stroller for an older child?? opinions??

[LuvMickey36]

My son just turned 8 and he and I will be at the parks for 7 days the week leading up to easter. I am wondering if I should pull our jogger out of storage for this trip. We have passes to the local theme park, but it is MUCH smaller than US/IOA and with passes we only go a few hrs. at a time. His feet/legs start to hurt after a few hrs there. I had him sit in the stroller last weekend and he still fits (and so do his legs on the footrest) and he is still under the weight limit by a bit.

He will not be using the stroller all the time. Only if he gets tired and needs a break. I would rather pull it out of the trunk and push it around the parks than have a tired/cranky/whiny child. That will be no fun for anyone. If he is truly tired, we will head back to the hotel and swim. I am planning on early nights so we will be getting plenty of sleep. What does everyone think of this?? (btw, my friends tease me that i can never make any kind of decision on my own) Are there there other parents like me that wonder/worry about this stroller issue? I want him to have the best time he can have and do everything he wants to. I don't want him to miss out on anything because he is tired or his feet hurt. I am worried that without the stroller we will spend a lot of time leaving the park and going back to the hotel. Am I over thinking this? Are there other older kids that have a back up stroller? If we do take the stroller do you think that other park peeps will make fun of him for riding in it? I don't want him to be embarassed. I really don't want to stress over this, but I also want to make sure he has the best time he can. What do you guys think? Will I be the only one with a big kid in a stoller? I am open to any and all op's. If you have to flame, I would really appreciate if they were at least worded nicely. Thanks in advance!! Oh, and in case you are wondering, I did take my prozac today. This is the toned down version of anxiety.

 

[DumGuestTricks]

I see LOTS of people with older kids in strollers all the time here in Orlando. So it's no taboo.

If it doesn't bother YOU, then heck, BRING IT! Your son will appreciate it, and so will you. He'll last longer to enjoy everything more, and you'll be happy that he's happy.

As far as him being embarrassed about it, when he sees other older kids doing it too, he'll have nothing to worry about. That is, if he notices other kids (he'll probably be busy taking in the sights! )

Have a great trip!

 

[Magpie]

Well... my 15yo daughter had very sore legs after her first couple days at Universal. In fact she actually fell out of bed one morning and couldn't get up for a moment.

I told her it was her own darn fault for being so sadly out of shape. Then I sent her into the shower to do some stretches under hot water.

She limped a bit, and we had pity on her a few times and took the boat back to the hotel instead of walking, but it didn't affect her enjoyment of the parks at all. She still had a great time!

At eight, I think your son would be better off walking. It's good for him. And slowing down to take in the sights tends to make a vacation more enjoyable anyway. You don't have to do everything in order to make the vacation a success. Not to mention, dragging a stroller all over the parks can really be a hassle.

And FWIW, I didn't see any school aged kids in strollers at Universal. All I saw were babies and toddlers. But I'm sure it happens!

 

[tink20]

DS used a stroller when he was 5 and 6 at WDW. We loved it, he wasn't tired at all, plus he had sun coverage. Well the next year at 7, DH said no stroller, DS was tired and complaining, we took lots of breaks and rested, I ask DS if he wanted me to get him a stroller (rent one) he said no. Epcot was the hardest. Well last year when he was 8, same thing tired and hot, I think it was more of being so darn hot. Again, I ask if he wanted a stroller, he said no. I did miss the stroller, but DH didn't (he was the one that had to carry it )

Now he is 9, and I don't think he would be caught dead in one. I don't know how big the Universal parks are, but he'll be walking, and we'll be taking our time and taking lots of breaks as needed.

Do what you think is best for your child, I wouldn't care what other people think. Oh, and have a great trip!

 

[bartola]

If I were you, I would bring the stroller... I've seen many times, perfectly healthy teens and young adults using rented mobility scooters in order to avoid the long walks in the parks... which I personally don't approve, but, that's not my business... Try to combine sit down air conditioned shows or enter an air conditioned shop for a while between long walks. Also, frozen or cold snacks and water rides help a lot to stay cool. Enjoy!

 

[damo]

I often see older kids jammed into a stroller with a younger kid.

