Stroller advice

[We-Luv-Disney]

We are getting a single(unless I talk DH into a double) stroller. I have a 2 yr old and a 7 yr old. There are times that my 7 yr old has tried to get in the 2 yr olds stroller. There are times when he wants to sit for a few minutes and if he wants to be pushed around Disney world that is fine with me. He never sits in it all day, just a few minutes here and there. BTW, my boys are my princes, if I had a daughter she would be my princess. I see nothing wrong with getting a stroller. When DH and I went alone in May and we did not have the stroller to put our stuff, I missed not having it. Anyone know the price of the single and double if you pay in advance for the length of stay?

 

[WantToGoNow]

There have been days at Disney that I wished I could fit in a stroller. My children will be 5 and 3 (turns 3 the last day of our trip) and I will either be bringing my own double or renting one there. There is no way I would want my children's legs and feet to be sore if I can prevent it.

T.

 

[NJ Cruisers]

Last year our son was 5 and we one LONG day at the parks. He was great most of the time, but towards the end of the day, at the back end of the park he said "I'll take that stroller now". What a little trooper. This year when he is 6 I'm considering getting a stroller for Epcot because it is so big and it will be our second park later in the day.

Diedre - you are correct. The OP asked for an opinion on whether or not to use a stroller. She didn't (and NEITHER DID THE REST OF US) ask for a lecture of the fitness of our children. Lighten up lady.

Diane

 

[DiznyDK1231]

Oh puh-leez! Shorter legs, regardless of the amount of exercise they get each day, often give out before those of adults! We have a very active, healthy, abeit petite 5 year-old. We always take a "cheap" umbrella stroller as a just-in-case measure. Does she ride in it? Yes, in large crowds. Does she sit in it all day? Absolutely not!! A child's overall level of activity should NOT be the determining factor in whether or not to get a stroller: ours is simply this: "We're here once, maybe twice a year. What things can we take/what do we need that will help make this an enjoyable day?"
Do what is best for your family. Try it one day -- see if you need it. If not, don't get one the next day.
Worry about your child's level of fitness at home -- not at Walt Disney World!! And have a great trip! We will -- with our stroller!

 

[jojowentbyby]

I am a FIT Healthy 30 yo woman and I would prefer disney in a stroller as well. I can only imagine the treck with half the leg span. I will be there in a few months you will recognize me in the stroller or getting a piggy back from DH LOL.

 

[FredS]

We are going with DD7 & DS5 the end of Oct. We are not sure about getting a stoller. We are thinking it would keep them from getting tired too early but afraid it will be hard to get around other people and take more time to get through the parks. Are other kids that age using them? Would it be needed at all the theme parks? Any pros/cons would be appreciated.

I agree that it would make it harder to get around people and through the parks. I rented one for about an hour for my four-year-old and she did not really want it and I HATED trying to move around the park with it. Kind of expensive lesson, but I returned it quickly. When my younger son was a toddler we rented one for a day, but he did not spend much time in it. It seems that many people automatically put their kids in a stroller, but both of my have always much preferred walking wherever we visit. And by age seven my kids would have looked at my like I was crazy if I tried to put one of them in a stroller then!

I think that the vast majority of seven-year-olds and probably even most five-year-olds are NOT using strollers. I think Deirdre has a valid point that it should not be that exhausting for a younger school-age child to make it around Disney! I think another point, which really ticks me off, are those people who use them to carry all their stuff around, like they are shopping carts. Strollers ARE a major problem adding to the crowds in WDW and while I think that they are great for toddlers and kids a little older I think for most older children they are not necessary, and perhaps not the greatest idea, i.e., if your child can't walk then perhaps it is time for a break from walking.

 

[blessedby3]

DeidreTours
You are right. The OP asked for opinions, but you are going overboard insulting a majority of Disney parents by saying that their children should see a pediatrician if their parents choose for them to have the option of riding in a stroller. You are also insulting parents by saying their children are spoiled princes or princesses or worse yet in the second post invalids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is just uncalled for. Like previous posters said, children are much smaller with a shorter walking stride and definately tire more easily than adults. That is why they also require more sleep, etc. They are not little adults, but children who do get tired from long days in the parks and walking two strides for one adults. My children also sleep very well during a Disney vacation regardless if they walked or were pushed in a stroller. Disney is never a relaxing vacation and we all sleep well. Im glad that your children do so well without a stroller, but it looks like they would have to because you wont offer them another option anyways. There are some of us who prefer our children to be in the best mood and in the safest place at Disney and for a lot of us that means a stroller. Again, opinions are fine about using a stroller. Telling parents that choose to use one for anyone over four that they need to see a pediatrician and that their child is not fit is over the line.

