Should I gate-check strollers for 5 year olds?

[BettyCv]

I planned all along on gate-checking the strollers (one single and one tandem double). However, after reading the posts about the MCO airport and the need to 1) take a tram from the gate to the terminal and 2) take TWO escalators down to the ME Greeting area... I am now starting to wonder if the strollers would be a pain. Are there long lines of people with strollers waiting at the elevators? (Ugh!)

I wanted to gate-check because 1) I thought it would be easier to keep track of the kids in the airport and 2) I thought we would need the strollers as soon as we arrive at the hotel and I was worried about the ME luggage delay. Now I'm thinking we can do without the strollers for the rest of the day (we arrive at MCO around 3 pm), or can rent them in the park (probably MK) if we really need to for the first day.

What do you think?

Betty

 

[MKFan-PR]

From 3-trip experience with and without strollers, having a stroller with you is very convenient. I would recommend gate-checking. The tram is no problem. It is open in the middle, with 'seating areas' only around the edges. Going down to baggage claim and transportation, we've never encountered lines of people with strollers with the elevators. Sometimes we've folded it (Of course, after taking our DD out of it ) and taken the escalator.

Renting is a convenience, but when you are away from the Parks and the children start getting tired (and when they're pooped going back to the car or the room), you might want to have a stroller with you.

At least for us, the advantages of having it with us make up for the 'logistics'.

Have fun!

 

[Kimberle]

Yes, gate check it. You will be glad to have it to carry your "stuff". The only real "pain" is when you need to go down a floor to get your luggage. I usually send dd, & dh down with the "stuff" and I carry the stroller down the stairs. If there is not a crowd, we'll just wait for the elevator.

 

[triplefigs]

I planned all along on gate-checking the strollers (one single and one tandem double). However, after reading the posts about the MCO airport and the need to 1) take a tram from the gate to the terminal and 2) take TWO escalators down to the ME Greeting area... I am now starting to wonder if the strollers would be a pain. Are there long lines of people with strollers waiting at the elevators? (Ugh!)

I wanted to gate-check because 1) I thought it would be easier to keep track of the kids in the airport and 2) I thought we would need the strollers as soon as we arrive at the hotel and I was worried about the ME luggage delay. Now I'm thinking we can do without the strollers for the rest of the day (we arrive at MCO around 3 pm), or can rent them in the park (probably MK) if we really need to for the first day.

What do you think?

Betty

We're going to gate check our single and double umbrella stroller in Dec. I am doing it for the exact reasons you mentioned above. (Our BBG will be 5 also when we go) Hey, at least we're not trying to push a Runabout around Disney or the airport! That would be a bigger attraction than Mickey!

Have fun and post a trip report when you get back!

 

[BettyCv]

Triplefigs,

I'll let you know how things go. We are right on the verge of the kids not needing strollers, but I'm just too afraid to try the trip without them!

Wish us luck! We leave Sunday!!!

Betty

 

[BCV23]

A dissenting view. Are all three of your children 5? Sorry if I missed that. Anyway at 5 I think most children would prefer to walk, it's good for them and it uses up some energy!

I would have them each pack a small carryon. Mine always used backpacks when they were small. They can help you by carrying their own "stuff." Things to keep them busy, a sandwich and juicebox, change of clothes and swimsuit. I encouraged my kids when they were little to help make those choices and two of mine have disabilities. By 6, my oldest packed completely by himself (I kept an eye on it the first few years). It makes them feel good about themselves and eases the burden on you.

Since your first park is the MK and not for a whole day, I would think they will do fine for a few hours without a stroller.

And yes, there is usually a line for the elevators at MCO. My daughter is in a wheelchair so we wait for those elevators each trip. It is my one complaint about that airport.

BTW, I think you are very wise to have the strollers along even though you are almost ready to give them up. At AK and Epcot, I bet your little ones will be grateful!

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[plutospup]

Gate check the strollers. MCO gets very busy, and it's much easier to keep track of the kids if they are in their strollers. 5 yr old legs burn off energy quickly, and get tired. Take your time in the elevators. No need to be in a big rush. You're on vacation. WDW is not closing in a few hours. Have a great vacation!

 

[deelam]

I'm so glad I had my stroller with me on my last trip. What should have been a quick flight from Philly, turned into a nightmare when we were delayed then bumped and rerouted. It took almost 11 hours to arrive at our final destination. This can happen to anyone, on any airline. Weather in the south was a big factor in our delays. So, really you never know. I would gate check the stroller just to be safe. If your kid wants to walk, you can always use the stroller to carry your carryons.

 

[triplefigs]

Triplefigs,

I'll let you know how things go. We are right on the verge of the kids not needing strollers, but I'm just too afraid to try the trip without them!

Wish us luck! We leave Sunday!!!

Betty

I know exactly how you feel! We've debated renting vs taking our own. I figure if we don't need them when we get to the parks, we can always just leave them at one ride and pick them up later! At least we'll have the option of having them. The strollers will also let us have better control over them if one parent leaves to get fast pass, something to eat, take one potty, etc.

Good luck and have a great trip! PD for you all!