STroller question

[caroline1851]

ds will be 6 1/2 and dd will be a few weeks shy of 3 when we go. My son has quite a lot of energy and even walked about 5 miles in NYC a few months back when he was 5 1/2. Do you think he needs a stroller? If so, am i better off renting a disney stroller for the length of stay, pay per day or buying my own and bringing it?

 

[ash&abby'smom]

My dd's are 4&7. My 7 yr old would still get tired and want to ride. So we just rented a double stroller while we were there. It worked out great. It is cheaper to rent for the whole trip then per day. You could try him one day and see how he does and if he gets tired rent one for the rest of your stay. Only you know your child and how he might do. HTH.

 

[sheri4641]

My dd's are 4&7. My 7 yr old would still get tired and want to ride. So we just rented a double stroller while we were there. It worked out great. It is cheaper to rent for the whole trip then per day. You could try him one day and see how he does and if he gets tired rent one for the rest of your stay. Only you know your child and how he might do. HTH.

I have been reading that the double strollers aren't allowed on the boat/train... did you have any issues with the dbl stroller you rented. I have been thinking about bringing our dbl from home? any comments?

 

[ash&abby'smom]

I have been reading that the double strollers aren't allowed on the boat/train... did you have any issues with the dbl stroller you rented. I have been thinking about bringing our dbl from home? any comments?

The strollers you rent at the parks are not allowed outside of the parks. The strollers worked fine for us and were very easy to push. You would have to fold up your stroller to get on the boat if you bring yours. As far as the monorail I have seen people leave theirs open on it before. One thing to keep in mind is, my kids would be very tired at the end of the day, and we would end up carrying them to the boat or bus stop, so that is the only downside with renting, but again you will have to fold it up on the boat and buses. HTH.

 

[DevilDuckie]

I would say 6 1/2 is way too old to put a kid without special issues in a stroller. My kid did Disney at 5 with no problem and certainly with no stroller.

 

[caroline1851]

I would say 6 1/2 is way too old to put a kid without special issues in a stroller. My kid did Disney at 5 with no problem and certainly with no stroller.

Some could be insulted by that........

I also had read that the average number of miles walked per day is 9 miles and i think that's quite a bit for little kids.

 

[sheri4641]

Personally, I would rather have happy rested, comfortable children.. regardless of her being 6. Was just looking for some advice and others opinions.

 

[ZeroMyHero]

My DD3 (almost 4) hasn't been ridden in a stroller for about a year now, but I still bought an inexpensive umbrella stroller for us to use at WDW when we visit in May. She's energetic and does fine at the mall and at the expansive zoo we have here, but the combination of excitement, crowds, and Florida heat made me think she'll want/need to ride. Every kid is different, obviously, and initially I was really against using a stroller, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. As for renting, it's an option, but I've read that strollers can be in short supply at the parks. Just because you need one doesn't mean there will be one available for you to rent.

 

[Diamondintheruff]

Heck my NINE year old jumped at the chance for a stroller when he was offered one at the Pirate and Princess Party. Mind you it was August. I'd have liked someone to push me around too. It was really hot.

I'm one of those people that overpacks so I would go for the stroller. It provides shade. It provides a "safe" feeling. It's a more comfortable seat for parades than the pavement. You will be pushing a single around anyway. I'd go for the double.

 

[bakerfamily]

I would say 6 1/2 is way too old to put a kid without special issues in a stroller. My kid did Disney at 5 with no problem and certainly with no stroller.

Wow. Although I don't necessarily disagree with the underlying meaning of your statement, your tone was a little aggressive. Each child will have their own needs and limits, and if a 6 1/2 year old will have a better time if they're not forced to trudge through the parks, I say 'go for it'.

 

[Colinsmom]

My very active 5yo hasn't sat in a stroller in well over 2 years, but he used one at Disney. We noticed that he needed it more after a long day, or later in our trip. Note that we didn't do a commando trip, but there is a ton of walking no matter how you cut it. It's also helpful if you are caught in fireworks crowds and you need to keep him with you and keep him moving.

We brought an umbrella stroller (Inglesina Swift) from home and had it handy when he needed to hitch a ride.

 

[CampbellScot]

My step kids are 8 and 5...we rented a double Disney stroller for our whole stay. We loved it. The heat just zaps the heck out little ones. Both my step kids are VERY active...my step son especially...always on the go that boy...but both kids were very grateful for a place to get out of the sun and just rest.

Also, they are nice when the parks are very full. You know where your kids are!! And we would pile stuff on the top when we needed to.

love those Disney strollers!!! They turn on a dime and are very light! I wished we could have one at home!!!

 

[Tiger926]

Wow. Although I don't necessarily disagree with the underlying meaning of your statement, your tone was a little aggressive. Each child will have their own needs and limits, and if a 6 1/2 year old will have a better time if they're not forced to trudge through the parks, I say 'go for it'.

