strollers

[MommySiobhan]

I know that I am new here, but I have been reading every post for the last several weeks. I have been reading many, many vents on people with strollers. As the driver of a stroller I want to say a few things.

1. My daughter will be 5 when we go to WDW in October and I am taking a stroller. See my picture so you will know what I look like. She is not about to graduate from high school, she is 5. She is tall for 5, but 5 nonetheless. That irritates me to distraction when I read people saying that kids shouldn't be in strollers when the look like they are older than a certain age. My daughter is taller than an 8 year old that goes to the same day care that dd does.

2. Maybe people who drive strollers wouldn't have to be so rude pushing their way through the crowds if other people wouldn't have family reunions in the walkways. If you are a trying to decide what to do next, where to eat, or where to go, why can't these people stand over to the side of the walk way and do this so others can get through?

3. And lastly, is EXCUSE ME or PARDON ME not in anyone's vocabulary anymore? I always say this when I am trying to get around or by someone, but very few people say it back.

I know my stroller is a hinderance . . . to me! But I am the one that has to tote it, push it, and find a place to park it and hope for the best. So if you don't like my stroller, then say Excuse me and go around. I will be the one walking to the right side of the path, trying to stay out of your way.


This is not being posted to offend anyone! I know there are people out there that are rude and inconsiderate of others, but I do try to follow some rules of simple etiquette.

I completely agree with you.

I just have a couple questions...

When did kids change and why or how? It must be a scientific fact and should be studied. How is it that kids 10, 20 or more years ago children by 5 were perfectly capable of WALKING all day? No one carried these kids and they did fine. And don't say Disney wasn't so big, EPCOT has been around a loooong time and kids weren't in strollers then, same thing with airports.

Yes having an excess amount of strollers does bother everyone. They take up a lot of room, slow things down on the busses and trams, take up room on the transportation, clog pathways, etc. And the size of these things can we say SUV-what ever happened to the nice umbrella strollers? Oh I know they can't hold elementary size kids.

This must be why people feel that they had the right to mow right past me and my NB, 1, 3, & 5 year old last year and push their way on the bus without the least bit of consideration. Because I, who by the way, have never rammed, battered anyones ankles or driven my stroller through a crowd (I was raised with manners and choose to keep them as an adult) am folding up my lightweight double and single stroller to get on the bus like everybody else.
The excess of strollers clogging up their entrance way or the 8 extra seconds it takes me to fold up the strollers or because they see <gasp> another stroller going on the bus gives them the right. I get it now. God forbid a family brings their stroller on a Disney Vacation of all places for the comfort of their young kids.
Wow.

Currently, I have a 1, 2, 4, & 5 year old. At home, when we go somewhere, I don't take my stroller for my 2, 4, & 5 year old, they walk and hold on to the stroller that my 1 year old is sitting in. But Disney? Give me a break.
If your kids did fine without a stroller at age three, good for them and you. But why be so angry at the people that choose to take a stroller for the comfort and rest of their children and themselves.

My double will be coming with me this year. It's a lightweight Jeep stroller, my one year old will be sitting in it, along with my turning 3 year old for the most part I'm sure. Please keep any rude comments that you may have to yourselves when you see him switching off with either the 4 or 5 year old, because they will be given a break and rest when tired or needed.
Oh, and Please, don't let me hear you say 'look at those lazy kids'.
I am SUPER pleasant, but give me a break, that's just plain rude.

By the way, as a disclaimer, I also promise not to ram your ankles or push through any rude crowds or non rude crowds and I won't use my stroller so I can get to a ride faster. That's not why I take it. I will be pleasant and say excuse me, just as I always do. Can't speak for anyone that does do this. It's just common courtesy.

 

[icarus]

. . . DD . . . DS.

I must be missing something with regard to the abbreviation lingo here.

What is "DD and DS"?

Thanks.

 

[QueenGoblin]

I'm curious about the assertion that there were fewer strollers in the parks 20-30 years ago. Is that really true, and if so, can we really just attribute it to laziness on the part of kids and/or parents? Maybe, because there were only 1 or 2 parks back then, people were less likely to take epic 7-10 day walking vacations? Might it be that there were fewer people in the parks in general, and therefore, fewer strollers too? Could it be that strollers 20-30 years ago were heavier or more cumbersome and lugging them around was more of a hassle than dealing with a tired preschooler? Perhaps, there weren't fewer strollers but we are looking back upon our gilded eras with rose colored glasses, insert more cliches here...

