stroller for 7 y/o? opinions....

[DVC Sadie]

And why do so many people think that is so wrong? No one is being hurt. No child is going to turn into a fat lazy slob a la Wall-E riding for a few days in a stroller.

Don't use a stroller if you don't want to. Just like I don't use a child leash because I don't want to. But we are all allowed to chose what is right for our families.

Hold on a minute.

I did not say to anyone not to use a stroller and I sure as heck didn't tell anyone that their kids would turn into fat, lazy slobs.

No where in my post did I try to tell anyone what was "right for their family."


I did try to give an explanation of why a parent "might" use a stroller for a healthy 5,6,7,or 8 year old. A lot of parents find using a stroller more convenient so they can stay in the parks all day, especially if they have more than one child. They enjoy having the space in a stroller to carry water, snacks and other items.

 

[Tiger926]

To OP - WDW is huge, so good for you for properly plannning. My just turned 5 year old has a brand new Mac Tecnho XLR up to 65lbs, but it is very costly, so you may want to rent on an as-needed basis. I know many people on here like Mac Volos (up to 55lbs), but I don't as I find they are too scrunchy for tall kids like my daughter, but you may find otherwise. Also I have a Mac Triumph and it is great as well. Depending upon your finances, there are several good options available to you. Hope you have a fab trip!

To no-stroller parents - Typical DIS thread - just because YOUR child doesn't need a stroller, no one else's child does. Goodness gracious! There are many good reasons why children need strollers, safety & assistance is one of them. Notice I said children - my Mac XLR goes up to 65lbs! Continually responding in a negative way is rude to the OPs who may be struggling with this decision, not to mention that these responses clutter up the DIS! I'm so tired of reading how those of us who use strollers must be pushing our kids too far, loading the stroller up with junk, or, using it because we want to spend all day in parks - none if these pertain to us whatsoever! We are so casual at WDW as DVC members, sometimes only spending 1 hour in a park, yet our daughter needs a stroller at times, and that is just fine with us. What if I posted that parents who refuse strollers are bad parents as you are forcing your kids to walk because you are too cheap or lazy to use a stroller - it would be rude of me to say this! It's not my place to make these determinations so I would do best to keep them to myself, as should the rest of the no-stroller folks on here, IMHO.

Happy strollering or no-strollering to all, Tiger

 

[skater]

My goodness - you'd think we were talking about pool hopping . It amazes me how judgmental people can be on these boards. Guess its the anonymity .

This is like any other parenting issue. You know your child - use common sense. Last year, by the 5th day, my 5 yr. old (almost 6) was just wiped out. He had also woke up throwing up in the middle of the night - was fine the next morning, just tired. (We were all feeling bad from the meal the night before). We could see there was no way he was going to make it at Epcot all day, so we rented a stroller. He was happy, we were happy, no big deal. It doesn't mean anything bad about him or our parenting decisions. Do what is right for your family. You'll know once you're there what will work for you.

 

[crisi]

I'd say "typical DIS thread" in that the opinions of some are being misinterpreted. There has been ONE poster who has said no able bodied seven year old should EVER need a stroller. And several who have recommended that you keep a stroller in your back pocket, but don't plan for one. There is a world of difference there.

Here was our experience when my daughter was just turned six. We thought that perhaps we could do a strollerless trip. We got to WDW and had a great first day - but we commando'd a day we shouldn't have commando'd and while she was a trooper, she was EXHAUSTED (and I'm the one whose kids can run a mile thanks to the former drill sargent). So we had strollers off and on for the rest of the trip. I found our strollerless days to be much easier for all of us to move through the parks quickly than our strollered days - but in particular evenings at World Showcase (big park, late in the day) and the trails at AK (lots of walking and standing) were stroller occations.

