WDW w/4 kids...7 & under...stroller tips?

[mmounsey]

I have a double umbrella, a single umbrella, and one travel system. Only 2 adults, so taking all of that won't work.

Options:
-take the double and single and make the 7 yr. old tough it out
-take the double, rent another double, either at WDW or through Baby's Away
-take the double, buy another double and take both

Notes:
-the 7 yr old is about the size of a 5 yr old
-ages of other children: 5, 3, & 11 mos.



Has anyone else gone with these ages? Any thoughts?

TIA!

maria

 

[3littleHalls]

Don't have 4kids, but this is what he have done. We have done the buggyboard attached to the double(little board with wheels that folds up when not in use) or I would get another single umbrella and the attatchers so you can make another double with the other single. We take our double and a single(for our 6 1/2yr old) the single umbrella has a strap for carrying when folded up. So, when our oldest walks(she prefers to ride) we just hook the carrying strap to the double. Or we also have a hip hammock for the 1yr old and use the double for the older two and when we are in lines where you can't have the stroller. My youngest is by far my wildest!

 

[ptslp]

Don't have 4 kids, but I would take 2 doubles if I could. The price to rent is so high. Will you be driving? That would make it easier with the strollers and 4 kids too. Look at garage sales and see if you can pick up a cheap double- that way you didn't invest too much on a stroller you won't use much!

 

[tmanaster]

When we went last June my kids were 7, 5, and 2 yo twins. We took one double stroller and even that felt like a lot to lug on and off the busses, boats, monorail while holding on to the kids. I can't imagine trying to carry another stroller at the same time. My older two never needed a stroller. We will do the same thing for our trip this summer. If I were you, i would bring one double stroller for the two little ones. If you see the older two needing one you can always rent one as needed. Have a fun trip!

 

[Hannathy]

The 5 and 7 can walk no problem and take what ever is comfortable for the other 2. We didn't take or rent (didn't even consider it) a stroller for our 5 yr. old the last time and he did fine and had to keep up with much older kids. The hassle of strollers for all those kids would just be too much for me. They should have no problem handling the walking because with all the children being young you won't be running any marathon's. Have fun

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

Are you driving?

I will be traveling with my four in October, and have been toying with various stroller ideas. The last time we went, we only had three kids, and even that was a lot to deal with having one stroller. Getting around the parks was OK, but dealing with the stroller and the kids on the bus, especially at night, was very difficult! Here we were with a stroller a sleepy baby and a 3-year-old who couldn't wake up enough to walk on her own!

I think we are going to take a variety of strollers when we go, since we'll be driving. We can use the double stroller when we drive ourselves, and I'm thinking of using our compact stroller and an umbrella stroller when we go out, and will rely on Disney transportation. We need something that can be handled one-handed, so we have a hand available for one of the little ones.

Do you have a baby carrier you could bring along, and just stuff in the basket of the stroller. If so, one of you could wear the baby, and give one of the older kids a break in the stroller. My youngest will be 14 months in October, which may be too big for the B'Jorn, so I'm looking into getting one of those Playtex Hip Carriers. That way, we can offer one of the older kids short breaks if they get too tired.

I'm really thinking the older ones will be OK walking, as long as they aren't pushed too hard. That's what I'm counting on with mine! Everyone thinks we're crazy taking four little ones. I think it will all be fine...it just takes a little more planning!

Have fun!

 

[krismom]

We took the double jogger for the twins and the maclaren Volo for my 3 year old- with the buggy board attachment for the 7 year old to stand on. It was great! We only used it when she got tired, mostly at the end of the day. When we ween't using it, we just unclipped it and tucked it under the stroller. People kept asking me where we got it! WDW is tough with 4 little ones- but it can be done- and it is soooo worth it!

http://www.dmart2000.com/dmart2/juridekibo.html

 

[Pooh Crew]

We took our four last October (five yr old triplets and a four yr old) and rented two double strollers on a "length of stay" rental. We paid for five days up front so it did not seem like we were shelling out extra money every day. While the parks were not overly crowded, I did not want to lose one of my children while walking, so everyone went into the strollers. It also kept them from getting too tired. Pushing the strollers was really no big deal.

Since you have the 11 month old, I'd just take a stroller for the baby and rent a double for the others. The two middle ones can ride most of the time while the 7 yr old walks and if he gets tired, he can squeeze into the double with the others for a little while.

 

[Schmeck]

If you are planning on using WDW transportation at all, would you be able to handle folding up and lugging 2 strollers and four kids (one very little one!) with just two adults? I second the notion to bring a double stroller, and rent a double (or even just a single) stroller at the parks if needed for the 5 and 7 yr old.

 

[tms295]

Definately take at least your one double. (rentals are not comfortable for small children to nap) consider renting a double for the 5 & 7 year olds. From family members past experiences (if your 5 or 7 is big for their age) 2 kids in a rental double may be uncomfortable.

Also, consider a Frame Backpack for the 3 & 11 month old. Evenflo makes a basic model frame backpack carrier for around 30 $. I believe walmart online carries it. Or even a soft carrier / snugglie around $20 for the 11 month old... Depending on the size of the child.

With the carriers the little ones can give the big kids a chance to sit down. and when not in use... throw them in the stroller basket underneath.