I'm not trying to start a cyber-war, I am genuinely curious about what other factors might be involved. I think people are too quick to judge and say it didn't used to be that way without considering all the other factors. And, as with many of these complaints and arguments, it boils down to PEOPLE, specificly, RUDE PEOPLE. You can be rude while drving a stroller, you can be rude while blocking the way of a stroller, the common denominator is rudeness.

My earliest memory of Disney (I'm 31) was bumping along in a sky blue vinyl rented stroller.

 

[mgilmer]

Nobody wants to judge people who have exception cases like the ones many of you described here.... but take a look around when you are there next time and you will see why this comes up so often.

There are far too many older children in strollers. Far too many to all be special cases. I think the reason is they just don't want to face tired kids later. So slow down, take more breaks, and keep the kids hydrated. Don't try to run at breakneck pace with small kids! Use the WDW Railroad to come back to the front of the MK, walk to the back of a park and work your way to the front so you have less distance to go when everyone is tired.

Well I personally don't care if someone wants to push their teenager around in a stroller -- Just don't hit me with it. I could not care less what someone uses as a mode of conveyance at WDW (stroller, wheelchair, ecv, etc.), just don't use it as a weapon against me or my family or be prepared to need a wheelchair if you do!

 

[zaxmom]

I wonder how many families covered 4-6 amusement parks in one week 20 years ago. I would hardly call THAT lazy. My kids are past the stroller age. I would love to be able to stap them in and push them around, but they are just too big. I have never had a problem with anyone using a stroller. Maybe I just know how to blow it off, but I cannot think of a single time anyone has run into me or tried to mow me over. I have run into the back of people who stopped moving all of a sudden. I know since they are rear end collisions they are technically my fault. I have always said an excuse me or sorry, of course. But, let's face it, all people are in our way, whether they are walking or rolling. That's called a public place.

 

[mgilmer]

I must be missing something with regard to the abbreviation lingo here.

What is "DD and DS"?

Thanks.

DD= Disney Daughter
DS= Disney Son
DW= Disney Wife
DH= Disney Husband

 

[fitzperry]

I just have a couple questions...

When did kids change and why or how? It must be a scientific fact and should be studied. How is it that kids 10, 20 or more years ago children by 5 were perfectly capable of WALKING all day? No one carried these kids and they did fine. And don't say Disney wasn't so big, EPCOT has been around a loooong time and kids weren't in strollers then, same thing with airports.

Kids haven't changed, but Disney has. EPCOT may have been around a long time, but MGM and AK have not. 20-30 years ago people didn't typically visit WDW for a week or more at a time. For a young child, hoofing it around the MK for a day or two is quite different than hiking through all 4 parks (plus maybe a day at Sea World or Universal) for a week or 10 days.

I have taken 3 different kids to Disney over the last 20 yrs and none of them used a stroller after 3 and all did fine and I bet very few stay as long at a park as we do. Disney was much nicer without all the strollers clogging everything. I was at an airshow yesterday and we walked about 6-7 miles and you know what almost all the kids were walking! I saw very few strollers and only for toddlers, cause it is hard to push on the field, and I saw no meltdowns, no kids dropping from walking or whatever else is supposed to happen to them, and it was hot and there is no shade on an airfield. Wonder why they can walk there but not at Disney?

Disney is different from most other destinations. My kids were 3 and 7 at the time of our most recent Disney trip. Although we rarely used a stroller for anything else at the time, we rented a double practically every day during that trip and were very glad we did. It's not easy to keep track of several kids while trying to navigate a very crowded park. It's too easy to get separated. Sure, you can hold hands, but it's hard for a 3' tall child to hold the hand of her 6' tall father for an extended period of time. Also, when it's really crowded, the crowds often move faster than a small kid can walk. I think my kids are safer in a stroller, unless maybe you'd like to come carry them for me

 

[Hannathy]

Sorry not going to convince me. Kids don't need to hold hands constantly they can walk next to you. And I don't carry my kids I certainly wouldn't carry yours.

Don't agree with you and the parks either. The studios opened in about 89 so has been there almost 20 yrs and AK is coming up on 10 yrs so there have been 4 parks for a long time. And Universal opened around the time of the studios. There is no reason that a child without a medical need can not walk the parks by the time they are in school, if adults can do it physically fit children can because they should be in better shape and have more stamina than an adult. It was so much nicer without all the SUV strollers clogging everything up.

 

[fitzperry]

Sorry not going to convince me. Kids don't need to hold hands constantly they can walk next to you. And I don't carry my kids I certainly wouldn't carry yours.

Don't agree with you and the parks either. The studios opened in about 89 so has been there almost 20 yrs and AK is coming up on 10 yrs so there have been 4 parks for a long time. And Universal opened around the time of the studios. There is no reason that a child without a medical need can not walk the parks by the time they are in school, if adults can do it physically fit children can because they should be in better shape and have more stamina than an adult. It was so much nicer without all the SUV strollers clogging everything up.

