stroller for big kids?

[cindykelley]

We will arrive in WDW one week from today. Visiting with my SIL over thanksgiving, she tells me I should get a double stroller. My kids are 7 and 11. We used one last time when they were 4 and 8, but I was thinking we didn't need one this time. How old is too old for the big double stroller? I was thinking we would be more streamlined this time without it, but will my kids be too tired? They are both pretty athletic kids and I've bought good walking shoes for both (and they've broken them in). Will it be a mistake to skip the stroller?

 

[Hannathy]

The last time we ever used a stroller was when our kids were 4. I can't even begin to imagine a non special needs child in a stroller at 11.(then only with a physical need) They will be fine. Have you even thought of how worn out you would be trying to push kids that OLD around all day? My goodness!

And you are right it is incredibly freeing and wonderful when you no longer have to deal with a stroller.

 

[cindykelley]

Thanks! That makes me feel better. I really don't want to fool with it. SIL sort of thinks she's an expert on lots of stuff. But since I've only been once before I thought I'd get some more opinions.

 

[mjkacmom]

LOL - I'm picturing ds11 in the stroller - 5'2", 120 pounds! I think you'll be fine with no stroller.

 

[henry72]

Definitely no stroller needed at that age...I can't wait until we don't need one. It will make it so much easier. I plan to stop using a stroller when they hit 5. (I am not even sure my 4 year old will use one but we are taking a cheap umbrella stroller with us.)

 

[cindykelley]

To be fair, my 11 year old son is very small. About 4'4" and 65 pounds....wouldn't be terribly heavy in the stroller. Still, he's in very good shape and I don't think he or his little sister will be that tired. If they are, we can just take a break.

 

[Hannathy]

To be fair, my 11 year old son is very small. About 4'4" and 65 pounds....wouldn't be terribly heavy in the stroller. Still, he's in very good shape and I don't think he or his little sister will be that tired. If they are, we can just take a break.

Well he is 10 pounds heavier than my 11 yr old DS (same height) and he walked it without a stroller when he was 5, and this was over spring break with 14 or more hour days!

I always say it isn't a marathon. Yes it is a lot of walking BUT it is walk, stand, sit, walk a bit more, stand a lot more, sit even longer, repeat many times over a day. There is plenty of built in rest periods between waiting in line or watching shows. And kids can even sit down on the ground while waiting for longer periods like in pre-shows or waiting for long periods.

 

[DisneyDebbie]

The double strollers now are not that big. I went to WDW last week with ds8 and ds9. I had the thought that if it seemed too much in Epcot we could get one on that day. First, they never even complained about all the walking, they had more energy than me!! Second, I doubt they would've fit. they did have a hard time standing waiting for the buses, but I just let them sit on the ground. No other issues at any of the parks (except they really don't like AK )

 

[Roccosmom]

You will NOT need a stroller. We just got back from WDW with our 4 year old son. He only used the stroll about 30% of the time. Next year we will probably forego it all together.