Too big for stroller?

[merina888]

Both of my kids are pretty fit and we've gotten to the point of not needing a stroller in most places. They are currently nearly 5 and nearly 8. Last summer we rented a double stroller and I am glad we did. It's definitely too much for the almost 5 year old who despite being fit, fatigues quickly (she has some medical issues). We are now at the point where I don't think my son will need a stroller. We're heading to Disneyland for our first visit in August and taking only a stroller for the 5 year old.

 

[Lynzer4]

It sounds like you are already going to have to have a stroller for the baby. Now if you are bringing that one from home I can see the question re: does the other need one. I would try without as you can always get one a few days of your trip.

If you already have plans to rent one I would just do a double. Price wise it's not that much more and you already have it. Look into the different stroller rental companies that offer doubles.

I will say I was there in feb. (not hot) and we rented one for the 5 yr old with us. We did a double to put other stuff in. The other kids (7 and 7) raced each other to get the other seat.

 

[KateMW]

We took one at 4 and 5. We needed it. She was super small {still is} and like above her legs have to move double-time! You can always put bags in the extra space!

 

[lennyd]

i had a 6 yr old and 7 yr old in a double stroller, one of the best decisions of the trip they loved it, no whining about being tired

 

[Nancyg56]

You know your child, but I was glad to have one for my girls. It was HOT and crowded, so having them corralled at times was a good thing for me. The kids have not used strollers at home and their Mom questioned it when we chose to rent one, but it came in handy in DAK and Epcot.

 

[tiggergal15]

This is what I was wondering might happen. Thanks.

More info..we did rope drop...went at her pace and took a break every day and by evening she was envious of those kiddos in a stroller if nothing else than a ride back to the busses and she is my energizer bunny! We were done in the parks most days by 7 and she was usually a trooper but several times mentioned her aching legs and feet- " but since this is Disney mom..I'll work through it" lol..in my opinion you won't regret a stroller for both your kiddos. It's a vacation after all and even your 6 year old will appreciate it. I almost rented one for her this trip and she is 8. She would have used it but I didn't want to spend the money.

 

[california37]

I we if you know your kid the best-we've just come back where daily temps were in the low 30 deg C and our 6 year old managed fine-she needed to sit down on occasions but it didn't stop her and she did not need a stroller! I couldn't push her in one even if I wanted to give her the option! She's quite tall for her age although quite thin so it wasn't because of her weight... So if you do decide I a stroller-they are harder to push with them in anyway!!!

 

[Mambo Junkie]

We have a double umbrella style stroller for our 3 and 5 year old DGDs. They needed it. The heat is sometimes a bit much for the little ones, not to mention all the walking.

 

[TJA]

We used a double jogger for my twins at age 6 and probably 7 too, I can't remember the exact age we stopped taking it. Once the kids got to be these ages, we only used the jogger for certain purposes, such as when we needed to move quickly from A to B. I also loved the jogger for safety purposes when we were in congested areas - I just felt so much safer telling my girls to hop in the jogger until we got through the crowds. It was also very helpful for late at night when the kids were whipped. They'd just sit in the jogger and get a ride back to the resort...DH and I found we could take our time, grab a drink or snack, and we were all happy.

When the jogger wasn't in use by the kids, we found it helpful to put our backpack/bags while we walked. Sometimes we parked the jogger for hours and just walked the parks too. We never regretted having it with us. In fact, I was sad when we finally stopped taking it! Every family is different, though, so it's just a matter of finding out what makes your family happiest at WDW. Good luck!

 

[Loopster]

I wouldn't think twice about it and just go for it. We just got back and walked over 65 miles in 8 days.

My daughter was 6 the first time she didn't use a stroller, and that was because we used it for her 15 month old brother. She still talks about it to this day (she's 10) that she wishes she had a stroller that trip!

The walking around from attraction to attraction isn't bad, it's the walk to/from bus to park and from land to land that can get tiring for everyone.

Grumpy tired kids vs ones that aren't so worn out from walking is a no brainer for me.