Had we taken the first day slower, we probably would have gotten by with that strollerless trip. We were back a year later, and having learned our lesson, did some pre-trip walks and made sure the kids were in shape, kept the first day (and subsequent days) slower - we got as much done as we did without the strollers because we didn't need to park them, find them, retrieve them from where CMs had moved them, etc. Strollerless trips are so much nicer - my kids actually enjoy them more as well because they aren't inside that stroller, they feel like THEY have more control over where we are going, that they can stop us all so they can look. We can easily walk and talk to our kids when they aren't in the stroller. That first trip would have been easier and cheaper (and now that stroller rentals are so expensive, way cheaper) had we just slowed down. The stroller has two advantages - it moves tired kids through the park quickly (because while strollerless can move just as fast, that's dependent on not having a kid who isn't dragging their feet through the parks from exhaustion) and it cuts down on whining. (It can also provide a place for stuff, but we've always been a stuff minimalist family - fanny packs do it fine for us).

Now, with strollers being so pricey to rent, if you have a stroller you can bring that can cost effectively carry a seven year old, you may want to make that decision ahead of time. But hiding a stroller when packing is difficult - and if your seven year old knows you planned for it - well, my kids would both just whine louder knowing it was in my pocket.

I would highly encourage people to give a strollerless trip a shot. I won't tell you that you are silly for doing the same thing I did and saying "well, this isn't working out."

 

[GJM]

I am just curious - would you DS or DD at the age of 7 use a stroller. I know my DS when he was 4 wouldn't use a stroller anymore, he just thought it was for babies. So are your 7 year olds OK with a stroller, I think if I mention that to my DS he would just look at me weird and say he is too old for a stroller. He had the option when we went and he was 4 but he walked and didn't want to use it.

Not flaming - just curious what your kids think -

 

[dcherry]

I am just curious - would you DS or DD at the age of 7 use a stroller. I know my DS when he was 4 wouldn't use a stroller anymore, he just thought it was for babies. So are your 7 year olds OK with a stroller, I think if I mention that to my DS he would just look at me weird and say he is too old for a stroller. He had the option when we went and he was 4 but he walked and didn't want to use it.

Not flaming - just curious what your kids think -

My 7 (almost 8) year old had no issues taking a seat in the stroller. If I could have had someone push me around I would have jumped at the chance, but then, I do the parks commando.

 

[bartleby1]

I know there are a TON of stroller threads, but I really am still unsure what to do.
We have a 7-y/o that I know isn't going to be able to keep the pace all day.

Should we just rent while we are there or is there something we could buy that can handle a 7-y/o child?

Any opinions, comments, expierences would be helpful.

Thanks!!!!!!!

I think it really depends on how many park days you are going to be doing, what time of year you are going (summer months are very hot and draining), and if you are a commando type of park goer.

Rental prices have increased dramatically, otherwise, this would be my first choice for a 7 year old. Singles are currently $15 per day or $13 per day with the multi day discount. Doubles are $31 per day or $27 per day with a multi day discount. If you have a larger 7 year old, you may need a double for the extra room, but the price can really add up. If you are only going to use a stroller for a couple of days, it might be worth it to rent. But, if you will need it for many days, it can get costly.

Your other option is buying a maclaren which are rated for up to 55 lbs. I own one mac but needed another for an upcoming trip for my two older kids to share. I tried out the cheapest two models (volo and triumph) but found my kids to be a little squished in them. The next model up is the quest and it was a bit roomier so that is what I went with. I found a 2007 quest on ebay that was a bright pink color (definitely not my preference, but it was cheaper) for $120 shipped. I know this sounds like a lot to spend, but rental prices could add up real quick and you have nothing to show for it at the end. I will keep the new one for my youngest daughter since my old mac is getting kind of worn and yucky, but if you don't need it after the trip you can always sell it on ebay and get some of your money back.

Good luck on your decision!

 

[DevilDuckie]

Since that was ridiculous IMO, I am striving NOT to be in that position - as much as I love having a stroller for my kids and the convenience of having the storage room. We will be going in Nov and I am downgrading to a single for my just-turned-5-year-old....the 6 year old will be walking. The only issue I foresee is that he will be annoyed that his sister gets to ride while he walks - but except for that he really doesn't need one at all.

Good for you! As for the whining, if it gets out of hand, tell him he can have a turn in the stroller, but you'll be taking pictures of him and showing them to his school friends. Maybe it is regional but six year olds here would die laughing if their classmates were seen riding strollers like babies.

