Stroller or not?

[gonitts]

We are about 7 months out from our trip and just beginning the research part. My biggest concern so far is if we need to take or rent a stroller for our 6 1/2 year old or if we would even need one at all if we take breaks and of course ride the rides. To be honest I don't even know if he would fit in his anymore, we would have to test it. But if any of you parents have any experience with this age and if you did need one or not would be greatly appreciated. I hate to lug a stroller on the plane for one and second would hate to spend the dough on it but we will do what is needed. If we rent one is there any discounted plans we could use for the week, we have a 6 day park plan.

 

[mesaboy2]

Stopped using a stroller for DD long before 6yo, she was fine.

 

[busymommy2pink]

I think ever child is different. My oldest could stop by 4...in November we are renting the Baby Jogger Elite (70lb) limit for our youngest who is 6. We went in Sept just her and I and she ended up being exhausted and actually got sick for a whole day I broke down and bought one of the super expensive umbrella strollers. She just simply doesn't tolerate heat as well as the rest of our family. She gets tired quickly in it, she's not used to it (we are Canadian). So while we are all ok, she isn't and I've accepted that. And I will ask that those of you that want to judge parents for larger kids in strollers, take one second to realize that perhaps that child is simply different from the one you are raising. She's not lazy. We don't own a car(by choice), so walking many miles daily isn't abnormal. I am hoping we don't need it much, but I'm not risking anything with her tolerance for the heat. I think at the end of the day, only you know your child, and will know best what his abilities are. I highly recommend kingdom stroller rentals if you do go that route. They will drop off and pick up at your resort free of charge

 

[Alesia]

There is no way I would bring a stroller for a 6 year old unless he or she had a physical disability.

 

[LSUfan4444]

I hate to lug a stroller on the plane for one and second would hate to spend the dough on it but we will do what is needed

It's hard to say how your little one will be, but we have used ours so far (daughter turned 5 in November) and it has been vital for when she gets tired. It also helps us in the airports because she can sit in it and we can keep track of her. Just before you board the plane you fold it up, then when you get off it is waiting for you. All you need to do is get a ticket put on it before boarding.

 

[luvsJack]

Like BusyMommy said, every child is different. MK and Epcot, especially equal a LOT of walking and AK is extremely hot. I would rent a stroller before I would let my child be unhappy (which makes me unhappy). I would rent rather than bring. And if it is at all possible for you to make your decision after you see how your child does, I would do that. He may be fine and like some of the kids I saw last week, dancing his way out of the park. OR he may be like others and on the brink of being totally sick from over-exhaustion. As BusyMommy found for her child, it can happen.

 

[GovieMom]

We took our DD for the first time when she was 6-1/2. Turned out she had more stamina than us. No stroller needed at all.

 

[Angel Ariel]

If you think the child will be fine without one, then there's no reason not to try. If you find when you get there that you'd like to have a stroller, there are offsite rental companies that you can call and rent a stroller like a city elite with a higher weight/height limit.

ETA: If you do bring a stroller, I would recommend parking it in a land and leaving it in 1 place while you tour the land (rather than moving it from ride to ride). It'll be less of a hassle for you, while still allowing your child to have access to the stroller when they need it.

 

[sweetnjmom]

My 5-1/2 year old son has stamina/endurance issues due to low tone so we're bringing a stroller. While we hate to have it in the airport, we are on a relatively tight budget and we didn't want to rent one. We'll gate check it.

 

[GillianP1301]

It's a tough call and yes, every child is different. I used one with my son last year when he was 6 1/2. I was happy to have it because it made the longer/uninteresting walks easier & faster (like gate to car, car to room, etc...). Was it necessary though? Probably not. It was parked 90% of the time. It's also handy for carting stuff. I had a bag I would throw underneath that had our ponchos in it, so much easier than a backpack.

This year he is now 7 and for us, this is now the end of the line for stroller. I expect it to be a non issue, but will also have no problem renting a stroller if I find out I've made the wrong choice.

 

[Momtwofour]

My best advice to you is do what works best for your child. If you know your child wouldnt be able to handle all the walking and long days, then rent a stroller. All kids are different. We used one for my daughter at age 6 and at 8. People can judge away on me for that but it worked for us and made our trip happier and thats all that mattered. We have rented from Orlando Stroller Rental and Kingdom Stroller I think it was called. Very happy with both! One benefit I like about having a stroller is when you are in a crowd of people you know where your child is

 

[tsme]

At that age, we didn't use a stroller for our DD. She did fine. I think your son will be fine without one. Plus he might be embarrassed if you ask him to ride in one.

 

[Flynnismine]

My DD wil be 6.5 also when we go in October . We haven't owned a stroller since she was 4 but she loves the freedom of walking. Not having to deal with a stroller will be awesome .

 

[philschrek]

I think it depends in part on your touring style. We move fast and strollers can help get from place to place quicker, like when we walk from Beach Club to Hollywood Studios. For us, we are taking a stroller this year for my just-turned-6-year-old. We took it last year when he was 5 and did need it. He does have severe asthma though that was exacerbated by the Florida humidity last year so it's not even a debate for us. If he didn't have asthma, I'm not sure. He has 2 younger brothers so we'd probably just bring a double stroller and have them rotate if they need a rest.

 

[gonitts]

My son has a slight case of asthma as well not severe but can be triggered. We will be there the week of Halloween so the weather won't be too hot I'm guessing. We've been in Florida around this time of year not Disney and it was fairly pleasant. Well I'm kind of on the fence right now, guess we'll see closer to the time. Appreciate all the feedback.

 

[Disneylover99]

Rent one if you need it or bring an old umbrella stroller from home if you have one. You can always leave it there if it breaks or you find you don't need it.

 

[Jewel3k]

If you want one rent one. Every child is different and heat and humidity effects each person differently. Me, I personally walk fast and have a hard time slowing down to the speed of my children and husband without getting frustrated. My oldest melts in the heat and my youngest handles it like a champ. Do we look silly with the big kids in it? Sure. Does it make my experience at Disney World a better one? Yes. Do the kids really need it? No. Does it help save my sanity walking through the park? Yes

 

[Disney Ron]

gonitts, nobody knows your child like you do. If you are uncertain maybe you're better off not taking one and if you end up needing one then rent one. With asthma maybe you're better off taking one. There is nothing wrong either way all that matters is your sons comfort and for your family to have a great visit.

 

[ttintagel]

If you know your child wouldnt be able to handle all the walking and long days, then rent a stroller.

Or, don't make the days so long. It's totally up to you. Personally, I'd be more likely to tailor my touring plan to a child;s stamina level.

 

[IrishNYC]

We plan to play it by ear with our 5.5 year old. She's a good distance walker, but she's an equally good complainer.