Please help settle another stroller debate

[littlebittyhouse]

If it helps...when we go next year I am planning on a double for my 3.5 and 6.5yo. I would rather park it in stroller parking for a few hours if we don't *need* it than be stuck without it when the kids are tired/hungry/need a rest. I also like to be able to have them sit in the stroller and get places a little faster

 

[MrsSLF]

Lots of good advice. Would you all suggest a stroller for a 5 year old and should I rent one ahead of time (versus the ones from the park)?

 

[Klayfish]

Yes, I would very much recommend one for a 5 year old, especially if you've never been there. It's huge. The ones in the parks are incredibly expensive, we just brought our own.

 

[brooke789]

We're going with a 3 year old and two 7 year olds. We're taking a double. The plan is that the 3 year old always has a seat and the 7 year olds share. Our last trip was 2 5year olds and a 2 year old. We took 3 seats. All 3 seats were much appreciated and needed. Not having the stroller would have really slowed us down. Honestly, it's never an issue to have too many seats. Worst case scenario, you push around half the stroller empty!

 

[Westcoastwild]

I've been on both sides. I tend to lean towards your husband's side. BUT it depends on you and the kid.

Are you going to give into whining if asks to be carried?

Is your husband fine with leaving the park if the kid needs the rest?

Will it dramatically improve your life if he has the option of the stroller?

For me the answers are no, yes, no. In fact the last one is the double stroller is a bigger burden. Some people like the extra storage space. I am not one of them because I don't like leaving bags on the stroller unattended while we're riding rides. I mean I know people are probably not going to make off with the teddy bear and my water bottle but I'm paranoid.

I'd just go with the single stroller, make it clear to husband and son that we are going at the former's pace and there will be no carrying, and tell the kid that I, too, would like to be pushed around in a stroller but unfortunately that option becomes unavailable as you grow up.

( But I don't think the alternative is necessarily bad- just not what I would choose.)

 

[jvz82]

We just went with our 4 kids ages 2, 4, 6, and 8. We brought a double. My 6 and 8 year old did fine walking. There's no way we were going to haul 2 double strollers around the park! That's not to say that they didn't get tired at times. There were times that they ended up jumping in the stroller for a few minutes while I carried the 2 year old or the 4 year old wanted to walk. But for the most part, they walked.

Personally, you have a single stroller and there will probably be times the younger child will decide to walk and then the 7 year old can ride in the stroller if you want. Double strollers are such a huge PITA to push around the parks. I'd be much happier with a single.

 

[wilkeliza]

Lots of good advice. Would you all suggest a stroller for a 5 year old and should I rent one ahead of time (versus the ones from the park)?

Absolutely for a 5 year old. Nephew plays sports all week and is amazingly active but when we go somewhere that requires lots of activity he uses his stroller. Mostly it is for times where he sleeps but we are still going (if he comes out to dinner with the family) or he may still need a nap like an amusement park or the zoo. So much more convenient to let him nap and sleep in the stroller when needed. I have a feeling this is his last year though.

 

[TLM2015]

I always like reading the debate about the stroller. I think you should do what you think will work for your 7 year old but after reading these threads I think I may be in the minority and maybe mean but when I went to WDW I told my DD that she would have to walk and there would be no stroller and no carrying. She was 5 1/2 and she did great. There was one day where I had to carry her to the car because she fell asleep when we were heading to the last ride and she didn't make. So I carried her from Haunted Mansion all the way to the front of MK and from the tram to the parking lot. Mostly I hate the stroller because it's easier to weave in and out of the crowds without strollers. Without the stroller, the pace is definitely slower than usual and it was not during the hot season but we took naps and swam almost every day. But like I said from observing the trend with strollers I'm in the minority so I would go with what you think is manageable.

 

[Jewel3k]

I am a fan of the stroller. I have a hard time slowing down to walk a tired child's pace, so being able to push them saves my sanity. Sure we could move slower, take more breaks and carry less stuff, but my husband and I enjoy the trip more if we don't. Its easier not to lose them in crowds. WDW can be a lot of walking in extreme heat and humidity and some children and adults find it exhausting. So exhausting I was surprised last trip when my 11 year old kicked her brother out of the stroller and curled up in in for a nap waiting for a parade.

