Strollers for tired kids

[frugaljen]

I am going to the world in May 2007, and have a DS4 and DD7. Last year when we went to an amusement park for an all-day jaunt, we rented a stroller b/c the kids liked to rest in between rides. Now that the kids are a year older, I'm not sure whether to plan for stroller rental. The reason I wouldn't bring one from home is that the double park strollers are so roomy that the kids don't feel crowded in there together. What do you guys think? We plan on 6 days in the parks. I am just trying to figure out where money needs to be spent while we are there!

 

[CoralCayTownhome]

How about buying a cheap single stroller in the likes of Walmart and let the kids share it. This will be a lot cheaper than renting each day and keep the kids happy should they get tired.

Tracey

 

[lovethedisneymagic]

We to our kids (4 & 8) last October and rented the double stroller. We felt it was worth every penny not to have to listen to the kids whine about walking. Whenever they were tired they just hopped in for a rest! Enjoy your trip

 

[twinspluscade]

RENT! That way both kids can ride together, and you don't have to worry about hauling a stroller off/on the bus. Plus I would think the umbrella-type cheapy strollers would be too small for a 7 year old.

 

[DizneyNutz]

You will probably want to rent one, because on a typical day you may actually walk many miles in WDW. This will probably not be pleasant for little ones not accustomed to that much walking.

 

[scrapbookworm]

Our DD will be 7 when we go, and we have been discussing this as well. We sold our regular stroller last year. So we might rent because I don't know how she will do with all that walking. Heck, I can hardly tolerate all that walking! LOL.

 

[CTDisneyFan]

I would say that it depends on the kids. If your kids tire easily, I would rent the stroller. If the kids get tired and cranky from walking it could make for a tough day. We are splitting the difference. We are renting a double stroller for MK and Epcot and walking it for MGM and AK. My boys are 7 and 6.

 

[KathyTX]

I'm moving your thread from the Welcome to the DIS forum to the Disney for Families forum, where you'll get lots of help from other families who have been in your shoes.

 

[Hannathy]

If you get too cheap of an umbrella stroller for a 7 yr old the wheels will simply collapse and it would be a real bear to push.

I would just wait and see how they do and not rent until you have to, you may never have to if you don't suggest it. My DS 5 did fine without a stroller and we were there very long hours over Easter -from opening till midnight with park hopping and making time at the parks. Kids have ton's of energy, definitely as much as I do!

 

[va32h]

I would go without a stroller and rent one if necessary. I have three kids, 11, almost 7, and 3. Last year, only the youngest one had to ride in the stroller, and that wasn't because she wanted to, it was to keep her from running away!

We try to alternate rides and shows, so there are built-in rest times, and we always stop for a snack or drink break if someone is tired. The 4 yo probably will need the stroller at some point, but you can play it by ear with your older child.

 

[DumboDash2006]

I vote for waiting and renting.

We went this last August and I took dd's (6yrs) old stroller as for health reasons I was concerned about her walking in the heat. The stroller is a full size stroller but folds umbrella style. She still fit, so I thought it would be fine. WRONG! She was too heavy for it to push easily and I really struggled with it. Finally I gave up and rented a stroller. SO much easier to push and actually had better easier accessible storage.

What I found worked well was to use it when going between the different lands in MK or rides/exhibits in Epcot and AK. When we got to a land etc, I parked it and we would see everything in the area and then grab it when we were ready to head someplace else. Worked great. She wasn't just sitting, but didn't have to walk the long distances that might have been too much for her.

 

[jakenjess]

I think the rented double strollers work great for older kids, especially in Epcot and especially when it's very hot. It really conserves their energy and we can all last a little longer in the parks. It worked out great for the World Showcase, when they were doing their passports. They could put their stickers on and plan for the next country as they were riding. Made it a much more relaxing experience for mom and dad!

 

[tinkermamaof2]

Our first trip was in 2005, our girls were in grades 2 and 3. I rented the double on a multiple day pass and it was worth every penny. The girls were able to handle two parks a day with naps at the resort in between. You just show your receipt at the second park and you get a stroller. I also felt comfortable knowing exactly where my girls were. Rent the double and you won't regret it. The strollers are huge. I thought my older daughter would raise her nose at it but she jumped in it as soon as we rented it. They are obviously made for older children. My husband would have riden in it if he could have! Go for it and feel safe and comfortable!

 

[mericletwins]

I am going to the world in May 2007, and have a DS4 and DD7. Last year when we went to an amusement park for an all-day jaunt, we rented a stroller b/c the kids liked to rest in between rides. Now that the kids are a year older, I'm not sure whether to plan for stroller rental. The reason I wouldn't bring one from home is that the double park strollers are so roomy that the kids don't feel crowded in there together. What do you guys think? We plan on 6 days in the parks. I am just trying to figure out where money needs to be spent while we are there!

I would plan and budget for it. Last Easter, my six year olds and my five year old insisted on having a stroller. No problem for me. I like having a stroller since I can easily keep track of them in the crowds, we can move from area to area at an adult pace and we don't have any meltdowns from tired kids.

 

[milleali]

My DS was 4 in Dec 2005 when we went and walked every step that DH and I did for the first 2 1/2 days. Then he was like "mommy I want a big boy stroller my feet hurt." I told him that they did not have big boy strollers only baby strollers. He was like grrrrr. Then a few minutes later he said "Mommy I want a baby stroller."

Definetly plan to rent one. We are planning on renting again when we go back in Dec and he will be 6.

 

[cricket179]

WE just returned from our wonderful trip to Disney in March. We walked and walked the first day...all day! Then on day 2 around lunch our 5 and 6 yr old hit the wall . We rode the train and then the monorail to Epcot where we rented a double stoller. We were going to hit AK the next day so did a 2 day rental. It was well worth the money. They were both recharged quickly in Epcot and didn't wear out in AK!

 

[jamesmommy]

My DS was 4 in Dec 2005 when we went and walked every step that DH and I did for the first 2 1/2 days. Then he was like "mommy I want a big boy stroller my feet hurt." I told him that they did not have big boy strollers only baby strollers. He was like grrrrr. Then a few minutes later he said "Mommy I want a baby stroller."

Definetly plan to rent one. We are planning on renting again when we go back in Dec and he will be 6.

Are you sure they don't have "big boy strollers"??? I saw a 50ish looking gentleman relaxing in a double one today by KRR in AK!!!!!

Amie

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I'm sorry but everytime I read the title of this thread all I can think is what about Strollers for Tired Parents?
Seriously- I would plan on renting one. It is alot of walking and kids get tired. My ds who is 4 doesn't ride in a stroller at home but at Disney he cannot wait to get in one after a while. It is alot of walking and it is hot out.