Stroller for seven year old boy

[lovesdumbo]

We initially brought two single strollers. One for 2 yo and one to share for 5yo and 8 yo. Big mistake. That first day, the 5 yo and 8 yo fought over who got to sit in the stroller. They just got so tired and hot. So for the rest of time, we left one single in the hotel and ended up renting a double stroller every day for the 5 and 8 yo. Everyone was much happier after that.

I think that will be my problem too except that it will a nearly 3 year old, nearly 5 year old and 6 year old. I'm going early with the 6 year old and plan on bringing my MacLaren umbrella for her. DH, another adult and 5 & 3 year olds arrive 2 days later and will have a Peg Perego Pliko which has a running board for an older child to stand on. I was hoping that on most days that would be enough-2 seats and 1 standing but do plan to rent a double stroller for Epcot and any other days if needed.

 

[C.Ann]

How long do the batteries last on the ones you use?

----------------
I put the batteries in Sept. 2001 and used them for 12 days in Florida. Every year since then I have used them up here to the lake and they're still running off of the original batteries!

 

[mill4023]

Depends on your child.
We spent 10 days at WDW and our 7yr old DD didn't need a stroller at all. Actually, she had more energy than we did. Our 4 yr old DD didn't use one for the first day at Universal or the second day at MGM, but started using one on the 3rd day.

I would think most 7 year olds wouldn't really need one, but every child is different.

 

[ladyelle]

I think it depends on where you are staying and what's your plan. Are you staying on site and plan to take breaks during the day? This is what we did.

We last visited Disney 2 years ago when my 5 kids were ages 4,4,4 6,6. We did not rent strollers and just walked. We also stayed at the Polynesian and only did the parks for a few hours at a time. We then headed back to the resort for much needed rest and pool time. WE went in June and it was hot. Usually after 2 - 3 hours in the sun they were all dragging and crying to go back to the volcano pool and swim. We felt a stroller was just in the way since we had so many kids the same age. They would have just fought over who gets to ride. It probably would have slowed us down. There are SO many strollers at Magic Kingdom. If we purchased something we sent it back to our room. My husband carried a messenger bag full of water and juice boxes and snacks. He would be the runner and get the fast passes. It worked for us.

Good Luck

 

[LIFERBABE]

My DS's are 6 and 8 and bringing our stroller has really made our stay much easier.

Like others have posted, It's a great place to store things, when your child is not using it.

My 6 year old had a stomach virus a few days prior to our arrival so he was a bit weak and tired out quicker than usual. The stroller allowed us to do things as he built his strength back up.

Its been raining a good bit, and again the stroller has come in handy with keeping them dry (mainly their feet) because boys like to hit every puddle in their radius. We are still grateful we brought 2 pair of tennies because shoes don't dry overnight when it's really humid out.

We have a single Safari TT by Instep and both my boys are over 50 pounds each, and it can be pushed easily with very little effort. It is jogger style, but the front wheel is underneath (not out front) and it swivels for easy steering. I was telling Dh today how it was the best purchase ever and how much use we have gotten out of it. (purchased specifically for WDW trips)

If you are driving, I would bring a stroller, so that you can use it to transport your inevitably sleeping child back to your hotel. DH is grateful he doesnt have to pack our sleeping 6 year old because at WDW, there is no such thing as a short walk. Ive used it to bring packages in from the car, laundry to the laundry room, etc.

We will continue to bring and use our stroller for at least another 2 years. At that point we will travel lite to the parks and only carry the bare necessities like camera, keys and cash.
HTH

 

[chrisn]

The trip before that in 2003, he was 5 1/2 and rode the stroller the entire time. This last trip, I was ready to rent the stroller and he refused to ride in it until our very last day at EPCOT and asked for one. I was soooo proud of him. The little man walked and kept right up with us commandos until the very end. I didn't expect that from him and the way we tour. No more strollers for us.

 

[money4mickey]

I was so interested to see this thread this morning. I was just about to post a question about this exact issue! DS will be 5 when we go to Disney and it never even occured to me to get a stroller for him...as a matter of fact, I would be a little embarrased to do it! Then I saw all these posts about people getting them for 7 and 8 year olds! I'm glad to see other people feel like I do and don't think it is neccessary. I do think that each family needs to do what they think best but I thought I was going to be naive for thinking my DS can handle it. We aren't a go go go family. Will rest when he needs to but I do believe in healthy children walking when they can and stopping and resting when they can't!

