Stroller for older child???

[Figment632]

IMO 8 years old is way to old for a stroller. If he complains tell him that he will have to go back to the hotel and sit in the room or be dropped off at the hotel daycare.

 

[DISaholic's]

I too believe that a stroller for a healthy 8 year old is totally not necessary. Kids will complain...it's just part of being a kid. Take a quick break then soldier on. Part of being the parent is making the harder decisions that aren't easy for us or our kids always. The only time in many many trips with my kids that we used a stroller was when our daughter was 2. My son walked the whole trip when he was four as did my daughter when she was five. No problems (and yes the trips were during the summer months).

 

[RickyMouseMom]

I think you should do what is best for your family and child. Every child is different, don't pay any attention to those who say "a healthy 8 year old should be able to...". You know your kid BEST, every kid is different and has different needs. That being said, we are bringing a double stroller for our 4 and 7.5 year old boys in July for our long days at the parks (just the days we don't go back to the hotel in the afternoon). My 7.5 y/o son is small and tires easily in the heat. Is he healthy? Yes! Would it make the trip more enjoyable for him on the longer days? Yes! Do I care what others might think? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Do what is best for your family. I don't think I am coddling him, or creating a lazy child, or anything else that others might infer because I am allowing him to ride in a stroller in 100 degree heat for a 14 hour park day .

 

[laceemouse]

I know we cover a lot of ground at WDW, but it isn't like walking non-stop. You walk, stand in a line, sit in a show, walk, stand in a line, sit on a ride, walk, use the potty, walk, stand in a line, eat, etc.
I am old and fat and I can handle it. My kids are always so happy to be at WDW that they don't complain. I think if they did we wouldn't go back for a long time.

 

[Planogirl]

I was so glad to get rid of the stroller when DS was 5. I realize that kids are different though so only the parent can make that call.

It was simple for us...if we got tired we rested. I still do that while DS tries to be patient.

 

[d1gitman]

i'd do the double stroller thing. a rental or bring a jogger double wide. that way you have the 3 yo covered and if the 8 yo needs a break, you have it.

if your 8yo is anything like my 9yo, then the fact that it was a Zoo might be part of where the complaining comes in to play. Our DS's have been spoiled with annual trips to WDW and we lived in SoCal for 1yr and we did DL quite frequently. Our DS9 held up for hte most part but did have his moments wanting to take a load off his feet. We did a few hotel stays for multiple park days and it was tougher for him to keep up.

do what you think will work best for your family and the h@!! with anyone who scorns you otherwise.

 

[jjwampler]

I think you should do what is best for your family and child. Every child is different, don't pay any attention to those who say "a healthy 8 year old should be able to...". You know your kid BEST, every kid is different and has different needs. That being said, we are bringing a double stroller for our 4 and 7.5 year old boys in July for our long days at the parks (just the days we don't go back to the hotel in the afternoon). My 7.5 y/o son is small and tires easily in the heat. Is he healthy? Yes! Would it make the trip more enjoyable for him on the longer days? Yes! Do I care what others might think? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Do what is best for your family. I don't think I am coddling him, or creating a lazy child, or anything else that others might infer because I am allowing him to ride in a stroller in 100 degree heat for a 14 hour park day .

Well said. I, too, don't get the idea that walking around in 95 degree heat in a climate that a young child is not used to is good for them. As I wrote earlier, my DS4 will be in a stroller without question. He is a soccer playing, tree climbing, playing outside all day healthy kid, but I'm happy to let him ride at WDW for the next year or two. Other 4 year olds will be walking all day and those kids and mine will all have a good time. Don't let anything get to you on your vacation if you can help it!

As for strollers contributing to obesity, the only thing at Disney that contributes to obesity is planning a vacation around the theme of overeating, which my neighbors seem to like to do. For guests who are in the DDP, is there any chance that the children's menu will expand beyond chicken fingers and mac and cheese? Sorry, that's a whole other story.

Jackie

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

The first time we went to Disney with the kids, they were 9 & 7. They both WALKED! In fact my youngest has been walking at Busch Gardens here in Williamsburg since she was 4. We decided as a family, if one of the kids got tired, we'd take a break; either in a CS restaurant or go back to the resort and go swim. I say don't do it, walk.

 

[disneymom727]

I think you should do what is best for your family and child. Every child is different, don't pay any attention to those who say "a healthy 8 year old should be able to...". You know your kid BEST, every kid is different and has different needs. That being said, we are bringing a double stroller for our 4 and 7.5 year old boys in July for our long days at the parks (just the days we don't go back to the hotel in the afternoon). My 7.5 y/o son is small and tires easily in the heat. Is he healthy? Yes! Would it make the trip more enjoyable for him on the longer days? Yes! Do I care what others might think? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! Do what is best for your family. I don't think I am coddling him, or creating a lazy child, or anything else that others might infer because I am allowing him to ride in a stroller in 100 degree heat for a 14 hour park day .

