Should I bring a stroller for my 7 yr old daughter?

[Hope73]

My son was 7 on our las trip and we rented a stroller. It is just easier to get from place to place and he doen's get as tried. The strollers your rent are strong enough to hold a large child too

 

[loveysbydesign]

We went for the 1st time in May with dd 3 y.o. and ds turned 7 while we were there. We only took 1 stroller but the condo we stayed at had one too. Now my son is a boundless ball of energy but I gotta tell you he needed a stroller and I was glad we had 1 for each of them as it was easier to keep track of them at the end of the night when the crowds were leaving the park. He never rides in a stroller any other time but I was so happy we had 2. 1 for dd and 1 for him ...it led to less whining and crankiness I think. Just do whatever you feel is right for your child.

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Rent a park one rather than lug 2 strollers with you. My DS used a stroller last year and he was 7. It was easier to keep an eye on him since he was getting distracted looking at everything. He almost walked off with another family twice. This year he will be walking though. He is the tallest in his 3rd grade class and I don't think DH or I will want to push him too.

 

[katymae]

I agree with all of the above...rent one if you need it. You know your own kids, and there are stretches of these parks that are LONG walks (AK and EPCOT) and she may be much happier if she gets to take a break. And certainly don't be scared of posting again just because of a little flaming. This board is great and its unfortunate that you got hit so early. Have a great time on your vacation, and here's a little extra pixie dust for you!!

 

[PA Princess]

We just returned from 8 days in WDW parks and we traveled with 1 stroller for dd 1. DD 6 did fine most of the week, however at the week end we were at Epcot and she was pooped, so we rented a stroller to give her a rest. Yes, she is a good shape, but at 44 inches and 41 pounds she is a petite 6 and for every one step I take she needs to take 2 and for each of dh's steps she needs to take 3...that sure adds up to a lot of extra steps for small legs. I think it is so silly that some people get all worked up over what other people decide for their children as far as stroller use! The rentals are a convenient alternative for bigger kids. Hope you have a great trip!

 

[dkal95]

I agree with most of the posters. I wouldn't bring one, but I wouldn't hesitate to rent one at the parks if needed. My daughters are 8, 3, and 8 months and I plan on having the oldest 2 in a rented double (or my oldest doesn't have to use it if she doesn't feel like it) and the baby in a Ergo.

As for the flame throwers... ignore them. Have fun and do what works best for YOUR family.

 

[shoney]

I am going soon with my 5 and 7 year olds and mentioned renting a stroller to my mother. She couldn't believe it...thought I was insane. I know my kids. They will get cranky if they have to walk all day. If a stroller will give us more quality time at the park then I will rent one!!!
Do whatever makes your family happy!

 

[ZachnElli]

My DD is 7 and average or less athletic ability (just learned to ride a 2 wheel bike 2 weeks ago!). We went just last month in the heat of August and even went all day long. Not once did she need a stroller.

 

[hygienejean]

I am going in October with 3 kids... (dd 6mo, dd4, ds6)

We were just at the Bronx Zoo a few weeks ago. Of course the the baby had a stroller but the other two didn't. By 3:00 the older two were exhausted and my DH and I took turns carrying one or the other while my MIL pushed the stroller out to the parking lot. Note to self: Bring stroller to Disney!

I bought a umbrella double for the older two. In the past they have fallen asleep at night parades etc so renting probably would not work for us this year. (I also figured what it would cost to rent a double vs. bringing this umbrella stroller...much cheaper to bring one)

So there we will be 3 children in strollers. If the older two want to walk...that is great! I'll have a place to stash my bags etc. If they need to roll then hop in!

Do what is best for your family. Have a great time!

 

[ReadingMama]

We rented a double for our DD 6 and DS 2. DD was in the extreme of always wanting to sit it in, but it did make it easier to get from one place to the next.

But I think I agree with most posters, not to bring it and rent it if you need it.

 

[PixiePop]

I would just rent one if he needs it.

 

[JBARN105]

There have been many posts regarding this issue and I have hesitated to respond...however.....my DS (6, at time of next trip) is a big boy - not heavy, we have rented the double stroller for him since going to WDW in 2004 for his first trip. He does use the stroller, if we stop for a snack, etc. To be honest, we also make use of the stroller more that he does. Camera bags, shopping, etc. I have seen children older/larger than my DS in the strollers and it doesn't bother me in the least. If the parents/chaperone are willing to pay for the rental and push the thing, who cares??? I find humor in the fact that people can say what age kids shouldn't be in strollers anymore. With the money that people spend on a WDW vacation, I think parents want to be sure kids can keep their stamina up and let them rest when needed. Just my opinion but I had to respond - strollers are quite a bone of contention on these boards at times - We also do not use the stroller as a means of "clearing crowds" - I can't stand when that is done!!!