Have you actually been to WDW? No way would I try to navigate some of the crowds there with my small child simply walking next to me. Too many people pushing and shoving. Too easy to get separated.

As for walking the park, physically fit children may be in better shape than many adults, but they're taking 2 or 3 steps for every one of ours. It is a lot of walking. I'm not saying it can't be done, but at the same time I don't think there is anything wrong with letting a 6 or 7 yo ride for awhile.

 

[dlrhine]

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR... all this stroller stuff just bugs me. Why can’t peole just mind their business? Besides Autism being on the rise, so is asthma, and with the heat and humidity that can play a huge factor in a child’s breathing and stamina. I know my little DD age 5 looks like she is over weight, but because of her Asthma which goes hand in hand with her peanut allergy, she has been on steroids for much of her life which adds weight. She can't play 3 ball games, soccer, or dance all day, she'll be in a stroller or we'd get nothing done. We will be bringing a Maclaren Twin Rally and her 6 year old sister can ride also, since it is a double. These are not too much bigger than a single umbrella and fold to the size of almost a single umbrella, but please don't judge me when you see two kids who look big because of their 6'3'' daddy and 6'8'' uncle, they are tall for their ages. Also, I have had my oldest walking out of the park with me at closing when she was 5 and I was actually scared for her safety when people ran her over not watching where they were going, I made her get in the stroller when she wanted to walk. In the stroller I know where she is, and that she is safe

 

[joy13]

I'm curious about the assertion that there were fewer strollers in the parks 20-30 years ago. Is that really true, and if so, can we really just attribute it to laziness on the part of kids and/or parents? Maybe, because there were only 1 or 2 parks back then, people were less likely to take epic 7-10 day walking vacations? Might it be that there were fewer people in the parks in general, and therefore, fewer strollers too? Could it be that strollers 20-30 years ago were heavier or more cumbersome and lugging them around was more of a hassle than dealing with a tired preschooler? Perhaps, there weren't fewer strollers but we are looking back upon our gilded eras with rose colored glasses, insert more cliches here...

I'm not trying to start a cyber-war, I am genuinely curious about what other factors might be involved. I think people are too quick to judge and say it didn't used to be that way without considering all the other factors. And, as with many of these complaints and arguments, it boils down to PEOPLE, specificly, RUDE PEOPLE. You can be rude while drving a stroller, you can be rude while blocking the way of a stroller, the common denominator is rudeness.

My earliest memory of Disney (I'm 31) was bumping along in a sky blue vinyl rented stroller.

I have to agree with you! I tend to roll my eyes at the people with grown kids who act like their kids were always perfect and never acted up - yeah right! Rose colored glasses and selective memory for sure

 

[fitzperry]

I have to agree with you! I tend to roll my eyes at the people with grown kids who act like their kids were always perfect and never acted up - yeah right! Rose colored glasses and selective memory for sure

Yeah, and they walked 5 miles to school uphill both ways in the snow every day too. I can't prove it of course, but I do agree that selective memory may play some role in this assertion that only babies and small toddlers rode in strollers in the good ole days. Check out any of the various threads containing vintage WDW photos and you'll see plenty of those blue vinyl beauties.

 

[Hannathy]

I'm not looking thru rose colored glasses because my youngest just turned 9 and we were at Disney when he was 8 and when he was 5 and he didn't use a stroller either time and we were there 10 days and we go commando from opening to close. One time was in the summer and the other was at Easter so both crowded times with late closings. I took my nephew three times before I had kids for over a week each time so I have been taking kids to Disney for over 20 yrs and have been going to Disney for 30 yrs so I have seen it before and after the invasion of the baby command units/SUV strollers. So yes I have taken kids and no we didn't hold hands the whole time, not even when my youngest was 2 1/2 he stayed next to us. So it can be done and has been done for years.

 

[joy13]

I'm not looking thru rose colored glasses because my youngest just turned 9 and we were at Disney when he was 8 and when he was 5 and he didn't use a stroller either time and we were there 10 days and we go commando from opening to close. One time was in the summer and the other was at Easter so both crowded times with late closings. I took my nephew three times before I had kids for over a week each time so I have been taking kids to Disney for over 20 yrs and have been going to Disney for 30 yrs so I have seen it before and after the invasion of the baby command units/SUV strollers. So yes I have taken kids and no we didn't hold hands the whole time, not even when my youngest was 2 1/2 he stayed next to us. So it can be done and has been done for years.