Thank you for that! I agree each family is different and I should have thought of that before posting. I really do appreciate all the input! I've only taken offense to a couple of posts. The one where someone said to tell him to "shut up" was pretty harsh. Well that and the ones that assume my son is obese! I'm talking about a stroller for 5 days at WDW, he doesn't use a stroller in everyday life. He is an extremely active, healthy, thin boy. My only concern was him being miserale the whole time. I don't think it is outrageous to want my child to have a fun while on vacation. As it turns out the Sit N Stand stroller may be a bit too small for my 2.5 yr. old anyway (who though she will be 3 at trip time, I wouldn't dream of making her walk). We tried it out at Target this morning. SO we're back to bringing her stroller, having DS8 walk and if we have to we'll rent a double stroller from the park. Again, thanks to everyone who posted on either side of the debate. I apologize I didn't realize it was a bit of a controversy. We'll see how it goes

 

[RMulieri]

I am one of the posters who said an 8 year old should be able to walk...But that is your decision. My 4 yr old did it in the heat and humidity of Sept without a stroller, but I realize that she is apparently in the minority.Do what you see fit.

 

[sydneysmom]

Personally, I think you know your child best. If you think that your childs vacation would be happier if he could rest every now and then in a stroller, by all means, bring (or rent) a stroller. There's nothing worse for a parent than an unhappy child. Especially in the Happiest Place on Earth.

At first we weren't going to bring a stroller for our DD4. The more we thought about it and read what others suggested, I thought we'd be nuts NOT to bring a stroller. We have a very active 4 1/2 year old. But, throw in walking 5-8 miles a day, September 90 degree weather.....not too condusive to a happy kid. I don't want her grumpy or whiny....so yes, I'm bringing her stroller. She hasn't used it for probably 2 years now....but I think this is an exception.

Also, I think going through the airport will be easier, coming back from the buses / monorails will be easier...... there's alot more walking involved than just your day in the park. People sometimes forget that for every step WE take they probably have to take 2 -3 more steps !!! that's alot for a little guy, I don't care how old the kid is !!!

Don't worry about what negative posters are saying....you have to go w/ your gut instinct and do what's best for your child.

 

[jmpurdy]

OMG, some posters are so rabid! Don't know why this is so controversial...probably because the adults feel it is some kind of assault on their parenting that's why. If the parents want commando with rushing thru the parks, be prepared for a miserable kid who will ultimately crash without some kind of break inbetween. It is not the same as playing in the backyard. If the parents are poised to take their time with breaks, this is much more realistic with kids. It really is that simple. We used strollers and my kids are all adults now and they are not obese or lazy. For my dollars that I'm spending to be at WDW, I'd make them as comfortable as possible. The Florida heat is very very debilitating. Just because parents can force their kids to do something doesn't mean they should.

 

[MichelleVW]

Personally, I think you know your child best. If you think that your childs vacation would be happier if he could rest every now and then in a stroller, by all means, bring (or rent) a stroller. There's nothing worse for a parent than an unhappy child. Especially in the Happiest Place on Earth.

At first we weren't going to bring a stroller for our DD4. The more we thought about it and read what others suggested, I thought we'd be nuts NOT to bring a stroller. We have a very active 4 1/2 year old. But, throw in walking 5-8 miles a day, September 90 degree weather.....not too condusive to a happy kid. I don't want her grumpy or whiny....so yes, I'm bringing her stroller. She hasn't used it for probably 2 years now....but I think this is an exception.

Also, I think going through the airport will be easier, coming back from the buses / monorails will be easier...... there's alot more walking involved than just your day in the park. People sometimes forget that for every step WE take they probably have to take 2 -3 more steps !!! that's alot for a little guy, I don't care how old the kid is !!!

Don't worry about what negative posters are saying....you have to go w/ your gut instinct and do what's best for your child.

there's a huge difference between a 4 year old and an 8 year old. I'm sorry, but if they are old enough to attend school they don't need a stroller. Yes Florida is hot, and yes it's a lot of walking, but you only do as much as your weakest link can handle. I seriously can't imagine what 7 or 8 year old would ride in a stroller?? My kids would have been mortified if it was even suggested.

 

[KimK2006]

I agree to do what is best for your kids. The last time we used a stroller for our DS was when he was 7.5. That was before renting a stroller in WDW was so outrageous. We rented a double for extra room. He didn't use it all of the time, but it was a lifesaver when he got tired and cranky. He is in very good shape...plays sports year round...plays outside if instead of on video games all day...So, it wasn't a matter of being out of shape. Disney is BIG and HOT. It wears me out! If it makes your trip more enjoyable do it. We just got back on Saturday and saw plenty of older kids in strollers. He won't be the only one.