 

[mill4023]

I was so interested to see this thread this morning. I was just about to post a question about this exact issue! DS will be 5 when we go to Disney and it never even occured to me to get a stroller for him...as a matter of fact, I would be a little embarrased to do it! Then I saw all these posts about people getting them for 7 and 8 year olds! I'm glad to see other people feel like I do and don't think it is neccessary. I do think that each family needs to do what they think best but I thought I was going to be naive for thinking my DS can handle it. We aren't a go go go family. Will rest when he needs to but I do believe in healthy children walking when they can and stopping and resting when they can't!

Here's the point that a lot of people seem to be missing. Going to the mall or even a New York state fair for one day is a lot different than walking 10-12 miles per day in the FL heat for multiple days in a row. Disney can be exhausting for kids. Even kids who are active and in good shape. Like I said, every child is different so you are the only one who can decide if your child will need a stroller.

I don't see the point of making a hot, exhausted child walk just because you don't want to "coddle" him/her and think they are old enough that they should be able to handle it. And passing judgement on someone else because they'd rather not make their 7 year old child miserable is just arrogant and stupid. You should do what will make your trip enjoyable and spending the day with exhausted children who don't want to walk anymore is not the way to do that.

As I said, my 7 year old didn't need a stroller, but having it for my 4(almost 5) year old was great. She walked a lot of the time, but there were lots of times when she got too hot and tired and needed to rest. Without the stroller, we would have been stopping and resting every 20 minutes, which is not what the rest of us wanted to do. And if my 7 year old had needed a stroller, I wouldn't have hesitated to get one.

 

[money4mickey]

I don't see anything about my post that passed judgement on anyone...sorry if I was "arrogant and stupid"

I'm new here and didn't realize how volatile a stroller discussion could be.

 

[TerriBelle]

money4mickey - My twins boys were 5 when we 1st did Disney "Stroller Free" and it was fine. I have listed a few tips that helped us keep them moving.

1) We bought a Penny book for both of them and they LOVED going into each country at EPCOT looking for the penny machines. They were allowed 1 penny per country. I think there were a few that did not have machines. That got really good at spotting the machines.

2) Another time we did the mask in Epcot. We stopped in each country and they enjoyed this activity.

3) The night of Fantasmic at MGM we had lunch at Sci-Fi. We bought the drinks with the light up ice cubes. Then during Fantasmic they used their ice cubes as light up toys. We walked home from MGM to BW and they "lead" the way with their ice cube lights.

4) Animal Kingdom had a Kids Book with a list of stations to get stamps. We did some of these. They liked being able to walk right up to the exhibits and stations.

5) We used the train in MK a lot! It was easier to give them a break on the train then walking to the other side of the park.

6) "Big" rides. My daughter LOVED the "big" rides. We told her that if she wanted to ride the big rides, then she needed to walk like a "big kid". This worked great for her! She never complained. This approach would not have worked on my boys because they didn't want to go on the "big" rides.

We did not have any trouble going without a stroller. If your son gets tired later in the week, then rent a stroller.

 

[mill4023]

I don't see anything about my post that passed judgement on anyone...sorry if I was "arrogant and stupid"

I'm new here and didn't realize how volatile a stroller discussion could be.

Sorry if I was unclear. That statement was not directed at you. The reason I quoted your post is that I was initially just replying to your statements that you think children should walk when they can and rest when they are tired. I meant no offense and I was just pointing out how much more tiring Disney is and how much walking it involves. The problem I see with your statement is just that different kids get tired at different points. When my 4 year old is tired of walking all day, but my wife and older kids are still feeling good and want to keep going to see more attractions, I'd hate to have to stop. I find it much more convenient to just let the 4 year old rest in the stroller while she is tired, so the rest of us can keep going.

The irritation I felt when I made the second part of my post was due to other people who not only express their own opinions, but insult others for having differing opinions. Certain other posters(not you, money4mickey) are implying that anyone who would choose to bring a stroller for a 7 year old must have a lazy, obese child whom they want to "coddle". Why can't everyone give their opinions without being so judgemental of those who make a different choice?