 

[Nancyg56]

7 years old and still needs a stroller there is really something wrong with that. At 7 he should be able to walk.

I think it all depends on how a family wants to tour. My DGD could run the sox off of me, but in WDW my DD rented a stroller and it was worth every penny. SHe was that kid who at times needed to retreat from all of the chaos that is Disney, and we understood that. It was nice knowing that a little compromise made the difference between an agitated child and one who could happily relax by herself and a little bit later be ready to take more in. We never were placed in the position that we had to leave for her, or stay for others.

OP- if you are using a stroller already, I woudl just add the double and be prepared if it is needed. The crowds, stimulation, excitement, and heat affect people differently, and while your 7 YO normally woudl never dream of using a stroller at home, having a place to regroup may be a godsend for all of you.

These debates are really just personal preferences by people who know their own family dynamics and touring styles. I would say that you should do what works best for your family. A Disney vacation is way too expensive and too special to avoid using a tool that makes the entire experience more enjoyable for the entire family.

 

[Hikergirl]

Lots of good advice. Would you all suggest a stroller for a 5 year old and should I rent one ahead of time (versus the ones from the park)?

I wouldn't say absolutely for a 5 year old. I have 3 kids, all have managed to do WDW without a stroller from age 4. It really depends on your kid, and how you travel and what you as a parent expect from them.
If it were me I wouldn't lug one with me, I'd play it by ear and rent if needed because you may just not need it.

 

[Branflakes]

I'm thinking a 7 year old may not want to sit in a stroller...? Have you asked if he wants to ride in the stroller with the younger sibling? I feel like at this age, he himself might be opposed. He is well into grade school, if he is a 7 year old without special needs that would require a stroller, skip it.
It's a great opportunity for him to be that big boy. If he tires, take some down time in a shady spot in whichever park you're in, or if you're staying on property, go back to the resort for an hour swim and a snack. Then head back to the park for the rest of the evening.
That is what we did. No need to push the kids to the same limits as us adults. An enjoyable vacation is when the whole family is happy. Not an agitated set of parents with over tired cranky kids.
He may not take a nap, but a cool pool, and off his feet for a bit, will do wonders for his attitude and yours. Plus, it will allow the younger child time OUT of the stroller too.
FWIW- I personally would refuse to allow my 7 year old to need a stroller. Adequate rest, and fulfilling some of their specific wants and desires while we were at Disney when they were young, made for better vacations. Over planned, strict scheduling, and no chance for a little downtime resulted in a stressful experience at WDW. We did that only once and it never felt like vacation.

 

[Klayfish]

We asked our kids, especially as they were 7, 8 years old. You could see the wheels turning in their head...."Hmmmm...we could walk miles and miles in the heat all day long, for 2 weeks, or get a free ride." You know what that answer was... Shoot, if someone offered to chauffer me around, I'd have a hard time saying no.

 

[Kristi.M]

This thread has completely changed my mind! We have been going back and forth over this in our home. I'd agreed that DD (4 years old) might need the stroller at times but have been adamant about our DS (7 years old) would walk like the "big kid" he is. After reading through a few similar threads along with this one, I really kind of feel bad now. We will be there at the very end of June and it's going to be hot and a lot of walking. There's no reason that DS shouldn't have a chance to catch a ride, too. Like PP said, I wouldn't pass up the chance for a ride either Not to mention, DS doesn't deal well with the heat that comes with a New England summer as it is. It seems like it will make our trip a bit easier on everyone. I'm sold!

 

[Nancyg56]

This thread has completely changed my mind! We have been going back and forth over this in our home. I'd agreed that DD (4 years old) might need the stroller at times but have been adamant about our DS (7 years old) would walk like the "big kid" he is. After reading through a few similar threads along with this one, I really kind of feel bad now. We will be there at the very end of June and it's going to be hot and a lot of walking. There's no reason that DS shouldn't have a chance to catch a ride, too. Like PP said, I wouldn't pass up the chance for a ride either Not to mention, DS doesn't deal well with the heat that comes with a New England summer as it is. It seems like it will make our trip a bit easier on everyone. I'm sold!