ITA! I find it so offensive when people make generalizations like this and extropolate them across the population - why is it your business at what age a child is in a stroller? I could make the same generalizations about adults who can't get through a day without cigarettes or alcohol.

To the OP, please do what is best for your family, keeping in mind that certain strollers are very cumbersome and can be safety issues for others (Disney has a policy about what size of stroller is allowed in park). As long as you are within those size limits, and know how to work your stroller (I have been hurt many times by parents who didn't quite know how to push their new stroller - LOL!), then you should use that stroller in order to bring a level of comfort to your child and yourself. WDW is very large, and requires a tremendous amout of walking, plus, the best benefit to strollers is that you know that your child is safely inside and won't be knocked over by rude and ignorant adults who somehow can't see any children in their paths!

Good luck in your decision - we bring our own Mac or Peg strollers, as we find carrying a sleeping baby through the parking lot after a long day at the parks is not a great idea!

Tiger

 

[DevilDuckie]

ITA! I find it so offensive when people make generalizations like this and extropolate them across the population - why is it your business at what age a child is in a stroller? I could make the same generalizations about adults who can't get through a day without cigarettes or alcohol.

I find it offensive that you're ignoring the fact that the OP ASKED if people think her 6 1/2 year old needs a stroller.

I'm sorry you're touchy about putting big kids into strollers but that's your own issue. I'm responding to the question asked.

 

[DevilDuckie]

Some could be insulted by that........

I also had read that the average number of miles walked per day is 9 miles and i think that's quite a bit for little kids.

You said, "Do you think he needs a stroller?".


I think that unless he is disabled, no, he does not need a stroller.

I'm sorry you were insulted by me answering your question. You might consult your pediatrician if you're still unsure.

 

[Tiger926]

I find it offensive that you're ignoring the fact that the OP ASKED if people think her 6 1/2 year old needs a stroller.

I'm sorry you're touchy about putting big kids into strollers but that's your own issue. I'm responding to the question asked.

How in the world can you, or any of the rest of us answer whether or not her child needs a stroller? Those kinds of questions are so silly if taken literally, since none of us know her child. Obviously you don't believe that older children should have strollers, but again, it's not for you to say, especially since every child's needs are different.

Since I don't know her child personally, I can't say whether or not her child may need a stroller, but I can offer tips or guidance as someone who has been to WDW multiple times with a child, and so these tips may help her make that decision.

Not wishing to get into an argument with you and I'm not 'touchy' about this in a personal way as I don't pay any attention to what others may say when my child is in her stroller as it suits her needs and not theirs. The OP needs to do what is best for her child, and comments like yours may sway her into not getting a stroller even though she knows in her heart that her child may require one.

We need to do what is best for our children in regards to their safety or comfort, as long as it's not harming someone else, and if adults have a problem with strollers or harnesses, I for one have no problem going toe to toe with them on this subject because like I said, I don't feel adults need alcohol or cigarettes either, so it would be a good discussion.

Tiger

 

[snugglepeas]

I would say 6 1/2 is way too old to put a kid without special issues in a stroller. My kid did Disney at 5 with no problem and certainly with no stroller.

we average 12 miles a day at Disney there is NO WAY my 6 year old could ever handle walking all of that, id rather have a stroller and a happy 6 year old then a tired cranky 6 year old, what works for your family may not work for all family's

 

[Goofin' around]

Even though I have never taken our kids to WDW and the last time I was there i cant even remember how big it is. I know I will be geting strollers for both DS(1) and our DD(7). Shes pretty small and tires very easily. Shoot she gets tired at Wal-Mart.

I would assume it all depends on your child. If he or she tires quickly, then get a stroller. I not, don't and see how he or she does there 1st day. I would think Kiddie adrenaline keeps them going for awhile.

 

[caroline1851]

Maybe we won't rent it for the whole week, maybe i'll just go day by day. I'm thinking Mgm seems kind of small plus less walking around because a lot of shows are long, sit down shows, so probaly wouldn't need one that day.

I think buying my own would maybe be silly since then i have to deal w/ getting it there, to the parks, etc. and i'll never use it again.

 

[Tiger926]

Maybe we won't rent it for the whole week, maybe i'll just go day by day. I'm thinking Mgm seems kind of small plus less walking around because a lot of shows are long, sit down shows, so probaly wouldn't need one that day.

I think buying my own would maybe be silly since then i have to deal w/ getting it there, to the parks, etc. and i'll never use it again.

There are lots of threads on here about WDW stroller rentals. You can buy a length of stay which saves money, but if you don't need all days, I believe you can turn the receipt in for a refund? Don't quote me on this as we have never rented, but I know I read it on here, or heard while waiting in line at parks. Also, you only pay one day's rental, so if you want to park hop, you can turn stroller in, and then rent at another park without having to pay again.

Good luck with your decision. Hope you and your family have a wonderful and magical vacation!

Tiger