Too big for a stroller, but too little to walk the entire vacation. Suggestions?

[kycat]

I didn't take the time to read all the replies...and I'm not going to tell you what you should do. But I'll tell you our experience:

We just returned from an 11 day trip. My 6 1/2 year begged (and I mean...on her knees) to take a stroller. I honestly wanted to take one too (for our bags). But we ultimately decided not to bring one, and it was the right decision for us. We usually tour the parks hardcore for the first 2-3 days, and after that we only tour for 3-4 hours each early morning. She never complained once. She never even asked to "ride on my shoulders". I was very surprised.

As for our bags...we all just carried a small shoulder bag. It was well worth not having to find the stroller parking before and after each attraction.

Your child may indeed be different, but as for us, we're sold. Any one want to buy a used stroller?

 

[dtum]

GS was 5 on his first visit and no stroller. Each night as we dragged ourselves back to our cabin at FW from the bus he was running circles all around us. I think you may need to adjust to your daughter because at 7 she should be able to walk all day. It's not constant walking, waiting in lines is worse

 

[goofy4tink]

We've been going to WDW since my now almost 19 y/o dd was 5, nearly 6. This is what I would recommend.
Plan out your days. There is no way you are going to be able to see it all/do it all on one trip. I've been about 30+ times, and I still find new things to see/do!!!
So, try to avoid criss crossing the parks. Do things that are near to each other. Be sure to take a break for lunch.....sit down and relax, and plan out the afternoon. Buy some snacks between big meals, and sit down and people watch while snacking. It's not as if you're walking constantly, for 8 miles!!! There is a lot of non-walking time as well. You'll be in lines, where strollers aren't allowed. You'll be in attractions, off your feet.
You may want to head back to the resort in the middle of the afternoon. That way, the kids can stretch out, watch some tv, or head to the pool..but I find the pool to be tiring, so like to leave it until later on, before bed.
Then, head back to a park and grab a nice sit down dinner someplace.
Try not to stay out too late. That way you'll be able to get up in the morning.

As far as what to bring to the park?? You can always rent a locker if there are things you absolutely have to have with you. Much easier than carting it around with you.

Besides, if you and the kids are all walking, it's easier to get around, and you don't have to worry about someone grabbing either your stroller or your stuff that was in it. Not to mention trying to navigate really crowded parks with a stroller. That's not going to be fun at all.

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

Each child and trip are unique, act accordingly!

The humidity just beats up our family! We live in the high desert, and during the summer months I want a stroller by mid-afternoon. In addition, our kids have a wide age range and there were times I was the only adult along for the day, and it was nice for our youngest to nap in the stroller so the older ones could hit the "big rides"

Our youngest also is rather shy and gets overwhelmed. She will often go all day without the stroller but want it for the fireworks show or other times when crowds get large.

As such, we might be stroller free during a slow time in cool weather, such as late January, but use the stroller over a July trip.

There are some good stroller rental places in Orlando that I would recommend over the park strollers. The park strollers are not "napping" strollers nor do they give kids the ability to pull down the visor and shut out the world.

I will never forget the trip when my Then 7 year old fell asleep on the bus back to CSR and could not be woken up. That was a seriously brutal death march on my part to get him to the room. I was so sore the next day. I would have done ANYTHING to have a stroller to flop him into at that point!

 

[dgrissom17]

Hi there,
If your child is too big for a stroller you can always rent a push wheelchair. They are in fact cheaper than a stroller. I rented one for my 11 year old last time. Kids who are not used to walking like the kind you do at Disney-every day u are there-are going to become tired, cranky, and unpleasant. It is a LOT of walking. We rented it about every other day to give his feet a rest. Think about how tired out feet become-yes we suck it up and may not complain too much. Kids are different-and you did pay lots of money to go to Disney-you and your kids want to be able to enjoy it.
We did not use handicap priveleges while we had the wheelchair. I parked it with the strollers where appropriate. And dont worry if anyone gives you any looks-it's your kid and your and their sanity!
Also, I do bring along a cheap umbrella stroller even tho I dont have a child that uses it. It is great to load up with everything you need for the day and easy to puch and fold. I do not like carrying a backpack nor do I want to carry any weight on my back-some people cant for medical reasons. So, if you want to bring a stroller to hold all your gear-go ahead! it's great! You park it outside a ride-stroller parking-enjoy and come back to it. No having to worry about will the backpack fit on the ride, can I hold onto the pack if it's an adventurous ride, etc. I have never had a problem with leaving my stroller-just dont leave any valuables in it ie camera, wallet, etc.

