To stroller or not?

[frkymcky]

I have been going back and forth about bringing a stroller for my DS3. I believe if I bring use a stroller for him, than we will have to have space for my DD7 (I know she is too big, but I can see the fight now when she gets tired). I have not used a stroller for DS in atleast 1 1/2 yrs if not longer. He always hated being in it and wanted to walk. If we use a stroller while on vaca, we will need to rent one since I got rid of mine a while ago.

I just can't convince myself one way or the other and was hoping for some advice.

 

[belle&beast]

You will get lots of different opinions. We went without a stroller on our last trip when our kids were 7 and 4 (turned 5 on our trip). I specifically bought a Maclaeren umbrella stroller for our trip and forgot it- so I didn't want to pay to rent one. The kids did great! We took breaks when needed, but we saved so much time not having to park and find the stroller again!!! I think since you are renting anyway, I would try without it and then make up your mind. I think there are a lot of variables like heat and crowds- we were there when it was cool and low crowds, so it was very manageable.

 

[Jensmom80]

I have an 9 year old daughter and we have gone without a stroller and with one. They are a little expensive to rent in the parks but if there is any doubt about whether yours will be able to last the day I would get one. If you rent one in the Magic Kingdom and have a hopper pass and decide to go to Animal Kingdom all you have to do is show your receipt and you don't have to pay for it again. I have found with traveling with only one child that they are very useful at the end of the day especially when you are bringing all your goodies back through the park to the gate. The BIGGEST downfall is you have to leave them when you exit the park. If you are planning on taking the Disney Transportation you have to walk out to the bus without it and wait in line without it. I wish they would come up with a way to exchange them at the bus stops. I think they are a good investment if you plan on staying all day in the parks for sure!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

My opinion:

When our children were 2 and 5 1/2, we rented a stroller from Disney (this was 2002, cost was less) for our 2 year old. Most of the time our 5 1/2 year old would walk, but occasionally we'd fit them both in the stroller.

If I had to do it again with a 3 year old and 7 year old, I would bring one umbrella stroller for the 3 year old and make the 7 year old walk.

 

[RMulieri]

I only have one child, but we did Dieny stroller free at age 4.She did fine without it

 

[Hannathy]

There is no way in the world I would ever bring a stroller for a 7 yr old. Mine all walked from 4 on and did fine.

I would buy a cheap umbrella stroller for the 3 yr old (like $25) and the 7 yr old would walk. Why would she expect anything else, I'm sure she doesn't ride in a stroller at home so it always amazes me that an older child would even think of it. I know mine didn't and I could hear their Dad if they did.......

 

[squirrel]

I don't know when you are going but when I go to WDW it's still hot there.

My niece needed one last year and she was almost 6yrs old. She is a slow walker and would drive me crazy if we had to go at her pace all day long.

I will be bringing the Perego Plinko P3 again this year for my younger niece who will be almost 4.5 yrs.

I would bring a stroller for the younger child as it's a lot of walking. Disney does sell an umbrella stroller for about $55-$60, but you could pick the same one up for half the price outside the park.

 

[Jana49]

If you are flying, you will need one in the airport, and as someone mentioned, the walk to the buses is pretty far. So, if you can travel with one, you'll be glad you did.

 

[Suellen]

we went stroller free with a 2.5 and a 4.5. It was fine. I did rent a stroller one day for our romp through he countries.

Be prepared to go slow though ~ little ones can't keep up as easy! If you want to go commando style ~ you should have a stroller. We are wanderers and let the kids lead the way so it isn't a big deal to us.

I was alone with the two girls for three day trips and a four night five day trip ~ I didn't have a lot of trouble at all.

 

[disney323]

Definitley bring a stroller or rent one! I often feel like crawling in a stroller myself at times! All that walking for a 3 year old is very tiring and I would definiltey take advantage of it...plus you get to throw your bags on it too!Have fun!

 

[maxiesmom]

Unless you don't mind walking slowly, or taking a lot of breaks, bring the stroller. Disney World involves a lot of walking, and your 3yr old will bet worn out. Heck, if the stroller is big enough I wouldn't bat an eye at letting your 7yr old sit in it every so often. You will see lots of older kids in strollers.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The key to going stroller-less is not letting the kids get worn out. Tired, yes; worn out, no. So take breaks, make sure they have comfortable shoes (maybe not fashionable, but comfy). If you are staying on the property, head back to the resort for a swim for the older one and a nap for the younger one.

And if you keep pointing out to your 7 yr old that she is the BIG sister and needs to be treated like a BIG sister, she just may buy it. Reward her for acting like the BIG sister.

 

[MomRN]

My 3 yr old will nap anywhere, anytime he is tired. So we brought his stroller, and he rode in it 75% of the time. It was much quicker to get around, IMO, and when he napped, he did it in a stroller rather than being carried around.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I can't imagine taking a three year old to Disney without a stroller!

We always went in the summer and even rented a stroller for our dd when she was 7. The heat and the humdiity can make them exhausted.

I would rent one (not from Disney) but from one of the Orlando based companies. I would rent a double stroller (50 lbs. is within the weight limit).

 

[lizzyb5280]

Definitley bring a stroller or rent one! I often feel like crawling in a stroller myself at times! All that walking for a 3 year old is very tiring and I would definiltey take advantage of it...plus you get to throw your bags on it too!Have fun!

This!! We're going for DD's third birthday, and I'm actually considering borrowing a double stroller for extra bag space!