 

[Bluer101]

The last time my son used a stroller at the parks was 2 years old. He is now 8 and we go all the time and he has no issues. We normally get tired before he does.

I just think its a pain to push it around and leave it outside the rides. We normally sit down and rest as a group.

 

[Bluer101]

Well... my 15yo daughter had very sore legs after her first couple days at Universal. In fact she actually fell out of bed one morning and couldn't get up for a moment.

I told her it was her own darn fault for being so sadly out of shape. Then I sent her into the shower to do some stretches under hot water.

She limped a bit, and we had pity on her a few times and took the boat back to the hotel instead of walking, but it didn't affect her enjoyment of the parks at all. She still had a great time!

At eight, I think your son would be better off walking. It's good for him. And slowing down to take in the sights tends to make a vacation more enjoyable anyway. You don't have to do everything in order to make the vacation a success. Not to mention, dragging a stroller all over the parks can really be a hassle.

And FWIW, I didn't see any school aged kids in strollers at Universal. All I saw were babies and toddlers. But I'm sure it happens!

 

[SmallWorld71]

Are you staying on-site or off? If you are staying on-site then you probably won't need it as you will not have to wait long for most rides and will get a lot more done and thus have the ability to take breaks. Also, when you stay on-site, you can just go on rides as you come to them, rather than having to keep criss-crossing the park. We stayed at HRH last summer and DD(7 1/2) did not need a stroller at all. But, since we had the on-site advantages, we took breaks mid-day. (As much for us as for her.) The only day we went all day long was our full Sea World day, but there are a lot of sit down shows. FWIW, she has asthma and because of that used a stroller longer than our boys did on our Disney trips.

OTOH, if you are staying off-site and will have to factor in waiting in-lines and perhaps not being able to come and go as you please, then maybe you would need it.

 

[skyfranks]

Take it. We have a Maclaren that we'll use until she breaks it. When we went in November it really helped to save her energy because we were going from 8am to midnight with the Christmas parties we did that week. Plus, when she is walking around we use it to put all our crap in and give ourselves a break.

 

[LuvMickey36]

Are you staying on-site or off? If you are staying on-site then you probably won't need it as you will not have to wait long for most rides and will get a lot more done and thus have the ability to take breaks. Also, when you stay on-site, you can just go on rides as you come to them, rather than having to keep criss-crossing the park. We stayed at HRH last summer and DD(7 1/2) did not need a stroller at all. But, since we had the on-site advantages, we took breaks mid-day. (As much for us as for her.) The only day we went all day long was our full Sea World day, but there are a lot of sit down shows. FWIW, she has asthma and because of that used a stroller longer than our boys did on our Disney trips.

OTOH, if you are staying off-site and will have to factor in waiting in-lines and perhaps not being able to come and go as you please, then maybe you would need it.

We are staying offsite. I was worried about the hassle of trying to go back and forth and all the time wasted to do it. He does have asthma and it has been flaring up lately since it is spring. I had not even put that into the equation. Thank you for putting that out there. Stroller it is!!

Take it. We have a Maclaren that we'll use until she breaks it. When we went in November it really helped to save her energy because we were going from 8am to midnight with the Christmas parties we did that week. Plus, when she is walking around we use it to put all our crap in and give ourselves a break.

I didn't want to say anything, but I don't mind the stroller. Somewhere to put my crap! Glad I am not the only one!!

 

[ccgirl]

Since you specifically asked for opinions, I will give mine. My DD is 8 and she wouldn't even think about askign me for a stroller. Nor, would I ever get one for her. There is no medical reason for it. However, she is also a competitive swimmer so is used to exercise. Exercise is good for the children. Perhaps you could start walking now so he will be better prepared for his trip.

 

[LuvMickey36]

Since you specifically asked for opinions, I will give mine. My DD is 8 and she wouldn't even think about askign me for a stroller. Nor, would I ever get one for her. There is no medical reason for it. However, she is also a competitive swimmer so is used to exercise. Exercise is good for the children. Perhaps you could start walking now so he will be better prepared for his trip.

Thanks! He is in good shape, but with the asthma can't be as active as most kids. I will not force him to use it, but we will take it the first day to see how he does. If he doesn't want/need it he doesn't have to use it. I will use it to put all of our crap (and the portable nebulizer) in.

