Will I need a stoller for 4 1/2 year old?

[Nank]

We will go to Disney in September or October. DS will be 4 1/2 by then. We don't use the stroller any more at all, but was wondering if we should do it at Disney with all of the walking?

Do you just leave your stollers somewhere when you go on rides?

Should I bring one with me or rent one when there?

Thank you.

 

[JJsmama]

When we were there last year, our kids were 3 and 5. The oldest did not normally use the stroller otherwise, but we were really glad we had strollers at WDW. We actually took our 'regular' stroller and an unmrella stroller 'just in case' for the 5 yr old. Well, Just in Case became ALL the Time and we were all glad. For one thing, it keeps little ones with mom and dad without constantly hand holding and running to keep up. WDW is a big place with crowds and my kids felt safer in their strollers while we were moving from place to place. YES, you need one. If the child is upset by the idea, tell him it is to carry your day bag, camera, etc (which is really handy too.) However, once there, he will want to ride before long.

In my opinion, whether to take your own depends on where you are staying. We never felt the stroller a burden IN the parks, but on the bus, they were a BIG issue. Monorail wasn't quite so bad. If you are staying somewhere that uses busses a lot, rent a stroller at the park. If you park hop or leave the park and come back, keep your receipt and get another when you return.

While you are in the park on rides, etc, you just leave it at the entrance to the line. There is 'stroller parking' everywhere. Sometimes the CMs will move them a little while you are on the ride, but this is not a big deal.

Good luck

 

[maps]

I would recommend an umbrella stroller--lightweight and easy to fold up.

 

[G00fyDad]

Go here. Well worth the money.

 

[Brina]

Your 4.5 year old will probably need a stroller at least part of the time, so yes, bring one.

As for what to do with it when you are on rides, there are stroller parking areas in front of each ride. They are impossible to miss.

 

[JustLoveDisney]

I haven't taken my son yet but will when he is 5. I plan on bringing a stroller or renting one while there. I remember when I went a few years back. I was wishing I had an adult stroller I can't imagine carrying my 40 lb son after a long day in the park.

Best wishes!

Debi

 

[Princess Glenda]

On our May 2004 trip my sister didn't get a stroller for my nephew (almost 5 at the time) on our first day in the parks. On the second day they insisted on renting one for him. Not only did it help so that he wouldn't get tired, but it was much easier to keep up with him. He is one of those kids that will stop and get interested in something and not even notice that everyone elsee is still walking along. We will be using a stroller for DD who will be almost 5 on our May 2005 trip. The stroller also makes a nice place to put backpacks, snacks, etc. while you are riding rides.

 

[Blue&Gold]

We went in September when my kids were 2 1/2 and 5 -- did the double stoller and the 5 year old rode most of the time. I agree 100% that it is MUCH easier to keep up with the kids this way. If they choose not to ride, you've got a place for your "stuff". NOTE: we do rent at the parks but know that the stollers there do not have anyplace to put stuff (ie under the stroller like most fold-ups have). We'll be going back in May and I plan on doing the same then.

 

[daisylove]

Definitely uise a stroller. We do for our 5 1/2. If you buy a new one make sure you try it first. On some of the cheaper ones the seats are not wide enough to be comfy for older kids and if you child is tall some of the canopys (which you need down here in Fla) can be too short. We have the volo which works great for our tall older kid. The boards are great places for first person experience stories and suggestions.

 

[Figment1964]

Here's another thumbs up for getting a stroller. Last August we ended up with 2 strollers, one for my 6 year old and one for my 11 year old. Made our days so much easier!

 

[Disfreek]

Definitely another :thumbsup for a stroller!! We took our double stroller for our DD's 18 months and 4 years old in November & plan on doing it again in February. Most of the time, the 4 YO would walk, but it was nice to have a place for her to ride when she started to get whiny.

Also, several times she fell asleep before we got back to the resort & we were able to stroll her right to the resort & put her in bed....