When Is a Child TOO Old...

[doodle]

To the OP, we have never used a stroller for our kids. It just wasn't practical for the way we tour the parks. Remember that while a stroller may be very helpful to a tired child it is also:

-cumbersome - can be hard to navigate through crowds at peak times
-has to be stored while you are on rides/ in restaurants, etc.
-additional cost if you rent one
-we always liked having the kids where we could see their faces (if your child is in a stroller, you can't see their reactions if you are the one pushing it)

Just be sure to consider the pros and cons. Have a wonderful trip!!

 

[auntyjenn]

Putting my DS8 in a stroller has nothing to do with how tired he is. I'm afraid I'm going to loose the kid again. He'll wander off, or stop. I have to keep my eyes on him constantly and make myself all nutty, or put him in a stroller. I can't believe I'm leaving this week!

 

[wdwfan]

When it comes to strollers at Disney, every child is different. My daughter stopped using one at Disney when she was seven, on the other hand, when she was younger and we had our double stroller, if my son was tired (he is two years older than my daughter), he would get into it as needed. I think each parent has to make that call for their child based on their child's needs.

 

[DisneyPhD]

How old is too old?

<-----Read my tag. Opps maybe that isn't the best, or then again it might be the perfect time for a stroller. LOL Sorry I just couldn't resist. Too bad the smilies aren't working for me right now.


About older kids and strollers. Whenever my youngest is in a stroller, my oldest wants to be also. Right now she is still pretty young (under 5) and I like her in the stroller. It keeps her from wondering in crowds or getting run over. We bring our own double though.

I think most "older" kids would be embarsesd to be in a stroller, but when fatigue wins over embarsement that is what you go with.

In the end go with what fits you and your needs (and pocket book, renting a double for a week isn't cheap.)

Every child is so different. Heck right now I am dealing with the fact that my oldest started walking at 10 months, my youngest is just starting to walk at 16 months, and she still scoots all around. (I really worry about her getting stepped on, in the stroller for you baby.) There are major differnces in older children too, not just babies.

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Why would anybody care what anybody else's kid does as long as they aren't doing something that hurts you or your kids??? If a parent wants to push around their 75 pound kid in a stroller, so be it! What does it matter to anyone else?
Personally, I'd rather be in the park with a bunch of happy, rested, "lazy" kids than the over-tired, screaming, tantrum-throwers! I say, STROLLERS FOR EVERYONE!

Hee hee, I see your point, but not EVERY child who refuses a stroller (or has parents who choose not to provide one) is going to have a meltdown at Disney. My son HATES being in a stroller, and at one year old did just fine on our recent trip WITHOUT spending much time in a stroller...we were in the parks from around 11 am or noon until closing. All kids are different. I don't care what anyone else does with their own kids regarding strollers. Do I have an opinion? Sure. I would probably not rent a stroller for anyone (able-bodied) over the age of 5...even at Disney. If he or she got tired, we'd go back to the resort for a rest! But, that's just me. If people want to pay for them and push them, enjoy!

 

[Lizzybee]

to anyone I may have offended with my original post. It wasn't meant to be that way. I really was trying to gauge for myself whether I should rent a double stroller when I go. I truly do understand that some kids may have disabilities, and their stamina may not be as strong as others. Again I apologize.

If a stroller will enhance your day at the parks, your child can physically fit into the stoller, and you can afford the price...then it is perfectly fine and no one else's business. WDW walking is NOT typical walking for most people, there are whole threads on blister prevention and other walking woes. Strollers can also be helpful for carrying extra items so the grown ups don't get as worn out as well. Renting a stroller is harmless to others so if it increases your magic don't worry about negative opinions. Enjoy!

 

[Pryncess'mom]

At the end of marathon day, or just about any day I would truly love to be pushed around!!

Honestly, I am thankful to God that I don't need to be pushed, but boy you do get tired!!

deb

 

[WaltD4Me]

If he or she got tired, we'd go back to the resort for a rest! But, that's just me.

I have an honest question about this.

I have read so many posts where people have said this.

"If they get tired, take them back to the hotel for a rest."

But kids are so resilient, isn't it easier to let them nap in their stroller for a half an hour rather than hauling it all the way back to the resort? Or in other cases, driving back to your hotel if you aren't staying on property?

This is not a critisism at all, I know breaks are important, but I also think a quick stroller nap can be just as good for kids alot of times too.

When we took my niece to Disney she was five. My sister rented a stroller from out town car company (so it was pretty comfy) and while we did take breaks, a couple times my niece fell asleep in it for 20-30 minutes and woke up totally refreshed and raring to go and it was nice that she was able to do that (wish I could have a couple times! ) I couldn't imagine going back to the hotel everytime when a 20-30 minute stroller nap could do the trick.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I have an honest question about this.

I have read so many posts where people have said this.

"If they get tired, take them back to the hotel for a rest."

But kids are so resilient, isn't it easier to let them nap in their stroller for a half an hour rather than hauling it all the way back to the resort? Or in other cases, driving back to your hotel if you aren't staying on property?

