Strollers: How Old is Too Old?

[GenevieveRaqs]

We went last may when DD was 4 and we had no stroller. I cannot recall a single time (other than when it got late and she was sleepy) that she uttered the words "I'm tired". She did so wonderful I was quite proud of her! That said, not all kids can do that. She's easily distracted and there was probably so much going on around her the idea that she could be tired from walking never crossed her mind! Me, sometimes I could my own stroller lol

This was my experience as well. We took DS4 to WDW for the first time in mid-October. He hasn't used a stroller since before he turned 2. We did not use a stroller in WDW, and he was fine. Never complained about walking at all. I know he wouldn't have been happy in a stroller--he doesn't like to be confined, and there is SO much to do an look at at Disney. We simply took things at his pace, and it worked out great. He would go up on DH's shoulders if we needed to get through a crowd.

We also don't carry a lot of "stuff" around the parks, so no need for a place to store things. DH had a backpack that had a few very basic things in it, and I had my purse. That was all we needed.

 

[FancyNancy]

I say to each his/her own. Whatever you feel like doing you should do! If you feel more comfy with a stroller then by all means you should use one

 

[donaldlovesdaisy]

I would say go without it. Strollers are a huge PIA in Disney and more trouble than they are worth.

 

[lucifie]

I haven't read all the responses but we're going in January with a 9 year old (special needs), a 7 year old, a 4 year old (he'll be 5 in March and he's almost 48") and a 2 year old. We've discussed what to bring for strollers and have decided to bring a stroller for the 2 year old and an adaptive stroller for the 9 year old. The last time we went to a theme park (this summer) we only had a stroller for the 2 year old and we were fine, but it was only for a day and it was a much smaller park. I'm hoping that will be enough since most likely neither of the kids in strollers will ride the whole time so the other two could take a turn if necessary. I've considered taking the double, but it's a beast and I don't want to deal with it.

 

[Cee]

I think you know your child best. She whines to be carried, and may give you a "strollers are for babies" fight. Either you will choose, or she will.

 

[Johnson1220]

Bring a stroller! It will save your vacation. We brought one for our 5 year old son last year (we went for his 5th birthday). We had another for my infant daughter. It was so helpful and so much quicker to get around. Sure my son walked alot but was happy to be pushed when he was tired. It made for a much happier vacation. Those little legs can't handle that amount of walking and waiting in line.

 

[Miffy]

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).

For your next trip to NYC--with or without a stroller--buy Metrocards (available at any subway station and at many newsstands) for everyone in your family. Download subway and bus maps of Manhattan and have them handy (assuming you have a smartphone or similar device). You could have taken the #7 bus from Seventh Ave and 55th Street to 77th Street and Broadway, saving yourself a lot of walking.

There's a ton of walking to do at WDW. I vote for the stroller.