Stroller rental up to what age?

[WDWstu]

DD is 5 now and this May will be her 3rd trip to Disney. At first she said something about us not needing to get her a stroller this year. I had been planning on it anyway. Even if she didn't use it half the time, its convenient for helping to carry stuff around. But then later in the day she said that she thinks now she would like to have it again. We will get one anyway cause I am sure that after half a day of walking around she'll want to sit. But I was just wondering up to what age do people rent strollers for their kids at Disney?

 

[susykt4]

We took strollers for DD6 1/2 and DS4 our last trip. I bought cheap umbrella strollers for $11 each (too small but worked) and they were perfect for the times we used them. I ditched them at Pop when we left and saved tons of money on rentals. The kids certainly didn't nap in them or anything, but they were easy to carry on the buses and it was nice to be able to push them to the far bus stops at the end of a long day.

 

[taximomfor4]

The oldest any of my kids have been, in a stroller anywhere, is 3. At 4 none of them were willing to ride. Last year, I pushed a stroller at WDW while my 4yo walked...she never sat in it for a moment. Stubborn.

We don't go commando -- we do find places to sit and chill out, look at pins, sip beverages, chat with CMs, etc. throughout the day. Maybe that is why. This year, we are going again I hope -- dd will be turning 5. We aren't going to bother with a stroller. MAYBE a one-day rental on our Epcot World Showcase day, but I doubt it.

Beth

 

[bartleby1]

DD is 5 now and this May will be her 3rd trip to Disney. At first she said something about us not needing to get her a stroller this year. I had been planning on it anyway. Even if she didn't use it half the time, its convenient for helping to carry stuff around. But then later in the day she said that she thinks now she would like to have it again. We will get one anyway cause I am sure that after half a day of walking around she'll want to sit. But I was just wondering up to what age do people rent strollers for their kids at Disney?

You're going to get very varied and probably opinionated answers to your question. Bottom line is - it is totally up to you! If you feel you need one, than rent one. Each child is different, and each family's way of touring the parks is different and even the time of year you take your trip can make a difference.

Personally, I will be bringing a stroller for my 2 yr old and renting a double for my 5 and 7 yr olds to share. My 7 yr old is a HORRIBLE walker, always has been (pokey, pokey, pokey, and zero stamina). My 5 yr old is a wanderer who lives on cloud 9 most of the time so he gets lost easily because he gets distracted by stepping on a pebble. Actually, my 2 year old can probably out-walk both of my older two! I HIGHLY doubt she will need a stroller beyond 4.

Again, if you feel you need one, don't hesitate to rent one. You can easily average 8-10 miles per day in the parks. That is a lot of walking for little legs (and big ones, for that matter!)

 

[mikamah]

I rented a stroller for my five year old most days in the parks, and it was a godsend. He fell asleep several times in the evening. We went back to the resort to nap most afternoons, and he never fell asleep. I think I'd use a stroller for at least a few more years. Have fun.

 

[teresajoy]

You're going to get very varied and probably opinionated answers to your question. Bottom line is - it is totally up to you! If you feel you need one, than rent one. Each child is different, and each family's way of touring the parks is different and even the time of year you take your trip can make a difference.

Personally, I will be bringing a stroller for my 2 yr old and renting a double for my 5 and 7 yr olds to share. My 7 yr old is a HORRIBLE walker, always has been (pokey, pokey, pokey, and zero stamina). My 5 yr old is a wanderer who lives on cloud 9 most of the time so he gets lost easily because he gets distracted by stepping on a pebble. Actually, my 2 year old can probably out-walk both of my older two! I HIGHLY doubt she will need a stroller beyond 4.

Again, if you feel you need one, don't hesitate to rent one. You can easily average 8-10 miles per day in the parks. That is a lot of walking for little legs (and big ones, for that matter!)

Thank you so much for such a wonderful answer! Exactly! It's totally up to you! Sometimes I wish my 14 year old would still ride in a stroller! Heck, I wish someone would push me in one for part of the day! (hmm....that is a thought!) Do what is right for your family, and don't let anyone try to tell you it's wrong! My four year old hasn't rode in a stroller at home for close to a year, but we will be getting one for her at the parks, and if her 9 year old sister gets tired, she will get to ride too!

 

[fn2bfree]

On our last trip we rented strollers for our 6 and 4 year old daughters. The strollers they rent in the park are incredibly sturdy and could easily accomodate a 7 or 8 year old. Next trip our girls will be 7 and 5 and we will probably try the stroller and see how it works. I think we could go without the stroller at DS or MK but I think we will need it at AK and Epcot.

 

[tink1969]

I'm all for the rented strollers! My DD will be 6 in May and I find it so much easier. My 10 year old DD is fine but she is much more manageable as well. My 5 year old is easily distracted and I'm afraid she will wander off if I don't have my eyes on her 24/7. The rented stroller gives me peace of mind. Not to mention that you can put coats, drinks, bags, etc. into it!
I should point out that I do not use or own a stroller when at home. But a week of walking around DisneyWorld is a lot to expect from little legs...that is why I rent one. Heck, I even get shinsplints after a week!
Do I care if anyone thinks she is too old for the stroller? NO!!!! It is my business and one else's. Do what you want and what you feel is right for your child! Enjoy your trip!

 

[sskem96]

We rented a double when our kids were 5 and 8. We hadn't intended to, but it just took forever to get anywhere at their pace. DH had long legs and he was always a mile ahead of us. DD#1 also had recently had mono and still had very low stamina. Hopefully we won't need one at all this fall. DD#1 will be almost 11, though still a very slow walker, we are going to train for it this time with walks every evening. DD#2 will be 8, and she has no problem keeping up with her dad anyway, so we should be fine.

 

[Darcy03231]

When DS was 6 we still rented the stroller. The next time we went back he was 8 and didn't need it anymore (but I still would have rented one if he needed it - its a lot of walking).

 

[Kerri10]

I'm going to play it by ear. My son will be just about 5 when we go and I'll see how it goes and if he wants one (or is always asking to ride on daddy's shoulders) we'll get him one.

Are they hard to get in the middle of the day?

 

[Hannathy]

3 is probably the oldest I'd rent one for. Ours always walked from 4 on up. It's not a marathon, there are burst of walking followed by a lot of standing and sitting.

 

[jakenjess]

We rented a stroller for a couple days when ours were 8 and 10! It just made things so much easier at Epcot. DH and I could enjoy taking our time strolling World Showcase while the kids worked on their passports in the comfort of the stroller. It also helps keep them out of the sun part of the time (we all burn easily!). I found it really helps conserve their energy and we get a lot more done with a lot less stress on everyone. Rent and enjoy!!