This is not a critisism at all, I know breaks are important, but I also think a quick stroller nap can be just as good for kids alot of times too.

When we took my niece to Disney she was five. My sister rented a stroller from out town car company (so it was pretty comfy) and while we did take breaks, a couple times my niece fell asleep in it for 20-30 minutes and woke up totally refreshed and raring to go and it was nice that she was able to do that (wish I could have a couple times! ) I couldn't imagine going back to the hotel everytime when a 20-30 minute stroller nap could do the trick.

Good point and a good example of how different things work for different people. The whole go back to the room thing for a rest does not work for everyone. Going back to the room can be much more work then just taking a break and rest mid day at the parks. Especailly when the parks close early. By the time you get back to the resort, you might be there for the rest of the day. (esepically if the park cloese at 7:00.)

 

[slo]

I'm a parent of a 7yr old and a 2yr old. When we return to WDW in Sept. my 7yr old will then be 8yrs old.

We rent a double stroller and she will still be sitting in it. WDW is such a big, busy place that I like her in there so I don't have to worry about us getting seperated. I also like her being able to keep her sister company and help her with any snacks or drinks that she is trying to hold.

My DD is a very active little girl, who wanders away unintentionally. If she refuses to go in a stroller at the age of 8 then that's fine, but as long as she's willing to sit in it, I'm willing to allow her to sit in it.

 

[Miller1412]

I have an honest question about this.

I have read so many posts where people have said this.

"If they get tired, take them back to the hotel for a rest."

But kids are so resilient, isn't it easier to let them nap in their stroller for a half an hour rather than hauling it all the way back to the resort? Or in other cases, driving back to your hotel if you aren't staying on property?

This is not a critisism at all, I know breaks are important, but I also think a quick stroller nap can be just as good for kids alot of times too.

When we took my niece to Disney she was five. My sister rented a stroller from out town car company (so it was pretty comfy) and while we did take breaks, a couple times my niece fell asleep in it for 20-30 minutes and woke up totally refreshed and raring to go and it was nice that she was able to do that (wish I could have a couple times! ) I couldn't imagine going back to the hotel everytime when a 20-30 minute stroller nap could do the trick.

We did this when we were there at Easter last year. My son gets rejuvenated with just a power nap and then he's good to go. We did it both ways depending on how late we were planning to be out that night, but because of the crowds we were on a tight schedule and some days napping in the stroller worked out really well!

 

[dismom9761]

My DD was 6 when we went in September.She walked the whole time except the day we went to EPCOT.We planned on being there from opening to closing and wanted to do all the countries.She was happy and so was I.Also my youngest(18 mths at the time) used her stroller for naps several days and I hope that she will again in October.When we go in October I don't plan on getting a stroller for my older kids(they will be 7,8 and 11) but if we do a marathon day I rather get one so the middle ones can be more comfortable if I need to.Whatever I need to do to make the trip better.I know there are days that I am tired af walking and they take twice as many steps.

 

[kapica3]

IMHO - most 5 or 6 year olds should be able to handle a full day without a stroller. (They probably spend all of their "real life" in school, playground, running around yard - most likely without naps). I believe if you plan your day right, with sitting down activities in between standing on line ones, your little ones should hold out ok. There really is more sitting than you imagine if you stop to think of it. Sitting on some attractions, sitting waiting for parade, sitting at mealtime. Plus the excitement of the attractions holds their attention pretty well. You could always take little breaks on a bench to have a snack, wait for someone else in your party to use restroom etc. I pretty much believe it is a waste of time to go back to hotel to rest unless it is the dead of summer. Likewise for pushing a cumbersome stroller through the parks, then trying to locate it in an ocean of other strollers. (Never used one for my own daughter - she went all day at 4.5 years old without and never complained although we used one for my neice when she was 5 because she really couldn;t hold out - legs ached after a few days. Maybe you could just rent one for EPCOT day when everything is more spread out.

 

[S. C.]

if we do a marathon day I rather get one so the middle ones can be more comfortable if I need to.Whatever I need to do to make the trip better.I know there are days that I am tired af walking and they take twice as many steps.

ITA

 

[nezy]

Far too many people are concerned with what other people are doing. If it isn't hurting you what do you care?

Exactly-who cares?
I have 3 children 7,9,10. We have gone days with and days without a stroller. If we will be there for 10 hours-I'll get one. Better they get a chance to relax than they get grumpy. If we are there all day, we often have snacks or change of clothes, extra sweatshirt, some fruit. The stroller helps w/ with that as well. I would never look at someone funny if they had older kids in a stroller, and I would neither notice nor care if anyone looked at me funny, nor would I think the child is lazy or think "they must be disabled". It is really not my business. People know what is best for the children--usually! We are all there to have a great time w/ our families.

 

[S. C.]

I have an honest question about this.

I have read so many posts where people have said this.

"If they get tired, take them back to the hotel for a rest."

