Tips for no longer using stroller

[maxiesmom]

You need to understand that you will get less done. Kids legs are shorter and they take more steps than adults to cover the same distance. Plan on lots of breaks, and working in shows as you cross the parks. Depending on exactly when in the summer you are going, hitting the parks at open, and then taking a rest/pool break at the hotel, then going back to the parks when it is cooler and everyone is re-energized can work wonders. Keep everyone well hydrated--lots of water and even a vitamin water can help. Don't wait for someone to complain they are thirsty, they will already be behind on their fluids at that point and more liable to be tired.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

You need to understand that you will get less done. Kids legs are shorter and they take more steps than adults to cover the same distance. Plan on lots of breaks, and working in shows as you cross the parks. Depending on exactly when in the summer you are going, hitting the parks at open, and then taking a rest/pool break at the hotel, then going back to the parks when it is cooler and everyone is re-energized can work wonders. Keep everyone well hydrated--lots of water and even a vitamin water can help. Don't wait for someone to complain they are thirsty, they will already be behind on their fluids at that point and more liable to be tired.

I felt we got more done once the kids were out of strollers. Walking, even with little legs, IMO is much better than dealing with a stroller. Maneuvering the crowds, parking the stroller and then finding it and hoping it is where you left it kills a lot of time. Or it at least evens it out. I think it really depends on your kids stamina. My son would complain about his legs when he was 8 and 9 but my daughter was 5 and didn’t complain once and could go all day.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

My son is too old for a stroller at any other place or time, but at Disney it would be absolutely horrible without one. We tried going strollerless the first park day last trip and we ended up renting one the rest of the trip. His constant “my feet hurt”, “my legs are tired”, “I’m tired of walking”, “I just wanna sit down” was driving us nuts, plus it was nice not having to carry a bag or lug around souvenirs. At OP kids ages i recommend still using a stroller. You may get some looks or sneers but who cares.

 

[BostonEd]

Only rent a double stroller(side by side) if you like pain and agravation. Worst mode of child transportation in the parks.

True!!!
Thank God, those days are over for us.

You guys must have had crappy strollers, then. I rented a CitiMini double and it was like I wasn't pushing anything. Total breeze.

 

[wendlle]

You guys must have had crappy strollers, then. I rented a CitiMini double and it was like I wasn't pushing anything. Total breeze.

totally agree, when my kids were really little we owned a city mini double and it was AMAZING! Best stroller ever.

My kids are now 9 and 6, the 6yo REALLY wants the stroller but I'm a firm NO. Honestly they get over it, it's just too old to be in one, they're for babies and that's my opinion. Legs are for walking. We typically go when it is really hot, we make sure we stop often for ice cream and treats / drink breaks and sometimes do a few hours at the pool and go back at night when it is a bit cooler.

You'll be fine enjoy.

 

[Travel60]

Slightly off topic but people keep mentioning "carrying stuff around" and I keep seeing people with backpacks I could pack for a week in. What exactly are you carrying around? I could see a few water bottles and maybe some damp washcloths in a baggie. For a baby, I get that a diaper bag is necessary but for older kids? At most I would take a string backpack. Not trying to be snarky, just wondering.

 

[sponica]

Slightly off topic but people keep mentioning "carrying stuff around" and I keep seeing people with backpacks I could pack for a week in. What exactly are you carrying around? I could see a few water bottles and maybe some damp washcloths in a baggie. For a baby, I get that a diaper bag is necessary but for older kids? At most I would take a string backpack. Not trying to be snarky, just wondering.

We're going to try and go stroller free or just rent in park, I'll have a backpack with snacks probably one or two water bottles (not much more than that because water gets heavy). Sunblock, cooling towels.
And since we end up buying souvenirs, a backpack is a nice place to store them (since ship to the front of the park seems to be never coming back).

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Slightly off topic but people keep mentioning "carrying stuff around" and I keep seeing people with backpacks I could pack for a week in. What exactly are you carrying around? I could see a few water bottles and maybe some damp washcloths in a baggie. For a baby, I get that a diaper bag is necessary but for older kids? At most I would take a string backpack. Not trying to be snarky, just wondering.

Some people really do carry an extreme amount of stuff. Some carry in their meals for the day too.

For us I prefer to take nothing but I will take a fanny pack with my asthma inhaler, contact solution, lip gloss, portable charger, cash, ID and credit card.

We do midday breaks so I figure I can go without much for 4-5 hours.

 

[maxiesmom]

Some people really do carry an extreme amount of stuff. Some carry in their meals for the day too.

For us I prefer to take nothing but I will take a fanny pack with my asthma inhaler, contact solution, lip gloss, portable charger, cash, ID and credit card.

We do midday breaks so I figure I can go without much for 4-5 hours.

Depending on time of year, I carry what you carry (subbing out contact solution for sunglasses) and sunblock and kleenex. During the heat of the summer I also carry a packable umbrella and the Disney towels you wet down to cool off. Also mole skin in case of a blister.

 

[wendlle]

Slightly off topic but people keep mentioning "carrying stuff around" and I keep seeing people with backpacks I could pack for a week in. What exactly are you carrying around? I could see a few water bottles and maybe some damp washcloths in a baggie. For a baby, I get that a diaper bag is necessary but for older kids? At most I would take a string backpack. Not trying to be snarky, just wondering.

before kids I used to go with nothing but my water bottle and camera (yes before cellphones) now I have kids a regular backpack is OK with 2 waterbottles in it, two small foldable umbrellas, ponchos, sunscreen and snacks.
it's so expensive buying snacks in the park so we usually take some granola bars and some small packs of chips.
I know the backpacks you mean though, they look like their going on a hiking trek for a month.