 

[DevilDuckie]

I am just curious - would you DS or DD at the age of 7 use a stroller. I know my DS when he was 4 wouldn't use a stroller anymore, he just thought it was for babies. So are your 7 year olds OK with a stroller, I think if I mention that to my DS he would just look at me weird and say he is too old for a stroller. He had the option when we went and he was 4 but he walked and didn't want to use it.

Not flaming - just curious what your kids think -

I asked mine what he thought when one of these threads popped up. He was HORRIFIED. "In a STROLLER? Like a BABY? Mom!" We did not do strollers in Disneyland when he was 5. We believe people who go to school are too old for baby equipment unless they are disabled. No strollers, no diapers, no binkies.

 

[mjkacmom]

I am just curious - would you DS or DD at the age of 7 use a stroller. I know my DS when he was 4 wouldn't use a stroller anymore, he just thought it was for babies. So are your 7 year olds OK with a stroller, I think if I mention that to my DS he would just look at me weird and say he is too old for a stroller. He had the option when we went and he was 4 but he walked and didn't want to use it.

Not flaming - just curious what your kids think -

Mine thought it was cool! We gave up the stroller by the time all the kids were 4 (singletons at the age of 3, but I used to walk my kids to school, and it was easier to push twins in a stroller). We rented from WDW, so it wasn't a typical stroller - they thought of it as a toy! I like a faced-paced day - I put many miles on my treadmill, and have no problem walking miles and miles - having kids putz along would drive me nuts.

 

[Tiger926]

Good for you! As for the whining, if it gets out of hand, tell him he can have a turn in the stroller, but you'll be taking pictures of him and showing them to his school friends. Maybe it is regional but six year olds here would die laughing if their classmates were seen riding strollers like babies.

This is acceptable behaviour to you? This is nothing but a way to justify intolerance. Kids should be kids for as long as possible, 6 year olds are young babies! I can't believe that parents encourage their kids to be discriminatory in this way, or, in your post down below. If a child feels he/she needs a stroller, it is what it is!

I'm just shaking my head at parents who allow or encourage their kids to think in this way. My just turned 5 year old rides in her stroller at times - she is highly intelligent (has been in Montessori school since 14 months), extremely active and is extremely accepting of ALL people. She would never go up to any child or parent and question why he/she was in a stroller. She has been raised to understand that all families have different needs and rules, and they should not be questioned or made fun of unless she felt someone was in danger.

Some days on the DIS I read things like this and it makes my head hurt. The OP asked a simple question in order to get help with a stroller issue, none of the rest of this ridiculous discourse is really necessary, is it?

Tiger

 

[MusiqChic99]

This is acceptable behaviour to you? This is nothing but a way to justify intolerance. Kids should be kids for as long as possible, 6 year olds are young babies! I can't believe that parents encourage their kids to be discriminatory in this way, or, in your post down below. If a child feels he/she needs a stroller, it is what it is!

I'm just shaking my head at parents who allow or encourage their kids to think in this way. My just turned 5 year old rides in her stroller at times - she is highly intelligent (has been in Montessori school since 14 months), extremely active and is extremely accepting of ALL people. She would never go up to any child or parent question why he/she was in a stroller. She has been raised to understand that all families have different needs and rules, and they should not be questioned or made fun of unless she felt someone was in danger.

Some days on the DIS I read things like this and it makes my head hurt. The OP asked a simple question in order to get help with a stroller issue, none of the rest of this ridiculous discourse is really necessary, is it?

Tiger

Great post.

And kudos to you for teaching your daughter good values and to be accepting of all.

 

[DevilDuckie]

This is acceptable behaviour to you? This is nothing but a way to justify intolerance. Kids should be kids for as long as possible, 6 year olds are young babies! I can't believe that parents encourage their kids to be discriminatory in this way, or, in your post down below. If a child feels he/she needs a stroller, it is what it is!

It is not a matter of "intolerance" nor is it a matter of what parents encourage. Children know ridiculous when they see it and if the Emperor is nekkie they're going to say so.

Six is not a "young baby". Six is a school aged child ready to learn some coping skills.

