Talk to me about STROLLERS!

[DreamLiveLoveDisney]

Are Disney's single strollers big enough for a (small) 5 year old to nap in, or would they just have enough room for sitting? I know she'd have plenty of room in a double, but $31 a day seems a bit pricey!

 

[jmartinez1895]

The single would not have enough room for napping ( IMHO) we rented one once and our son did not have room for this and he was in a size 2t clothing at the time. We only had two things about the rented stroller that we did not like. The first was that it does not recline and the second is that it is so low to the ground that all you kids will see is the back of peoples legs. Other than that it was very easy to push and it offer great shade.

 

[wvulion]

Stroller aside, I would recommend having your friend take her daughter on some longish walks, partly because we dealt with my four-year-old niece last year, and some of the lines alone test endurance, IMHO. It's the little person equivalent of me getting up and deciding to run a marathon. Getting her used to walking a little farther, and standing a bit longer will probably be a help for your friend's stress level too. With our niece, we just took the dog for a walk and had her pick a new (longer) path every day, gave her a map of the park to look at in advance (I had some of the custom ones made for her), and she did a great job--one day she even decided to forgo the stroller completely (ok it was a 1/2 day at the AK, but I'm giving her credit for it anyway ). I wouldn't worry about other people's thinking (we dealt with a stroller, a disability, and a wheelchair simultaneously), but she does need to closely monitor her child's endurance, because what we affectionately call "The Dumbo Meltdown" isn't magical in any way, shape, or form.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

Stroller aside, I would recommend having your friend take her daughter on some longish walks, partly because we dealt with my four-year-old niece last year, and some of the lines alone test endurance, IMHO. It's the little person equivalent of me getting up and deciding to run a marathon. Getting her used to walking a little farther, and standing a bit longer will probably be a help for your friend's stress level too. With our niece, we just took the dog for a walk and had her pick a new (longer) path every day, gave her a map of the park to look at in advance (I had some of the custom ones made for her), and she did a great job--one day she even decided to forgo the stroller completely (ok it was a 1/2 day at the AK, but I'm giving her credit for it anyway ). I wouldn't worry about other people's thinking (we dealt with a stroller, a disability, and a wheelchair simultaneously), but she does need to closely monitor her child's endurance, because what we affectionately call "The Dumbo Meltdown" isn't magical in any way, shape, or form.

I've witnessed the Dumbo meltdown! Sometimes you even get to see adults with this syndrome! As I stated previously, I work with kids with various issues. I never understood why parents push their kids beyond their breaking points. A child with certain disorders should not be pushed past their physical and emotional threshold. I witnessed a mom in line one time waiting for the bus while her child had a complete and total meltdown. I felt so bad for her, but at the same time when I heard her saying repeatedly that her daughter had all kinds of issues (which she listed btw...) that I know for a fact need to be managed by strict schedules, I wondered why she would expose her to a very late night EMH where overexposure to lights and noise way past the child's bedtime were sure to produce said meltdown. We had to stop her daughter from biting her mother several times, and succeeded in calming her down. Of course it's sort of hard for a child to understand that she shouldn't bite her mother when the mother turns around and bites the little girl back! We tried to help her with the little girl, who was amazingly strong, and let her go on the bus in our place. We waited for the next one. I knew what the mom was dealing with having dealt with it in my classes I teach in our karate studio, but the crowd around her was really mean and nasty to her. Sorry! Sort of went off subject I guess. Anyway, I guess what I was trying to accomplish with all that was that I agree with watching your children's endurance levels. Each child is so different. One may be able to last all day with no issues while another needs to take a nice nap to make it through (don't judge me if sometimes I need to take that nap too! ). My 5 year old can probably make it several hours walking on her own, but her little legs will hurt that night, and she will be extremely tired. I am not that momma that wants to carry her kids from the back of the park, all the way to the front, onto the bus, and back to the resort room. Someone may have to carry me after all that! That's why we play it safe and do the stroller. Her legs may have been a little long for it, but it was a great place for her to rest! We just made sure she frequently applied sunscreen to her knees and legs! We're getting ready by planning some serious walks and workout sessions until our trip! On top of our already heavy training schedule we have set up a workout room in the lower level of our new house's barn and I've started kickboxing and core strengthening! Here's to hoping we all are in Disney shape by this time next year!

