We have been to Disney several times so I know how hard it can be on a child walking around the park all day. In the past we have always taken our own Joovy sit and stand. But this year my kids are older and the front seat of the sit and stand just isn't an option for them. My DDs are 8yr (59 lbs and 52" tall) and 5yr (40lbs and 42" tall) I am considering renting from Kingdom Strollers because of the better price and more comfort compared to the strollers in the parks.
However, I am wondering if the Double City Elite will have enough leg room. By looking at the photo it seems like there isn't much room for their legs. The foot rest seems really close to the seat. The Mini GT, however, looks to have more leg room than the Elite. The foot rest appears to be lower down for more room for their legs.
Has anyone seen these in person before to make this comparison for me?
I am really not looking forward to hauling this big double stroller on and off the buses, but I am guessing this is my only option. Renting in the parks just seems to be silly to pay more money for a less comfortable stroller. But then again I am a little worried that these Baby Joggers will look like a "baby stroller" for my eight year old. She won't mind what she rides in as long as she is comfortable. My eight year old is a big complainer when it comes to being tired and uncomfortable!
Okay, for this. Both of the strollers mentioned have a maximum weight capacity of 100 lbs. You are at the capacity. Neither list a height, but I know from having a child 10" shorter than the OP's, that her older child will, likely, be too tall for any stroller.
On the plus side, seems most posters here are trying to meet the needs of their children, first and foremost. When a child is tired at the parks, some families choose to meet that need by having a stroller to take a break in. Other families meet that need by taking a break in the park or in the hotel. Either way the child is being thought of and cared for, and ultimately how each family does that is up to them. Maybe some middle ground?
I really don't care if another parent chooses to push 100 lbs of kid around an amusement park, it's not my back. But, understand this is a message board, and people have opinions. Some people are of the opinion that an 8 year old, healthy child needs a stroller, some are not. I can only go on my experience, my kids, who are not perfect physical specimens did not need a stroller after the age of 4. As a matter of fact, my daughter, who was 3 last year, rarely used the stroller. I just find it odd that so many parents brag about how physically fit their children are, yet these physically fit kids can't walk an amusement park.
I do find most of the disagreement posts in this thread as rude, harsh and pretty judgmental. However, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I will say it again...I think most people assume that when someone posts about renting a stroller for an 'older' child, that the child will be riding in it leisurely while the adult does all the work. In our case, this is not true. My DD will be turning 6 on our trip next week. She is an active child and can go all day long. Seriously, the girl has more energy than I've ever had. She does have a tendency to go until she's overstimulated and becomes cranky and needs a break. Some people leave the park and go back to their resort when this happens with their child. Not us. That is too much trouble IMO. We're only there for 5 nights so we're making the best of it. So, we rented a stroller so DD can take a break or cat nap or eat a snack while we're still moving.[/QUOTE]
If I could clearly tell it was time to go back to the resort, we would. Please don't assume that we are "running her into the ground" as you so put it. Just because a child gets cranky, doesn't mean parents should just change their entire plans. That's called allowing the child control you! My DD is 6. She can be cranky. I'm pretty sure it's the age. The stroller is there for times when DD is tired and either needs a cat nap or a snack or just to sit for a few minutes. We did the same when she was a few days shy of four. She never got to the point of needing to go back to the resort mid-day then so I'm sure she won't now at 6 years old. However, she will need a few breaks here and there, and I see nothing wrong with allowing her to sit in a stroller for those breaks. And you're right, it is a vacation. It's a time when families are together and should be having fun instead of being so judgmental about others decisions.
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I was only going on what you described originally. You said she goes until she is over-tired and cranky. I would think that if anyone, of any age is physically and mentally exhausted, then it is time to call it a day. Or I can say it would be in my family. I also think that there are many ways to get a few minutes of rest. Sit on a bench, have a snack, see a show, ride the train, or the people mover. ETC.
Again, like I said earlier, I can go on my kids, and my experience with my kids. None of them are perfect physical specimens, none of them are any type of competitive athlete, yet they still didn't need a stroller past the age of 4.
The only time my kids ever complained was when they were told they had to leave the park, and then mostly they complained because they had to leave the park.
One thing I know, I am not pushing the kids around in a stroller so that they are well rested and I'm exhausted and then they want to keep me up half the night. At the end of the day we are ALL tired, and we ALL sleep well.
But I do have some insight for you....I am here now! And I have a Double city elite for my kids!! From Kingdom strollers actually...they are very easy to deal with and the stroller was here when it was suppose to be. We have three kids...one is almost four...and is 42" and weights about 40lbs...DH and I are trying to remember now...but we know he is close. Then we have a 6 year old that is very tall for her age (taller than any other girl in her class) and weights around 57 lbs....and they have fit just fine! It's been a life saver...and they have even fallen asleep in it on more than one occasion. No we don't look odd pushing them either...heck tomorrow is day 10 of disney parks...plus we have done three days of others....so if I could sit in it I would!! lol I would rather push them and have a place to store all our stuff than not have one. We also have an 8 year old that is at least 55" and weights around 77 lbs...and she will sit in it for little periods of time if her feet hurt...or its just too hot and she needs a break. So it's worked out great for us...we have said it to each other a dozen times that it was so worth the money. When I called and booked the stroller I talked to Matt and he suggested this one for our families needs...he was very helpful, prompt and friendly. It also comes with a parent console...that we have had loaded to the max our whole trip...a little cooler that fits on the bottom and rain gear that we have put up a few times....a couple for just in case moments when we headed for a long line and the sky looked ominous! Good luck and have a great trip.
Basically, it's there in case she needs it. We are not going to cut our day short and leave the park to head back to the resort for an afternoon break that Dh and I will most likely not need. If DD needs a break or a cat nap, the stroller will be a lifesaver to us.
