Stroller: 5 yr old and special needs 2 year old?

[kathleendsm]

When we go to Disney World we'll have a 5 year old as well as a special needs (mobility impaired) 2 year old. We're planning on getting a GAC to use in the parks to allow us to use the 2 year old's stroller as a wheelchair in the lines.

Because of that, I hesitate to get or use a double stroller, because that seems like it would take up far too much room in the lines. It seems like most people recommend something for 5 year olds: is it best to use a bigger and more comfortable stroller for the 2 year old since he'll spend pretty much all his time in it and get an umbrella stroller for the 5 year old? I hate to push around a whole extra stroller if she doesn't want to use it, but I'd be surprised if she wasn't tired by the end of the day.

The other option is to just bring one stroller. Then if the 5 year old is tired, put the 2 year old into a baby carrier (Beco Butterfly that holds up to 45 pounds) and push the 5 year old in the stroller. In that case, I guess we wouldn't use the GAC in line.

Anyone BTDT?

 

[Hannathy]

My 5 yr olds never used a stroller in the parks, and we go loooong days. I'd go with your plan to just hold the little one if they really need it BUT if it isn't there and isn't offered no 5 yr old is going to ask for a stroller if they have never used one at Disney. You really aren't running a marathon, yes there is a ton of walking but it is broken up into short distances with a lot of down time in between where you can rest (lines, shows, rides)

 

[lucigo]

When we go to Disney World we'll have a 5 year old as well as a special needs (mobility impaired) 2 year old. We're planning on getting a GAC to use in the parks to allow us to use the 2 year old's stroller as a wheelchair in the lines.

Because of that, I hesitate to get or use a double stroller, because that seems like it would take up far too much room in the lines. It seems like most people recommend something for 5 year olds: is it best to use a bigger and more comfortable stroller for the 2 year old since he'll spend pretty much all his time in it and get an umbrella stroller for the 5 year old? I hate to push around a whole extra stroller if she doesn't want to use it, but I'd be surprised if she wasn't tired by the end of the day.

The other option is to just bring one stroller. Then if the 5 year old is tired, put the 2 year old into a baby carrier (Beco Butterfly that holds up to 45 pounds) and push the 5 year old in the stroller. In that case, I guess we wouldn't use the GAC in line.

Anyone BTDT?

If you will have two adults I would recommend two strollers. Its a LOT of walking and you don't need to be carrying a 2yo around for long distances, its not good for you, and its hot and sticky and miserable. Get two good quality umbrella type strollers that recline and have good canopies. You won't regret it.

 

[ireland_nicole]

I have two kids with special needs, and trust me, you want the double stroller. We rented the citymini double from orlandostrollerrentals.com It was incredibly comfortable for both kids (goes up to 100lb total wt) my kids were 98 lbs last trip and it maneuvered very well through all the lines (we require the stroller as w/c as DD has autism and DS has mobility impairment, among other issues.) Don't worry about it; you will be very happy you have it, and that one didn't feel heavy or hard to push, I could even do it one handed.

 

[kathleendsm]

Thank you! Ireland_Nicole, may I ask if you were able to use a GAC to keep your double stroller in line? Were people annoyed by that? We want to make sure whatever we have is super manuverable, and that if we're able to have it in the accessible lines we aren't getting too many dirty looks. But I also don't want to be holding a low tone, heavy 2 year old who can't stand up!

I'm guessing that some days we may not need anything for our 5 year old, but as the trip goes on we might be more likely to. It probably also depends on when we go, if she's 5 1/2 or close to 6 I'd be less tempted to use a stroller for her at all. I guess it comes down to having the peace of mind of knowing we have something in case she gets really tired. Even if that means taking the 2 year old out and putting him in the baby carrier (I'm really more of a baby wearer at heart anyway!).