 

[princessallegra]

I'm in a similar boat with a 5 and almost 7 year old. They haven't used a stroller regularly in years . . . maybe 2-3 years, even.

But in May we were traveling and went to a large zoo, where my 6 yo got a queasy stomach. My husband suggested we rent a zoo stroller (similar to Disney's) to get her through the day, because she didn't want to go home. It ended up being a great suggestion that I wouldn't have thought of because we hadn't used a stroller in so long. It worked out great!

My point is . . . you can take it day by day and just see how it goes. That's what we're going to do. I am not planning to rent a stroller, but if anything goes south . . . even a nasty blister, or just tired little legs at the very end of the trip . . . it's a nice option to keep in mind.

I think a stroller is particularly helpful at Epcot, where the distances are just sooooo huge. Heck, I wouldn't mind a stroller myself at Epcot.

You rock! Great attitude!

 

[LisaTC]

So glad to see this thread hasn't taken a discourteous nose dive! DD was 7 when we went to WDW. She stopped using a stroller around 3-4 because she's an independent little rascal! That said, she'd take one now at certain times because she's tired and "thinks she needs a wheel chair!" When they get tired and cranky they think they need to be taken care of...translation, carry me, etc. You can always rent one. One was given to another couple to get to the gate as their older child felt sick and carrying her all that way would've been dicey. If you need one, get one...phooey on any onlookers. They don't know your story.

However, I will say, invest in excellent shoes. Keens & Teva are great for kids (expensive, but worth it) and do not blister and are easily broken in. Lost of support/shock absorption. We did the MK train when we got tired, rode the Monorail and took a peek at the Grand Floridian. We took lots of breaks. Just accept you can't do/see everything and sit down and watch the WDWorld go by for a few. It totally helps.

Frankly, for me, I think standing is WAY more tiring than walking. I got a backsaver pack and also one of those things you wear around your neck to keep your parktix/KTTW/CC's, etc. Drink lots of water..that helps, too! Kids get tired when dehydrated. While they may be physically in better shape than us parents, their legs are 1/2 the stride. I'm a fast walker and I have to remind myself to slow down for little legs.

 

[Planogirl]

I agree with the prior suggestion to wait and see if you will even need one. Some kids walk easily and some do get tired but you never know.

DS walked circles around me from the time he was 5. However I insisted that we rest for a while each afternoon. I suspect that I was the one who mostly benefited though.

 

[My2QTs]

wow, I never thought I would get four pages of posts when I asked this question, but I sure am glad I did because I got some really great responses. As for those who thought I would get a lot of negative comments, I never ever thought about that. Im glad I didnt. Though I must say that if I did, I would be a bit irritated for several reasons:

1.) My opinion on the boards has always been that if someone asks a question and I dont have something helpful to contribute, why respond? I mean, dont get me wrong, i read lots of posts and laugh to myself thinking its a crazy thing to ask, or a dumb question, but then being a teacher, I always end up telling myself that if someone is asking the question, then they would appreciate an answer. If your answer isn't helpful, then keep it to yourself.

2.) The question was asked because it will be our first time without a stroller. we took one when she was five and when she was six, and yes, we used it, and yes, she wanted to use it, and yes i was glad I had it. if i took one this trip, she would use it. if thats crazy to some ppl, then Im sorry. I see people all the time letting their two or three year olds using bottles, or allowing toddlers to breastfead. while I would never allow my two or three year old to either of those things, If others do, then they do. Its not my child, its not my decision.

