Older kids and strollers

[wildlandmedic]

I have searched and been unable to come up with an answer. If there is already a thread, i would appreciate the link for it.

We are preparing for our trip in November. My DS 6 and DD4 will need some kind of stroller, i know. I am not going to make them walk through the parks for eight days.

I thought we would use a sit and stand, but after trying them out, I don't like the way they "handle." We would like something that is compact, and affordable. My son is long and lanky, so his feet drag on some of the smaller strollers.

Any advice??

 

[djp0630]

Have you thought about renting the Disney strollers there. They are expensive, but I think are compact and good for older kids.

 

[clanmcculloch]

How about a double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals?

 

[rescuetink]

Have you thought about renting the Disney strollers there. They are expensive, but I think are compact and good for older kids.

Where can you get information on the strollers Disney has and their prices??

 

[Redheaded Sunshine]

Well I also have DS6 and DD4 and this is what we're doing. We're renting 1 single stroller from Disney on the first day ($15/day) If you do a length of stay rental, you'll say $2 per day. And we're making them take turns. In Nov, I encountered so much, "I want to get out and walk" from them it seemed like a waste to rent 2 again. I'll know after day 1 if this will work for the rest of the trip If not, I can always get another single for the day. Double strollers are $31/day, $27 if you do a length of stay, but I don't do the dbl stroller, bc of the cost and the fighting factor. Good luck!

 

[happymommy]

At that age, I brought one lightweight fullsize stroller and my kids shared. Now, it was a very well built one (Aprica), and a couple of nights they were both tired, so they were in it, one in front of the other (I think they thought this was fun, not for me to push them, but they are average size kids not too big). I just put the headrest all the way back, had my DS get on, spread his legs, then DD got in front (or it was the other way, I forget) and they were fine for a short distance. I wasn't going to bring the double at 4 and 6, but definitely needed one (DD spent a great deal of time in it). Brought that stroller to WDW till DD was 7. She hadn't used one at home since 2 or so, but WDW is different. I don't like the umbrella ones; they don't recline, they are flimsy, and too short for me to push (I'm 5'8''). They would be fine for a short while, but you need comfort at WDW. I loved my two Apricas, and my double Peg Perego. Worth it!

 

[laceemouse]

I would say rent a Disney stroller, and only if and when you need to. That is what we did by that age.
People go on and on about all of the walking at WDW but honestly you walk, stand in a line, sit in a show, walk, stand in a line, sit on a ride, etc, etc....
I am old and fat and I have never had a problem walking at WDW, but we do not get up early and go all day either, that could make the difference I guess. We sleep late, go at our own speed, avoid the hottest months, stuff like that.

 

[vallamen]

My suggestion is to buy 2 maclaren volos cheap off of ebay, use them for the trip and then sell them via ebay or craigslist when you get home. They are comfy, super lightweight, large seats, umbrella fold, and really easy to steer with bigger kids. Best part is that Maclarens really hold their value on resale. There was a reputable seller on ebay that was selling red/gray 2008 volos for $55 (includes shipping). The seats are stained due to manufacturer error - red dye bled to light gray mest. Frankly, if you bought for that price, you could probably sell after the trip for $40 - $55 on craigslist.

Have a great trip.
Val.

 

[happymommy]

I think 2 strollers is overkill. I'd just bring one and share, or one double. Never brought two strollers to WDW, but at 4 and 6, I took my kids alone, so was the only adult (DH stayed at home for some trips).

 

[AKADrea]

I'd find a used maclaren on craigslist to bring - they go up to 55 lbs, I believe, fold up nice and compactly and are fairly light

 

[mama4]

I thought we would use a sit and stand, but after trying them out, I don't like the way they "handle." We would like something that is compact, and affordable. My son is long and lanky, so his feet drag on some of the smaller strollers.

Any advice??

What you've said here hits home w/ me. I know you are looking for something "compact". Is that because you think it will be easier to deal with in crowds? Or do you think you'll need it for outside of the parks? Personally, I think your kids are too big for a Maclaren...and too heavy. I know the weight limit is 55 lbs but I have a Triumph and it is AWKWARD and heavy pushing my tall, lanky boys in it ( 7 and 5- 50lb & 39lb). It is fine for dd3 - tall and lanky but only 29 lb. The only stroller I'm satisfied w/ for my boys at Disney is the rental. It is SO easy to push them around. They are perfectly comfy- they arent gonna be napping in the stroller at 6 & 4 right? I know it seems expensive but it really is worth it if you can possibly swing it. I've used a sit & stand , as well as other strollers....nothing has been as EASY as the rentals. I would never use them for a baby- but for older kids they ROCK!
I wouldn't buy a stroller you aren't going to need (and may not be able to sell) after Disney. I'd figure in the cost of the rental. To us it is just as essential as our park ticket and food costs- they need that stroller. I wouldn't dream of pushing them in strollers at home but at Disney for a week... my boys become exhausted and sometmes it's just QUICKER to get from A to B if they let you do the driving- BUT the ONLY stroller they fit in are the rentals. I never feel tired pushing the Disney strollers either. They are so easy to steer. They are big though.....you can't take them in shops and you have to move slowly in crowds ( to avoid running over fellow guests) BUT the tiring part of Disney for me is the amount of ground you have to cover to get from place to place and trying to keep the kids in line along the way. The disney strollers allow you to have control w/ the kids....and to me it literally feels like you are merely holding on to a bar. There is no straining whatsoever to push your kids. I think you will get tired of pushing the Maclaren around... Sorry for the long post...I hate to see you go out and buy a brand new stroller for your trip. I just can't imagine a 6 old .....in a Maclaren....for eight days...at Disney.