 

[Charin]

We gave our strollers away when we moved a year or so ago and have had no need for them since. However we did get two inexpensive umbrella strollers for our upcoming trip / 7 days in the parks. Even though we are planning to take it easy and take breaks as needed (grandma and grandpa are coming too) we want to have the strollers available even for the 7 year old if needed. I am aware it will very likely be a hassle to carry the two unoccupied umbrella strollers through the parks at some point, and we might ditch them (or at least one of them) after a day or two, but I woudl rather have them available in case they are needed. I see this as a special circumstance that warrants special measures and even though my ds7 would never use a stroller at the mall or elsewhere (and my dd3 almost never) it might be needed at WDW. I honestly dont think that I am setting them up for failure or even that it is gonna set a precedent and I am gonna have to keep them in strollers in future years, etc. JMO.

I guess the suggestion is to play it by ear and don't feel guilty or that something is wrong with yoru kid if you do need the stroller.

 

[dcherry]

It is not a matter of "intolerance" nor is it a matter of what parents encourage. Children know ridiculous when they see it and if the Emperor is nekkie they're going to say so.

Six is not a "young baby". Six is a school aged child ready to learn some coping skills.

What's ridiculous is expecting children to go all day and part of the night for days on end. Why on earth make a point just to make a point that a child of _____ age should be able to walk the parks. If they can't, they can't. Shoot, I had a hard time of it. My almost 8 year old never though the stroller was ridiculous for a second and neither did I. It allowed us to get a lot done in the way too short amount of time we had, no whining about being tired , the kids had comfy front row seats at the parades, and I had a place to put all our stuff. If you have the luxury of taking your time in the parks and have pleanty of time to do and see it all then great, have your kids walk. But some of us have limited amounts of time and still want to "do" as much as we can and for those in that situation a stroller makes it more possible. Who really cares whether the child is school age, too old for a stroller, fit, athletic and so on. In the end, all that matters is what works for our own individual circumstances.

 

[aurorafan]

I honestly dont think that I am setting them up for failure or even that it is gonna set a precedent and I am gonna have to keep them in strollers in future years, etc. JMO.

My 7 year old did not use a stroller before we went to Disney and did not request one when we came home, despite us having rented one a few times for him while we were there . Oh, and he didn't request one when we went back in June either .

 

[markm0926]

I am just curious - would you DS or DD at the age of 7 use a stroller. I know my DS when he was 4 wouldn't use a stroller anymore, he just thought it was for babies. So are your 7 year olds OK with a stroller, I think if I mention that to my DS he would just look at me weird and say he is too old for a stroller. He had the option when we went and he was 4 but he walked and didn't want to use it.

Not flaming - just curious what your kids think -

The last time we used a stroller was our last Disney trip and that was 2 years ago in May 0f 2006. DS was only 5.
We haven't used one for any reason since. So that is why I started this thread looking for opinions and expierences.

 

[1rileydog]

I definitely think renting will be the way to go...if my DS 7 needs a stroller I'll get one. Same as if his grandmother needs a scooter I'll get her one too!

 

[crisi]

What's ridiculous is expecting children to go all day and part of the night for days on end. Why on earth make a point just to make a point that a child of _____ age should be able to walk the parks. If they can't, they can't. Shoot, I had a hard time of it. My almost 8 year old never though the stroller was ridiculous for a second and neither did I. It allowed us to get a lot done in the way too short amount of time we had, no whining about being tired , the kids had comfy front row seats at the parades, and I had a place to put all our stuff. If you have the luxury of taking your time in the parks and have pleanty of time to do and see it all then great, have your kids walk. But some of us have limited amounts of time and still want to "do" as much as we can and for those in that situation a stroller makes it more possible. Who really cares whether the child is school age, too old for a stroller, fit, athletic and so on. In the end, all that matters is what works for our own individual circumstances.

Why would anyone expect their kid to go all day and part of the night for days on end? Isn't it FAR MORE PROBABLE that parents who are "non-stroller" for older children do not treat Disney as a Death March and schedule reasonable days. Just like older kids in strollers are not all out of shape whiny brats whose parents coddle them, all non-stroller kids are not being forced on unreasonable marches through Disney in the heat.

 

[DevilDuckie]

Why would anyone expect their kid to go all day and part of the night for days on end? Isn't it FAR MORE PROBABLE that parents who are "non-stroller" for older children do not treat Disney as a Death March and schedule reasonable days.

There is a reason there is no Bataan Parade at Disney.