So that means it's going to work for everyone? People are different, kids are different. Kids have different tolerance levels, some are more athletic, some have a harder time. It doesn't mean they are lazy or their parent's are enabling them - it means their parent's know what works for THEIR kids. I think you need to spend less time judging others and more time enjoying your vacation.

 

[Hannathy]

I think you need to spend less time judging others and more time enjoying your vacation.

Which would be easier if there were less strollers!

 

[MissRoseRed]

Well I personally don't care if someone wants to push their teenager around in a stroller -- Just don't hit me with it. I could not care less what someone uses as a mode of conveyance at WDW (stroller, wheelchair, ecv, etc.), just don't use it as a weapon against me or my family or be prepared to need a wheelchair if you do!

I couldn't agree more!

Strollers have been a pet peeve of mine for years and years. I keep promising that I am just going to go buy one and run around ramming people with it, but, since I'm basically a considerate person I probably won't. Probably.

And that's all I'm gonna say about that, 'cause my flame resistant suit is at the cleaners...

 

[ChrisFL]

So that means it's going to work for everyone? People are different, kids are different. Kids have different tolerance levels, some are more athletic, some have a harder time. It doesn't mean they are lazy or their parent's are enabling them - it means their parent's know what works for THEIR kids. I think you need to spend less time judging others and more time enjoying your vacation.

I've noticed the same thing as Hannathy, that for the 28+ years I've been going to Disney parks, the amount of people pushing strollers around has increased substantially and that is causing issues. And the strollers aren't just for kids anymore, people seem to have full suitcases they carry around as well sometimes...baby SUV's is accurate in some cases (especially interesting that "Jeep" branded ones are around now)

I'm seeing a lot more stroller parking areas required where there were none before. That by itself tells me that there is a greater number of people pushing strollers than before. Add to that the fact that people do get pushy and run into people because they have no patience and the issue is multiplied.

 

[joy13]

I've noticed the same thing as Hannathy, that for the 28+ years I've been going to Disney parks, the amount of people pushing strollers around has increased substantially and that is causing issues. And the strollers aren't just for kids anymore, people seem to have full suitcases they carry around as well sometimes...baby SUV's is accurate in some cases (especially interesting that "Jeep" branded ones are around now)

I'm seeing a lot more stroller parking areas required where there were none before. That by itself tells me that there is a greater number of people pushing strollers than before. Add to that the fact that people do get pushy and run into people because they have no patience and the issue is multiplied.

I understand that people may be rude with strollers, but I'm guessing that someone who is rude enough to ram into someone purposely with a stroller would be just as rude without one - finding a way to push and shove to get somewhere faster. Let's not blame the stroller or condem those of us who choose to use one to enjoy our vacation better because of some rude people. Maybe there is more stoller parking then there used to be? So what? Like I said, everyone is different and we all have the right to enjoy our vacation - and if our vacation is going to be better with a stroller, I am going to take one.

 

[cinderella73]

Well I think you have a right to care if someone in a stroller hits your ankles or legs or cuts you off with it. BUT NOT if they USE one! Just seeing a family with kids that you might deem are to old and judging them based on that is ignorant. You never know what the reasons are of the parents using them. People that spend their life judging other people are missing out on the real joys in life. For that matter what the heck are you doing at Disney? People walking without strollers have mowed me down and knocked into me and cut me off more times than I have ever been hit by a stroller! If someone is infringing on your personal space and well being then judge away. In fact tell them off. But if they are doing their own thing who are you to judge? I am bringing my stroller for my 5 and 6 year old when I go. Its a foldable umbrella stroller and I will not be going on buses with it . My kids are 5 and 6 and normal weight and active. They will be allowed to walk and rest as they see and feel fit. How anyone can say that a 5 and 6 year old should be made to walk 5 to 10 miles a day in the September heat 7 days in a row is beyond me! As far as not doing as much goes as one poster mentioned that is just not always realistic. I have other family along and a teenage daughter. Only doing 5 hours a day at Disney with our time limit and size party is not happening. So quit assuming the worst of people. Enjoy your life and dont judge others. Not everyone sees the world they way you do and that doesnt make them wrong and you right. Btw I have never run into anyone yet. But if I heard someone making a nasty comment.. well.. that might be a first.

 

[undertheseas]

I have to say I looked on line for a cheap umbrella stroller for our trip this year even though my kids are old enough to walk all day, mostly because I don't want to lug around a camera, camcorder and tripod all day I know sometimes you get hit by a stroller but how many times did someone walk on your heel too? My pet peeve with strollers are the parents that are in line for a bus and can't collapse it before it's their turn to get on. If you can pull the kid out, collapse it and not waste my time getting on the bus then you can push anyone you want in that stroller!