What Age Is Appropriate For A Stroller?

[chrisn]

My son will be 7 1/2 when we leave for WDW next month (can't believe it's almost here)! Last time we were in WDW he was 5 1/2 and used our umbrella stroller (which he just barely fit in) 95% of the time. He was still complaining about tired legs walking around the mall at that time. He no longer complains about walking/tired legs and I'm really struggling with the decision of whether or not to rent the stroller and have it if he needs it or not rent it and get one if he needs it. I know he will walk part of the time. We are commandos and I really just think that's too much walking day in day out all day for 10 days straight for a 7 year old. DH thinks he'll do fine and we don't need one. I think he's just at the crossroads you know. He's 48" tall. I think he'll fit in the WDW strollers, I'm just torn over what to do. If we took breaks/naps and toured at a leisurly pace, I wouldn't worry about it but that is very opposite from how we tour. I did get comment last time "isn't he a little old for a stroller?" I just responded with "would you like to carry him around?" I really don't care what people think. I would rather have a happy rested child, then a moaning, whining, tired, ornery little one on my hands. If I had to guess, I'd say he's probably going to want to walk about 35% and ride 65%. Should we try without or rent one incase we need it? Anybody have any words of wisdom for me who have had similar circumstances???

 

[Tigge50447]

My son is 4 and we brought it, we also stored our junk in the basket, lol

 

[daisylove]

Disdarling - regarding where to park the strollers. It will become very clear in the parks. Dont worry. the only thing is depending on when you go and the forecast - rain. I usually just attach my strollers rain sheild cover thingy with clothes pins before we go and fold it up with the stroller. Then if it looks bad or we will be inside something for a while I just close it up. We floridians know it can rain in the matter of minutes from a blue sky to black in summer.

 

[Grendel]

My son will be 7 1/2 when we leave for WDW next month (can't believe it's almost here)! Last time we were in WDW he was 5 1/2 and used our umbrella stroller (which he just barely fit in) 95% of the time. He was still complaining about tired legs walking around the mall at that time. He no longer complains about walking/tired legs and I'm really struggling with the decision of whether or not to rent the stroller and have it if he needs it or not rent it and get one if he needs it. I know he will walk part of the time. We are commandos and I really just think that's too much walking day in day out all day for 10 days straight for a 7 year old. DH thinks he'll do fine and we don't need one. I think he's just at the crossroads you know. He's 48" tall. I think he'll fit in the WDW strollers, I'm just torn over what to do. If we took breaks/naps and toured at a leisurly pace, I wouldn't worry about it but that is very opposite from how we tour. I did get comment last time "isn't he a little old for a stroller?" I just responded with "would you like to carry him around?" I really don't care what people think. I would rather have a happy rested child, then a moaning, whining, tired, ornery little one on my hands. If I had to guess, I'd say he's probably going to want to walk about 35% and ride 65%. Should we try without or rent one incase we need it? Anybody have any words of wisdom for me who have had similar circumstances???

I wouldn't worry or care what people think. I'd get the stroller and see how things go for you. Nobody..myself included...can tell you what the best thing is for your child. It's your vacation and I personally would do whatever I need to make it the most enjoyable. And if your child can take a break and catch their breath because there in a stroller..then they will be happy..you will be happy and everyone around you guys will be happy. My youngest is now 8 and we arent planning on getting a stroller...but ill tell you after a few days in the park..if shes having a bad day and needs a break..ill grab one in a heart beat...my teenage daughter wants me to get a wheel chair for her so i can push her around!! who wouldnt want that kind of a break if they could get it. Anyways im ranting...do whats best for you to enjoy your vacation...disney is to special to have anything make it grumpy for you.

 

[goofyandmore]

Hi Polyaddict and all, I know exactly how you feel about people making comments or staring. It isn't that we are embarassed for ourselves it is that we love our kids so much and don't want anyone thinking badly about them and giving them looks. It is harder when your child has disabilities to deal with this. I have even thought about not going to disney again but my children, including my special needs daughter loves it too much.

I personally, would try to find a comfortable stroller rather than the wheelchair only because the wheelchair is usually larger and harder to get around and probably not as comfortable for a child as a stroller.

What about those jogging strollers-are they allowed in the parks? They seem to be made rather big. Carolyn

 

[LeahA]

I agree with everybody else! Take the stroller! I would rather have a happy rested child then a tired little child! Our next trip my kids will be 19 months, 4-1/2 and 7-1/2. I think I will still bring a stroller for both the 19 month and for the 4-1/2 year old.

Leah

 

[LauraAnn630]

We brought a stroller for our 2yr old. Then every other day we rented a double stroller so our 7yr old could ride. Its a lot of walking. We are diehard fans, we wont leave till we have to!

 

[marciemi]

Yes, I'm one of those strange people. My son is 9 and normal size and normal physically. Yet all summer when we went to our local amusement park, we brought a stroller, and yes, he sat in it most of the time. It gives you somewhere to put swimsuits (to change for water rides), jackets (when it warms up during the day), ponchos (for unexpected rain showers), water bottles, suntan lotion, etc. We actually refer to it as our "Logistics Supply Vehicle".