 

[curiousorange]

Thank you for this thread. We are going next year with my 2 boys. DS 1 will be just turned 4 and DS2 will be 6 months. Didn't consider bringing a buggy for the older one, but carrying him around whinging because he's so tired does not sound like fun! Will definitely be bringing a buggy for him!

 

[Michigan_Minnie]

For a child that size-I would rent a Disney stroller rather than from offsite or bringing their own. Most strollers only accomidate up to about 40-50lbs...if you're lucky. My son was 5 and a half the last time he rode in the stoller there (one that we brought) and it was difficult to push him around and he wasn't a big kid. The Disney stollers are much easier to push bigger kids in. If you've ever watched Kate Plus 8- when the kids were small they went to Diseney. She had 4 kids to a cart sometimes and she said they could push them onehanded.
I would take a tub of cleaning wipes. That is Flu season and Disney strollers RARELY are cleaned. Only by the rain and germaphobe parents like me
As far as making the stroller easy to spot- I've seen people tie a balloon or two with their name or large brightly colored ribbons. They really do ALL look alike sitting in a sea of strollers.

I have even seen kids in little WAGONS! I don't know if that's still allowed, but it wouldn't hurt to ask. Of course you most likely can't take them on the Disney transportation. Probably driving only. I don't know that I would want to PULL a child either -for 300 miles of walking around parks.

Who cares what age the child is that's in a stroller. Disney is HUGE and everybody gets tired! I don't care what age they are...you never know what could be wrong with that child. I have a little cousin that has had Leukemia since he was 1 yr. Had stem cell transplant 2 yrs ago. He's 7 now and gets tired very easy. Something to do with the vencristine (sp?) messed his legs up. Other than that you would never know anything is wrong with him. There's no way he could walk those parks all day. He was in a stroller the whole time and had the time of his life! So those of you that DO look at big kids in a stroller-don't judge a book by it's cover!!!!

Wagons aren't allowed at Disney. Would be so great if they were!

 

[Lisa0620]

Disney strollers are PERFECT for a 6 year old. So easy to push. We struggled pushing our four year old in a stroller that was meant for up to 50 lbs and when we rented the Disney stroller a year later I could push it fully loaded with one finger, no kidding. This drink holder velcros on and off and fits perfectly:

http://www.amazon.com/Sunshine-Kids...WUPS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1318858810&sr=8-3

I sewed 2 D rings onto the front edge and then clipped a printed park map of the day with touring plan in a page protector onto the front. (An idea totally cribbed from someone else here on the DIS!)

I bought a cheap silky scarf in the brightest most obnoxious color I could find from Walmart and we tied that to the handle everyday. You need to be able to spot your stroller FROM THE TOP when it's in that sea of stroller by Peter Pan.

It's so easy to get the multiday rental. Yes, it's expensive, but for an older kid it's definitely worth the money imo. We've decided that we won't be getting one for our seven year old next time and I'm kind of sad about it! LOVED that thing!

 

[kathyfog]

Hi all.. newbie and I have just confirmed sudden plans to go to WDW in Dec. I have a 5 yr old who walks everywhere but I decided to rent from Orlando rentals. That way,l can push her to the hotel and not make her jump out at the gates. She is pretty good, but after a while wants to be carried. I cannot carry a 50 lb child very far. Thanks for all the infor.

 

[LockShockBarrel]

I'm counting on if the kid gets to rest and not walk a bit during the day, the walk to and from the bus/monorail/boat and to the room won't be a huge struggle.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

We've decided that we won't be getting one for our seven year old next time and I'm kind of sad about it! LOVED that thing!

I know what you mean! I miss taking a stroller to the mall, so I will totally miss it at Disney! The stroller holds all the things I don't want to carry! We are going to start the stroller weaning process for our 2012 trip. We will still be taking a stroller, but this time every kid will have a small backpack that they will be responsible for so the things we need in the parks will be with us, but the weight will be evenly distributed, and one person won't have to carry a huge bag. We'll make sure we do a backpack check before we leave anywhere, and start training ourselves to do Disney without throwing everything into the stroller. I hate carrying bags and purses, so it's going to be a stretch for me, but we gotta get used to it b/c we won't take one on the 2013 trip...sigh.

I'm counting on if the kid gets to rest and not walk a bit during the day, the walk to and from the bus/monorail/boat and to the room won't be a huge struggle.