 

[2disneybabies]

Oh I will be vary happy to get "huffy" here!!! DeirdreTours...you mention that the original poster asked for opinions...well post your opinion as the rest of us have and leave it at that!!! You don't need to preach to the rest of us. We are all very capable parents who can decide what is best for our children! My opinion is just that...my opinion! I don't think any differently of someone who has a different opinion than mine. I would NEVER tell hem how wrong they are for having their own opinion or that their child was an "invalid". I can't believe you don't see how rude you come off!!!!
Anyway, We-Luv-Disney you could not have said it better!! My DS4 is my prince and my DD6 is my princess and we will be in WDW 3 weeks from today with the double stroller JUST INCASE they need a break for a few minutes! They certainly won't sit in it all day and YES they get plenty of exercise!! They eat lots of fruits and vegetable and don't watch too much tv either! (Just incase there is anything else you wanted to critique us for!)
Oh..and for the poster who asked for pricing...for a single stroller the price is $10 and $8 in advance...for the double $18 and $16 in advance!
Have fun on your trips everyone!!!

 

[mitros]

Just another thought, if you do use strollers, please use them carefully, not as bumper cars to get through crowds, as some do. Thanks.

PS: I have had many stroller/heel injuries because of the careless ones

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

DeidreTours
You are right. The OP asked for opinions, but you are going overboard insulting a majority of Disney parents by saying that their children should see a pediatrician if their parents choose for them to have the option of riding in a stroller. You are also insulting parents by saying their children are spoiled princes or princesses or worse yet in the second post invalids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is just uncalled for. Like previous posters said, children are much smaller with a shorter walking stride and definately tire more easily than adults. That is why they also require more sleep, etc. They are not little adults, but children who do get tired from long days in the parks and walking two strides for one adults. My children also sleep very well during a Disney vacation regardless if they walked or were pushed in a stroller. Disney is never a relaxing vacation and we all sleep well. Im glad that your children do so well without a stroller, but it looks like they would have to because you wont offer them another option anyways. There are some of us who prefer our children to be in the best mood and in the safest place at Disney and for a lot of us that means a stroller. Again, opinions are fine about using a stroller. Telling parents that choose to use one for anyone over four that they need to see a pediatrician and that their child is not fit is over the line.

Bravo!! I couldn't have said it better myself....(where did that "eyeroll" smiley go? that's all I could add...)

And in addition to what mitros said about not using the stroller as a bumper car, may I add to people who are walking...please don't just "jump" directly in front of a stroller when we are all walking at a quick pace. Many of them don't have brakes, and it is difficult NOT to run over you without knocking my kids on the ground while they are in their stroller...

I think we all need to just be a little more respectful and aware of others.

 

[NCombs]

Get the stroller!!!

 

[wannabee]

Just returned from 7 days at WDW....it was our first trip w/ ds6 and I would have laughed if anyone had suggested we get a stroller for our very actice 6 year old. Then we got to the parks... he did fine the first day-- by day two he is was begging for dad to carry him. After the second day and sore shoulders and neck for my husband... i rented a stroller.... it was great... they are very easy to push and we found it much faster to get around and didn;t have to worry about him getting lost in the crowds....i saw many older kids in strollers.. it was no big deal and really helped

 

[mitros]

OK, one more thought {really, only one more } I was hit by strollers on 6 seperate occassions, and I was standing still in 4 of those instances, and somebody just decided they needed to get by without as much as an "excuse me". And just wondering, have you actually seen folks literally see a stroller coming and "jump" in front of it? That's suicidal, no?

 

[Pooh1219]

Everyone is defensive about something. I hate strollers operated by moms and dads who have no consideration for anyone but themselves. Yeah, they don't have brakes, but you do, and you should be more careful of peoples' ankles and shins when you tour through the parks. They are not battering rams, and they don't entitle you to special consideration. I also hate it when moms and dads aren't considerate enough of their little ones that they don't get a stroller for the later hours in the day. These kids are a lot smaller than we are and don't have the stamina of an average adult.

That being said, when the day comes that Disney provides adult-sized strollers, I'll be one of the first in line.

DeirdreTours, your comments were not suggestions or opinions, but were much more like lectures, and lectures are never well-received by anyone.

 

[MissionMouse]

The bottom line is that if your child is tired and unhappy, you will not be enjoying your time either. Children at this age no matter what their physical endurance will not be able to keep pace with an adult over extended days many people push to sustain during their WDW vacations.

There are rude guest with and without strollers, and when specific events and activities at WDW bring large masses of guest together in confine spaces don't be surprise for a possible unpleasant encounter. While WDW presents magical settings it does not address the shortcomings of the society: greed, selfishness, impatience, arrogance, etc.

Meet the needs of your children and stay focused on having a good time and forgive others who may offend members of your party, so you can remain positive and enjoy your WDW vacation.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

OK, one more thought {really, only one more } I was hit by strollers on 6 seperate occassions, and I was standing still in 4 of those instances, and somebody just decided they needed to get by without as much as an "excuse me". And just wondering, have you actually seen folks literally see a stroller coming and "jump" in front of it? That's suicidal, no?

