendations for "training" is a great idea! Our girls (ages 7 & 8) start whining after two hours of walking around our zoo; my DH whines too. We just experienced this today. However, if we go to the zoo during fall soccer season, when they are accustomed to running up and down the field several days a week, they can walk around at the zoo or the mall for twice as long, without a single complaint.

 

[lunapnp]

Funny story: I was at the mall yesterday with my youngest DD. We had only been there about 30 minutes when she started complaining about standing and walking so much (she does this A LOT when we're doing something she doesn't want to do). She said, "Mom, I don't see how you stand on your feet 8 hours a day!" My only reply to her was that I WISH it was only 8 hrs a day...it's usually more like 12!

 

[summerlady]

We took our DGD last year when she was 7 and again this year when she was 8. I made sure that we took a short break now and then, just to sit down and rest and have some water or juice, and then a longer break after lunch back at the resort for pool time and a short nap. By the time we were ready to go back to the parks she was revived and full of energy. We didn't stay past 10 p.m. any night, and she fell asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow, but she was ready to go again by 7:30 every morning. Comfortable shoes (Crocs) helped immensely, I think. Maybe you're worrying too much? (not trying to assume anything)

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Our DS13 was walking the parks all day long at the age of 4. Even though we had a stroller for him he never used it. After that trip we never used the stroller again. I agree with the PP to start a walking regiment for him now and to take some down time during the day. Out side of that I have nothing as we never had to deal with this type of situation with our DS. I am sure all will work out.

 

[JohnnyB2]

Take your time,no need to be at the parks from opening to closing.If you can, stay onsite for the afternoon break advantage. I've seen many cranky & tired children & parents at night. No fun for anyone.Have fun and enjoy your trip

 

[MarkinNM]