It totally saves their little legs so that when they need to walk, they can. I just hated the nights when my kids were learning to ride bikes and stretching new muscles. Their legs hurt so much they couldn't sleep. Disney will do that to a little set of legs. Shoot, it does it to my legs, and I train several times a week! It's good you are looking out for your friend.

 

[WantToGoNow]

I have never rented the Disney strollers but on our trip when dd was 5, there was a bunch of them sitting by the exit at DHS one evening. Out of curiosity I had her climb in the single (wish I'd saved the picture). There is no way she could have ridden in it - her head was literally hitting the sunshade on the top and her knees were bent up so far her legs would have been cramping. Now my dd is a little taller than her peers but not that much. I don't know if the doubles are any taller. I think for an older child, I'd look into a rental or take one from home - you can buy higher weight strollers but they can get a bit expensive.

 

[Armywifejaycox]

I came to this thread with a ton of questions but they've all been answered! I have a 5 and 7 year old. I was hoping to take a wagon but I see they're not allowed.

We rented a Disney stroller last time we went (2009) and I think we'll do it again. I doubt my older Princess will want to ride most of the time, but the younger Princess will.

We didn't mark our stroller last time and sorely regretted it! We spent way too much time looking for the darn thing! I'll be sure to pick up some bright ribbon before we go.

 

[DCL rookie]

I posted this somewhere else and got no replies. I am bringing a single graco stroller for our vacation Nov 12-19, 2011 at BLT. DD is 5 and does not use it at home. I have been saving it specifically for vacation and that is it. I planned to leave it behind when we go home. If someone wants to get it from me Sat 19th in the morning, to save you from renting one. You can have it. FREE! PM me and we can make arrangements.

 

[kohlby]

Thank you for this thread. We are going next year with my 2 boys. DS 1 will be just turned 4 and DS2 will be 6 months. Didn't consider bringing a buggy for the older one, but carrying him around whinging because he's so tired does not sound like fun! Will definitely be bringing a buggy for him!

We've done three trips that had a baby and a 3 year old. We found what worked best was to take a single stroller that can recline in case the baby needed to nap in it. Then I brought a sling. It ended up that the baby was in the sling most of the time, but it worked quite well. The 3 year old got the stroller and baby got the sling and everyone was happy. In one trip, the baby would only nap in the stroller, so that's what we did. In the other two trips, the baby would only nap in the sling. Having a sling is essential with a little one in the parks because it makes standing in line so much easier. Plus, most babies love it anyway! We loved not having to worry about a double stroller or two strollers.

 

[kohlby]

About taking a stroller for a 6 year old, my approach would not to take one for most 6 year olds. On our last trip, we did 7 different parks with only a day per a park, so we were going pretty hard. I worried about my 6 year old because he normally complains about any walking and drags. He was over 50lbs, so I knew using the stroller I brought for the 3 year old and baby to share wasn't an option. I told him ahead of time that he was too big for the stroller, and that we would slow down if he needed us to. I told the two oldest kids that we would stay in the parks for as long as they could handle, but would go back to the room when someone acted like it was time to leave. My 6 year old rose to the occassion. He did an amazing job walking and keeping up with us and didn't complain once! My advice for someone else would be to not worry about a stroller in most cases, but budget a little extra money in case you decide to rent one at the end of the trip. My oldest didn't even need a stroller the first three days of a trip at 3.5 years old - but he certainly needed it after that.

We are taking a single stroller on our next trip for a 2.5 year old. My 5 year old will be expected to walk. We have 6 days in Disney and 1 day at IOA. However, I do have a plan B in place. I'll be throwing my sling in just in case. That way, I can sling the toddler and give DD a break if needed. Also, there's only 10 lbs difference between the younger kids so my hubby giving the middle child a piggyback ride out of the park at the end of the night would be super easy.

*The plan was to get the kids into shape before our last trip. But we had record cold temps here in the south so it was impossible. So, though I agree with trying to get the child used to walking more, it's not essential in all cases.

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

About taking a stroller for a 6 year old, my approach would not to take one for most 6 year olds. On our last trip, we did 7 different parks with only a day per a park, so we were going pretty hard. I worried about my 6 year old because he normally complains about any walking and drags. He was over 50lbs, so I knew using the stroller I brought for the 3 year old and baby to share wasn't an option. I told him ahead of time that he was too big for the stroller, and that we would slow down if he needed us to. I told the two oldest kids that we would stay in the parks for as long as they could handle, but would go back to the room when someone acted like it was time to leave. My 6 year old rose to the occassion. He did an amazing job walking and keeping up with us and didn't complain once! My advice for someone else would be to not worry about a stroller in most cases, but budget a little extra money in case you decide to rent one at the end of the trip. My oldest didn't even need a stroller the first three days of a trip at 3.5 years old - but he certainly needed it after that.

