Stoller for 4yo at WDW? Yay or nay?

[MickeyMomma]

We're heading to WDW 11/27-12/5 and I'm wondering if I'll need a stroller for my 4yo. I'm bringing an umbrella stroller for my 2yo but I don't really want to bring our other stroller as I think it's too big and bulky. Do you think a 4yo can survive without a stroller? Or should I plan on renting one while in the parks?

BTW, can anyone give me an idea of how much is costs to rent a single stroller/day down there? It might behoove me to go ahead and order a new stroller and take it.

 

[KeepSwimming]

I've always brought a stroller for my kids 5 and under....never regretted it. Because we go to WDW several times a year, it is not cost effective for us to rent....we just reuse our strollers over and over again.

 

[dixipixi]

When my son was 4, I rented a stroller everyday. I no longer had one at home, so we rented. While he didn't spend all day in it, I was very glad to have it when he got tired. It was so worth the money to me. We also went in August, so he didn't have the stamina he might have had in January.

If you're only going to be in the parks for a couple of hours and you're not going during a hot or crowded period, maybe you can get away without one. I wouldn't think twice about getting one if you're going to be at the park for more than a few hours and/or it's hot/crowded.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

We just got back with a 3 & 4 year old and you will definitely need a stroller for both - wether 2 strollers or 1 double is a decision you will need to make you will definitely need it for both of them. We purchased a side by side umbrella before our trip so that we had one that was compact and easy to fold to bring on monorail, busses, etc. Rentals are 10 for single 18 for double per day (I do believe you can do multiple days to bring cost down a little). For those prices we felt we were better buying one as we take train trips to Boston and also frequent musuems and zoos so we will get our $$$ worth out of it. By day2 both kids wanted to ride so it wasn't going to happen to have them take turns and I liked knowing exactly where they were instead of them loose by our sides.

 

[staci]

I wouldnt bring the big bulky one but i would bring one. for a kid that age, i would just go buy an umbrella. I would not want to not have the option of having one. If you find that your child doesnt use it, you can always leave it in the room. But you will want it at least for EPCOT as it is so big. I want a stroller for ME in EPCOT

 

[Kitcat]

Since we took the autotrain down I took 2 single stroller. My sons are 4.5 and 20 months. The first day we took both strollers. The only problem was if one wanted to walk we still had to wheel the stroller and hold the little guys hand. By the 2nd day we took one stoller. When my littliest one wanted out the older one jumped right in. I know by the end of the day I wish I had a stroller!! So yes your 4 yo will want to ride. Have a great time.

 

[Disneylvr729]

I would.. I have a 4 yr old and it is so worth it espacially if they are not use to being up all day and running all day... Here are the prices
Stroller Price:
Single or infant (newborn to 9 months): $10 per day rental (no deposit); $8 per day Length of Stay rental
Double: $18 per day rental (no deposit); $16 per day Length of Stay rental

 

[sarahsmom73]

I plan to get one for DD 4 over Thanksgiving!

 

[sanibelover]

I think a 4 YO will definitely want to be in a stroller at some time. Especially as your vacation progresses because the poor little ones do get "tireder and tireder." The last time our kids went the youngest was 5 1/2 and he did great without a stroller, but at 4 I would not have ocnsidered going without one.

I like the idea of the double umbrella stroller because if everyone wants to walk for a while, one adult can push the strolller while the other keeps track of the walkers!! For the rental charge, it seems like it could possibly be chaper to buy a new stroller. Also, it's nice to have a stroller after getting off the bus or parking your car. At some resorts it can be a LONG way to your room. Tired legs at the end of the day don't go very quickly.

Have a good trip!!

 

[Disney29]

Since we always rent a car, we stop at Wal-mart and buy an umbrella stroller. This way we don't have to carry it around the airport or have another piece of lugguge to check. They are only $10-$15. I don't like the rented ones. They are to big and bulky. This has worked very well for us over the years. We even go with friends and they do the same thing now.

 

[Mom to 2]

I guess I'm not the norm here but when we went the first time our son was 4 and he definitely didn't need a stroller, but then again I never used one any other time. There was no way he would want to sit in a stroller like a baby. He was so excited there he wouldn't have been able to sit still, and there was no way I was going to lug a stroller everywhere.
I personally wouldn't consider a stroller unless my kids were 3 or under, but again that is my opinion, you know your child best.

