Stroller for 8 year old?

[Coachymom]

Someone asked me if I was going to get my 8 year old a stroller for our trip in October and I told them heck no. My son is 4'8" and close to 120 lbs. I know that I will be more tired from pushing him then anything else if we got him one. My daughter will be 19 months when we go and we will have a stroller for her. She is only 19 lbs now and probable will be about 22-25 lbs when we go. He will probable push her in her stroller (he loves to push his baby sis), so he definitely wouldn't ride in one if he had a choice.

 

[jcvalenti]

My son is 6 and we're definiately bringing a stroller this trip. For one, we carry so much crap to the park (water bottles in a soft cooler bag, souvenoirs, sunscreen, my camera equip), that we would probably bring a stroller even with no kid ... but we find the stroller handy for the little guy when we're waiting for parades or fireworks or whatever.

8 sounds a little old, but its not out of the realm of possibility. I have a lot more understanding for the bigger kids in the strollers than I do for the astronomical number of fat people on scooters plowing throug the crowds with reckless abandon.

 

[disneychic2]

My son is 6 and we're definiately bringing a stroller this trip. For one, we carry so much crap to the park (water bottles in a soft cooler bag, souvenoirs, sunscreen, my camera equip), that we would probably bring a stroller even with no kid ... but we find the stroller handy for the little guy when we're waiting for parades or fireworks or whatever.

8 sounds a little old, but its not out of the realm of possibility. I have a lot more understanding for the bigger kids in the strollers than I do for the astronomical number of fat people on scooters plowing throug the crowds with reckless abandon.

 

[ccgirl]

My son is 6 and we're definiately bringing a stroller this trip. For one, we carry so much crap to the park (water bottles in a soft cooler bag, souvenoirs, sunscreen, my camera equip), that we would probably bring a stroller even with no kid ... but we find the stroller handy for the little guy when we're waiting for parades or fireworks or whatever.

8 sounds a little old, but its not out of the realm of possibility. I have a lot more understanding for the bigger kids in the strollers than I do for the astronomical number of fat people on scooters plowing throug the crowds with reckless abandon.

Very considerate of you. How do you know those "fat" people do not have a medical condition??

Anyway, in my opinion, a stroller, wheelchair, scooter, should not be used by anybody that is able bodied. WDW is not a marathon. It is not constant walking. You stop for rides, shows, to eat etc. There is absolutely no reason at all an 8 year old needs a stroller, IMHO. YMMV.

BTW, review the capacity on the stroller and unless your 8 year old is a tiny little thing, they will more than likely be too heavy/tall for a stroller.

 

[MickeyMinnieMom]

We ditched the stroller after age 4 and haven't looked back. On the first trip w/o a stroller we figured we'd rent one if we needed it, and we never did.

Now, we stay at Bay Lake Tower and walk from MK and take the monorail from Epcot -- that makes the trips back to the hotel when the kids are tired relatively painless. A handful of times DH has carried a 5yo part of the way back "home", but that's it -- the rest they have to walk.

We also take midday breaks, and take care not to get them so exhausted that the whining comes out full force.

This is what we say to our kids when we hear the "but I'm tired..." whine (and we know they're fine): "OK - then let's head back to the hotel so you can take a nap." Works like a charm every time.

 

[DisneyNic]

As others have said you know your DS and you know what will work and what won't. I will just give you my experience and opinion.

DD was 6 and DS was 4 on our trip. I brought umbrella strollers for each one. DS was a little on the shy side and more reserved so he rode a lot I think more to have space than anything. DD on the other hand would ride towards the end of the night (we did RD to closing pretty much everyday) but that was it. We pushed around an empty stroller 95% of our ten day trip. DD is now 9 and DS (who got over that shy thing real quick) is 6. If they were going with me in Sept I would not even consider bringing strollers for either one. There is plenty of waiting/sitting and they have more than enough energy to burn!

 

[butterfly71076]

My son is 6 and we're definiately bringing a stroller this trip. For one, we carry so much crap to the park (water bottles in a soft cooler bag, souvenoirs, sunscreen, my camera equip), that we would probably bring a stroller even with no kid ... but we find the stroller handy for the little guy when we're waiting for parades or fireworks or whatever.

8 sounds a little old, but its not out of the realm of possibility. I have a lot more understanding for the bigger kids in the strollers than I do for the astronomical number of fat people on scooters plowing throug the crowds with reckless abandon.

Really?? You have absolutely NO idea why someone would need to use a scooter. People have medical conditions and injuries that you cannot see, and frankly, it's none of your business. Its such a shame you were not taught compassion. I just hope that if you are ever in that situation, people are much kinder to you then you are being to others.

 

[miami305]

On behalf of petite people everywhere, I would like to state that we are not disabled. We are perfectly capable of walking. Can you imagine asking a teacher to push your child in a stroller during an all day field trip? My children have never, ever asked me to stop walking so they can rest. DH and I are the ones who need the rest break!

Keep him hydrated and take a snack/rest break before the cranky behavior begins. Go back to hotel and nap in the afternoons if your son tires easily.

 

[Sparkly]

I went at 9 years old and I was certainly able to walk! If we needed a break, we ducked into a nice air conditioned ride or had a snack.

 

[butterfly71076]

We will be at DW for 7 full days......we plan on bringing the regular stroller for DD4...but I'm concerned that with all of the walking.....my DS8 will get tired.

I think that DS8 will fit in the stroller that we plan on bringing....but I'm wondering we should borrow another Umbrella Stroller or even rent one at the Parks.

