To stroller or not to stroller?

[kimberlycg]

Hello Everyone! First time poster here, but long time lurker. I have a very serious question thats been bugging me!

I have a very big five year old. At the time of our Disney trip, Brayden will be two months away from six. He is almost 60 pounds, and about 45 inches tall.

He is a very slow walker, and tires very easily. On top of being a big kid - he also has flat feet and asthma.

We have plans to do Magic Kingdom in one day. I know, i'm crazy.

Would you guys rent a stroller? Or, do you think that would be too heavy to push around? Would people roll there eyes at me for having such a large child in a stroller? Also, external rental service or park stroller?

I'm so confused!

 

[kuhltiffany]

Well, you have 2 choices. Buy/rent a high capacity/weight stroller, like a Baby Jogger City Elite, or take the next 5 months to get him used to walking more…

 

[ricosuave]

I'd rent one. I like having a place to keep our stuff bc me and DH hate wearing backpacks. I also think it's easier to keep them in a stroller after fireworks when parks are packed with people. Easy for kids to get lost in crowds trying to leave the park.

 

[jitterbug]

Just from your comments, I'd rent a stroller. I think it's easier to push a stroller than a tired kid. Like PP mentioned, there are some strollers that are able to accommodate a child of his size. I suppose you could wait to rent while in the park, if you didn't want to book something ahead of time. I don't know much about the on-site strollers, though, but they don't look too comfortable.

Hopefully you'll be too busy enjoying yourself to be affected by those daring to judge you without knowing your situation.

 

[suziespice]

I went with my 5 and 2.5 year old last year and rented a double, going again in 3 weeks and also renting for my 6 and 3.5 year old. Its handy just in case they want to sit, its easier to go from one place to another with them sitting in it, don't have to worry about them wandering off, and you can hold stuff underneath, like water, snacks, etc. the combined weight last year of the kids was 80ish lbs, and it wasn't too bad to push around.

 

[tink9702]

We were at Disney in November. DS was almost 5 1/2 at the time, average weight/height for his age. We didn't bring a double stroller (DD was not quite 4 years old) and kind of regretted it. DS got tired fast because even when your child does walk it's not the entire day and miles and miles like at Disney. DH ended up giving him a lot of piggy back rides and it would have been better to have two single strollers for the kids. We would wheel the stroller around to each area of the park and then have the kids walk between rides that were close.

As far as other parents judging you - do NOT even worry about that! Do what's best for you and your son and just let the looks go! Also, I saw 8 & 9 year olds sitting in their siblings strollers so you won't be the only one with a bigger kid who's tired! I'd much rather see strollers for bigger kids than constant meltdowns from those same kids because they are too tired to walk!

 

[Lilly Belle 84]

We went in June for our first trip and rented a stroller for our 4 year old, best decision ever! My DH thought he was too old, but he was the biggest fan of the stroller by the 2nd day. One thing we didn't count on was getting around the our resort (POR) after long days/nights, it was very nice to be able to place my son in the stroller after we got off the bus (and all our stuff). On our very last night my 10 year old daughter also got a ride, she fell asleep in after the fireworks walking out if the park

 

[tina.tina]

Our DS was the same age when we went in 2011. We did not use a stroller and, looking back, I realize that's why he had a melt down in DHS on Day 4 of our trip. We had not rested enough for me- much less him. Since your DS has asthma, I would definitely take a stroller. Also, get him prepared for walking, too.

 

[Kelli4Cy]

Great question, OP! I've been debating the same question! It's our first family trip to WDW and my kids will be 11, 9, 6, and 4. My 6yo is small and I can see her tiring quickly too.

So to take your question further, does anyone think it'd be better to have two individual umbrella strollers or one big double stroller? We bought umbrella strollers (when we just had 3 kids) for Disneyland. It worked really well. So I was thinking of just taking 2 umbrella strollers this time. Good idea or should I just take our double stroller? I just think our double seems so much bulkier.

 

[Makcarly]

I sold our jogging stroller awhile ago so my 5 year old doesn't use a stroller anymore but I am definitely renting one for our trip in April. I figure she can walk some and take a break as needed. I am not too concerned with what anyone else thinks.

 

[amyren]

Well, you have 2 choices. Buy/rent a high capacity/weight stroller, like a Baby Jogger City Elite, or take the next 5 months to get him used to walking more…

hahaha we actually do this. DH & I love going for walks but DD always complains so we tell her she's training for Disney. It works! At age 5-6 she was walking about 3 miles no problem.

We personally stopped using a stroller at 4.5 mainly bc DD didn't want to use it. We take breaks mid day and she does fine. I can promise you there will be plenty of other big kids in strollers! We were just at WDW in Dec and I saw lots of older kids riding in strollers. Every kids different just do what works for you and don't worry about what other people think

 

[Osugal9]

I would rent a stroller if it is just for one day. You know your child best, and there seem to be lots of people who do strollers for their older children.

 

[Dawnlight]

I'd lean towards renting, but having him walk first and only rely on it when tired. You could always see how he does the first day and decide after that. My mother, who has some mobility issues, walked our first two days, then had to get a wheelchair for the remainder.

My youngest, twin girls age 9, were asking for a stroller by the end of our trip! We walked a lot and were at the parks from opening to very late at night. They were troopers and we managed without a stroller, but if they- one more than the other- had been more vocal about it, we would have gotten one even if just to rest here and there.