 

[d1gitman]

...if they are old enough to attend school they don't need a stroller...

wow, i'll have to go check the instruction manual for our stroller, i missed that one.

 

[mom2aandj]

I seriously can't imagine what 7 or 8 year old would ride in a stroller?? My kids would have been mortified if it was even suggested.

THis is what surprises me more than anything about these discussions---my DS would never have ridden in a stroller at age 8! And none of his friends would either. I asked him on a very hot day at WDW when he was around 6 if he needed a rest in his little sister's stroller for awhile and he was shocked that I suggested. If you want your kid in a stroller, he's your kid, do it, but honestly I really am surprised that an 8 year old would willingly get in a stroller in public.

 

[RMulieri]

OMG, some posters are so rabid! Don't know why this is so controversial...probably because the adults feel it is some kind of assault on their parenting that's why. If the parents want commando with rushing thru the parks, be prepared for a miserable kid who will ultimately crash without some kind of break inbetween. It is not the same as playing in the backyard. If the parents are poised to take their time with breaks, this is much more realistic with kids. It really is that simple. We used strollers and my kids are all adults now and they are not obese or lazy. For my dollars that I'm spending to be at WDW, I'd make them as comfortable as possible. The Florida heat is very very debilitating. Just because parents can force their kids to do something doesn't mean they should.

I didn't FORCE her to do anything..If she got tired we sat,went back to the resort or had something to eat.I don't care who rides in what throughout the park.Just like parents that use strollers don't like to be criticized, I don't think expecting a child who never used a stroller past age 3 qualifies me as a terrible person.I am not saying you called me one, but I have been called out alot on these boards for voicing my opinion on this subject.I may not agree with an 8 yr old riding in a stroller, but in the end I RESPECT the others decision.

 

[KimK2006]

THis is what surprises me more than anything about these discussions---my DS would never have ridden in a stroller at age 8! And none of his friends would either. I asked him on a very hot day at WDW when he was around 6 if he needed a rest in his little sister's stroller for awhile and he was shocked that I suggested. If you want your kid in a stroller, he's your kid, do it, but honestly I really am surprised that an 8 year old would willingly get in a stroller in public.

My DS didn't have a problem with it. I guess he does what works for him and doesn't care what other people think.

 

[Jitzy]

My kids are teenagers now, but I have been taking my nephew to the parks these last few summers. I love, love, love taking him to the parks! He just turned 6 and he is a small little thing! But boy does he GO! We went for a walk around my neighborhood one afternoon last year and I had to jog to keep up with him! I hate jogging!

When we go to the parks with all of the family, he is usually in the stroller. My sister prefers it. But when he and I go, I take the umbrella stroller and leave it in a central location (I think maybe by the Pooh ride?) and go get it if we need it. He never complains about it. But maybe that's because I'm the Aunt and not the Mom!

I can't wait to go this summer, my parents, my sis, her husband and two kids will be there the same time as me, my dh and our two kids. I get to take my youngest nephew to the Magic Kingdom and my older nephew to the Animal Kingdom! (My sister doesn't like that park and doesn't know it that well, so I'm in charge there!)

It will be very hot, the end of July, but we'll deal with it and so will everyone else in their own way ~ strollers or not, commando or not, rest breaks or not! We should all just have a great time!

 

[disneyfan2kids]

I still have my 4yo in a stroller at Disney. My 8yo however... no WAY.

For me (YMMV) - my 4yo is a bit too young to understand the concept that if he gets tired... we have to leave. He'd cry about leaving and it would ruin a nice day for all involved if he threw a fit. With a stroller - the rest of the family doesn't need to leave when his little legs tire out 2 hours into the park trip - so we're not forced to cut OUR day short to accomodate his little legs. He gets a nice rest...and we "relax" knowing he'll be ready to walk again after an hour in the stroller.

However - my 8yo - if he gets tired and I say "OK, we'll leave then"... he simply would say "Uhm, ok - I'm not tired anymore" and smile - rather then agree to leave. "IF" he ever agreed to leave (that's a big IF... bc I don't think it'd happen)...but IF he agreed he was so tired he needed to leave... That's my cue that he's really beat...and I SHOULD go back to resort.

So I guess for me the stroller is about making the day better for ME. I don't WANT to leave when they get tired....I enjoy it too much. So, I know the 4yo would throw a fit, but my 8yo would simply "tough it out". That's my determining factor for "who" gets a stroller!