Lory

 

[hsmamato2]

my youngest is 6, and in Epcot, he wouldn't make it the whole day, we use our small stroller he hops in and out, but when he's tired, it's a lifesaver!

 

[3DisneyBuggs]

Yes!! My 6 yo used the parks stroller so definetely for a 4 yo.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I wouldn't dream of going to WDW with out a stroller for my 4 year old, but then again she tends to be a stroller kid. We did a double (peg pergo aria twin.) but 2 strollers could work too. What I like about the double is if the 4 year old wants to walk you don't have an extra stroller to push.

If you do 2 strollers taking 2 of the same you can use stroller conectors (they cost around $10) and you can take the off when you don't need them. However this will make it harder to fold them for the bus.

If you go with out, you can rent if needed.

Most 4 year olds I know would need a stroller. There is a lot of walking and it can be safer in crowds (for the child, not others feet, ouch!)

DD is almost 5 and going with out one for her isn't even an consideration.

 

[Disney29]

I guess I'm not the norm here but when we went the first time our son was 4 and he definitely didn't need a stroller, but then again I never used one any other time. There was no way he would want to sit in a stroller like a baby. He was so excited there he wouldn't have been able to sit still, and there was no way I was going to lug a stroller everywhere.
I personally wouldn't consider a stroller unless my kids were 3 or under, but again that is my opinion, you know your child best.

Lory

Considering all of the walking and standing a 4 year old does in a full day at Disney, I think the majority of say YES to a stroller. I DO NOT think in anyway that it would make a four year old feel like a baby. It's not like you are taking a trip to the mall.

 

[Ava83]

My DD3 who does not really use a stroller at home, begged for one at disney. I would take one or at least rent one. We had a test day the first day and she needed one.

 

[kimwim8]

Each time we've gone, we've used a stroller. DD is 6, DS is 4 & we will be renting a double most days we are at Disney. Usually one or the other wants to ride, and if not, we have a place for all the stuff we bring in with us. This is our first diaper-free trip, so I'm sure we won't have as much "stuff" to carry, but still....

If you rent for multiple days there is a discount. Here is a link to some stroller info:

http://allearsnet.com/pl/strol_faq.htm

 

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

Here's another yes vote for the stroller

On our first trip to DW as a family my DD was 4. The first day did MK w/o a stroller. She whinned, cried, and was very cranky by 3pm. We got an early spot for the Parade. We were right up front on Main St. DD was so exausted that she layed down on the curb and fell asleep with all the noice and everyone walking by. After that we have always rented a stroller. We choose to get a double for her, just to give her more room. We continued to get a stroller until she was 6. They still need more frequent breaks than an adult. Plus, you can get so much more of the parks done with them in a stroller.....
Remember...a happy child.....makes happy Mommy and Daddy's

 

[egoldber]

We're heading to WDW 11/27-12/5 and I'm wondering if I'll need a stroller for my 4yo. I'm bringing an umbrella stroller for my 2yo but I don't really want to bring our other stroller as I think it's too big and bulky. Do you think a 4yo can survive without a stroller? Or should I plan on renting one while in the parks?

Since you're going for several days, I would bring one. I plan to bring our Mac for my DD4 this trip. We took a quick trip in July without a stroller (in the parks 2 days) and she did OK, but wanted to be carried by DH a bit at the end of the first day and a little bit the second. As someone mentioned, they get progressively more tired and foot worn as the vacation goes on. She does not ride all the time, but she does like to get in and out to take rests.

The stroller also makes it easier when you need to get from one area to another quickly. With her in the stroller we can powerwalk to another section of the park. With her walking, its more like a leisurely stroll. The stroller is also a convenient place to store snacks and drinks.

DH would prefer not to take one at all, and thats OK when he's with me all the time. This trip there will be times when DD may be with just me or with my ILs and there is NO WAY they or I can carry her around the parks like DH can. So consider how you and your family may tour as well.

 

[pooh4evr]

We rented a side by side stroller for our 4 and 2 yr old DD in May from Baby's Best Friend, I think it was $75, It was great! (I can't remember how much it was to rent at the parks) It had plenty of room underneath for out backpack/diaper bag and our camera bag, DD 4 doesn't nap at home but she definately did there! both of the girls did, since both of the seats folded down it was great, we also did not have to worry about losing anybody when going through crowds because both girls were in their seats. We did bring our umbrella stroller just for DD2 in the airport- gate checked it both times and had no problem corraling her and our bags! So YES you will need it!