Strollers: How Old is Too Old?

[cgorn]

We leave for WDW in less than three weeks! Our DD, who will have just turned 5 when we go, has not used a stroller in some time. We weren't planning on bringing one, though we do have a light, strong, compact one that she does technically fit in.

But last weekend we went to NYC (before the hurricane). I had to carry her either on my shoulders or in my arms most of the time. It was just faster and it felt safer, not to mention she was whining to be carried. But of course I was in pain afterwards (we walked from 55th and 5th to 77th and Broadway to see a show (Fancy Nancy the Musical, in case you were wondering), and then several blocks after the play).

So I am leaning towards bringing the stroller. I feel that we would need one every day (7 days) so renting would get expensive. I was just wondering if anyone feels 5 is too old, or more to the point 43" is too tall (she is often mistaken for 6). The way I see it, WDW is not a contest to see how can walk the furthest and last the longest, so why not bring one if we have one?

The other question is: will she even use the stroller? Will I get the "strollers are for babies!" fight? What are your thoughts/experiences with bigger kids and strollers?

Thanks!

Chad

 

[mesaboy2]

We leave for WDW in less than three weeks! Our DD, who will have just turned 5 when we go, has not used a stroller in some time. We weren't planning on bringing one, though we do have a light, strong, compact one that she does technically fit in.

But last weekend we went to NYC (before the hurricane). I had to carry her either on my shoulders or in my arms most of the time. It was just faster and it felt safer, not to mention she was whining to be carried. But of course I was in pain afterwards (we walked from 55th and 5th to 77th and Broadway to see a show (Fancy Nancy the Musical, in case you were wondering), and then several blocks after the play).

So I am leaning towards bringing the stroller. I feel that we would need one every day (7 days) so renting would get expensive. I was just wondering if anyone feels 5 is too old, or more to the point 43" is too tall (she is often mistaken for 6). The way I see it, WDW is not a contest to see how can walk the furthest and last the longest, so why not bring one if we have one?

The other question is: will she even use the stroller? Will I get the "strollers are for babies!" fight? What are your thoughts/experiences with bigger kids and strollers?

Thanks!

Chad

This is an inidividual decision. You can expect a lot of debate on this question, it is asked regularly here. For us, 4yo was the end of it.

 

[firecracker725]

We leave for WDW in less than three weeks! Our DD, who will have just turned 5 when we go, has not used a stroller in some time. We weren't planning on bringing one, though we do have a light, strong, compact one that she does technically fit in.

But last weekend we went to NYC (before the hurricane). I had to carry her either on my shoulders or in my arms most of the time. It was just faster and it felt safer, not to mention she was whining to be carried. But of course I was in pain afterwards (we walked from 55th and 5th to 77th and Broadway to see a show (Fancy Nancy the Musical, in case you were wondering), and then several blocks after the play).

So I am leaning towards bringing the stroller. I feel that we would need one every day (7 days) so renting would get expensive. I was just wondering if anyone feels 5 is too old, or more to the point 43" is too tall (she is often mistaken for 6). The way I see it, WDW is not a contest to see how can walk the furthest and last the longest, so why not bring one if we have one?

The other question is: will she even use the stroller? Will I get the "strollers are for babies!" fight? What are your thoughts/experiences with bigger kids and strollers?

Thanks!

Chad

Just my two cents, but I would do what's easiest for you. If you're the one having to carry your kid through the parks, then it's not for anyone else to decide or judge.

 

[biondagirl]

It's a lot of walking for their little legs. But, it is an individual decision. My 9 year old son would get in the stroller with his little sister when he was 7. Little sister had no interest in a stroller last year at age 5, so we walked. They handled it pretty well. But my son was pretty grumpy at times.

If you have one you can bring, bring it. You may not need it at the start of the trip but it may come in handy towards the middle.

Have a great trip.

 

[PSUGuy]

Age has nothing to do with it, the question is, 'Can the person in question keep up with the park touring you plan to do?' If a child can't keep pace, bring a stroller, if an adult can't, get an electric scooter. We've had strollers for our grandkids when needed and a Jazzy for my then 78 yr old mom.

Bill From PA

 

[fly girl]

I have a 4 1/2 year old and we use the stroller for Disney. She rarely ever uses it anymore, in fact the last 2 times were for Disney trips. LOL.


