Would you rent a stroller just for convenience?

[fam4jc]

I will be taking my two DD's 5 & 8 to WDW for five nights in April (3 through 8). So it will be pretty busy and I will be by myself with them... My question is this. Should I rent a single stroller to have it to put our junk in (like cooler, sweaters, etc) and one or the other can ride if they get tired? What do you think. I am leaning towards getting it just to make life easier for me. Any opinions will be appreciated.

 

[nygrl]

personally i think a stroller is more of a nucience. i could not wait until i could do a disney trip without one. it is good to carry things in but you have to park it for most rides and finding it yakes time because they all look the same. alot of rides you have to back trak to get to the stroller parking. the line to rent is always long and also to return. just my opinion but i really dont think you will need one with the ages of your children.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

We always rent a stroller. My DD6 can make it through the day longer without constantly trying to keep up with me & my husband if we have her seated for part of the day. We hang our bag off the back of the stroller (it saves my back and his from carrying that bag all day) and we keep our water bottles in the pouches.

We do not use a stroller at any other time, not at the airport or for anything here at home but we feel that 7 days of walking most of the day (and into the evenings) is just too much for her (and for us!!).

I would rent for just one day and see if it really is necessary for you to continue.

Have fun!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

I take my dd's by myself at least once a year, they are now 8 and 10 but we have been doing our girls only trips since they were 4 and 6.

Personally unless you think your youngest is going to really need it I agree that its easier without. Cut down on the amount you carry - you really don't need that much. I have the girls each wear a fanny pack with a small snack, autograph book and pen and any other misc stuff. I also wear a fanny pack with my stuff and the park pass etc. Never needed a cooler as I don't bring in food - we save $ by eating breakfast in the room and having our table service for our big meal for Lunch. Come to think of it when I do carry snacks they want popcorn or icecream anyway, ymmv.

I find it much easier touring without the stroller, no back tracking and hunting it down. Unless your 5yo gets really tired esp in the evening at Epcot I would not rent.

TJ

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

I agree, it might be easier to not have a stroller, but..........

.........when we took only our 2 girls (Ds was a baby and he was at grandma's) they were 8 and almost 6. They were so much happier at the end of the day since we had the stroller. My kids are in very good shape, infact, they are very thin. Maybe this was the problem. Maybe their little bodies just couldn't handle it at the time. We did use the stroller(a double) to hold drinks and stuff also. Yes, you do have to park it, so you might view that as a hassle.

When we were there, it was about 90 degrees everyday, and this was in early Oct., that might have been a factor. And I am not a parent who caters to my children's every whim, but when you are at WDW, you think more about what is going to make your trip run more smoothly. The stroller did that.

It wasn't any big deal for us. We don't use stollers presently and now that my girls are older, I wouldn't worry about them anymore. On our next trip we will still get one for DS who will be just turning 6 the week before our trip.

But I will admit to you............I can't wait till I don't have to get one anymore..............this might be the last trip we need one. YeeeeeHaaaaaa!!

 

[JennsBabySky]

A bunch of good points were posted here. I think it depends on how much "stuff" you have. If you could fit it comfortably in a purse, backpack, fanny pack and you don't mind carrrying it and your kids will walk, then it might be a pain to find a place to park. However, if you like to have lots of stuff (and food) or the kids might get tired of walking then it is worth renting own.

Personally, we own 2 double strollers that we use all the time. I would say we use them "just for the convenience." My oldest is almost 5 and can certainly walk, I just find it easier to have her in the stroller (and our stuff). It is totally just a personal preference.

Jennifer

 

[summerrluvv]

I was so happy the day we rid ourselves of the stroller at WDW. It was so nice to get off a ride and not have to hunt for the stroller. I pack a small backpack (and I mean small) and that's it. It's so liberating to be stroller free