But kids are so resilient, isn't it easier to let them nap in their stroller for a half an hour rather than hauling it all the way back to the resort? Or in other cases, driving back to your hotel if you aren't staying on property?

This is not a critisism at all, I know breaks are important, but I also think a quick stroller nap can be just as good for kids alot of times too.

When we took my niece to Disney she was five. My sister rented a stroller from out town car company (so it was pretty comfy) and while we did take breaks, a couple times my niece fell asleep in it for 20-30 minutes and woke up totally refreshed and raring to go and it was nice that she was able to do that (wish I could have a couple times! ) I couldn't imagine going back to the hotel everytime when a 20-30 minute stroller nap could do the trick. :

Good point and a good example of how different things work for different people. The whole go back to the room thing for a rest does not work for everyone. Going back to the room can be much more work then just taking a break and rest mid day at the parks. Especailly when the parks close early. By the time you get back to the resort, you might be there for the rest of the day. (esepically if the park cloese at 7:00.)

exellent points.

 

[PrincessLindy]

I completly agree with the stoller nap. I will miss that next time we go. It gave a nice time for DH and I to shop and enjoy the atmosphere. I don't think she has ever seen the night parades or even the fireworks because she would zonk out all comfy in the stroller. That was fine because we got to enjoy the show anyway.

Like I said next time we go she will be 7 and I will not take one from home. I used to take ours since it was more comfy and it was cheaper. Now if I felt the need to get one one day I will rent it there since I no longer own one.

I like the idea of renting on Epcot days. Hubby and I really enjoy the atmosphere of WS and just wondering around. I am thinking about packing the Leapster for her anyway to occupy her in any lines and she could play that in a stroller if she gets bored in WS.

Also many of you that have children that walk all day, maybe you are on shorter trips? We like to go for 10-14 days. Even with the slower pace and breaks, halfway through the trip it seems the initial excitement that kept you going on tired feet wears off. Last trip she walked most of the first half of the trip then started riding more. Also sometimes she got in just to get out of the sun.

 

[disneyfreakjackie]

for a stroller?

I have seen some parents pushing around kids that look as if they are 7 or 8 years old. To me that seems a bit too old for a stroller. IMO if a child is still riding around at that age, then they're a bit lazy. They need the exercise anyway.

What do you think?

I don't think it's anyone elses business how old a child is that is riding in a stroller!! Really, what is it doing to hurt ANYONE?? Perhaps the child is tired, but not lazy!

PEOPLE NEED TO MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS!!! Take up a hobby or something. There are bigger things to worry about! Like getting to all those wonderful attractions!!!

I don't think at Disney the kids should be called lazy. I think the parents should be called smart. Happy kids, Happy trip.

EXACTLY!!!

 

[glass slipper girl]

My kids are almost 4 and almost 6. We brough strollers from home for our December trip and used them in the parks. We're currently debating what to do for the trip in September...bring both or just bring one for the youngest and rent for the oldest when needed. Honestly, I'm sure we'll bring both. Neither rides in a stroller for anything really at home. If I go to the mall by myself with both I usually bring the stroller for the 3 year old but that is more of a security thing than a "can't walk the mall" thing. That's not even a common thing, I'm at the mall with them maybe 5 times a year! So no strollers at home but yes at WDW. Why? well, have you ever worn a pedometer to count the # of steps you take in a day at the parks? DH is 6'4" and I'm 5'10" so for every step we take, our kids take 2. That's a TON of walking. We aren't park commandos either...we are big believers in the afternoon break! My kids are ready to konk at the end of the night as it is and that's with stroller time so if they were walking...man! No fun for anyone! We typically park the strollers somewhere sort of central and do attractions around that area without pushing the stroller from one to the next so they are mainly riding from land to land (for instance, all of Fantasy Land can be done with the stroller left in one parking spot, all of Dino Land at AK etc.).

We'll use the stroller untill we don't think we need it. September will probably be our last trip that we bring one from home but I'm sure we'll rent one for a couple of years past that. As I said, DH and I are tall...so are our kids. You can look at us funny if you want for having "big kids" in a stroller. All that matters to me is that *I* know my kids are not lazy or spoiled, if you want to waste your vacation time complaining about it and judging us...fine by me. Just know we're having a much more magical time not worrying about what others are doing or thinking...we're doing what works for us, and since it's not hurting our kids (and since we are consciencous stroller pushers who do everything possible to avoid hitting the ankles of those around us) it's really no one else's business, is it? (not directed at the OP...more so at those who always pop up on these threads with all sorts of judgements and nasty comments)

So I say, a kids is too old for a stroller when they no longer fit into it or when they don't want to use it anymore.

 

[Tiggernut_jadie]

My only comment is that whilst it might seem that some of the kids are 6 or 7, they may just be very tall for their age! My DD had just turned 5 on our last trip and she was wearing age 6-7 clothes. She did look big for the stroller but even though she is tall enough to look like a 7 year old, she still has the stamina and mind of a five year old!