So you had to plan not only what rides you were doing in what order, but you also had to take breaks, and repack your park bag in order to go stroller free. Sounds like a lot of hassle to me! And you still ended up carrying your little one a few times. I'd much rather have a stroller along and be free to plan the day around what we wanted to do, not around the lack of a stroller.
I guess I don't see why going without a stroller is something to be excited about.