stroller debate??

[bevemjake]

After all this time, I should know when to and when not to post my opinion here on the DIS....you people are like freaking scavengers waiting for the attack.

I'll keep my lip buttoned from this point forward.

After all you did title your thread stroller DEBATE. It sure sounded like you wanted to start a heated discussion.

We all just want our children to have fun on vacation. If that means letting my 6 year old have some stroller time this trip then I'm fine with it. Too bad it has to be such a DEBATE for others who have no idea what the situation is.

 

[shelleyz]

To the OP, If you know your son is going to want to ride in the stroller I would take yours or I would bring the single for the smaller child and then rent a single if need be. It will be easier with just the single on the bus. Do what you want and don't worry about what others think. Next August when we go again my sons will be 5 and 7 and I will be renting a double stroller. What harm is it doing them in the stroller?

 

[SueM in MN]

I would bring a single umbrella stroller and rent a single one if you felt your 8 year old needed it.

One thing to think about is that most double strollers are not made for the amount of weight you will have in it. And many don't push or steer well if the 2 riders are vastly different weights.
The WDW rental strollers push quite well even with a larger child and if your 8 yr old is too big for a single stroller, you could rent a double.

The one thing I DO get concerned about is the well-being of the parents who are pushing a larger child. I see some kids in strollers who look well rested, but the parents look pretty frazzled.
We have a disabled DD who can't walk, so we have no choice but to bring a wheelchair for her. Pushing a wheelchair is easier than a stroller, but it IS tiring (especially if the child is over the weight limit for the stroller). So, if you choose to use a stroller for your child, do keep your own needs in mind.

 

[deejohn]

Our rule is 6 and your out. We brought 2 umberella strollers last time for DD5 and DS3. We are planning on bringing 1 stroller for DD2, but for that age we bring a reclining stroller for naps or being out tooooo late.

When we go out walking as a family, I always tell them, "This will help you get your Disney Legs!!!". We are slowly building up their stamina.

Good Luck and enjoy.

 

[crisi]

I tend to agree that an able bodied eight year old should be able to walk. I'd bring the umbrella, and - if absolutely necessary - rent a stroller for the eight year old for the few times she (he?) needs it. I'd expect him to do fine at MK (plan on mid day down time with some sit attractions - like Philharmagic, maybe Hall of Presidents, but the park is physically not large and the attractions are close together), probably OK at MGM (lots of sitting time with shows), OK at AK (big park, but usually a short day - make sure to see FOTLK mid-day for a good 40 minutes off your feet, don't do PlanetWatch, long walk for a petting zoo, and only do the trails in Africa and Asia if the energy level is good), and the worst will be if you do Epcot expecially if you tackle the countries late in the day. That can be boring for kids - so the whine factor can really kick in - and their aren't a lot of attractions to sit through.

The age on stroller use for able bodied kids seems to be creeping up over my four years on the board - when I started here the six year olds in strollers seemed extreme - but the strollers weren't as sturdy. I wonder if the stoller companies keep making bigger strollers if in a few years we will hear "should I bring a stroller for my twelve year old" (now, bringing a stroller for me at Pleasure Island so my husband can wheel me back to the resort........).

My youngest is six, not a great walker, and that is our plan for this year. Last trip she was four, and although we used the stroller, she had plenty of energy to not want to sit in it.

 

[Brian Noble]

If it were me, I'd bring just the umbrella too. We never go all day in a park, even during short hours---we usually arrive at open, leave no later than 2 and return no earlier than 5. Every once in a while we'll try to catch an afternoon parade, so well stay open-4 or similar, but be done for the day.

Last year, DS4 had an umbrella stroller, and DD6 walked. She caught a bit of some viral bug, so we did let her ride in the umbrella once or twice when she was a bit under the weather, and she spent one morning at home in the condo watching movies.

This year, DS5 and DD7 will both be walking. We've been going without wagons/strollers at our home park (Cedar Point) all summer, and they've been great with it, so I'm confident that they will do fine at WDW too, as long as we stick with our "agressive break-taking" touring style.

 

[momsully]

I would not bring the double stroller. Either bring a second umbrella stroller for DS if he would fit in it or rent one on days he really needs it. You may be surprised. When oldest DS was about to turn 5 I brought him an umbrella stroller on our trip just in case. The stroller never left the room as he walked the entire week. Prior to that trip we had always traveled with our Graco double stroller and it was so nice to just have the Maclaren for younger DS. DS is now 6.5 and has made four more trips walking the entire time.

