Reluctant 8 Year Old

[MagicallyMom]

Wait a minute. So the 14-month-old you're talking about isn't even born yet? So the trip you're asking about is a year and a half from now??? Your 8-year-old asking for the stroller is only what, maybe 6?

She can't see a year and a half into the future! You're basing what you'll need then on her request today??? Ask her again before the trip. Chances are she'll have changed her mind 1000 times by then!

Or am I totally misunderstanding that last post?

No, you've got it exactly right.

 

[Nancyg56]

Okay, I had a response, but got to the end and saw that you are discussing this with a 6 YO. How can she possibly know what she will need or want two years from now?

There is a huge difference between what a 6 YO and an 8 YO is willing or capable of doing, and there is a vast difference in how they view or remember places and space. IF your DD asks for a stroller now for a trip planned 2 years from now, tell her that you will decide when you get there. I love talking to kids about upcoming trips but this is one discussion that I would not even entertain.

WE took my DGD at 6 and at 8. When she was 6 she used a stroller for a portion of the trip and we were all happy that she did. At 8? No. I think my DSIL rented one for the Christmas Party, and the only time it was used was waiting for the parade and the fireworks display. (I actually sat in it for the parade, and am still hearing about that all these years later) I am not opposed to parents accomodateing the needs of the family, so there is no judging from me if you or anyone else chose to include a stroller for older kids, but I think trying to plan this so far in advance may be setting an expection for your child that she needs one.

 

[Roobear77]

Something to keep in mind if you do decide to get a double from offsite. It is not just weight you have to worry about, but height. We were at Disney in December with my 5 and almost 8 year olds, and the big one had just come out of a boot for a fractured ankle a week before we left. I knew there was no way she could walk all day on that leg. We ordered a CitiMini GT (I think) that by kids together were well under the weight limit. But she was way too tall for it, her head rested on the folded up sunshade which she said was uncomfortable and she didn't always want it pulled down cause then she couldn't see.

Also, while under the weight limit, pushing a combine 80 lbs of children around WDW was NOT my idea of a good time.

 

[kreckl]

You should post this in a year and a half. I don't get it??

 

[Tink_83]

Wait a minute. So the 14-month-old you're talking about isn't even born yet? So the trip you're asking about is a year and a half from now??? Your 8-year-old asking for the stroller is only what, maybe 6?

She can't see a year and a half into the future! You're basing what you'll need then on her request today??? Ask her again before the trip. Chances are she'll have changed her mind 1000 times by then!

Or am I totally misunderstanding that last post?

Good point, plus tons of time for conditioning before going...

 

[Tink_83]

Something to keep in mind if you do decide to get a double from offsite. It is not just weight you have to worry about, but height. We were at Disney in December with my 5 and almost 8 year olds, and the big one had just come out of a boot for a fractured ankle a week before we left. I knew there was no way she could walk all day on that leg. We ordered a CitiMini GT (I think) that by kids together were well under the weight limit. But she was way too tall for it, her head rested on the folded up sunshade which she said was uncomfortable and she didn't always want it pulled down cause then she couldn't see.

Also, while under the weight limit, pushing a combine 80 lbs of children around WDW was NOT my idea of a good time.

My DD 4 is already hitting 41 in and the city mini gt (we tried it out in a store) just looked too small for her. We've decided to bring the bob (she even looks big in that) so she is more comfortable. The sun shade is annoying and height at the upper end is an issue as well...

 

[Ava]

I also read through this whole thread and then saw the trip in question is a year and a half away, LOL.

OP, you'll decide closer to the trip what's right for your child at that time. I will strongly suggest, though, if you're going to use the Disney buses bring a carrier for your baby. That way if you don't get a seat on the bus (which will likely happen often) your little one will be secure and you'll have both hands free to steady yourself/your stroller/your older child. We've done three trips now with a toddler and the carrier is a lifesaver on the buses.

As far as strollers, if your child is tall you'll have a hard time finding one that will be comfortable for her for long periods of time. On our last trip our kids were 6 and 2 and we had a single City Mini for the 2yo. The 6yo sat in it occasionally but she was too tall at 47" to ride comfortably for too long. She's now 8 and probably about 51" so there's no way she'd be comfortable in even the bigger/high end strollers. And we're not bringing a stroller this year at all because my 4yo has refused to ride in one since last fall. We live in NYC so both kids walk a lot on a daily basis, but even so I'm sure she'll get tired at the parks. I'm prepared to rent a stroller if pigs happen to start flying around and she agrees to ride in one, but I'm sure what will really happen is we'll go slower and take breaks and carry her a little. Thankfully she's light. My 8yo might get tired too but I think she'd be mortally offended if I suggested she ride in a stroller, lol.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I'll reiterate what the PP's said. I would revisit the stroller idea in about a year and a half. I would also reconsider the monorail resort if it's in your budget. It will make your life with a 14 month old much easier. We've stayed at all levels of resort (including AoA) and using the buses with an infant can be difficult IMHO.