 

[PrincessNala]

We had a similar situation back in Jan though with only one of our children. DS1 still needed a stroller, and DD4 is way to big for a stroller. We rented a double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals. Our kiddos loved jumping back in the stroller for a ride. This was a big treat for DD as she is too big for a stroller at home. I enjoyed the rental for several reasons. The stroller was waiting for us at our hotel. When we arrived, bell service just brought it to our room. It kept my kiddos from running off. It was roomy and comfortable enough that both of my kiddos actually took naps in it. We were able to push kiddos from parks to transportation area. Upon departure, I just gave it to bell service again. It was that simple. Plus, I didn't have to worry about transporting, buying or selling back home. The stroller was tough and yet comfy for the kiddos. One down side is the double stroller was a bit bulky getting it on and off the buses and boats. This I am guessing could be avoided with just a single stroller. Great idea! I am not familiar with weight requirements for this stroller we rented as your kiddos are a bit older than mine. For older kiddos, I have heard that the park strollers are a great way to go. Good luck!

 

[disney67]

we need a stroller for our upcomming trip for the last time and we picked up a used one at a garage sale for 20.00 and it will hold both my 3 and 8 yo if she gets tired too . last time i picked up a 300.00 stroller used for 30.00 .
i think it is better cause you see what you are buying . good luck

 

[LISAVWL]

How about a double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals?

We had a similar situation back in Jan though with only one of our children. DS1 still needed a stroller, and DD4 is way to big for a stroller. We rented a double stroller from Orlando Stroller Rentals. Our kiddos loved jumping back in the stroller for a ride. This was a big treat for DD as she is too big for a stroller at home. I enjoyed the rental for several reasons. The stroller was waiting for us at our hotel. When we arrived, bell service just brought it to our room. It kept my kiddos from running off. It was roomy and comfortable enough that both of my kiddos actually took naps in it. We were able to push kiddos from parks to transportation area. Upon departure, I just gave it to bell service again. It was that simple. Plus, I didn't have to worry about transporting, buying or selling back home. The stroller was tough and yet comfy for the kiddos. One down side is the double stroller was a bit bulky getting it on and off the buses and boats. This I am guessing could be avoided with just a single stroller. Great idea! I am not familiar with weight requirements for this stroller we rented as your kiddos are a bit older than mine. For older kiddos, I have heard that the park strollers are a great way to go. Good luck!

I cannot say enough great things about renting with Orlando Stroller Rentals! We'll be using them again next month for our 3 kiddos -- 7.5, 6 & 4.5. They will be switching on and off and they love it! The stroller is a dream to push/fold, very comfy for the kids and I did not find it too bulky for the buses/monorails. (I guess I've had some monster strollers!) No hassles at the airport, the stroller is waiting for you at the resort and you have it from the parks to the resort for tired/sleeping kids!

 

[ajvaca]

I have a DD6 and DS4 and for our upcoming trip we are renting a double stroller from Orlando Rentals. I "know" my children and to ask them to walk all day is a big request for my family and to ask them to share a single stroller is not an option so to make life easy and enjoyable while we are there we decided to rent.

Good Luck

ajvaca

 

[MaggieMoo'sMom]

My suggestion is to buy 2 maclaren volos cheap off of ebay, use them for the trip and then sell them via ebay or craigslist when you get home. They are comfy, super lightweight, large seats, umbrella fold, and really easy to steer with bigger kids. Best part is that Maclarens really hold their value on resale. There was a reputable seller on ebay that was selling red/gray 2008 volos for $55 (includes shipping). The seats are stained due to manufacturer error - red dye bled to light gray mest. Frankly, if you bought for that price, you could probably sell after the trip for $40 - $55 on craigslist.

Have a great trip.
Val.

I bought one of those red dyed Volos off eBay and I love it. My DD4 is very tall, 44 inches. Her feet got sucked under on our old umbrella stroller. This one fits her perfectly. I would get a used Volo if I could...

 

[littlbugmom]

We use Disney rentals. It's just easier for us.

My youngest hasn't used a stroller at home for years but needs one for 10 days of Disney. He was 4yrs old during our trip last year and spent A LOT of time in it. He walked too but was mostly in the stroller, especially when it was crowded. We rented a double for the extra room and to allow my older dd to hitch a ride now and then.

I think they are very easy to handle and I like being able to take my sign and leave them when we need to.

DS will be 6 next year when we return to Disney. I plan on renting again. I'm guessing he won't need it as much but I'm sure we'll get a lot of use out of it. They are expensive but we just factor that into our budget. It's not that much when I look at the total cost of a trip.