So this brings me back to my original reply: If you think its a dumb question, or you think the answer is obvious, or if you think no one can answer the question for me because its personal preference, then just dont reply. simple as that.

Sooooo....thanks to all those who replied, and replied cordially. Your opinions and ideas were hugely helpful. I will not take one with, but will leave open to option to rent. Thanks bunches.

 

[1stvisit0909]

My DD will be seven this visit. This will be our first trip not taking our stroller. shes def too big for the one we have. so i guess that leaves her to walk the entire week. But honestly, I really need my stroller for baggage purposes, and because I know she's gonna have trouble keeping up. Is there an alternative? any strollers for "older" kids, but not that much older?

orlando stroller rents them for bigger kids too. When we went in 09, we rented from OSR and got one that then DD7 could ride in too, just in case. She was a trooper most of the time, DD4 rode ALot, but DD7 did ride some when DD4 wanted out.

 

[stindall]

So glad to see this thread hasn't taken a discourteous nose dive! DD was 7 when we went to WDW. She stopped using a stroller around 3-4 because she's an independent little rascal! That said, she'd take one now at certain times because she's tired and "thinks she needs a wheel chair!" When they get tired and cranky they think they need to be taken care of...translation, carry me, etc. You can always rent one. One was given to another couple to get to the gate as their older child felt sick and carrying her all that way would've been dicey. If you need one, get one...phooey on any onlookers. They don't know your story.

However, I will say, invest in excellent shoes. Keens & Teva are great for kids (expensive, but worth it) and do not blister and are easily broken in. Lost of support/shock absorption. We did the MK train when we got tired, rode the Monorail and took a peek at the Grand Floridian. We took lots of breaks. Just accept you can't do/see everything and sit down and watch the WDWorld go by for a few. It totally helps.

Frankly, for me, I think standing is WAY more tiring than walking. I got a backsaver pack and also one of those things you wear around your neck to keep your parktix/KTTW/CC's, etc. Drink lots of water..that helps, too! Kids get tired when dehydrated. While they may be physically in better shape than us parents, their legs are 1/2 the stride. I'm a fast walker and I have to remind myself to slow down for little legs.

I have to agree about standing. We went to Cedar Point a few months ago and I wasn't expecting it to be so big! The walking didn't bother me really but we got stuck in the line for Top Thrill Dragster because it kept breaking down and that's what did me in! 2 hours of standing for a 17 second ride was brutal! (but worth it )

I'm in the boat that says wait and see if you need one. This may have been suggested but could you maybe prepare her a little bit by taking walks at home? Sort of get her used to that and maybe it won't be so bad.

Best of luck!

 

[MolonLabe]

If it was me, I'd slow down to *her* pace instead of wanting her to "keep up" with mine. Sometimes we have to adjust our expectations when kids are involved.

Thats the biggest thing.

For us, we've wanted to be at our pace so the stroller allowed that happen. Stroller for DD4 and my shoulders for long walks with DD6.

This trip we have DD6 and DD8. Aside from last year for 5 days at WDW, we haven't used a stroller in 3-4 years. I think youngest DD was 3 when we stopped using a stroller.

This trip, DD6 is way to big for the old stroller we have and I'm debating getting one. My wife wants one, if for nothign else, for our crap. I am bringing my DSLR and a couple lenses, so it'd be nice to take that off occasionally too. Last trip I only had a point and shoot.

Plus we have 7 days, one rest-ish day in the middle but lots of long days and early mornings, plus a MVMCP night I'd like to make it to closing on.

The stroller allows the youngest to nap and last trip, youngest was asleep in it by 9 every night. It was a blessing to have.

Hard to say what we'll do this time. It's getting close on decision time though.

I can say having a stroller and able shoulders is just what the doctor ordered when you find yourself at Test Track at 11:25 and need to make a 11:30 ADR at Les Chefs de France.

