Stroller for my 8 year old?? I KNOW I KNOW!!

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I think the OP is long gone, but if you are still reading, how tall is your DD and how much does she weigh? An umbrella stroller might not be sturdy enough, even though you say she is small for her age. Have you asked her if she would even tolerate a stroller? By 8 you should be able to have a rational discussion with her about the situation. Can you imagine what her cheer coach, dance teacher, and friends would think about her riding in a stroller? That may be a tactic to use if you need to with her.

And to be fair, you knew the can of worms you were opening with this thread, based on the title.

 

[North of Mouse]

My DD is such a complainer when walking. Even at the mall. I don't want to deal with whining. Thinking something small for her would help. She is very tiny. Does anyone have any suggestions?

It's very obvious when threads are started out like this that it's just to

Anyone with an 8 year old knows enough about strollers to find a smaller one to fit their child without throwing it out on the Dis, deliberately 'asking' for some snarky replies then getting all huffy and upset!

Good luck!

 

[Lolsmum]

a) This topic nearly always ends up like this.
b) Do not publicly ask for opinions if you don't want to hear them.
c) If a child is capable of walking and the only concern is whining I cannot see a reason to use a stroller for a child that age.

My kids were just turned 5 and 6 1/2 when we did 10 days straight at WDW. We never took a day off and they both did just fine. Each was carried from the bus to the hotel once, but honestly a stroller would have made that harder, not easier, as we would have had to lug the stroller around too. Both could have been woken and would have walked, but doting grandfather did the carrying.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

It's very obvious when threads are started out like this that it's just to

Anyone with an 8 year old knows enough about strollers to find a smaller one to fit their child without throwing it out on the Dis, deliberately 'asking' for some snarky replies then getting all huffy and upset!

Good luck!

To be fair, I didn't see OP get huffy or upset. She seemed a good sport in all of it to me

 

[North of Mouse]

Wow!! Some people are really rough. It was a simple question, looking for a simple answer. I did not asked to be judged. If you have an answer than answer it. If not look away.. For the judging people.. My 8 year sometimes needs a break that's all. Btw, she is a 2x national cheerleading champion!!! I don't doubt her ability nor her ability to listen, she is well behaved... Oh she is also a competition dancer. So please keep your opinions to yourself. In the years I've been on disboards I have never seen a reaction like this. Disappointing, thanks to all who have nice replies.

To be fair, I didn't see OP get huffy or upset. She seemed a good sport in all of it to me

Really? What do you call the above post?

I would say that parents with those age children already know what size stroller an 8 year old should have/how 'most' people react to such questions, and should expect the answers they are being given.

In general, in most people's eyes, I would say 'looking' for a reaction.

Guess you think otherwise which is fine with me.

 

[huggiebear23]

Thanks for all the kind posts. I will see what she says, then take it from there. Im so used to strollers at Disney. Its been 3 years since we have been there. Now I think what am I going to do with all my bags? Carry them

 

[cs037]

I say do whatever works for your family! If it makes everyone's experience easier/ better, who cares? As a fit adult I got tired in the evening and probably wouldn't have objected to my husband carting me around a bit...

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for all the kind posts. I will see what she says, then take it from there. Im so used to strollers at Disney. Its been 3 years since we have been there. Now I think what am I going to do with all my bags? Carry them

Anything you purchase at the parks can be sent to the front of the park and you can pick them up there when you leave. Or, they can send your purchases to your resort. And if you are carrying a bunch of stuff, see what you really, really need to carry. Everyone in our family carried their own stuff by age six.

Plus, nearly anything you carry with you, you can purchase in the park, like water, juice, food, snacks. Even a poncho if you forgot yours at the resort.

 

[huggiebear23]

I'm thinking of a backpack to take to hold. My daughters epi pen and waters and stuff

 

[maxiesmom]

Thanks for all the kind posts. I will see what she says, then take it from there. Im so used to strollers at Disney. Its been 3 years since we have been there. Now I think what am I going to do with all my bags? Carry them

Rent a locker. I have many times, and it can be a life saver. You can have all of your just in case stuff but not have to haul it around.

 

[huggiebear23]

I forgot about lockers.... I will def do it.. Thanks so much!!!

 

[rajahfan7]

I'd skip the stroller. I hate having to find parking for it when we're on rides.

I'm also the same person who wouldn't let their 5 yr old get a stroller last yr. but I'm a hard *** like that

 

[disney2014plan]

Depends, as others have said. My son was 8 the first time we went, and we rented a stroller on NYE. He had a nap in it around 2200, and we were able to wake him to see the fireworks for the Millenium. He is normally completely uncomplaining and walked for miles, but after starting the day early to get into MK (on the back of having been there for 3 weeks) he was tired while waiting for the fireworks. Having him in the stroller meant that we could move around a little, and as he wasn't asleep on the floor (as I remember doing as a child when we went somewhere special) we didn't have to worry about him getting trodden on!

