Stroller Help - Sensitive Subject...

[Mouse House Mama]

I watched the neighbor boy fall through his sister's stroller at about that age and need stitches up the backs of his thighs. I'm really happy your kids have been fine, because a Disney trip that involves the emergency room is no fun.

That is very unfortunate. I have never ever heard of anyone doing that. Good to know.

 

[pperfectmom]

If she's that active, I wouldn't worry about the stroller at all. Just take frequent breaks and don't expect them to walk as fast as you. We are definitely not taking a stroller for our 6 and 4 year olds this fall. The last time I swore I would never take another stroller to WDW. It was a major PITA getting off and on the busses with it and two sleepy kids. Another plus-if they are walking to the bus stop you don't have to wake them up to get them out of the thing.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I wanted to add that while it is great that people suggest going for walks to increase stamina etc. that sometimes does not matter. I rarely use a stroller at home. In WDW it is very hot and it knocks the kids out. It doesn't matter how many breaks we take because the heat is rough on them. We are not used to the kind of heat that happens in Orlando in the summer. I have a hard time with the heat myself. So even if your kids are in tip top shape, they may still not be able to handle the heat of Orlando.

 

[brergnat]

I watched the neighbor boy fall through his sister's stroller at about that age and need stitches up the backs of his thighs. I'm really happy your kids have been fine, because a Disney trip that involves the emergency room is no fun.

I just wanted to add that I have seen this happen AT Disneyland...TWICE!!! They were kids in cheap umbrella strollers, the kind made of, like steel and cloth. The ones that are really bare bones. The kids in them were about 6 years old, I would guess. The strollers looked like they were made to hold a max. weight of maybe 35-40 lbs...well, both times, parents were pushing kids along and all of a sudden "RIIIIIIP" goes the fabric, and the kid falls to the ground, getting QUITE injured in the process. It was ugly...both times. One time, the parent was RUNNING with the stroller...

I wouldn't recommend pushing the weight limits on strollers, even if "someone else's kid did it and they were fine." Those weight limits are there for a reason...

 

[maxiesmom]

OP here!

OK, just to clear a few things up:

1. DD is about 80 pounds. I am in the process of seeking nutritional counseling as well as an endocronologist.
2. She is HIGHLY active - she does karate and dance, plus she's always up and running around the house, dancing and singing - and now that it's nice out, she loves to ride her bike and play baseball with her brother.
3. We did a trip in August 2008 and we barely used our strollers then. But we were in WDW right after a hurricane and the weather was unseasonably cool. We didn't have much of an issue with lack of stroller use.

My DH and I are just trying to think of convenience. I'd rather NOT use a stroller, but I do worry about getting back to the hotel if she's asleep....we're staying at the BC, so it's a lot more buses than when we stay at a monorail resort.

I'm going to look into the rentals as mentioned in this post. I sincerely appreciate everyone's insight and suggestions! Thank you!!!

Honestly, I think you should just see how it goes. If you think your DD will be ok most of the time, then don't bring a stroller along. But have a few bucks set aside for an emergency rental stroller, just in case she needs one.

 

[adisneymama]

Have you looked into any of the stroller swaps on here? Do any of them have your dates available?

 

[my*2*angels]

The last time we went my girls were 4yo and 1 yo. We had to have a stroller for the baby, but took a double stroller so they could both ride. My 4yo could definitely make it all day walking without any issues, but sometimes it was more convenient for us when we were trying to get some where in a hurry or get through a huge crowd to make her ride. That way she couldn't get lost in the crowd! Also, if you are not used to the heat and humidity in Florida, she will not be able to make it! The humidity is a KILLER here!

 

[Crisgw]

We have two Macs and my 6.5 adn 4.5 year olds use them and are 40 and 50lbs respectively Last trip, my DH didn't go (in Jan) and I rented a Double City Jogger from Orlando Stroller rentals and it worked out great! Have fun!!!

 

[El&kris'mom]

We are also renting a Double City Jogger from Orlando Stroller Rentals, We have an 8 month old and a 5 year old. Our 5 year old is almost 50 lbs and our 8 month old is 20 lbs. This stroller will work out great and we didn't have to buy a double stroller which would never get used at home.

 

[surfgirl]

Honestly, I think it is great you aren't using a stroller! Yes, it will be hard and she will be tired, but you are attempting to resolve a problem. And sticking her in the stroller for everyone's convenience isn't tackling the issue, it would be delaying it. Good luck getting the help you need - continue to be proactive, b/c you want her to be around a long time to live a long and healthy life! (The worst thing is to stick them in a stroller and give them ice cream... I know - let's have them walk less and eat lots of calories instead!)

My tips
- GOOD sneakers! no flip flops, sandals, etc. She needs good support. I go to a running store for sneakers and it is amazing how much easier it is with sneakers with the right support. Get them now and break them in.

- lots of breaks. Do you have a break day planned ? Will you take afternoons off ? A low key break day with lots of swimming will help her feet to recover. A good night's sleep is also key here.

- don't do it all. Since you seem like a family that goes annually, do you have to 'do it all' ? What is more important: sticking your daughter in a stroller so she can see the last fireworks of the night or getting her health in check so she can take her grandkids in 70 years ? Sit down now and have her and her brother choose the 5 things that are absolutely 'must do's'. Those are non-negotiable and you do your darndest (is that a word?) to do them. Have them list the things they would like to skip. I was surprised at this and was happy that my kids were willing to make those choices. Made life easier and we kept that list and talked about when we would do the things we promised. And checked them off the list when we did them.

- Plan well. Try to organize your day so that you are doing less walking. Don't zigzag. Don't make reservations at CP that you HAVE to do when you are in Tomorrowland. Or Adventureland. Plan to be flexible if possible.

- Lots of clean dry socks. I don't know why, but it always feels good to put them on. Talcum powder. Take a pair with you and swap them out in the parks. wow! what a feeling! (oooh, a Flashdance reference here)

Don't give in and get a stoller... help your family to have a healthier lifestyle. If she is as active as you say, it sounds like their is a medical problem there (I'm not a dr, I just play one on tv), but a little exercise is moving the right direction.

 

[Wrightfamily]

Good advise.

 

[bartleby1]

I would either look into renting a special needs type stroller that can handle the weight, or rent a single at the parks and let your children share as needed. I personally would not trust a stroller like a maclaren that is rated for 55 lbs with an 80 lb child.

Have you talked to your pediatrician specifically about the trip? Maybe he/she has some advice for you regarding how much walking your child can safely handle?

 

[kileybeth]

I have to agree with most on here.

It's a family vacation, so go and enjoy. NOT the time to start a new regiment for a 4 year old.

Being as you are only 40 days out from your trip? Not a whole lot will change in that short amount of time.

it is stinkin' hot in FL this time of year and we all wish we personally had a stroller some days!

I own and swear by Macs but I gotta say, I have pushed an 85 pounder in ours before and it did work well but it was a one time event not a week at Disney. Nix the MAC IMHO.

Sounds like your little one will do fine most of the time but even my DS6 still gets tired some times in the heat, after a late night, etc so I might suggest getting the discount for a multi day rental and then just getting one when you need it. Some days yes, some days no. all day or part of day. And a single should do ya!

Best wishes to your family for a magical vacation but also for all the efforts with your daughters medical issues. Hopefully her docs can help get it all turned around for her. Oh and DO call your pediatrician and see what they think (our pediatrician is a Disney fanatic so I know he would "get it" about what Disney requires of you) about all the walking in the heat/humidity. It can be a real stresser on the body when you are unaccustomed to the climate and out of routine schedules!