There's always the convenience factor of having a place for him to sit and store your things, though the drawback is having to push and retrieve it from stroller parking.

ETA: Don't give it another moment's thought what other people might think. I, personally, would be surprised that anyone would care, and if they do it's their problem, you do what's best for you and your family.

I can't recommend whether to rent from an outside service or in-park. The plus for outside would be you could have it from the parks to hotel, but you'd also have to be schlepping it on buses, etc. The Disney strollers looked practical and in decent repair.

 

[MOpGrad2013]

I agree with the renting stroller idea.

DS3 is 46" tall and approaching 50 pounds. So, I would need a larger capacity stroller. I also take him on walking excursions and we walk at his pace. So many people are in a hurry to get every where, but there is much enjoyment in just strolling.

Your son is older so you can reason more easily with him than I can with my little guy. Maybe tell him he can ride for 20 minutes, but then he gets to help push the stroller (with backpack) for the next stretch between attractions.

When we went in June, I saw teenagers climbing in the WDW strollers just for a sitting break. I figure if they can fit, they can sit. I didn't judge them and I wouldn't judge you and your son for using a stroller. People judge me for using a safety strap on our wrists (leash), but it works for our family and our needs.

DH needed an ECV. He kept telling people why he was using one. He needed it so he can enjoy himself in the parks. And that is why your son may need a stroller (wheelchair or whatever)...to enjoy his visit in Disney World!

 

[msmama]

My son (6, 50+ lbs) got sick when we were at Disneyland last year. Not horribly, but enough that he was run down and not his usual active self.

I offered to rent a stroller for him so he could rest and he looked at me like I had three heads. Apparently he was past the age where he was okay with using a stroller (which surprised me because he has a HUGE lazy streak, lol).

So, would your son be okay with being in a stroller?

 

[mirak]

If you think there is a real medical issue here, I'd ask your doctor's opinion. If it's just about getting through the park faster, I'd ditch the stroller and go at a slower pace.

I obviously don't know all the facts, but the question of whether to rent a stroller for a 6yo who is already nearly 60lbs and asthmatic raises some alarm bells - and please understand, I don't mean that be offensive. I would focus on conditioning your child for more walking, and there's really no better incentive than a trip to Disney! The stroller sends the wrong message.

Again, if there are real medical issues here, consult your doctor, because I may not know what the h I'm talking about.

 

[Dawnlight]

The stroller sends the wrong message.

What, pray tell, would be the wrong message being sent?

Our family was on our feet from about 5:30am to at least 10:30pm each day. That's a lot of walking for anyone, let alone a child.

I'm sure this same child would not, under normal circumstances, use a stroller. It's not laziness to get a stroller for a child who might be doing a lot more walking and standing than they are used to.

I've actually read of adults on this board, fully able-bodied, who choose to rent an ECV during their visits as it makes it more enjoyable for them. So what? No one's business but their own.

 

[mirak]

What, pray tell, would be the wrong message being sent?

Our family was on our feet from about 5:30am to at least 10:30pm each day. That's a lot of walking for anyone, let alone a child.

I'm sure this same child would not, under normal circumstances, use a stroller. It's not laziness to get a stroller for a child who might be doing a lot more walking and standing than they are used to.

I've actually read of adults on this board, fully able-bodied, who choose to rent an ECV during their visits as it makes it more enjoyable for them. So what? No one's business but their own.

Boy, you really seem to have it out for me today! I will "pray tell" that we are an increasingly immoble society, suffering from an increasing amount of ailments (diabetes, heart conditions, asthma) because of that lack of activity. It is for this reason that our First Lady has made diet and exercise her primary focus, and I applaude that.

As I said, if this child has a medical condition or if such a condition is suspected, then this mom should consult her child's doctor about what to do. I freely admit I am not apprised of all the facts. I simply think that as kids get older, they should be encouraged to walk - not be pushed around in a stoller - even if it means going slower and taking more breaks.

I suppose now I'm a "stroller biggot."

 

[tink9702]

Great question, OP! I've been debating the same question! It's our first family trip to WDW and my kids will be 11, 9, 6, and 4. My 6yo is small and I can see her tiring quickly too.

So to take your question further, does anyone think it'd be better to have two individual umbrella strollers or one big double stroller? We bought umbrella strollers (when we just had 3 kids) for Disneyland. It worked really well. So I was thinking of just taking 2 umbrella strollers this time. Good idea or should I just take our double stroller? I just think our double seems so much bulkier.

I think 2 umbrella strollers would be better to get through the crowds. Plus you can split up your family and take the 11,9 & 6 year old on a ride but still have a stroller outside the ride for stuff (ponchos, waters etc.) while the other adult takes the 4 year old somewhere if you wanted.

 

[Dawnlight]

Boy, you really seem to have it out for me today! I will "pray tell" that we are an increasingly immoble society, suffering from an increasing amount of ailments (diabetes, heart conditions, asthma) because of that lack of activity. It is for this reason that our First Lady has made diet and exercise her primary focus, and I applaude that.

As I said, if this child has a medical condition or if such a condition is suspected, then this mom should consult her child's doctor about what to do. I freely admit I am not apprised of all the facts. I simply think that as kids get older, they should be encouraged to walk - not be pushed around in a stoller - even if it means going slower and taking more breaks.

I suppose now I'm a "stroller biggot."

I hardly think that having a child in a stroller for a week is going to turn them into an obese, diabetic, inactive adult. But way to be judgmental.

Live and let live?- you've got a strange way of showing it.