Tell me what you think - should we use a stroller?

[hipporina]

I just can't decide what to do. On our last trip, we only had 2 kids and they were almost 3 and 7, so we took a stroller for the little one and the big one walked. This time, its not quite as easy to decide, so I could really use some opinions.

We have one lightweight stroller that we used on our last trip and loved. It was wonderful to have somewhere to stash stuff and it kept the little one from running off or getting tired.

Here are the things I was considering:

In favor of stroller: Josh is very small for his age (just barely 40 inches and only 30 pounds) so he could tire very easily. Daniel is not good at staying with us at all and would probably require holding a hand the whole time. He also tends to walk kind of slow and slightly awkward. It was great to have the stroller to leave the panchos and water bottles in.

On the other hand: The boys are a little old for strollers. We only have one single stroller and I would hate to spend the money to rent, especially a double. I don't know if the boys would even want to ride in one.

Okay, so give me your opinions. What would you do?

 

[LoveWDW]

The little ones get so excited and tired, I'd say rent. If you find you don't need it, then don't bother the next day. Have a wonderful time!

 

[nuzmom]

Hate to say it, but I'd go for a stroller for the two 5 year olds.

I have a DS9 and DS4. Last Dec we attended MVMCP and we actually got a double stroller for that night. Yes, my oldest was 8 1/2 at the time!!!! BUT, it was WELL worth the money. It was COLD and late (we stayed until close at midnight) and they both got under a blanket in the stroller and enjoyed it.

We're going back in Sept and DS4 will be more like 4 1/2 and yes we're getting a stroller for him. Pricey, yes, but we walk A LOT and he's a slow walker, too.

I'm not sure how old he'll be when we'll don't get a stroller, but it's going to be DS that forces that issue. I just don't want to tell him "hurry up" or worry about "losing him".

Now, to buy or rent? The only thing I can say is that the "umbrella" type strollers are too small for the "older" kids. We bite the bullet and rent. The strollers that you can rent are "hefty" and good for bigger kids.

If money was no object (yeah, right), I'd ask the boys about sharing a stroller, or only getting a single and trading off, and if they're not wanting to do that, then get two singles. Actually, now that I'm thinking about that, is there a price break on a double? I think a single is $7 and a double is $14 (after you get a disney dollar back at the end of the day) - will someone please verify that for me? Anyway, you may be not be saving much for a double - I'd go with two singles.

When you rent, buy for all your park days at one time and they'll give you a small discount (10%, I think).

Well, this is just my opinion. I hope you get a lot more responses.
Good luck on your decision. (I'd admire your decision to grow your family!!!)

 

[nuzmom]

Sorry, one more comment...

yes, the boys may be old for a stroller - ANYWHERE BUT AT WDW!!!!!

You'll see LOTS of "older" kids in strollers at WDW and WDW strollers are made for bigger kids, not babies.

Hope that helps.

 

[JennaTX]

Hi, we just got back from WDW, I have a 5 and 3 year old, we rented the double stroller (rented all days at once to get the discount) and it was well worth it. It was also handy to have the mesh bags in the back to carry everything. I also saw lots of older kids in the stroller while we were there. My 5 year old could have walked some, but it was easier for her to "ride" and enabled us to move around more quickly.

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[Pokprincess]

Oh... yes get the stroller. They so do need it... all the walking. No matter what, they always seem to need to sit for a while, even nap sometimes. Mine even do snacks in them.. it holds the water bottle etc.... remember if you rent, you have one for every park you may go to.... just show them your receipt... we think it's great.

I'd be in a stroller, if I'd fit .... LOL

 

[Del]

rent if you need it....the size of the strollers makes it worth it. Good luck. Del

 

[blessedby3]

Yes - have a stroller for the 5 yr. olds. We have DD who will just turn 7 while at DIsney and I purchased a Maclaren Volo for her for this trip and the one next year. Figured this would be cheaper than renting for 2 times. ($68 vor Volo). She doesnt use a stroller at home either, but we are talking Disney here. I would rather not listen to her complain about her feet hurting and being tired. She can get in and out of the stroller when she wants. She is small for her age, 42 pounds, and fits nicely into stroller. Im not saying you need to buy a new stroller like we did, just that you will most surely want at least one for them to take turns in wether you rent or bring your own. Have fun.

 

[hipporina]

It looks like popular opinion says to go for the stroller. Two more concerns though. First is the cost of a double! That's a lot of money to rent a stroller for the week! Second is that Daniel is a big kid and very heavy. I think it would be very tiring to push him around all day.

Also, I really appreciated being able to leave water bottles and panchos in the stroller the entire time, including when we were on rides. I know we would not be able to do that with a rental. But with a rental we could just get it when we need it.

I guess the biggest thing that is bugging me about it is the cost. At $14 a day, that is $100 for the trip. Yikes!

Any more thoughts?

 

[krismom]

If you already have a stroller see if you can buy a "stander" to attach to the rear axle. I use my sit and stand for my 3 year old / 6 year old at disney and it works great. She feels more independent than if she were in a regular stroller and the little one still gets to recline. Good Luck!

 

[momxx5]

Personally, I would bring your stoller from home to use around the resort, Downtown Disney, etc.
And....rent a double stroller for the parks. It would be easier to get from ride to ride, both kids will love riding, for the times they walk you'll have the stroller to store things, etc.

I would rent it the first day and if you find that you are not needing it, then don't rent again. Rather that not renting and wishing you had.

Have a great trip.

 

[lovesdumbo]

The rental strollers are very easy to push so I think Daniel would fine in a rental stroller. The rentals are nice because you dont need to worry about getting it to/from the parks. I don't think you'd need a stroller at the resort for 5 year olds.

Instead of looking at it as $14/day how about looking at what you're already spending for admission tickets for the 6 of you and for only $14 more you'll have a much nicer experience. You will likely see so much more with the younger ones in the stroller and lots less complaints from tired kids. I think it is worth it for the convenience.