our strollerless trip

[clori]

Dh, dd (3 1/2), and I just got back from a week trip to Disney doing parks Monday -Friday. We didn't take a stroller with us and figured we would rent as needed. Since dd hasn't used a stroller since she turned 2 1/2 and walks a lot (I don't have a car) we thought we would hold off and see how she did. it was value season with shorter hours and dd does not nap (gave up completely by 18 months) plus the heat/humidity wasn't bad. The first 4 days we were at the parks from 8am early entry to 6-7pm then Friday from 10am to 5pm. It turned out that we did not need to rent a stroller at all, dd was greatly enjoying running around. I think she was just happy to be out of the below freezing temps with no coat on. It also helped that we took things slow, dd would sit and listen to various street entertainment for a while, watch the water fountains etc. I realize that a strollerless trip is not for all children at all times of the year etc but it was great for this trip. I just used a fanny pack with a water bottle holder and dh carried the digital camera. We didn't wear coats to the park or carry around much.

 

[MOMO2DK]

Thanks for the info. This is my current dilemma as we are getting ready for our March trip. My concern is for 4yo DD, as I DON'T want to carry her if she gets tired. Based on your experience, I may leave the stroller, play it by ear, and rent if necessary.
Thanks

 

[clori]

Momof2dk - I live in MA 5 miles north of Boston. I did forget to add that dd is 29 pounds so it is still possible to carry for short distances if necessary though I found she didn't want to be held any more or less than she normally does at home.

 

[GoofItUp]

Thanks for sharing your experience! This is one thing that truly has to be taken on a child-by-child basis. We were at Disney last TG with our niece (age 4) and I would never have considered NOT having a stroller, but she has been pushed in one most her life and is NOT use to walking. I can definitely see the advantage to not having a stroller if your child is up to walking, though.