 

[HollVoll]

Depends on the child and HOW you do your day/trip. Each family and child is so very different. Are you patient and relaxed in the parks or are you on a mission? The longer and harder your days are, the more likely it is that you'll need one. How does your 6yo do at the mall, other amusement parks, when tired, when they are up early or late, etc.? Go for what makes your trip easier.

 

[jmccoy18]

I would get a double. We are going in March and will have a 5yr old and 2yr old and we will be getting double stroller for them.

 

[AshleeH]

We had a Joovy Caboose stroller our first trip for our 7 year old and 4 year old. My oldest walks at home a lot - we take daily walks around our neighborhood several times a week for several miles each time. He's a black belt in tae kwon do and very physically fit. And he used the stroller for a break quite a bit on that first trip. Even if he was just standing on the platform, it gave him a bit of time to rest and he had a place to sit for the parades, snacks, fireworks. I was also able to keep track of both of them as we left the parks with the masses and were jostled this way and that. People might have judged us, but frankly I did not care (and still wouldn't, years later). My kids were happy, rested, and not being dragged through the parks by their arms and whining and having meltdowns like so many others I have witnessed who are overtired and sore and exhausted.

 

[Klayfish]

Stroller rental prices at Disney are insane. You're better off buying one at Wal-Mart and throwing it out or selling it for pennies (or donate it) when you're done.

I have seen many older kids, including early teens, sitting in the bigger strollers. Personally, I don't care who looks at us funny, I'd rather have happy and not tired kids than cranky, tired messes. Last summer, we had a 16 day trip. At the time, my oldest was 11 and my twins were days away from turning 8. My oldest walked, but we made the decision that the twins would melt down if they had to walk day in and day out. We still had their double wide stroller from when they were babies...and our previous trip to WDW. We brought it and they rode in it 85% of the time. It made it easy for us to keep tabs on them and not have try to herd them where we want to go. Plus, they didn't wear out in the heat. And when one of them walked, my 11 year old sat down a handful of times. After that, our trips were all extended weekend trips. For those 3 and 4 day trips, they walked. We brought a single stroller, which we use as a gear stroller to carry our cooler bag for food. We're heading down again this week. Plan is the same. Everyone will walk, and we'll have the gear stroller. But if one of them gets really tired, I have no qualms with them being pushed a little.

Side bonus...pushing around near 8 year old twins, plus a bag of food hanging off the back, is one HECK of a workout.

 

[lennyd]

You can rent one off property ,magic was the company I used they have the Cadillac of strollers it was huge I needed a twin because I had a 6 and 7 yr old the princesses were very comfortable

 

[DisneyCAL]

Our 5 years olds were great on our last trip. In fact they were in better shape walking then my DH! Before our trip we would take the kids to the HS track and walk, a couple times week walking more and more each time. It was good training that paid off!

 

[CS Torkelson]

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.

That's a fantastic out-of-the-box idea.

 

[palmtreelover08]

You could always play it by ear and just rent the stroller if you need if later in the day.. Then you would know that you need it for the rest of the trip. Also- I think the "need" would vary by park. I think Epcot- if you are visiting the countries- would be the most walking and probably the most likely place to need a stroller. Do what is best for you and your family- do t let anyone talk you out of using a stroller if you feel your child needs one. Just because their kid was able to handle it, does not mean your child can- and it is your vacation. Enjoy it!

 

[bumbershoot]

We *only* had a stroller at home for Disneyland. (actually I also had a proper jogging stroller as well, for jogging). I was never one to take one to the mall; it was either jogging or Disneyland.

Our first trip to WDW was when DS was 6.5. I brought the Volo umbrella stroller, and let it be his choice. It never got unfolded and never left the entryway of the villa. His choice.

 

[Momtwofour]

I agree w the comment on the safety of having a stroller. It can get so crowded and it just makes life so much easier where your little ones are safely sitting in a stroller and you can concentrate on navigating and getting from A to B.
We used a stroller for our 8 yr old and I was bashed to pieces on here by people who said that was too old. But it was what worked for us and made our vacation more enjoyable for everyone!! She is now 12 and isn't lazy, I don't have to carry her lol and she isn't scarred for life because she rode in a stroller at age 8. Lol
My advice is do what makes your vacation magical!!
And we rented from Kingdom Strollers. They were awesome!