Older Children in Strollers!

[MinnieM21]

If she really hates walking, then why is she going to WDW? It sounds like she really doesn't walk to go, honestly.

I don't think she should be riding around in a stroller, she's 11 years old and can walk on her own.

 

[fam4jc]

It's up to you, but I think it's a terrible idea. She is too old and too healthy for a stroller. Just tell her no and that's that. Mine are 5 & almost 8 and I have a hard time keeping them in a stroller if I want them in it at WDW! The only reason I get one is to lug around coats, etc. And I am re-thinking that for our next trip. I bet your dd is pulling your leg about wanting a stroller just to see what you'll say....

 

[mrssmh]

When I was 11, I would have crab-walked around WDW if that's what it took!

(wdwoldtimer--too funny!! )

 

[fam4jc]

wdwoldtimer ;

 

[doodlebug]

So would you guys recommend that I take our big double stoller ( the kind where a kid can ride on the back) for a 4 yr and 7 yr old?? We used it last year at Disneyland and it was great but was wondering if it would be too much work at WDW?

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Wow! I'm just an inch taller and 10 lbs heavier. Hmmmm. . . I wonder if I could convince DH to let ME ride in a stroller?

I'm the same height and just a little heavier- I was thinking the same thing! I don't think I'd fit... in fact I don't think my 11yr old 55 inches tall and weighing 70lbs would be comfortable in a stroller. To each his own though...

 

[slo]

 

[arewealmosthereyet?]

I doesn't bother me one bit to see an older child in a stroller. If there is room i'm sure she would like a break once and a while. Why do people care so much if an older child wants to rest in a stroller occasionally? Not rent one just for them but a double with a younger sibling is a great idea. It may not be what you would do but every family is different. we rent a double and my kids are three and eight. I like when both are having a break in the stroller and dont have to keep my eyes peeled on super alert mode. It works great!!

 

[LindsayDunn228]

Rent a wheelchair for her instead.

That's just wrong.

If she gets tired of walking, find a bench.

If she is exhausted, go back to the hotel and make her nap.

 

[eeyore0062]

By age 11 unless there is a physical reason not to walk, a child should be expected to walk. It is good exercise!. DD has been made to walk around the parks since she was 7 and we never heard a peep out of her. When she needed to rest, we sat down or did a show, and when she was too tired we went back to the room. Not being able to walk and not being willing to walk are 2 distinct different things.

 

[highland3]

We'll be using a stroller for our DS (4 3/4) for the odd time when he really starts to get tuckered out, but if DD (8) wants to ride in the stroller I'll say no. I may be wrong, but I think she'd be embarassed to be seen riding around in a stroller. It's been hard enough to convicne DS that he might need it once in a while.

 

[GoofyinNY]

If my son (age 8) wants to ride in a stroller, and it makes him a little less cranky from the the blazing July sun and WDW crowds, then I have no problem getting him a double stroller. I have seen more meltdowns at Disney from children of various ages than I care to remember, and frankly, it's a small thing in the grand scheme.

 

[wdwoldtimer]

Golf carts for everyone!

 

[GoofyinNY]

I think you're on to something, Wdwoldtimer!

 

[wendy1974]

Took my boyfriend and his 5 and 7 year old last year and they both walked the entire time. Of course, the 5 year old would complain that his feet were tired every once in a while but we made sure to include alot of rest time. Besides we would walk from ride to ride but it wasn't THAT far and then we would sit down on a nice air conditioned ride.
Personally I would tell the 11 year old that it is not even an issue for discussion and I would actually be embarrassed to be seen with my 11 year old in a stroller. I would remind her how thankful she should be that she is healthy and can walk when there are alot of children her age who have medical problems that require them to live in wheelchairs. I am honestly not trying to be preachy I just think even thinking about sticking an 11 year old in a stroller is kind of a far fetched thought

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

If she doesn't expect to get a lot of exercise at 11 when does she expect to start? When she's 40? She's got to be pulling your leg!

 

[shatzjsl]

What do you think of pre-teen in a double rented stroller?

My dd is 11 and says she wants a stroller as she hates walking!! Now she is 5'2 and 101 pounds!!

I say go for it! Be sure and take lots of video and pictures show you can show her friends what a great time she had.

 

[lsteadman]

Make her walk! She is too old, too big, and I think it is ridiculous to let someone that big ride in a stroller. My daughter is 9 and 4'5 feet tall and she walked all day for the whole 8 days we where there. She had to slow down so I could keep up with her.

A little exercise wouldn't hurt! We need to encourage our kids to be more active. Don't get her a stroller get her a good pair of Nike walking shoes.

 

[Chicago526]

I think up to age 8, a stroller is okay if that's what the child wants. After that (baring any physical reasons) a kid should be big enough to handle walking at WDW, provided the parents stop and rest once in a while (which given the number of show and attractions that are indoors, climate controled and seated isn't a problem). I think it would be a bit much for an 11 year old to be in a stroller.

If it were my kid, I'd tell them the only way the are NOT walking in WDW is if their leg is broken. But if they insist, I can have that arranged!

 

[cthetulips]

I am 5' 2" and weigh 103, nearly identical to your dd. My kids have used a double stroller so I've seen one up close and personal. I couldn't get into it if I wanted to. Even if I forced myself into one, it would certainly not be comfortable. All other comments and opinions aside, I really don't think this is even an option for you.