 

[Jitzy]

I haven't had small kids in a long time, they are now 20 and 17! But, I have a few thoughts:

1) you know your kid best, so do what you feel is right.

2) stroller rentals a expensive at Disney, I would just buy one of their umbrella strollers if I needed it. I would probably even leave it behind for someone else if they wanted it!

3) I took my nephew when he was four. I just pushed him to each land and then he walked around until it was time to go to the next land. He was hopping all over at the end of the day, I was dragging because we had to go back within each area to get the stroller (and search for it!). That was just three years ago, he's seven now and doesn't use one anymore. Which makes me sad because that means he is growing up- he's the baby of the entire family. So why rush them?

I hope you have tons of fun!

 

[GillianP1301]

If I were you, I would attempt going without the stroller and if needed, rent one. If you do end up with a stroller, just park to cover off one area and use it for the long stretches of walking. For my DS4, who hasn't used a stroller in a long time, we did a magic stroller rental for our entire trip. It was great for the long walks (especially exiting, getting to transportation, etc...). He spend more than half the time out if it while it was parked, so it worked well for us.

As for the "stuff", I totally agree that's one if the biggest benefits if a stroller. I packed really light though and had only a backpack with our rain gear, which would've been easy enough to just carry. Keep in mind, you probably won't want to leave valuables in a stroller anyway, so packing lightly so you can grab the bag to carry while you parj the stroller.

As for the size of strollers for age, the one we rented was just big enough for our 4yo (he's 42"), I can't imagine him fitting in at 7. You can check their websites for measurements and height limits though. I rented one at a local theme park this past summer (looks the same as those at WDW) and it was a bit roomier.

 

[FreeThinker]

We have 5 kids, so using a stroller for the bigger ones just isn't an option. My kids are 9, 7, 4, 4 and 1. We took a stroller for the 1 year old, and will take one next year when she is 2. The other kids had no problems walking, but we did stop and take breaks frequently. Don't wait until they are tired/hungry/thirsty, stop before they ever get to that point. Mornings are definately better than evenings, and MK should definately be broken up if you plan to stay for fireworks. I thought there was such a wide variety of things to do, you can easily rest durring a show or parade, and some rides are pretty long. I think I was the most fatiged of everyone, I flet like I was going to pass out durring the Stunt Show at DHS, we had to sit WAY up at the top, and had rushed from another part of the park, I had to carry the 20lb baby all the way up those stairs... the kids were fine!

I think going w/o a stroller would be wonderful, I hate dhaving to park it and go back and get it every ride/show. I'ts nice to pack stuff in, but I would just take less and enjoy the freedom of walking!

 

[kaytieeldr]

wow, I never thought I would get four pages of posts when I asked this question, but I sure am glad I did because I got some really great responses. As for those who thought I would get a lot of negative comments, I never ever thought about that. Im glad I didnt. Though I must say that if I did, I would be a bit irritated for several reasons:

1.) My opinion on the boards has always been that if someone asks a question and I dont have something helpful to contribute, why respond? I mean, dont get me wrong, i read lots of posts and laugh to myself thinking its a crazy thing to ask, or a dumb question, but then being a teacher, I always end up telling myself that if someone is asking the question, then they would appreciate an answer. If your answer isn't helpful, then keep it to yourself.

2.) The question was asked because it will be our first time without a stroller. we took one when she was five and when she was six, and yes, we used it, and yes, she wanted to use it, and yes i was glad I had it. if i took one this trip, she would use it. if thats crazy to some ppl, then Im sorry. I see people all the time letting their two or three year olds using bottles, or allowing toddlers to breastfead. while I would never allow my two or three year old to either of those things, If others do, then they do. Its not my child, its not my decision.

So this brings me back to my original reply: If you think its a dumb question, or you think the answer is obvious, or if you think no one can answer the question for me because its personal preference, then just dont reply. simple as that.

Sooooo....thanks to all those who replied, and replied cordially. Your opinions and ideas were hugely helpful. I will not take one with, but will leave open to option to rent. Thanks bunches.