 

[Amyality]

I agree the smaller sibbling needs the stroller and the older sibbling should just deal - your average 8 year old really isn't going to fit many stroller designs anyway- not to mention how heavy they will be. I sold my double jogger last year when I realized I was pushing over 100 lbs.

My kids are almost 4 and amost 7. This will be the last year little brother is getting a stroller (our Chicco Caddy has been a great park/airport stroller BTW). We've gone to WDW for the past 3 years and big brother has always hoofed it.

By the time the 8 year old needs a break so will you, most likely. Be sure to make some PS so the family can get a rest. We are in the group of folks who like to head back to the resort for a dip in the pool and to get cleaned up for evening activities. So, we never really tire out. We open and close the parks almost every day with this pattern.

P.S. Sorry but, mocking people (grown-up's for the most part) is FUN...ha, ha, ha... I am so, so, so guilty!!!!

 

[groover]

I never claimed to "know" ANYTHING - I just voiced my opinion.

Christ have mercy, jump down someone's throat why don't you......

I'm really done this time....

I'm so glad that you stuck by your guns Patrice. It's too bad that people on here can't be honest if it's in the least bit negative. My oldest is six years old, and in two weeks, she'll get to walk the parks for 4 days while her little sister (almost 2) will get pushed around in a stroller.

We ALL make judgments people....get off her back. Because if she isn't laughing at you pushing around an 8 y.o., I will be.

P.S. Don't forget their blanky and pacifier.

 

[Diz-Mommy]

My only thing about an umbrella stroller is that they look very uncomfortable. They sort of cut behind the legs of some babies and they don't fold back for little cat nappies. Also most don't have a basket. Do you have a single more cushier one?

I think the 8 year old should walk, but that's just my opinion. You might suggest that there are things that will be missed just sitting in a stroller all day. I think there are rental strollers if worst comes to worst, but with proper breaks, hydration, and doing enough fun 8 year old stuff, I think the whining should be minimal.

I agree with the person that suggests "practice". Start expecting him/her (sorry I can't rememeber) to walk at the grocery store, mall, or parks etc around home...

I'd like to say at eight we will not be pushing our son around in a stroller, but I can't be certian till we are there. I think my DH would not allow it even if I wanted to!

Enjoy you time at the parks, those sound like fun ages to enjoy Disney with!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I agree the smaller sibbling needs the stroller and the older sibbling should just deal - your average 8 year old really isn't going to fit many stroller designs anyway- not to mention how heavy they will be. I sold my double jogger last year when I realized I was pushing over 100 lbs.

My kids are almost 4 and amost 7. This will be the last year little brother is getting a stroller (our Chicco Caddy has been a great park/airport stroller BTW). We've gone to WDW for the past 3 years and big brother has always hoofed it.

By the time the 8 year old needs a break so will you, most likely. Be sure to make some PS so the family can get a rest. We are in the group of folks who like to head back to the resort for a dip in the pool and to get cleaned up for evening activities. So, we never really tire out. We open and close the parks almost every day with this pattern.

P.S. Sorry but, mocking people (grown-up's for the most part) is FUN...ha, ha, ha... I am so, so, so guilty!!!!

Sorry but I think mocking people is so pathetic. Totally classless and definitely a poor example for your children.

Even though I have seven children I am very thin, but I don't mock people who are heavy. You think older kids are capable of walking and I think adults are capable of not over eating - but I say live and let live. NO MOCKING!

 

[ZachnElli]

Another vote for let the 8 year old walk. My ds has been walking the parks since 4 years, dd since 5 years old and only because she broke her foot 6 weeks before we left when she was 4 years old. They can do it. And if they get tired, it means it's time for the whole family to take a little break. Get a drink, go to the bathroom and relax a little. As for the "it's unfair" the little one is in the stroller, well there will be alot of "unfairs" growing up, but more so for the little one when the older one gets to do things he/she isn't old enough to do. If you had siblings growing up, you know what I mean. It is impossible to make things exactly even unless they are exactly the same age.

 

[Amyality]

I'm so glad that you stuck by your guns Patrice. It's too bad that people on here can't be honest if it's in the least bit negative. My oldest is six years old, and in two weeks, she'll get to walk the parks for 4 days while her little sister (almost 2) will get pushed around in a stroller.

We ALL make judgments people....get off her back. Because if she isn't laughing at you pushing around an 8 y.o., I will be.

P.S. Don't forget their blanky and pacifier.

Ha, ha ha....