Funny thing, though, is when we brought his friend with him one day this summer, the two of them (both 9 and both about 54") fought constantly over whose turn it was to ride in the stroller. I would have thought he wouldn't have even wanted to bring it, that he would be embarrassed, yet they both thought it was so cool to ride in (ours is a basic umbrella one with a small basket underneath), not like an Eddie Bauer SUV type.

That said, we've decided to forego the stroller, for the first time, on our trip to WDW in a couple weeks. I'm still stressing over how to carry everything, what to do with stuff when we're on rides, should we skip jackets and be cold all morning or carry them and have to deal with them all afternoon, etc. I also have trouble with my feet and really doubt I can wear the same pair of shoes all day so I'm thinking I have to carry a spare pair in my backpack. Also DS11 has bladder problems so I need to carry a spare pair of pants, pads, pullups, etc. for him. With ponchos or swimsuits, seems like a lot for me to carry! I don't want to deal with a stroller on the plane/bus, but I still haven't ruled out renting one at the parks - we'll see how the first day goes!

Strange because last time we were at WDW, my oldest was 8 and we laughed when he sat in the stroller occasionally, but now that the youngest is 9 it doesn't seem so funny anymore!

One day this summer, though, a guy stopped in front of my son, pointed in his face, and started laughing at/tormenting him for being in the stroller. My husband said something along the lines of "How dare you laugh at my disabled child?" and the guy left. But really - okay, my son is big, but as others mentioned, how can you tell? If anyone says anything to any of you (especially those of you with legitimate reasons), I'd say something like "before you comment on anyone, maybe you should know the whole situation". I think some people spend less time trying to have fun themselves than trying to ruin other people's!

 

[Grendel]

To be honest i dont think you have to justify it to anyone...regardless of disablilites or age. Everyone knows their own kids...your spending alot of time walking and kids get grumpy...thats just the way it is. Whose the worse parent..the one putting their 9 year old in a stroller and that family gets to enjoy thier day...there well rested and happy and pleasant to all they meet..or the normal party line parent that says their child is to old to be in a stroller and by the end of the day..there screaming or throwing a fit or just plain exhausted and unhappy....were not using strollers anymore..but i really have no issues about people using them..nor do i mind getting the occasional bump by one...as long as people put on their disney smiles...i can enjoy my day too.

as far as what to do with all your stuff now...thats a tough call...we started using a backpack...which i find a pain because i have to carry it...but thats price you pay for being prepared when you actually need something..i guess if it comes down to it you can always run to the front of the park and rent a stroller real quick if it becomes an issue...

 

[marciemi]

Well that's my logic too! What does it matter to others if my son is in a stroller, or why? Unless I got the very last stroller at the stroller rental (not likely at WDW) and you needed one for your one year old, or unless I'm ramming you with my stroller (I admit I've run into people a few times over the years but I do always apologize - I'll try a Disney smile next time!), then how does it affect you? That's why I don't feel comfortable bringing even an umbrella one on the buses - I know they're crowded at times, and it would affect others. But if I rent one if we need it in the parks, I'm just not going to feel guilty. Maybe even take the suggestions I read on the family board and rent a double so my son actually fits somewhat!

 

[Grendel]

doubles are great...they have lots of room...and you can even slip the occasional bag or something next to your child( tell them they can always walk if they dont like sitting with a bag ) the downside is that they are wider and more awkward to move through crowds. I know several people have mentioned being hit by people with strollers...but the other side is that some people feel they can whip thorugh a crowd and jumpt right in front of somone with a stroller....you kind of create a little pocket of space so its natural for people hurrying along to think they can just dash in and be on their way...but it will slow you down a bit( and cause the ocassional collision )....i had gotten quite good at knowing the less travelled routes through the park or which ways may be quicker even though they maybe longer...

anyways good luck and enjoy your vacation...and DONT feel guilty..theres enough disney magic around for everyone to enjoy their vacations...if your considerate and thoughtful then you know your doing the right thing and shouldnt have to worry about others judgements etc.
(hey if i can sit back and watch a family of 20 goto the front of a ride line because one of their number rented a wheel chair ...others can deal with strollers )

enjoy your vacation!

 

[SueM in MN]

I don't think she is old enough? for a scooter. I thought i read somewhere you have to be eighteen.

Thanks

Michele

That is correct. At the parks, they do say when you rent them that you are agreeing that it will not be operated by anyone under the age of 18. The off-site rental places generally have the same policy.

The WDW strollers (at least according to what some CMs have posted) are large enough to accomidate a small 12 year old, so I would not worry about getting a child under the age of 10 in one. The park rental wheelchairs are what I would call "tanks", heavy and very durable. They are not easy to push around for a whole day (an empty one probably weighs close to 50 pounds compared to my DD's lightweight wheelchair that weighs more like 25 pounds).
If you have a close to adult size child, a wheelchair might work. If not, the seat depth is too deep, whcih leaves the child either sitting all the way back in the seat with their legs sticking out straight in front of them. Or, if the want to bend their knees, they have to sit far forward in the seat. The armrests end up anywhere from mid-chest to shoulder height and their legs will be dangling because the footrests are too low. Also, the seats are sling seats - like director's chairs.

Most of the lines are wheelchair accessible so people using wheelchairs wait in the same lines with everyone else - not front of the line access that people assume happens.