We are taking a single stroller on our next trip for a 2.5 year old. My 5 year old will be expected to walk. We have 6 days in Disney and 1 day at IOA. However, I do have a plan B in place. I'll be throwing my sling in just in case. That way, I can sling the toddler and give DD a break if needed. Also, there's only 10 lbs difference between the younger kids so my hubby giving the middle child a piggyback ride out of the park at the end of the night would be super easy.

*The plan was to get the kids into shape before our last trip. But we had record cold temps here in the south so it was impossible. So, though I agree with trying to get the child used to walking more, it's not essential in all cases.

I understand and respect your opinion, but mine is different. My almost 6 year old trains in the martial arts about 5 days a week, bikes regularly, goes for regular walks, and is overall very, very active. However, she still occassionaly needs a nap. Disney made her sleepy like I've never seen her. I think it wasn't only the exercise b/c obviously that isn't an issue, I think it was the sun. Being in the sun all day is completely draining, especially if you live in Ohio and don't see sun like you see in Florida. That coupled with extreme walking and stimulae wore her out like she was a toddler. We have pictures of her sleeping at dinner with her cornbread stuck to her head, across my husband's and my laps while waiting for our dinner reservations, sitting on my dad's shoulders waiting for Fantasmic (seriously, the kid fell asleep with her head on his head), and other places. She was so tired. I would rather have her be able to hop into the stroller and take a cat nap if she needs to than having to haul her back to the resort for a 30 minute nap. She also looks forward to getting out of the sun a little b/c the sun was really hard on her eyes when it reflected off the pavement. I had to buy her sunglasses when hers broke b/c she couldn't open her eyes.

Like we've said previously, we would never take a stroller through the mall with our big kids (mine weighs about 50 btw), but Disney is another story. She could easily have walked it if necessary, but I saw no reason why she should be completely worn out and not able to enjoy things as much. Plus, my pre-teens aren't really interested in slowing down if they can help it (course, neither am I!). I'm looking forward to one more year of my littlest being able to chill in her stroller before the really hard work begins! On each of our trips we actually had to keep the big kids from trying to take a seat in the stroller. "But mom! My legs hurt!" Too bad. Two of them have black belts and are training for their adult black belts and MMA black belts, and one is very close to her first black belt and is training for her MMA black belt, so they are VERY in shape kids!!! Maybe I should install a buzzer this time and shock their little booties if they try and sit in her stroller! J/k!!!

Again, I respect your opinion, I just think Disney changes what we would do in our everyday lives sometimes. To be honest, I wouldn't walk around everyday wearing Minnie ears in my non-Disney life, so I think that proves my point! At Disney sometimes we make exceptions! I am perfectly happy to do that for one more trip before my baby is completely grown. To each their own I guess! I do give you kudos for the sling though! I never could do it b/c it hurt my back! I'd get the kid in and shortly after take them out again. I give you credit for that one!

 

[LockShockBarrel]

While I'm not a moderator and I understand that this is a message board and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I'd love if we could keep this to more of a factual conversation. Or at least more opinions of "Yes I'd rent from Disney" vs "I prefer to rent from offsite" or "I like to mark my stroller with a balloon" vs "I like to mark my stroller with a bandanna".

I started this thread with the intention of finding out more about strollers, not to debate whether or not one is needed in the first place. There's plenty of other threads like that

 

[Blackbeltdisneygirl]

While I'm not a moderator and I understand that this is a message board and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I'd love if we could keep this to more of a factual conversation. Or at least more opinions of "Yes I'd rent from Disney" vs "I prefer to rent from offsite" or "I like to mark my stroller with a balloon" vs "I like to mark my stroller with a bandanna".