 

[SleepyatDVC]

We initially brought two single strollers. One for 2 yo and one to share for 5yo and 8 yo. Big mistake. That first day, the 5 yo and 8 yo fought over who got to sit in the stroller. They just got so tired and hot. So for the rest of time, we left one single in the hotel and ended up renting a double stroller every day for the 5 and 8 yo. Everyone was much happier after that.

Totally understand!

I think everyone's situation, family and children are different and what works for so, won't be the same for others.

My DD6-1/2 is totally capable of walking on her own. She never uses a stroller at home and hasn't for a while. If she was tired, we probably would be too and leave. We have no problem with spending 2 hours in the park for the day.

The problem is her little sister, DD4. She is the "baby" of the family and totally milks it. She's always "too tired" to walk and wants to be carried even from the car to the house, etc. Not much stamina, tires out easily, her sister got all the athletic genes - lol! There is no way in hell or heaven, that little girl is going to walk in the parks. She would be whining all day, would probably sit in the middle of the road, and we would wind up carrying her all day if we didn't bring a stroller.

Therein lies the probem. If DD6 sees her little sister in the stroller, being pushed around like the queen in the parade, no way would she want to tire herself out by walking.

"No fair, no fair"
"But you are older, too old for a stroller, dear"
"But I'm tired to walk"
"You need to walk"
"How come she gets to sit?"
"Because she's younger and can't walk as long as you"
"I can't walk either, no fair, I want to sit"
Pushes her sister off the stroller
"Waaaah! Mommy, she pushed me! I'm hurt! Waaaah!!!!"
Now 2 crying kids...
Time to go home...

In my case, it would just be so much simpler to have strollers for both girls so that they don't fight over it even though one doesn't need it.

DD6 would be perfectly happy to walk if her DS4 did too (which ain't gonna happen), if one of us took her alone to the parks, if there were other kids with us who were walking, or if I was by myself taking the 2 girls to the park.

She understands that there is no way for me to push 2 single strollers by myself (she hasn't figured out the double stroller rentals yet ) and knows that if she doesn't walk, we can't go. If DH goes, then she feels entitled to have him push her, since, Mom is pushing her sister.

Can't wait until the little one is out of the stroller so that they will both be stroller free.

 

[kimpossible]

I'm expecting and due in a week. We will be at Disney the end of Oct. So the baby will be 4 months old and DS will be turning 5 down there. I am unsure of whether or not to bring a 2nd stroller. DS will definitely want to ride in one for some of the trip. Is it unrealistic to think the baby can go in a bjorn (I forget what a 4 mth old is like) for several hours. Or should I just bring down the second stroller. Also, does a 4 mth old need to be in the infant carrier in the stroller...I have a Peg Perego Aria (again...call it pregnancy amnesia but I forget some of these details).

Thanks for the help.

 

[alisonbestford]

As I see it it's my holiday too and, if taking a stroller for DD (7 at next visit) means less hassle for me too then fantastic
There'll be no bags to carry and somewhere for her to rest if I decide to go in to 'commando mode' for half an hour
DD is my 3rd child, my eldest being almost 22. I guess I've probably mellowed over the years and can't see the point of struggling along all day if such a simple thing as hiring a stroller will work wonders

 

[ckmommy]

I'm new here and didn't realize how volatile a stroller discussion could be.

You Learned the hard way VERY quick.

I am quite like you tough! My now 4 and 6 yo have been to WDW 3x. Once at 18 mo and 3 (2 strollers--although 3 yo did not want to be seen dead in the stroller). Next time at 3 and 5--no stroller, and just last week at 4 and 6--no stroller. We had no requests for a stroller. Flame me if you want--and I am sure you all will, but we walk to and from school each day. They walk with me on my daily walks. Come home from school and ride their bikes, run, swim and play. They do not slow us down when we are at the parks, they, in fact, set the pace. DS4 has not even had a thought to ride in a stroller since he was 2. The parks are not THAT big. If you have never been there before, I think other people over exagerate how big they really are. Walking 10 -12 miles a day in the parks is not at all typical. I have no idea where you are walking to and from.