What are your thoughts or suggestions?

I can see DS8 being incredibly tired....partly cuz he can be lazy and whiny at times....and I don't want to carry him around a lot.

For a healthy 8 yr old, I say absolutely no way to a stroller or carrying him around. Maybe you could start walking now, train for Disney. Start with short walks and build up to longer.

 

[jrtoastyman]

Disneyworld is one place where it's not unusual to see children that are not stroller age riding around in strollers because there is so much more walking than they are used to. With that said, 8 is probably older than you typically see because most 8 year olds have the stamina to do the walking -- just make sure you rest appropriately and don't overdo it. I'd suggest taking a wait and see approach and renting one when you get there if you're on the fence.

Of course, if there's a reason he really can't do all of that walking, put him in a stroller and don't worry about it. People will understand, and if they don't, not your problem.

 

[katiemely]

He's 8 years old. Time to start treating him as such. I think that's a ridiculous idea to think about pushing your 8 yr old in a stroller.

 

[pickles]

8 sounds a little old, but its not out of the realm of possibility. I have a lot more understanding for the bigger kids in the strollers than I do for the astronomical number of fat people on scooters plowing throug the crowds with reckless abandon.

And there the monorail derails...it was just a matter of time...

 

[MisWal]

I wouldn't plan on bringing one, but you can always rent one if you decide you need one.

 

[everythingALICE]

For a healthy 8 yr old, I say absolutely no way to a stroller or carrying him around. Maybe you could start walking now, train for Disney. Start with short walks and build up to longer.

I totally agree. It's a different situation if a child has a medical condition or mobility issue...but it does not sound like this is the case for the OP's child. Personally, I don't think that getting a stroller to appease a child's whining because you say that he is lazy is the best response. I mean, it's DISNEY WORLD. He should understand how lucky he is to be able to visit the most magical place on earth in the first place. This should be motivation enough for him to get up off his behind and walk around the park!

I went to WDW at 5 years and 8 years old (both times in the heat of the summer - July/August), and did not require a stroller either time. You will see that there are plenty of 8 year olds (and children MUCH younger) who are capable of walking around the park. If he gets too tired to walk, offer to go back to the resort.

 

[Creed16]

Who doesn't want to be pushed around in a stroller? That being said we just got back about a month ago and I ended up renting a single stroller for my 5 yr old. She would start out fine during the day, but as the day progressed she just got tired. Even stopping and resting did not help as much. Plus we were able to walk faster and did not have to slow to her pace. It was nice!
Now on the other side of this story is I also had my 10yr old with me. He so badly wanted a stroller. He was tired too. So I let them take turns riding. It helped keep his mood up and they both seemed happier having had a little time to rest.
Sure these kids are old enough that they should not need a stroller-in fact my 5 ry old hasn't ridden in a stroller since she was 2-I don't even own one, but this is Disney and it is a very large and right now hot place. I don't see why it's such a big deal letting an older child ride in a stroller.

 

[CandleontheWater]

I once saw an adult being pushed around in a Disney double stroller, so if worse comes to worse, I'm sure you're 8 year old would fit in there.

If it were me, I would do everything I could to motive the child to walk, including deducting the price of the stroller rental from their souvenir money. Do you have any idea how tired YOU will be after pushing around a healthy 8 year old!

 

[turkeymama]

Who doesn't want to be pushed around in a stroller? That being said we just got back about a month ago and I ended up renting a single stroller for my 5 yr old. She would start out fine during the day, but as the day progressed she just got tired. Even stopping and resting did not help as much. Plus we were able to walk faster and did not have to slow to her pace. It was nice!
Now on the other side of this story is I also had my 10yr old with me. He so badly wanted a stroller. He was tired too. So I let them take turns riding. It helped keep his mood up and they both seemed happier having had a little time to rest.
Sure these kids are old enough that they should not need a stroller-in fact my 5 ry old hasn't ridden in a stroller since she was 2-I don't even own one, but this is Disney and it is a very large and right now hot place. I don't see why it's such a big deal letting an older child ride in a stroller.

I'm guessing it makes people feel like they are more accomplished parents? I honestly have no idea why it is such a big deal to some people. My 8 year old doesn't ride in one any other time, and we have discussed him using one at Disney next week. He doesn't want to, but he knows his limits. His legs hurt and he just doesn't have the stamina. No one would know that by looking at him while he sits in the stroller. I guess some people will look at me like I am a lazy parent for not putting my foot down with him based on some of the comments here. I just don't get it.

 

[mefordis]

My 8 yr old would be embarrassed to ride in a stroller. Good for him if he doesn't care what other people think!

I have no problem with others using one, though.

I can't imagine carrying an 8 year old! He must be tiny!

 

[The V Gang]

We will be at DW for 7 full days......we plan on bringing the regular stroller for DD4...but I'm concerned that with all of the walking.....my DS8 will get tired.

I think that DS8 will fit in the stroller that we plan on bringing....but I'm wondering we should borrow another Umbrella Stroller or even rent one at the Parks.

What are your thoughts or suggestions?

I can see DS8 being incredibly tired....partly cuz he can be lazy and whiny at times....and I don't want to carry him around a lot.

I would bring a double stroller. My DD9 and DS7 will jump into the stroller any chance they get. It's tiring doing all that walking and sometimes they need a break. We have 5 (DD10, DD9, DS7, DDalmost6 and DS18months) and up until last year we always brought two double strollers. I saves a ton of money bringing strollers from home and even if they aren't sitting in it you have a great place to put stuff you don't want to carry around!