Questions from Family of 6

[Tinkerbells2000]

We have been to Disney in the past. We used to go every year until the kids started school. We haven't been there since 2000, and are going from June 12-17th. We are staying at the All Stars Movies. My oldest will be 11, and the youngest 5. This is the 1st time since our Honeymoon that we will be there without a kid in diapers, and a stroller. And, it's also the first time there NOT in the off season. How crowded should I expect it to be? What are good ways to keep track of 4 kids?? We have always had at least 2 in a stroller. I am actually very nervous about no stroller. That was a good way to know where at least 2 were. We may still rent one for the youngest. We are just going to play that one by ear. She is pretty tiny for her age. Anyway, like I said we have done this before, but I guess I am just in panic mode since it has been so long. Any and all advice welcome!!!

 

[laceemouse]

Hi! We have 4 kids too, currently ages 13, 11, 9, and 7. We have been to WDW many times with 2, 3, and all 4 kids. All ages too, the youngest my son, the 3rd child, when he was 5 months. We have done all configurations of one and two double and single strollers. The first time we went strollerless was last March. My youngest was 6 at the time. She is skinny but has long legs. I was worried, she really can be a whiney baby, but DH said "no more strollers!" Guess what I LOVED it!!! It was moderately crowded and it was so much easier not to have to push the stroller through crowds, park and unload it, and find it after every attraction. My 3 youngest are not very active or athletic and they still did great. Really you walk, sit on a ride, walk, sit in a show, ect.... I am not in great shape either and I can handle it!!! Anyway, travel light (we use one backpack and take turns carrying it) and maybe try the "buddy system" letting each older kid look out for a younger one or whatever. We no longer take our kids out of school for trips either. We have a great school district but the workload is fierce. Anyway, relax I predict you will do fine and have a fantastic trip.....Lacee

 

[Tinkerbells2000]

Thanks. You sound a lot like me. DH is the one putting the foot down saying no more to strollers. It will be nice to not have to unload and reload, and look for it every time. My youngest is a great kid, but can by whiny also. I know I am getting way too nervous over nothing, but that is who I am. Thanks again.

 

[mmounsey]

We are getting ready for first trip as a family of 5 (last time we were 4---barely though, I was very pregnant).

We have a SBS umbrella stroller that we'll take for the two older boys, and the 'luxe' one for the baby.

Just wanted to know what everyone else used...

 

[minmate]

We're a family of six and went to WDW with all four kids last June (at that time ages were 5, 4, 3 and 20 months). We rented double strollers from the parks and all the kids just walked everywhere else... most of the time. We did carry 20 month old on occasion going from bus to hotel room, etc. when she got tired -- now with that said, we have pretty independent kids who typically don't sit in strollers any time at home anyway.

 

[laceemouse]

minmate, we always enjoyed renting strollers when possible too. When you have a tiny baby you really need your own comfy reclining one, but for older tots we liked the ease of renting. It is such a hassle trying to fold up and get your own stroller onto the buses, trams, ect. It was worth the price to us. Some people really prefer having their own and feel they need it at the airport, hotel, ect. It just depends on you and your kids I guess

 

[dreams4disney]

We are a family of 6 too. Ages 9,7,5, and 2 all boy's . We went in October and everything went fine. The two year old was in his stroller and did get out to walk once in a while. The kids did pretty good at staying with us. We never lost anyone. They all stuck together! As you can see we will be doing it again in May and then again in December. I wouldn't be going back if it didn't go easy.

 

[JoyMouse]

Color coded shirts work well. Tag team with older kids being responsible for younger ones. Also, use walkie-talkies..(or cell phones) They are great, especially if you get seperated. Good luck and have fun!