Where did anybody say it was a dumb question?

You actually got a lot of negative responses, they were simply polite.

1.) Every comment in this thread has been appropriate. When anyone posts anything in a public forum, any participant of that forum is free to respond any way they choose (within that forum's guidelines, of course). The original poster doesn't get to control the conversation and should expect a variety of replies. You don't enter into a live conversation and set a restriction like, "don't say anything unless you agree with me", do you?

2.) As an educator, surely you know what a self-fulfilling prophecy is? Your daughter uses the stroller because you bring it, so you bring it, so your daughter uses it, so...

Respectfully, a procedure you follow for convenience has nothing whatsoever with how other parents feed toddlers. That's not a valid argument. I will say, though, that I agree with the many posters who feel that if you need a stroller for your "stuff", you're bringing way too much to the parks.

 

[princessallegra]

Where did anybody say it was a dumb question?

You actually got a lot of negative responses, they were simply polite.

1.) Every comment in this thread has been appropriate. When anyone posts anything in a public forum, any participant of that forum is free to respond any way they choose (within that forum's guidelines, of course). The original poster doesn't get to control the conversation and should expect a variety of replies. You don't enter into a live conversation and set a restriction like, "don't say anything unless you agree with me", do you?

2.) As an educator, surely you know what a self-fulfilling prophecy is? Your daughter uses the stroller because you bring it, so you bring it, so your daughter uses it, so...

Respectfully, a procedure you follow for convenience has nothing whatsoever with how other parents feed toddlers. That's not a valid argument. I will say, though, that I agree with the many posters who feel that if you need a stroller for your "stuff", you're bringing way too much to the parks.

Amen! What an odd follow up post from the OP.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Amen! What an odd follow up post from the OP.

Whew! I thought it was just me!

 

[ThreeTinks]

We went this past January, and my dd turned 7 at the end of October. We chanced it with no stroller and she did great! And she is a slowpoke too. She whined less than her 12 year old sister

I did miss having a place to toss all our junk (shed jackets, water bottles, leftover snacks/food) but in the end it was so awesome being strollerless.

 

[goofy4tink]

wow, I never thought I would get four pages of posts when I asked this question, but I sure am glad I did because I got some really great responses. As for those who thought I would get a lot of negative comments, I never ever thought about that. Im glad I didnt. Though I must say that if I did, I would be a bit irritated for several reasons:

1.) My opinion on the boards has always been that if someone asks a question and I dont have something helpful to contribute, why respond? I mean, dont get me wrong, i read lots of posts and laugh to myself thinking its a crazy thing to ask, or a dumb question, but then being a teacher, I always end up telling myself that if someone is asking the question, then they would appreciate an answer. If your answer isn't helpful, then keep it to yourself.

2.) The question was asked because it will be our first time without a stroller. we took one when she was five and when she was six, and yes, we used it, and yes, she wanted to use it, and yes i was glad I had it. if i took one this trip, she would use it. if thats crazy to some ppl, then Im sorry. I see people all the time letting their two or three year olds using bottles, or allowing toddlers to breastfead. while I would never allow my two or three year old to either of those things, If others do, then they do. Its not my child, its not my decision.

So this brings me back to my original reply: If you think its a dumb question, or you think the answer is obvious, or if you think no one can answer the question for me because its personal preference, then just dont reply. simple as that.

Sooooo....thanks to all those who replied, and replied cordially. Your opinions and ideas were hugely helpful. I will not take one with, but will leave open to option to rent. Thanks bunches.

The problem is this....many people think they are being helpful, but the OP may not like the answers or suggestions given. So, the OP then accuses posters of being mean or nasty. And they weren't..they just weren't what the OP wanted to hear.
We get many people posting that just want to hear that they are right. And many here have had completely opposite experiences. So, they try to post about those experiences. Those may not be what others want to hear, but they are still valid experiences.
I'm glad that no one has been insulted or put off by responses here.