We rented the double did my little princesses when they came with us. 5 and 7 and crazy athletic, but that heat! Not only that, but we got caught in storms a few times and pushing a covered stroller as fast as we could go was better that lifting them up and trying to get under shelter.

 

[Klayfish]

This thread has completely changed my mind! We have been going back and forth over this in our home. I'd agreed that DD (4 years old) might need the stroller at times but have been adamant about our DS (7 years old) would walk like the "big kid" he is. After reading through a few similar threads along with this one, I really kind of feel bad now. We will be there at the very end of June and it's going to be hot and a lot of walking. There's no reason that DS shouldn't have a chance to catch a ride, too. Like PP said, I wouldn't pass up the chance for a ride either Not to mention, DS doesn't deal well with the heat that comes with a New England summer as it is. It seems like it will make our trip a bit easier on everyone. I'm sold!

There's nothing wrong with either side of this...walk or stroller. I was always of the mindset of "I'd rather have it and not need it than not have it and need it". Well, "need" is a strong word, but you know what I mean.

Trust me, if you do decide to use one for your 7 year old, you won't be alone. It's not like going to the local park, where people would look funny at you. It's a very common sight in WDW.

 

[quandrea]

I wouldn't say absolutely for a 5 year old. I have 3 kids, all have managed to do WDW without a stroller from age 4. It really depends on your kid, and how you travel and what you as a parent expect from them.
If it were me I wouldn't lug one with me, I'd play it by ear and rent if needed because you may just not need it.

This is how we were-- by about three we were mostly done with the stroller. No need at all by four with our twins. They wouldn't hear of being in one. I'd say rent if you need to but plan to be without it. It's really nice not to have to push it, park it and put the kids in and out of it. Glad the stroller days are behind us!

 

[Betty Rohrer]

This thread has completely changed my mind! We have been going back and forth over this in our home. I'd agreed that DD (4 years old) might need the stroller at times but have been adamant about our DS (7 years old) would walk like the "big kid" he is. After reading through a few similar threads along with this one, I really kind of feel bad now. We will be there at the very end of June and it's going to be hot and a lot of walking. There's no reason that DS shouldn't have a chance to catch a ride, too. Like PP said, I wouldn't pass up the chance for a ride either Not to mention, DS doesn't deal well with the heat that comes with a New England summer as it is. It seems like it will make our trip a bit easier on everyone. I'm sold!

if he doesn't do well with New England heat it will be double to triple worse the end of June. and if you decide on a park stroller remember that those will not help you past the gate to what ever transportation you are using at the end of day when son is the tiredest. no place to sit waiting for tram, bus or boat

 

[Tink_83]

We asked our kids, especially as they were 7, 8 years old. You could see the wheels turning in their head...."Hmmmm...we could walk miles and miles in the heat all day long, for 2 weeks, or get a free ride." You know what that answer was... Shoot, if someone offered to chauffer me around, I'd have a hard time saying no.

I completely agree! The Bob looks like it should be able to handle a small adult I mean there should be some advantages to being 5' 1" besides never being cramped on flights.

if he doesn't do well with New England heat it will be double to triple worse the end of June. and if you decide on a park stroller remember that those will not help you past the gate to what ever transportation you are using at the end of day when son is the tiredest. no place to sit waiting for tram, bus or boat

And that is why I always bring my own, because the walk back to the car is the worst and I don't want to carry my 4 year old! Of course if I didn't stay from open to close then maybe it wouldn't be so bad but by close after 12 hours in the park I'm ready to climb in there with her and have someone push me to my car!

 

[springtime]

My kids are 7 and 4. We are getting a double stroller. When the kids were younger, my son hated being confined to a stroller, and my friend convinced me that we would not need a double. I will never forget being at the back of the zoo with a 4 year old who just would not take one more step, and a baby napping in the single stroller. I bought a double the next day.

Since then we have been through enough zoo trips and fights over who gets to sit for breaks that I don't feel like testing their endurance during a Disney trip, or operating under what other people think kids "should" be able to do.

My son is only two inches taller than my daughter, his legs are short, there is a lot of walking, and we will be hitting all the parks. As my husband said, he is already pushing a single stroller, he might as well do a double and have two happy kids.

If your husband really doesn't want a double, make sure to start at the back and work forward, because that is a really long walk when a kid decides he is d.o.n.e.