WDW is a lot of walking. And if your DD wanted to be carried around NYC I think you'll want to have it handy in the world. This is how we do it: We park the stroller in a land then walk all around going to the attractions. Once we are done in that area, we get the stroller and push along to another part of the park. Sometimes she wants to walk and we'll just push it sans kid. It isn't a big deal. If she gives you the "I'm too big" just push the empty thing. Her little feet will eventually tire. And if they don't, oh well, you pushed an empty stroller, no biggie! (I'm telling you it's better to have one and not need it than vice versa.)


And the great thing is that you can put sunscreen, water bottles, little toys, and wipes in the stroller bottom so you don't have to have a backpack. (I'm already dreading the logistics of not having a stroller, )


And trust me, you will see a lot of older kids in strollers. I've seen what looked like an 11 year old in one. Your 5 year old will not stick out.


Have fun!!

 

[3_disprincesses]

What will make the trip easier and more enjoyable? I can't see you carrying her ffor 7 days but if you think she's not going to make it, then take the stroller. I would also ask her if she's going to walk or wants you to take the stroller.

 

[fitzperry]

You mention something in your post about NYC that I've always thought was a factor in WDW as well and that's safety. When making your way out of a crowded park it's much easier to keep track of a young child in a stroller. We usually used a stroller at WDW until the kids were about 6. If you decide not to use one then I think you also have to decide that you're willing to go at her pace.

 

[kris4360]

Shoot I'd use a stroller for myself if i could!

 

[Spunky946]

I think it depends on the kid. When we went the first time my ds was almost 5 and he was fine without one until the last day in Epcot. Our next trip my dd will be almost 5 and I can't imagine not having one because she is so whiny without it. I'd rather take it and not use it then have to carry her all over the park.

 

[aaarcher86]

I honestly don't think she'll fight you on the stroller. Maybe at first, with all the excitement, but as the day wears on she'll just crawl right in. My oldest was 4 her first time and asked for a stroller before we went out and bought one after the first few days!

I don't think 5 is too old for the stroller. Really, I've wondered about putting my tiny 7 year old in one on our next trip if she needs it. I'll probably go without since they've been walking a ton and we keep up the notion 'it's practice for Disney!' but we'll play it by ear I'm sure. I don't think people care as much about younger children, it's the 11+ year olds with their knees up to their chests that people think is strange.

 

[tkldisney]

If you have one to bring or plan on renting ( which is not that expensive) try it for one day and see how she does. If she doesn't need then don't use,but if it helps why not. age to me isn't a factor, it's everyone having a great time. We took our nieces at age 6 and they did great walking, but we're pretty cranky by end of day, even taking a swim break in middle.

 

[KimBeano]

We leave for WDW in less than three weeks! Our DD, who will have just turned 5 when we go, has not used a stroller in some time. We weren't planning on bringing one, though we do have a light, strong, compact one that she does technically fit in.

But last weekend we went to NYC (before the hurricane). I had to carry her either on my shoulders or in my arms most of the time. It was just faster and it felt safer, not to mention she was whining to be carried. But of course I was in pain afterwards (we walked from 55th and 5th to 77th and Broadway to see a show (Fancy Nancy the Musical, in case you were wondering), and then several blocks after the play).

So I am leaning towards bringing the stroller. I feel that we would need one every day (7 days) so renting would get expensive. I was just wondering if anyone feels 5 is too old, or more to the point 43" is too tall (she is often mistaken for 6). The way I see it, WDW is not a contest to see how can walk the furthest and last the longest, so why not bring one if we have one?

The other question is: will she even use the stroller? Will I get the "strollers are for babies!" fight? What are your thoughts/experiences with bigger kids and strollers?

Thanks!

Chad

First of all lets throw age completely out, because it doesn't matter. People will tell you "she's too old" but everyone knows she is CAPABLE of walking, the question here is what will set you up for having the best trip, that is the least stressful and physically exhausting as possible.

My DD is 41" and wont turn 4 until next month, so I wouldn't worry too much about her height and people thinking she is 6, or older than she is. Just because height seems to be a lot different in kids this age. My child is tall for her age, 80 percentile, but most people never comment on it, so I don't think it is too noticeable or drastic, I should say. We leave in 27 days and I bought a Minnie mouse stroller just for trip.

