News New Stroller Size/Wagon Rules and Enforcement - Effective May 1 2019

[NormC]

The Keenz was a godsend for my niece and nephew last week who are 7&6 and CANNOT fit in a stroller because of their height. Wish the restriction was on WALL-E machines (ECV’s) instead. There use is what is RIDICULOUS! Require doctor approval or handicap sticker to use and suddenly strollers won’t be an issue. Isn’t WDW for kids? Now in between size kids suffer instead of... I won’t go there.

Hmm, 6 and 7 and too big for strollers.....................I think I see the problem here.

 

[Driver]

Throw in the Florida heat and crowds and it exacerbates all conditions greatly. Hes not in serious condition enough to be confined to a wheelchair and he's too big for a stroller. Last year I rented the biggest stroller i could find and he was packed in that thing like a sardine. Hes also at the age (and was pretty much there last year as well) where he feels embarrassed being shoved in a stroller even though he knows he needs it. I was planning on renting the keenz this year and he was very much looking forward to it as well. Not only could he fit comfortably in it...it doesn't look like a stroller, which he loves. I've always been very aware of our surroundings with his strollers and took great care to not bump anyone or use it as a "battering ram" as some have called it...even when grown adults would jump right in front of it or walk right towards it like they were playing a game of chicken with my child. Disney's been his happy place for the past 4 years and we go annually for his birthday/Halloween/Christmas parties. Given he literally cannot enjoy disney without something to sit in as we navigate the park...hes too big for a stroller..and I highly doubt anyone wants an 8 year old on an electric scooter if that was even allowed...I dont see how were going to be able to continue our trips. Disneys always been so special for him and us as a family. I really hope they make some sort of provision for disabled children. And next time you see someone with a child whos bigger than a 4 year old in one...before you make a snarky comment and roll your eyes...realize you have no idea why the child may need it. In fact a lot of children in WDW have disabilities you cant see...be mindful. They deserve to enjoy their time in the parks just as much as anyone else...as do I...especially considering I'm paying for two in one of the most expensive places imaginable. Every day..every single trip..I end up sore and dripping in sweat after pushing the stroller around but its always worth it knowing he gets to enjoy a place he truly thinks is magic and I get to see him light up (I know I'm being corny..but its so true).

My heart truly breaks for these children! When they come onto my bus I make it point to interact with them for the magical moment. Just recently a wheelchair bound boy came on the bus with his parents ( I would guess he was 8-10) He was very energetic and upbeat. I began talking with him as he came up the ramp. I gave him all 4 bus transportation cards as well as some safety cards and " Honorary Bus Driver" sticker which he promptly placed on his wheelchair. Once we were under way, I saw his parents give him some money ( folded) and talking in low voices, I thought " Oh no, a tip, not want I was shooting for" So when we arrived at the resort he couldn't wait to hand it to me . I gracefully accepted it and thanked him for his kindness. Then I said, " If it's ok with Mom and Dad, I would like to give this to you so you can buy an ice cream in the park" His face lit up like the Fourth of July ! " Mom can I " he exclaimed! She said "of course he's giving it to you". They could not thank me enough, and that ladies and gentlemen is how we make Magic at WDW !

 

[Driver]

I posted several pages ago that the double BOB also is not banned. Still scratching my head at the wagon ban if it's related to guest issues.

The wagon issue with WDW is about safety. Twofold 1) you are pulling it from in front so your valuables and children are out of your site.
2) The pull handle creates a tripping hazard when people don't see it and try to walk between you and the wagon. So next came the collapsible "push" wagons, kids and valuables in front and the trip hazard from a pull handle gone. Problem- overall bulk and injury to other guest by being struck while walking and getting foot injuries. This is NOT my opinion, this is the reason given by WDW management.

 

[larryz]

The wagon issue with WDW is about safety. Twofold 1) you are pulling it from in front so your valuables and children are out of your site.
2) The pull handle creates a tripping hazard when people don't see it and try to walk between you and the wagon. So next came the collapsible "push" wagons, kids and valuables in front and the trip hazard from a pull handle gone. Problem- overall bulk and injury to other guest by being struck while walking and getting foot injuries. This is NOT my opinion, this is the reason given by WDW management.

(3) Someone else figured out how to monetize these things before WDW did, so they're banned until they can come up with something...

 

[HauntedMansionFLA]

If they want to reduce the number of strollers in the parks, Disney could stop discriminating against anyone ages three and older and charge babies and toddlers regular price.

 

[draybook]

Maybe we're just lucky but we've never had bad experiences with these Keenz wagons. As a matter of fact, we've probably only seen 4 or 5 over the past year in 3 or 4 trips. I did spot one of those ridiculous Cinderella coach things at Small World a couple of weeks ago. That thing was absurd. Nothing more than, "hey, look at me"!

 

[unmitigated disaster]

We did a quick web search and there are tons of sites that list Pediatric Wheelchairs. Are there none for rent?

I get the distinct impression she is anti-wheelchair for her son and sees it as somehow making him weaker.

 

[MisterPenguin]

Maybe we're just lucky but we've never had bad experiences with these Keenz wagons. As a matter of fact, we've probably only seen 4 or 5 over the past year in 3 or 4 trips. I did spot one of those ridiculous Cinderella coach things at Small World a couple of weeks ago. That thing was absurd. Nothing more than, "hey, look at me"!

They were just beginning to explode in popularity. Disney quashed that movement before it became too widespread.

 

[drizgirl]

Maybe we're just lucky but we've never had bad experiences with these Keenz wagons. As a matter of fact, we've probably only seen 4 or 5 over the past year in 3 or 4 trips. I did spot one of those ridiculous Cinderella coach things at Small World a couple of weeks ago. That thing was absurd. Nothing more than, "hey, look at me"!

