Umbrella stroller for 4 year old or rent?

[MrToad]

Hi,

My wife and I are trying to decide on whether to bring an umbrella stroller for our 4 year old daughter or to rent a stroller at the parks.

Money isn't as big of a concern as convenience.

My wife is saying:
"I know she's going to be tired at some point every day and is going to want us to carry her."

My thoughts are:
"That's true, but having to carry an umbrella stroller through the park for several hours before she decides she's tired is not a lot of fun either".

Thoughts or suggestions on this?

How much does a stroller rental cost? I believe it was $5/day last time we were there...

Thanks!

 

[julia & nicks mom]

I think they are $8 a day now -
my 3.5 yo wanted in the stroller A LOT!!! and usually I can't get her to sit still - I would take it and always have it - that way if she is tired it is right there - it is also a great way to carry your gear!!!

Plus she will probably be the most tired at the end of the day and you might want the stroller to get out of the parks

 

[buzz5985]

When my DS was 4, we tried to get away without a stroller for our first day since we were going to AK for only about 6 hours. The first whine - why do all the other children have a carriage? Where did they get them? I like them, can I have one? on and on. LOL It wasn't that he was tired - he just wanted to be like the other kids (only child syndrom). If he wasn't in it - our backpacks were. So it wasn't wasted.

Last time I rented was $7/day

 

[Texan Mouseketeer]

Ours likes to walk and always keeps up with us. He is 4 but closer to 5 - don't know if that makes a difference. We know for sure we're going to rent one for Epcot since we want to do World Showcase and that is such a trek. Otherwise we are going to wing it and just rent one on the days he needs it, maybe towards the end of the vacation when he is a little more worn down. I haven't pushed him in an umbrella stroller in so long, his feet were dragging last time I tried!

 

[SammieG]

we went without our stroller for the first time this trip. Our 5 year old can not walk long distances.

It was LIBERATING! not taking the stroller. If money is no object and you think your child will be ok walking out of the park at the end of the day - I always feel sorry for people carrying tired kids out - I then I would hire. Its such a faff trying to get strollers in and out of cars/buses/trams etc..

 

[3lilprincesses]

we took an umbrella stroller for our then 4 yr old DD (and also one for our then 2 yr. old DD) and i am so glad we did. it was helpful in the crowded airport. we made them sit because it was so crowded and it was easier to keep track of them. we took it right to the gate and then in orlando used it again. and the same can be said of the parks. when the crowds were really big it was so much easier to keep an eye on them if they were in the strollers. it wasn't AT ALL hard to get such a small, light stroller on the busses, and they rolled right onto the monorail. it was also nice to have somewhere to store sweatshirts, sunglasses, etc., without carrying around a big bag all day. and another bonus, when we got to the park gates in the morning we were always ushered to the "stroller" entrance, and didn't have to wait in the same big lines with everyone else. and then no waiting in line to rent a stroller either.

i say bring your stroller! and have a GREAT trip!!

 

[pixiepower1971]

When my daughter turned 4 we stopped using the stroller and havn't looked back! So much easier. Kids always carry fanny pack or small backpack with their own things. We go to the parks all day long and they never complain. They would complain if I asked them to sit in a stroller though! Parks are so muc easier to get through without them!

I don't understand why it would be hard in a crowd with them walking. Ihave travelled all over the world with my two, often by myself. Never had a problem. They just hold my hand or my shirt if my hands are full.


I wuld suggest not using an umbrellas stroller if you decide to use one. I would start the day without one and then if you need one later rent one. You may be surprised athow little you really need it. Greta not to have to go searching for it when you get off a ride!

 

[dani12]

We just returned and brought our double stroller for our 4 and 5 year olds. When they wanted to walk they could but if they needed a break, they could take one. If we didn't need it in a section of a park, we would just park it and then go back and get it later. But I have to tell you that it was awesome having it at the end of the day. I couldn't imagine not having it when they fell asleep as we were leaving the park! I will definately bring it with us again!

 

[Bob NC]

Umbrella strollers. Been awhile since we needed to use a stroller. It seems that at home the times we used the umbrella stroller was for short outings. Longer outings we'd use the full size stroller. One thing to think about, umbrella strollers are usually a little shorter than a full size, requiring, (Depending upon your height), you to stoop a little to push it. For short outings this is no big deal. For a full day or days at the parks, stooping just a little pushing that umbrella stroller for hours on end will do a number on your back. A BIG number. I suggest renting a regular stroller for park touring.

 

[2dogmom]

I am definitely bringing a stroller for my almost 5yo. I asked her if she wanted me to and she said yes, her legs would get tired. I know that's true. Sure, she will do a lot of walking in the parks, but she is usually close to passed out when we leave and I don't want to end up carrying her.

 

[nicdanh]

I highly recommend bringing a stroller. Its going to hot which will make your little one tire out. When you get to the park just park it in a central location so if you need it you can go back to it. I know my 33 year old legs get really tired especially if its hot and humid.

 

[Ali]

my DS just turned 4 last month, and we went to Ak on Sunday for the first time without a stroller. In the parking lot he started saying his feet hurt, so we rented a stroller for the first time. Well, he is 42 pounds, and 42 inches tall - and he barely fit into a single stroller. We couldn't put the backpack/cooler on top of the thing because it sat on his had, his feet stretched off the end and he wasn't comfortable in the legs straight out position. BRING ONE!!!!!

Alicia

 

[junderwood7]

I highly recommend renting a stroller for your trip. They are $7 a day but you get a discount if you rent over several days. We tried going without on our last trip and regretted it by the end of the day.

 

[SammieG]

my DS just turned 4 last month, and we went to Ak on Sunday for the first time without a stroller. In the parking lot he started saying his feet hurt, so we rented a stroller for the first time. Well, he is 42 pounds, and 42 inches tall - and he barely fit into a single stroller. We couldn't put the backpack/cooler on top of the thing because it sat on his had, his feet stretched off the end and he wasn't comfortable in the legs straight out position. BRING ONE!!!!!

Alicia

I would disagree with the above it must depend on the child... my son is age 5 and over 49 inches tall.. and about 60lbs - and he found it very comfy!

I agree about not putting anything on top though.. it did hit him on the head!
The one thing about Disney strollers is that they are SO light to push in comparison to anything we used to push him around in!!