Should we bring a Stroller for a 6 year old ?

[JoeCathyAngelina]

My DD just turned 6 last week. We're going to WDW for her 6th birthday next week and we're trying to decide if we need her stroller to walk around the parks. We'll probably spend the better part of the day, 10am-5pm at the park.
Also, is it worth going to Universal Studios with a 6 year old girl.
Thanks, good luck all,
Joe

 

[Edd]

It wouldn't hurt to have a stroller for a 6 year old. If she doesn't use it you could probably use it carrying your extra stuff with you. Chances are she will use it quite a bit. Personally I think you should stick with Disney for a few years.

 

[CTDisneyFan]

I asked this question myself for my boys 6 & 7. We decided to rent the stroller in MK and Epcot since these parks are fairly large. And let the kids walk in AK and MGM which are smaller.

 

[goofy4tink]

My dd's first trip to WDW was when she turned 6...actually turned 6 at MK!! It was really funny but she saw kids in strollers and said she thought they were pretty big to be being pushed around by their mommies. People all know their children best, but sometimes we underestimate what they are capable of. Perhaps rather than trying to rush around and see it all, do it all, we need to slow down and live in the moment for a bit. Our kids are little just this one time......don't try to do it all. I don't know, I just see so many big kids being pushed around by sweating, overly tired parents that I wonder if it's the smart thing to do. Of course there are the times that I have told my dd that if she doesn't slow down she is going to have to get a stroller and push me!!!!

 

[tlinus]

In October I rented a stroller at EpCOT US and IOA for my 5 year old - just to have for those moments when he needed a break but the older two were still raring to go!! It worked out well because we got the double stroller and used it for the boy and our backpack.

As far as taking a 6 year old girl to US - I vote yes - if you can schedule it into your time! I think you would all enjoy it there. We have been taking our kids there since they were very young and they really enjoy going there. Go to the Universal boards here on the DIS and you can get ALOT of information - there are some really great people over there with loads of ideas!!

Good Luck and have a great trip!

 

[IMDORY]

I didn't even bring a stroller for my son on our trips when he was 3 and 5...he is the energizer bunny I swear! Also, my son was not one to ever take a nap in a stroller-not even when he was an infant. I think you know your own kids...will they go in a stroller at that age? Will they nap in a stroller? The answer for my son was no. IMHO dealing with a stroller though the crowds and stores at WDW is a big pain it the butt! If it was me, I would avoid it if I could.

 

[Starr W.]

I didn't even bring a stroller for my son on our trips when he was 3 and 5...he is the energizer bunny I swear! Also, my son was not one to ever take a nap in a stroller-not even when he was an infant. I think you know your own kids...will they go in a stroller at that age? Will they nap in a stroller? The answer for my son was no. IMHO dealing with a stroller though the crowds and stores at WDW is a big pain it the butt! If it was me, I would avoid it if I could.

That's my 5 yr old(soon to be six in 21 days), he jogged to DTD from SSR, handled the parks well, only one night started to fall asleep in the bus. He's been nap free from about 2.5 yrs. All kids are different, so do what's best for yours.

 

[funcinderella]

I have b/g twins that are turning 6 in 3 weeks. I could not imagine going to WDW without the stroller. (We were just there in Dec.) My Mom and I look at these poor people at the end of the day carrying sleeping children, bags, backpacks etc, and think, how could they do that??

That being said, if I were just taking my son, who I know prefers to walk, I would contemplate leaving the stroller at the hotel. With my daughter however, who always gets tired, I woould definitely bring it.

All depends on your own kid. I have found it to be invaluable in the airport though; even if the kids decide to walk, we throw all of our stuff in it.

 

[dudspizza]

I totally agree that you have to do what is best for your child. I personally would NOT bring a stroller for a 6 year old. My youngest used one when she was just shy of 3 and has not used one since. She didn't even think twice about one at ages 5 or 6 as it really wasn't offered as an option. She is by no means a high energy kid, but she knew it was time to walk like a big girl... Strollers add more issues in the park than needed. If they can walk, have them do so... but again, every child is different.

If needed, you can always rent one at the parks to save having to haul it all the way there including folding it on disney transport and trams.....

Have a good trip.

Duds

 

[KLAIT]

Like others have said, you know your child best. When our son was 6 we did not feel it was worth the hassle of hauling a stroller with us through the airport, etc. We decided to rent one if the need arose. The only day he wanted one was when we did Epcot from open to close....

Another YES vote for Universal....