I think they were more popular at DLR.

 

[MagicLovingMom]

Hmm, 6 and 7 and too big for strollers.....................I think I see the problem here.

Yes. The 6 year old is a slender 50” and the 7 year old is a slender 56”. They are a whole head height taller than the other kids in their classes.

 

[MagicLovingMom]

IF you require a doctor note for an ECV, you should require it for a stroller for children over a certain size or age.

WDW is for families, not just kids, and many adults visit WDW without kids too.

Good point. To minimize congestion limitations should be made on all. Maybe limited quantity for the day.

 

[Chi84]

Yes. The 6 year old is a slender 50” and the 7 year old is a slender 56”. They are a whole head height taller than the other kids in their classes.

I'm just guessing here, but I don't think the poster was referring to the size of the children at all. It's the ages. Strollers are not designed for children that old.

 

[MagicLovingMom]

No, its for everyone.

100% agreed. My only point is that making the most magical place on earth, which highly targets the young people in our society (Disney channel, Disney Jr, animated movies, commercials showing happy young families...Yes, even as a 40+ y/o I would go too w/o my kids and I do) it seems they shouldn’t make it hard for their main audience to go.

 

[MagicLovingMom]

Our 5-year-old didn't want to use a stroller at all our last trip. We watched for when he needed a break and would just find a spot to sit for 5-10 minutes and he was fine.

Yup, we just got home from our last WDW trip with a double. Our oldest (6) is done. We got the double only because I thought after running the SW 5K she’d need a restful day in the park and a ride...but no. She’s a trooper!

 

[NormC]

Yes. The 6 year old is a slender 50” and the 7 year old is a slender 56”. They are a whole head height taller than the other kids in their classes. Has nothing to do with your speculation of why they are too big but thank you.

Grade school kids don't belong in strollers unless medically necessary. There was no speculation. I was there for SW runs as well. Hope you had a great time.

 

[Chi84]

100% agreed. My only point is that making the most magical place on earth, which highly targets the young people in our society (Disney channel, Disney Jr, animated movies, commercials showing happy young families...Yes, even as a 40+ y/o I would go too w/o my kids and I do) it seems they shouldn’t make it hard for their main audience to go.

I don't think Disney makes it hard for young people. It's true that wagons are banned; if the 6 and 7 year olds don't fit in strollers and won't walk, that's a problem - but not one Disney has created. I guess you need to either find another destination based on how much they are willing to walk or rent adult-sized wheelchairs for them.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I don't think Disney makes it hard for young people. It's true that wagons are banned; if the 6 and 7 year olds don't fit in strollers and won't walk, that's a problem - but not one Disney has created. I guess you need to either find another destination based on how much they are willing to walk or rent adult-sized wheelchairs for them.

My autistic 8-year-old loves to try to play the "I don't want to walk" game when we're not someplace fun. My response: "Okay, bye!" Gets him moving EVERY TIME.

EDIT: He once tried to see if I was serious by sitting on the floor in Walmart, partially hidden by some clothes. I just said even louder "Okay, we're leaving now, I guess K gets to sleep at Walmart tonight!" and started to walk away very slowly. He's not tested me again.

 

[Chi84]

My autistic 8-year-old loves to try to play the "I don't want to walk" game when we're not someplace fun. My response: "Okay, bye!" Gets him moving EVERY TIME.

EDIT: He once tried to see if I was serious by sitting on the floor in Walmart, partially hidden by some clothes. I just said even louder "Okay, we're leaving now, I guess K gets to sleep at Walmart tonight!" and started to walk away very slowly. He's not tested me again.

Just for clarity, the poster to whom I was replying did not mention disabilities, so I'm assuming these children don't have any.

 

[King Panda 77]

My autistic 8-year-old loves to try to play the "I don't want to walk" game when we're not someplace fun. My response: "Okay, bye!" Gets him moving EVERY TIME.

EDIT: He once tried to see if I was serious by sitting on the floor in Walmart, partially hidden by some clothes. I just said even louder "Okay, we're leaving now, I guess K gets to sleep at Walmart tonight!" and started to walk away very slowly. He's not tested me again.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Just for clarity, the poster to whom I was replying did not mention disabilities, so I'm assuming these children don't have any.

I don't let either of my sons use their autism as an excuse for anything. That same 8-year-old I mentioned has a moderate speech delay, but you can bet your bottom dollar that he knows to say please and thank you even though his teachers wanted me to lighten up on enforcing manners when he was really struggling to be understood. I recognize where my sons have difficulties (like indoor shows - the quality and volume of the sounds are just too much for them, so we're avoiding them for the time being; and food - I swear, considering that I'll eat literally just about anything, how I ended up with 2 ridiculously picky eaters is beyond me, but as they get older, they're willing to try more things; or doing things the same way EVERY TIME; or blurting whatever pops into their heads) and we either find a way to help them work through tricky things or we find a way around them (last resort) as long as it's reasonable to do so, but for the most part, I tend to be very old-school in my parenting. My own mom sometimes thinks I'm being too tough on them, but then she sees things like how well they travel (you wouldn't even know they were on a plane/train/bus with you), or how well they adapt to changes in plans or visiting places we've never been before, and she realizes that sometimes the toughness is necessary. The world will not adapt to fit them in, it's my job to help them learn how to adapt to the world, and I wouldn't be doing either of them any favors if I were constantly treating them as if they were less capable than anyone else. Yes, sometimes we struggle, but we work through the struggles and we all come out stronger at the end. I actually consider us to be very blessed...our boys may have autism and struggle with some things, but they are both extremely social, gentle, and loving - to the point that the same child mentioned above is able to help his teachers with his classmates who struggle with social situations, and his older brother often tries to advocate for his classmates (not like he's successful very often, but at least he tries, lol).