 

[Aliisa]

I agree! People have to remember too, their little legs are much shorter than ours, so for every step I take, my 5 year old DD takes 2 or 3, so she is taking at least twice as many steps as we are!! So if we want to give our kids a break while we are walking miles in the heat in Disney World- its fine!! Its not like I'm stoller her into her kindergarten class!

 

[twinspluscade]

I wouldn't bring one for the 7 year old, simply because it would be such a pain to drag onto/off the buses, monorails, etc. I would wait and see how she does--and then rent one of needed. We just got back, and rented a double for our 3 kids (ages 4,4,2) to take turns in, and honestly, the 4 year olds could've walked it. Although WDW is big, it's not HUGE (at least in my opinon). Even Epcot wasn't as big as I thought it would be. A healthy seven year old can definetely walk it.

Kelly

 

[Temair]

We went last year with DD 6. Almost every afternoon she would complain her legs were sore and she was tierd. DH ended up giving her piggy back rides alot. DD wanted a stroler but DH didn't want to have to fight the traffic with a stroller. I would have given in but since DH carried her I was willing to trust him on this one.

Its a good idea to start nightly walks and try to cover 2-3 miles to get thier little legs ready for the parks. We didn't do this and regreted it. Next time we will.

Temair

 

[crossfamily]

Ask yourself will she complain alot? If yes take one. My ds9 jumped on mine this past month. We have one where you can either sit or stand in the back. I put my dd in front my ds3 in the rear sitting and when my ds9 got tired he jumped on. Kids get tired. Just to let you know I didn't get any strange looks and I wasn't alone other people had older kids in a stroller too. Judge for yourself. An umbrella stroller isn't that big to lug around and if she doesn't use it put your back packs on it. IMO it won't hurt.

 

[flortlebap]

I was a very tall 7 year old and we didn't hire a stroller (but this was a LONG time ago). My younger brother was 5 and did have one. That said, I was exhausted after all the walking - but I'm exhausted walking as an adult too. I think your 7 year old is too old for a stroller, you'll just have to factor in naps in the daytime. A little exercise won't kill them.

You may find they don't want one too - we're having problems persuading our (just turned) 5 year old niece to use one. She says they're for babies!

 

[ariel75]

I agree with everyone else, and it is my plan as well. If my 7.5 year old is ready to drop, I will rent a stroller. I'm certainly not carrying her
I don't see why she would as she seems to have unlimited energy, but I am not counting out the possibility.

it's your own personal choice i myself would rent a stroller if my son was walking around the park all day that's if he wanted one i would rather he have a rest than be tired and miserable .He will also be 7 and a half and he is certainly not lazy!!!

 

[McKelly]

I will be renting a double for my DS5, and if my DD who is 7 wants a ride, so be it. Like another poster said, we have spent a lot of money on this vacation, another $75.00 on stroller rentals is insurance for a happy vacation. No tired kids with sore feet and legs!!

And another thing, I am GLAD to have them BOTH in a stroller after Illuminations and Wishes when tons of people are exiting. I know exactly where they are (in the stroller) and I don't have to worry so much about them getting separated from me!!

 

[nicolemomof4cuties]

My oldest child is also DS7.5 . He is also a lightweight. Even more of a lightweight than your DN (this is to the OP). He only weighs 45 pounds and is 47 in. tall. My son is like a lil' bit o' nuffin'. Anyways, last year when we went to WDW he could not for the life of him understand why all of thse big kids were cruisin' around in srollers. I did not notice this until he in all of his infinite 6.5 year old wisdom pointed it out. Last year the only one of my 4 children that used a stroller was the yougest who was 1.5 at the time. He decided 2 days into the trip that it was no good and hoofed it like the rest of us for the next 7 days LOL. What a goof ball! This year when we go we are bringinging our our Chicco C5 for the 2.5 year old, just in case, he wants or needs it but my 4.5 and 5.5 year old DDs and 7.5 Year old DS would not touch it with a ten foot pole because of embarrassment issues.
Have a Wonderful Trip! I can't wait til' November so we can see the Mouse ourselves!!!!
Nicole