Of course I am sorry that you have been assaulted with strollers while standing still in the park-there is no excuse for that. I make sure that my "Excuse Me's" are heard loud and clear....

In answer to your question about folks literally jumping in front of the stroller--oh yes, they have!!! I guess they see the "buffer zone" that I am trying to leave between my stroller and your ankles and think that they can just fit in there. Then when everyone in front stops...well you get the picture. Suicidal? Possibly. But I think that NO ONE wants to get stuck in back of the stroller, so they risk it.

I might also add here the story of my 75 year old father who wanted to see his grandchildren enjoying the MK when we went together in 2004. He can't walk very well, so we rented him a scooter. He was so aware of the people in front of him, that he never moved! Just as soon as people in front of him went forward creating a small space for him to go ahead, some BOZO would just jump in front of him. I finally got in front of him and said "Excuse Me" about 50 times and we finally got out of the crowd. I really can't understand why people in and out of strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, etc, can't be aware and considerate of others.

 

[robertsmom]

DeirdreTours...you mention that the original poster asked for opinions...well post your opinion as the rest of us have and leave it at that!!! You don't need to preach to the rest of us. We are all very capable parents who can decide what is best for our children!

Oh..and for the poster who asked for pricing...for a single stroller the price is $10 and $8 in advance...for the double $18 and $16 in advance!
Have fun on your trips everyone!!!

I agree 100% with this. I know better than anyone else (even my pediatrician, who does not care for my child every day) what is best for my child. When I went to WDW 2 years ago, I took along a stroller for DS (who was then 7). I knew he would need it, and I didn't much care what anyone else thought. I even bought one especially for the trip (for $40) because we were there for 8 days and it saved me $$. After we returned home, the stroller (which was festively covered with Mickey stickers) was given to my baby nephew. To the OP: if you feel that your children will need a stroller, go for it!

P.S. The picture I have of my 7 year old asleep in his stroller after a hard day at the parks is one of my most precious WDW memories!

 

[FredS]

The bottom line is that if your child is tired and unhappy, you will not be enjoying your time either. Children at this age no matter what their physical endurance will not be able to keep pace with an adult over extended days many people push to sustain during their WDW vacations.

This may explain the varying opinions about strollers. If you rarely get to visit WDW you may do it "commando-style" and everyone is pushed long and hard every day. Before long, most everyone is tired and cranky and it is just easier to have a stroller for a tired, whining child. However, if you are fortunate enough to visit at a more leisurely pace, and can break up the day with a trip back to the room, or frequent seated breaks to eat or to watch parades, shows, or just people, and you don't feel the need to open and/or shut down the parks, then most children would not need a stroller.

I guess the original poster's answer may lie in how much time they will spend in the parks, size of crowds and how much they want to do.

 

[SammieG]

Before you judge whether its appropriate for a child to be in a stroller consider that there might be a REASON why the child is in the stroller.

I have a very tall (size of an 8/9 year old) 5 year old. Since he started to walk he has had a problem with one of his feet. its nothing serious but it means that he cant walk as far and when he is tired he trips over one of his feet the whole time as it turns in.

There is no way he could manage to walk around a park all day or even half a day for 20 days (our usual trip length) - so we hire him a stroller.

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

Eh, the person making the comments about those that use strollers at a higher age than 4 must just hate strollers (my opinion, based on their comments about how none of their children used them past 4- it sounds like that is their "issue" and just don't allow it past that age and therefore don't think they are needed for ANY child over that age... sounds like a stroller issue to me LOL).

Everyone is right- you know what you need and some good points were brought up. My children are EXTREMELY fit and in good health- but not everyone wants to spend half the day going back and forth to resorts or sitting in restaurants. Some people are there to enjoy the parks and have a more enjoyable time with their child not walking the entire time. If you think about it- children are smaller and have to take way more steps than an adult walking the same amount of time and same amount of distance. *I* get blisters and sore feet everytime I go to Disney World- that doesn't mean I need to make my children get them too by avoiding a stroller! If I feel it's needed- then it's needed... regardless of what others think about it. I try to avoid it -if I can- simply because it makes ME more tired and worn out from pushing it- but if I think it's needed.. I'm using it. And when I felt it was needed for the 5yr old- yes, I rented the double so my 7yr old could also sit at times and rest. (my oldest is almost as tall as I am, hence probably walking the same amount as I am LOL She also has more endurance than the younger two because she's in even MORE athletics/running team/etc.) If they made a "triple" she would fit in- I probably wouldn't get it solely because I couldn't push the darn thing with 3 kids in it. LOL They aren't exactly "light" even without children in them!

I would rather push a stroller (when I feel it's needed for my child or children) than have a stressful vacation trying to keep my two hands on 3 children (impossible btw LOL) and dealing with tired cranky children with blisters on their feet. That doesn't sound like a vacation to me! Personally I think if they only wanted babies in strollers- they wouldn't have made them big enough to accomodate larger children. Just my opinion...