I hear what others are saying about the issue being whining rather than tiredness, but if the OP wants to alter her daughter's behaviour, WDW is not the place to start doing it, unless both of them want to end up cross and frustrated! I'd say, do the first day, see how things go, but plan a break in the day. If there is whining about being tired, then take the break, if not keep going!

I hope you have a great time OP!

 

[Crystal824]

Obviously, you wouldn't put an 8 year old in a stroller under normal circumstances, but Disney isn't normal days. I have a 3 year old DD. We visit WDW about once a year. We have another baby on the way, and just purchased a double stroller (mainly for Disney) as DD doesn't use a stroller much as home anymore. Even when she gets to the point of walking mostly, it will be nice to have a place for her to rest. Also so we can get places faster. Honestly, I like knowing she is right there.

I say do whatever will make the trip easier on everyone.

 

[SEA333]

Some people on these boards are like my old next door neighbor - whatever they do is the prefect way, and whatever anyone else does that is different, is the Worst. Thing. EVER.

Geesh....it's a STROLLER. Nobodys vacation will be ruined by you having a stroller on the off chance your kids will want to ride in it for a bit. Judgey (my new favorite made-up word!) people will always judge...of course your DD can walk...you even said she is a cheerleader. As a mom of a 9 year old cheerleader myself, I completely understand the stamina that sport takes - 2 hour practices 3-5 days a week at minimum, usually more, and full of tumbling, conditioning, and strength training (they HAVE to be strong enough to lift the fliers!!), plus dance choreography. She is in better shape during cheer season than any other time of the year!!

OP - my DS will be 8 next month, and he was exhausted in November on our trip by the middle of the 2nd day. We went literally 4 days after he played in his tackle football Superbowl game at the end of our 5 month football season, where he practiced 2 hours/day 3-5 days a week and played in weekend games. Just like DD and cheer, DS8 was in peak physical shape, and was still tired by the 2nd day.

Don't worry about what everyone says - bring it if you want to.

(The other thing that I find hilarious in the threads is all of the people who claim their kid would NEVER hop into a stroller...hahaha....I must have freaks for kids then, because mine would love to hitch a ride at the end of the day. Hmmm...for that matter, so would I!)

 

[huggiebear23]

That's awesome!! Thanks so much! I might rent a Disney one if she gets tired.. I would hop in one if I could fit. Lol

 

[dizzyinwdw]

I can understand your dilemma myself. DSs are 4 and 7. Last trip we didn't rent the double stroller (3 and 6) and only took our umbrella stroller. We ended up having to rent a single stroller for my older son due to the heat and humidity, which we were not used to. This trip I am thinking to rent at the park again if needed. Do whatever you feel you need to make the trip pleasant for yourself and your DD.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

Wow, so these kids are in top physical condition, can practice multiple hours a day, multiple days a week, never get tired, could go out and complete a triathlon tomorrow. But they need a stroller at Disney.

So I would guess either it's, A, the kids' behavior needs to be brought up to speed so they're not whining. They need to be taught that whining doesn't mean they always get their way. They wouldn't do it if it wasn't productive for them.

Or, B, mom and dad need to rethink their touring style so it's more in line with what the kids are capable of. Maybe if you're trying to do 14 hour days, every day because YOU want to see something else, it's time to take a cue from your kids. Nothing wrong with slowing down and taking it at their pace so everyone gets to enjoy their vacation. If they're tired-----rest! Amazing concept, I know, but it works.

A stroller isn't the only solution.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

I'll say play it by ear and see how she does, but you probably won't need a stroller. My DD has special needs and has low muscle tone. The last trip when we used a stroller full time was when she had just turned 5. When she was 6, I rented one for 3 out of our 8 days in the parks. The trip when she was 8 we didn't use one at all.

If your DD starts complaining about walking then take a break to sit down to rest and get something cold to drink. If complaining continues, then ask if it's time to go back to the resort to rest. Chances are she'll be having so much fun at WDW, she'll forget that she's walking so much. Whenever my DD starts to complain about walking (she's 10 and it still happens occasionally), I'll remind her that she walks a whole lot more when she's at Disney and if she can't walk however far it is we are walking at that time, then perhaps we shouldn't go back to Disney. That's usually enough to quell the complaining.

 

[maxiesmom]

Or, B, mom and dad need to rethink their touring style so it's more in line with what the kids are capable of. Maybe if you're trying to do 14 hour days, every day because YOU want to see something else, it's time to take a cue from your kids. Nothing wrong with slowing down and taking it at their pace so everyone gets to enjoy their vacation. If they're tired-----rest! Amazing concept, I know, but it works.

A stroller isn't the only solution.

But it is a viable solution. Not everyone wants to slow down and walk the speed of their smallest child. Some families (like my sister's) have kids that are 9 years apart in age. Not sure why you simply have to cater to the slowest member, instead of helping them go faster and longer.

Slowing down works, but it doesn't work for everybody. And shouldn't be put out there as if it is the right choice, and using a stroller is wrong.