Too big for stroller?

[CS Torkelson]

Is it unnecessary to rent and drive around a double stroller for a close-to-6 year old with a 1-1/2 year old? The younger child definitely needs a stroller all the time, but the older child doesn't need one at all in "normal" situations like shopping. Do you think an almost 6 year old would benefit from a stroller when all day at WDW? I'd hate to rent and haul it around if not necessary.

 

[tiggergal15]

My DD 8 barely made it this trip.! We saw a lot of crying,whining, tired younger children not in strollers just sitting down and refusingvto move and frustrated parents. I'd rent but that's my opinion.

 

[FreeTime]

It is unnecessary to have a stroller for a 6 year old in my opinion. Our children started walking the parks at 4. Most kids at age 6 walk and run a lot more each day on a normal basis than their parents do.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I don't think so but stroller posts usually get a variety of replies on here. It really depends on your kid and you know your kid best.

 

[emij]

I do a single for the first few days, then add another single for the last few days for the older child when he is worn out.

 

[teacher100]

Whatever will make your trip more of a pleasure. I rented Disney double strollers way after my kids used them at malls and places. It makes it easier to keep up with them in crowded places and less cranky kids at the end of the day. I would especially get one for Epcot.

 

[drea21]

My daughter hasn't used a stroller at home since she was about 18 months old. Our last trip she was 5 and our son was 2.5. We took the double stroller and were so glad we did. If she wasn't in it, we put bags and other things. Both kids definitely rode in it too. It's so much easier in my opinion.

 

[AJA]

You could search some old posts on here to help with what parents with kiddos around your children's ages have done in the past.

This can become a heated discussion here on the Dis.

We last took a stroller with us when my daughter turned five. Would a six year old benefit, you know your child better than anyone so really only you know the correct answer for your family.

For us, having a toddler so young would kinda set our whole touring pace slower so a 6 year old would be fine keeping up and not being overly exhausted. I can see the other side though, a one time only (at least for the foreseeable future) and wanting to tour at a fast all day pace, then yeah, the 6 year could take a break while parents are still going. Again only you know the correct answer for your family.

My vote though with normal touring is no you don't need a double stroller. Double strollers are a hassle.

 

[Madmummy]

I agree with Teacher100. Having both children in buggies keeps them under control in crowds, enables you to get from A to B much faster and will save on park meltdowns. You can always take a cheap folding stroller for the bigger child and 'park up' so they can walk around when you get to the area of the park you are visiting.

 

[Minnie-Mickey]

We rented one visit when the kids were about 6. I think it was the only time we rented. The rule was who ever got to the stroller first got to ride. They ran fast. It was used often.

 

[tsme]

Nope. At 5 my DD walked with us. We didn't go all commando. We stopped in the shade & rested when needed, & had long lunches. She didn't have one melt down. Now she's a teenager & is more likely to have a meltdown during a trip.

 

[verleniahall]

If this had been 3 years ago, I would hav esaid - they are 6 - old enough to make it!

Now - I want a stroller at the end of some days, let alone a 5/6 yr old who have much smaller legs - it is ALOT of walking - more than youare used ot in a day, even with runnign and playing.

I would say do it - you can always used the extra space to put bags if they are walking

 

[Planogirl]

We never had a stroller at that age but we never did the commando thing then either. It depends on your child and your touring style.

 

[Tucker24]

Disney is such a huge trip that it can become overwhelming for a toddler. They may do well without it at home, but no matter what you do at the parks there is a lot of walking. More than likely my 6 year old will be fine, but if it allows mommy and daddy to have an easier trip then rent one. They also have those standing platforms that go on the back of strollers. This trip we are bringing the double and using it to carry our bag and water.

In the past we brought two umbrella strollers and hung on over the handle bars of the other using straps if not using

 

[CS Torkelson]

My DD 8 barely made it this trip.! We saw a lot of crying,whining, tired younger children not in strollers just sitting down and refusingvto move and frustrated parents. I'd rent but that's my opinion.

This is what I was wondering might happen. Thanks.

 

[CS Torkelson]

Whatever will make your trip more of a pleasure. I rented Disney double strollers way after my kids used them at malls and places. It makes it easier to keep up with them in crowded places and less cranky kids at the end of the day. I would especially get one for Epcot.

Good info. Thanks.

 

[CS Torkelson]

My daughter hasn't used a stroller at home since she was about 18 months old. Our last trip she was 5 and our son was 2.5. We took the double stroller and were so glad we did. If she wasn't in it, we put bags and other things. Both kids definitely rode in it too. It's so much easier in my opinion.

 

[minnie mum]

It depends on both the child and your touring style. Our kids didn't use a stroller at that age. They could run circles around us, and we were both fit in those days. But we also didn't do full out commando either. We took afternoon breaks and toured at a comfortable pace, with breaks for snacks while we were inside the parks. If you're planning on being in the park all day, you'll probably need that stroller for your 6 year old.

 

[Lvsdisney]

Last year, DS was 5 and DD 18 months, we only brought 1 stroller and DD used it all the time. DS did fine walking around the parks, and we took midday breaks to rest our weary feet. THIS yeas, DS was 6 and DD 2.5 and DS was AWFUL about walking. Complained the whole time. At point we put him in the stroller and carried DD. Our only explanation for hos complaining was his shoes. We didn't realize it until we got back, but they were worn down and not as good as previous years.
Like PPs said, it depends on the kid, but also check your footwear!! I don't know I didn't think to check but they were new at start of school year and worn by January. Also to note, DS HATED strollers from about 18 months on, so we never used them with him until this last trip.

 

[CS Torkelson]

If this had been 3 years ago, I would hav esaid - they are 6 - old enough to make it!

Now - I want a stroller at the end of some days, let alone a 5/6 yr old who have much smaller legs - it is ALOT of walking - more than youare used ot in a day, even with runnign and playing.

I would say do it - you can always used the extra space to put bags if they are walking