So to the nitty gritty... you cannot carry her all day. Not enjoyable, should not be an option. So, your only options are making her walk (with her asking multiple times for you to carry her, and since you seem like a nice dad, you'll give in and then you'll be exhausted) OR having stroller there in case she gets tired. If she balks tell her she doesn't have to use it, just stroll it along empty... she'll want it by hour 2-3. Just reinforce that carrying her is not an option, her options are walking or riding. Even if she walks majority of time her seat we'll be nice for parades or fireworks. And if you find that on Day 1 she didn't use it at all, leave it the rest of the days.

My suggestion isn't for all kids, but based on your recent experience. I also like the safety aspect of it. And with little legs in stroller we get where we want to go quicker and efficiently.

Just my .02¢

 

[ariane37]

I would definitely take it. My DS used it when he was 5 even though he never used one at home anymore. Last year when he was 6 we didn't bring it and ended up renting just about every day - he's a whiner . Even w/o the whining PP is right, it may be hard for your DD to keep up with you if she's walking. That could cause frustration on your part or even on hers. If she ends up not wanting to use it, just leave in your room. We leave for the World in18 days. DS is 7 now, don't have a stroller anymore and hoping not to rent! We'll see. Have a great trip!

 

[disnut8]

We leave for WDW in less than three weeks! Our DD, who will have just turned 5 when we go, has not used a stroller in some time. We weren't planning on bringing one, though we do have a light, strong, compact one that she does technically fit in.

But last weekend we went to NYC (before the hurricane). I had to carry her either on my shoulders or in my arms most of the time. It was just faster and it felt safer, not to mention she was whining to be carried. But of course I was in pain afterwards (we walked from 55th and 5th to 77th and Broadway to see a show (Fancy Nancy the Musical, in case you were wondering), and then several blocks after the play).

So I am leaning towards bringing the stroller. I feel that we would need one every day (7 days) so renting would get expensive. I was just wondering if anyone feels 5 is too old, or more to the point 43" is too tall (she is often mistaken for 6). The way I see it, WDW is not a contest to see how can walk the furthest and last the longest, so why not bring one if we have one?

The other question is: will she even use the stroller? Will I get the "strollers are for babies!" fight? What are your thoughts/experiences with bigger kids and strollers?

Thanks!

Chad

No one is going to question you if you use a stroller for a just turned five year old. I highlighted the above because I think there was something else that was going on since she hasn't used a stroller for some time but she whined to be carried while in NYC. If it's not a big problem to take a light, strong, compact stroller, than do it. If it sits in your resort room the entire trip, oh well. If you take it each day and push it around empty or just leave it parked in one place the entire, oh well. BUT, if your daughter does need it, wouldn't it be nice to have it?

This comes from a mother whose 3 year old son did Disney World without a stroller, whose 5 year old granddaughter used a stroller probably once (we used it to hold her stuffed Stitch most of the time), and whose 5 year old grandson hasn't even seen a stroller since he was about two. We are a walk happy family but Disney World is a huge place for kids (and adults) who are not used to it. I'd rather see kids in strollers than kids being dragged from place to place and complaining about being tired.

 

[KigerKat]

I have raised an eyebrow every now and then when I see older children in strollers or do a double take because I can't believe how parents can baby their children so much.

But then come the end of the night, when it's 1AM and we've been going since rope drop, and I have stood in line, after line, after line, on buses and monorails, during shows and standing around, waiting for DH to take his 400,000th picture of the day and I feel like I'm ready for a stroller. Then I take back all those mental judgements I made earlier.

Do what you feel is right, and don't let anyone else make that decision for you.

 

[Hannathy]

4 was the last year any of the kids we took to Disney used a stroller. Even at 4 with my DS it stayed in the room most of the time. None of them had any problems and we go commando, early morning to late at night.

IMO without any medical factors any child in school or school age does not need a stroller.

It is so freeing without a stroller!

 

[Disneylover99]

Definitely bring it!

 

[DRDISNEYMD]

~For us, five is too old, both of our kids hated strollers, so we were pretty much done by age two, but I brought along a light stroller "just in case." And in subsequent years, I was prepared to rent a stroller if needed. It depends on both the child and parent(s). Have fun!

 

[MomRN]

This year is the first year we didn't bring a stroller and ds is 6. We rented on our MK and Epcot full days. No one said anything or gave us any looks that I noticed...