 

[ChisJo]

Thanks! He is in good shape, but with the asthma can't be as active as most kids. I will not force him to use it, but we will take it the first day to see how he does. If he doesn't want/need it he doesn't have to use it. I will use it to put all of our crap (and the portable nebulizer) in.

That changes things. If my healthy child wanted me to push him in a stroller at 8, I would say no way! But, if my child had an asthma issue that required him to have a portable nebulizer, that is totally different. I wouldn't frown on others who used a stroller for an older child as I don't know if that child has any underlying medical conditions, and if you want to use one, or your child is ok with you bringing it just in case, thats your business, and every one else should just mind their own.

 

[SmallWorld71]

One thing we have found tricky traveling with DD with asthma is that we never quite know how her asthma will react to the particular climate we are heading too. Her asthma is seasonal and comes and goes at home with the worst times being the changes to spring and fall. Sometimes her breathing is much better on vacation, sometimes it is worse. She's actually improved enough over the past year and a half that we only have to use inhalers as needed and haven't had to use the neb. in a long time. Back in her nebulizer days, we always traveled with the stroller just in case.

 

[Reddy]

I would try to take walks & get him where he can walk for at least 2 to 3 miles before going - most towns have walking/jogging trails

 

[ccgirl]

Thanks! He is in good shape, but with the asthma can't be as active as most kids. I will not force him to use it, but we will take it the first day to see how he does. If he doesn't want/need it he doesn't have to use it. I will use it to put all of our crap (and the portable nebulizer) in.

I would ask him what his preference is. Is his asthma induced by exercise or humidity? I would probably let him take the lead and go at his pace. Not sure where first aid stations are but I would make myself familiar so you know the closest place to use the neb. My DS3 has one too so I know how challenging that can be.

That changes things. If my healthy child wanted me to push him in a stroller at 8, I would say no way! But, if my child had an asthma issue that required him to have a portable nebulizer, that is totally different. I wouldn't frown on others who used a stroller for an older child as I don't know if that child has any underlying medical conditions, and if you want to use one, or your child is ok with you bringing it just in case, thats your business, and every one else should just mind their own.

I agree. It seems this is medically necessary. I only commented originally as she asked for opinions on a stroller for an 8 year old.

 

[ifyourhappy]

My opinion is that, if it helps your son (and you) enjoy the parks more and have a better time together, go ahead and use a stroller. Who cares what other people think about an older child sitting in the seat. They don't know you, nor do they know your son. Just let it roll off your back and enjoy your time in the parks!

I also hate it when people rag on 'perfectly healthy teens, etc' that are using wheelchairs/scooters. Who are you to say they are perfectly healthy? Because you see them walk for a short period? Because they 'look' fine?
My sister has had numerous leg surgeries due to a rare tumor and she looks perfectly healthy, but needs the wheelchair as she can't handle a full day of walking in the park. She can walk for periods of time, but her leg swells and causes her immense pain (she's missing 80% of the muscle in her thigh). You would never notice since she doesn't wear shorts, she embarrassed of her scars. And yes, ignorant fools gave us looks while I was pushing her wheelchair, but you know what? She had a much better time because she didn't have constant nerve pain and we didn't have the fear of her leg's vascular system going ape.

So in a nutshell, just use the stroller

 

[Wadecool]

 

[aubriee]

That changes things. If my healthy child wanted me to push him in a stroller at 8, I would say no way! But, if my child had an asthma issue that required him to have a portable nebulizer, that is totally different. I wouldn't frown on others who used a stroller for an older child as I don't know if that child has any underlying medical conditions, and if you want to use one, or your child is ok with you bringing it just in case, thats your business, and every one else should just mind their own.

I agree that changes things. My first thought was no way. A healthy 7-8 y/o is capable of walking. I started taking my grandaughter on GM-GD only vacations when she was about 6 y/o. I never even considered renting her a stroller, plus she would have been horrified and would have refused to ride in one if I had even suggested it. But she was (and still is) very active in sports, so has always been in great physical shape. If she had asthma or some other illness though, I would not have hesitated to get her whatever help she might need to make her trip more enjoyable. Bring the stroller and leave it up to your son if he needs to use it or not.