 

[newtowdw1]

Let 'im walk!! DD8 is maybe the whiniest kid in the world (is it the age?) and she hoofed it through all parks in 115 F heat index this summer. She too has flat feet and leg pains and is huge for her age. However, we don't cruise at light speed either! Please note, I am not attacking the lady whose child is flat-footed. We take DD's feet into account and listen if they hurt. I will say that since buying good shoes (Nikes and Tevas) I've heard fewer complaints.

DS4 also made it through, and I didn't know if he could. We were prepared to rent a stroller if necessary. It wasn't.He trotted along like a happy little pony everyday.

We did not commando. We left the parks most days by 1:00. Epcot we were at from 8:15 til 3:30 and he was still walking. It wasn't a contest. It just took forever to get back to the front!

I can't tell you how many rude older kids I saw in strollers. Their mothers huffing and puffing to push them around and they were laughing and dragging their feet. Those kids were BIGGER than their mothers (I am not lying) and they should have pushed HER! That is when I would draw a VERY sharp line. If your kids are bigger than you, and need a push, rent a wheelchair.

 

[ptslp]

We have done the double- lots to lug!! This time (dd1 and ds3) we will be taking 2 strollers. An Evenflo for the baby and a Maclaren Quest for ds. I can't imagine a regular umbrella stroller- they seem so uncomfortable, especially if the child still takes a nap (both of mine do!) Also, every regular umbrella stroller I have had pushes terribly!

Also, I agree with a previous poster that is seems as though your kids would be over the weight limit for a double stroller. It will be hard to push and potentially dangerous should the stroller not be able to hold the weight. I would go with a good stroller for your youngest and see how the older one does. If he needs a stroller, rent one! That will probably be the best for his size/weight anyway!

Have a nice trip!

 

[Amyality]

Sorry but I think mocking people is so pathetic. Totally classless and definitely a poor example for your children.

Even though I have seven children I am very thin, but I don't mock people who are heavy. You think older kids are capable of walking and I think adults are capable of not over eating - but I say live and let live. NO MOCKING!

Still fun~ Not all day, all the time! Some folks just deserve it. My mom is heavy so is my pediatrician...not anti-heavy people - though they all can't have "bad genes" or whatever. I, however, am thin, fit, sharp looking and sounding upper middle class woman who is well traveled and educated. I drive a Volvo and my kids attend the best schools. I have a high standard for living - all in all - pretty classy. I don't tolerate trashy folks or bad parenting skills or stupidity well not to mention all the normal folks who do something thoughtless - just to be clear I don't necessarily think this of perosn who started this thread. Its funny to tease. I'm a funny, nice, sharp person. I'm sure you are perfectly nice too whe you're not busy being a holier than thou stick in the mud! Mock, Mock!!!!

 

[Brian Noble]

That's a joke. I'm just going to keep repeating to myself that that post is a joke. Becuase I just don't want to think about what it means if that post is not a joke.

<shudder>

(And yes, Amy, I'm mocking you too.)

 

[Amyality]

That's a joke. I'm just going to keep repeating to myself that that post is a joke. Becuase I just don't want to think about what it means if that post is not a joke.

<shudder>

(And yes, Amy, I'm mocking you too.)

Sorry Brian, it's true! I'm a big snob and I enjoy making fun of some people some times! I'm so fine with it!

Anyway, this thread probably needs to end or get back on topic. We were debating if an 8 year old needs a stroller.

 

[crisi]

"For what do we life, but to make sport of our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn." - Mr. Bennett, Pride and Prejudice

Frankly, life would be quite boring and lack a lot of the humor if it weren't for being able to see the ridiculousness in others.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Still fun~ Not all day, all the time! Some folks just deserve it. My mom is heavy so is my pediatrician...not anti-heavy people - though they all can't have "bad genes" or whatever. I, however, am thin, fit, sharp looking and sounding upper middle class woman who is well traveled and educated. I drive a Volvo and my kids attend the best schools. I have a high standard for living - all in all - pretty classy. I don't tolerate trashy folks or bad parenting skills or stupidity well not to mention all the normal folks who do something thoughtless - just to be clear I don't necessarily think this of perosn who started this thread. Its funny to tease. I'm a funny, nice, sharp person. I'm sure you are perfectly nice too whe you're not busy being a holier than thou stick in the mud! Mock, Mock!!!!

You seem to mistakenly equate money with class. While I'm very upper middle class, kids attend best schools etc. that is not what I meant by class. To me class is good manners and appropriate behavior. I can't believe anyone thinks that not mocking people (especially children) is being a stick in the mud. Just common decency and values. I hope your kids learn in the "best schools" better behavior than you are showing them.