I started this thread with the intention of finding out more about strollers, not to debate whether or not one is needed in the first place. There's plenty of other threads like that

Like I said in the beginning, I don't think u are ever going to be able to have a stroller thread without differences in opinion, and that's ok. Everyone is being nice. I prefer this stroller thread to the ones I have lurked in but been too afraid to post for fear of getting my face chewed off. It's a nice place for people to talk about different ideas and opinions wihout said face chewing. It's actually the first stroller thread I have felt comfortable joining in on the conversation. Everyone has their own opinions, and I for one appreciate hearing all of them even if they aren't the same as mine! I am obviously on the pro-bringyourownstrollerboughtrealcheapoffcraig'slistsoitcanbeuseduntilitcanbeusednomoreintheinterestofsavingmoneyandmydaughterslegsandsoshecanhaveaplacetochillandrestherprettylittleheadduringthemarathonthatdisneyis group. But...I also respect the pro-rentyourstrollerstraightfromdisneysowedon'thavetohauloursthroughairportsecurityandwegettotheparksearlyenoughtobeatthecrowdsallgunningforrentingtheirstrollerfirstsotheycanbeatmetogettheirfastpassfromtoystory group, oh and also the pro-strollerrentalfromorlandostrollersdotcombecausetheydropoffmystrollerattheresortandpickitupagainwhenIleavesoIalsodon'thavetodragmystrollerthroughairportsecurityandIhavetheextracashsowhynot group. I don't even mind the anti-strollerbecausemykidcanwalk group. Everyone does what works for their family. Now your friend has lots of information to choose from. Yay!

Sorry guys! I noticed all the breaks in this post, and tried to edit them out, but couldn't! They were caused by using my phone to post!

 

[MarineVet]

"Like I said in the beginning, I don't think u are ever going to be able to have a stroller thread without differences in opinion, and that's ok. Everyone is being nice. I prefer this stroller thread to the ones I have lurked in but been too afraid to post for fear of getting my face chewed off. It's a nice place for people to talk about different ideas and opinions wihout said face chewing. It's actually the first stroller thread I have felt comfortable joining in on the conversation. Everyone has their own opinions, and I for one appreciate hearing all of them even if they aren't the same as mine!"

I agree with you, Blackbeltdisneygirl, this subject does create some heated discussion back and forth. As a parent of a 25 and 20 year old, I am far removed from those days and my kids didn't go to Disney when they were very young, so I have no real personal experience with this as a stoller driver in the Parks.

However, I people watch, and I would have to conclude there is no one size fits all answer to this question. Bringing a stroller from home, wrestling with it on a plane and on buses looks like a hassle. But, renting one of the hard plastic ones at Disney look like they are equally a hassle in some ways too. I have heard frusted moms complain about the rented ones, and some of the "bigger" kids in them complain about a lack of comfort - they are crammed in there with legs hanging out the front sometimes. Overheard in Animal Kingdom this past May, "Its hard and hot in there Mom, I don't wanna get in" - "I paid for this thing, get in!".....Having said that, they can't be much more uncomfortable than being a child over 4 feet tall and being jammed into an tiny umbrella stroller. If it were my child, knowing how they are, and assuming its a must to have one, I would look into bringing my own. But hey, its nice to have all these options, huh?

As far as the stroller face chewing debate, I think its like with most things. The majority of folks are considerate when using them, but its that 10% who are not that stick in other's minds and bring the negative attention. I have no problem with a six or seven year old in one, or a twelve year old if he/she would have a hard time walking due to an injury or disablity. In fact, I really don't even care about that - its not my business. The irritant for me is the drivers who don't take a second to glance around before making a sudden turn and run into or over me. Without an attentive driver, they can become a battering ram. Folks are excited and get caught up in the moment, so it happens. And if it happens, and that person looks at me and says "oops", its all okay. Like I said, most people are responsible with them and a lot of us older people remember what it was like. I hope the ones with bad attitudes and dirty looks don't bum you out, cause they are likely in the minority as well. Enjoy your next trip.

 

[ecozoid]

We will rent a stroller for our 11 year old DD who has Downs Syndrome. She will walk some so the stroller will at times just hold our stuff. But when she gets tired or decides to hold a "sit in," well, she'll have a comfy spot, and with the stroller her limited stamina won't get wasted on the walking - she'll have energy for the rides, and I will get to actually enjoy my vacation instead of carrying or dragging or otherwise trying to leverage her to keep moving. Two years ago we had to rent two strollers - her older sister got Mono three weeks before our trip (that was already paid for). Fortunately it was not too severe, but she still didn't have the stamina for all the walking (doctor said okay to go but take it easy). Boy did we get some disdainful looks - no, we didn't run into or over anybody nor were we otherwise rude or pushy with her stroller - folks just thought older DD must be horribly lazy.