Going to crawl under my rock now. Hope the flame suit is really protective!!

 

[alisonbestford]

Flame me if you want--and I am sure you all will, but we walk to and from school each day. They walk with me on my daily walks. Come home from school and ride their bikes, run, swim and play. They do not slow us down when we are at the parks, they, in fact, set the pace. .

Going to crawl under my rock now. Hope the flame suit is really protective!!

Why on earth should you be flamed?
As has been said countless times on this thread, and others, every child is different and every family has different routines
The most important thing is that everyone should do what they feel appropriate for their kids / family/ personal situations and have a fantastic time
I know we intend to, 7 year old, stroller and all

 

[skiwee1]

You Learned the hard way VERY quick.

I am quite like you tough! My now 4 and 6 yo have been to WDW 3x. Once at 18 mo and 3 (2 strollers--although 3 yo did not want to be seen dead in the stroller). Next time at 3 and 5--no stroller, and just last week at 4 and 6--no stroller. We had no requests for a stroller. Flame me if you want--and I am sure you all will, but we walk to and from school each day. They walk with me on my daily walks. Come home from school and ride their bikes, run, swim and play. They do not slow us down when we are at the parks, they, in fact, set the pace. DS4 has not even had a thought to ride in a stroller since he was 2. The parks are not THAT big. If you have never been there before, I think other people over exagerate how big they really are. Walking 10 -12 miles a day in the parks is not at all typical. I have no idea where you are walking to and from.

Going to crawl under my rock now. Hope the flame suit is really protective!!

No flaming here. We are at WDW 30 days a year. We too walk locally everywhere. DD and I go for a two mile walk every other day around our neighborhood. She rides bikes, does gymnastics, rollerskates and everything else an active 6 y/o does. Even though she does all this I still think she will need a stroller as going around the parks are not comparable to anything else. Unless of course she walks 12 miles a day! LOL! I agree with the other poster that has 3 kids with the oldest being 22. Sounds just like my kids ages. I too have mellowed and will get a stroller if needed. It doesn't even get on my list of whether I have to think about it. If it's needed, I get it. It makes for an enjoyable trip for all of us. We aren't out to run the marathon or proves ourselves to those that should just be minding their own business in the first place. We just want a nice day at the park.

 

[newtowdw1]

Too funny. As I sit here in my very hot house, but cooler than 90 outside, kids sacked out in the living room like stranded fish, I'm thinking I should push them outside to toughen up. Heck, I should put ME outside to toughen up! Thinking DD8 will wimp out (flat feet, princess complex) and DS4 will probably stomp all over wdw. BUT!

Two weeks ago, after swimming lessons, DS was exhausted while I was trying to do some errands in a 4 level department store, ACd. There was one of those great cart/stroller things that are ubiquitous now. And in a moment of motherly concern, love, and expediency, allowed my exhausted little boy to stroll around Boscov's. Yes, he was too big. Yes, his feet stuck out. But you know, he was TIRED!!! DD patted him on the head and pushed him very nicely. I got ALL my shopping done, spent tons of money, and all the nice old lady cashiers smiled sweetly at my cutie.

So you never know what you're gonna do, until ya do it!

I think we also need to think about emotional/psychological overload too. I'm going to be exhausted from all the people and wonderful things to see. Imagine a child facing all that. Plus the stress of a vacation... I don't know. A stroller rental to allow them to enjoy a trip in Florida heat, overwhelming excitement, continuous daily touring...sounds cheap to me!

 

[Deb & Bill]

...6) "Big" rides. My daughter LOVED the "big" rides. We told her that if she wanted to ride the big rides, then she needed to walk like a "big kid". This worked great for her! She never complained. This approach would not have worked on my boys because they didn't want to go on the "big" rides...

Just got back today and saw lots of big kids riding in strollers. The parks were packed!!! IMHO, if a kiddo can ride Mission: Space, Space Mt, etc, they should be able to walk the parks. Again, just my opinion.

I also noticed so many people carrying tons of junk with them. I just don't understand what people need with so much stuff. I had a fanny pack, we each carried our own poncho. I can see if you have a baby, you might need diapers, etc, but it looked like some people could have carried a large suitcase with all their stuff.