So why weren't there many strollers back in the day?

[xdan0920]

90% of the parents I speak to - - - How can I get my kids to play outside?
The solution, to me is obvious.

Well, that’s moving the goalposts. It’s not hard to get your kids to play outside. However, the days of 10/11 year olds roaming the town freely are mostly gone. Turning off the iPad isn’t about to change that. Parents simply can’t risk being the one who wasn’t protecting their kid enough.

 

[xdan0920]

I hear this a ton but it's not my experience. My daughter is 4 and she's begging to play outside in all weather. The only time she touches a tablet is on an airplane.

It’s my experience as well that given the choice, most kids that age will choose playing outside over the iPad. The problem in that is mostly on mom and dad being too lazy to head outside and play. Because like I said earlier, letting your kids go play alone has gotten very scary.

 

[perfectparanoia]

I think you are all seeing more strollers at Disney and forgetting that there are more strollers everywhere.

Go to your local mall or park. Any child under 4 has a stroller. They are basic parenting accessories now.

And the carrying more stuff is not the problem. I am a terrible over-packer. We bring a giant backpack, the kids each carry a backpack and small purse to the parks. Every time. Kids or no. Inside are ponchos, drinks, pins, a first aid kit, sunglasses...okay, and much more. We appreciate being prepared for a day of walking around in the heat and want nothing to stop us so we carry it.

So, when I go back to the world in 5 months with my 15, 14 and 2 year old:

1. We will all have bags. I will attempt to make sure my kids use manners but I am only so good.
2. We will have a stroller. I will try not to hit you with it but my kid is heavy and my driving sucks. I will apologize and mean it.
3. He will have a leash. He's a runner and his safety trumps my embarrassment.
4. My teens will use their phones at stupid times. They need them so I don't lose them. I will, again, apologize but the training might not have sunk in by then.

Seriously, parenting is hard. Parenting at Disney World is harder. Can't we all just cut each other a huge dose of slack?

 

[homerdance]

Another reason for the additional scooters and wheelchairs today is probably due to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Now ramps for wheelchairs and scooters are required, and everyone needs to be able to get on all of the rides. Prior to this, there were probably a lot fewer attractions that could be accessed by a person in a wheelchair, so handicapped people would not attend the parks.

The addition of the ramps for the wheelchairs then made it easier for strollers to be used, thus increasing their use.

The strollers also provide a nice place for children to take a nap, instead of lugging them all the way back to the hotel to nap.
Plus, they are fun to push into slow people's ankles (jk).

This times 1000%. It wasn't only frowned upon, it was impossible pre-ADA. Pre 1990 a lot of folks who would not be able to spend a day or week at a park wouldn't go, or would just spend 1/2 days. Now, the cost of a 1/2 day is so absurd that no one would be willing to spend that unless they got their full days worth. But also, the ADA let people who would never had the ability to experience it do it now.

Also, if you are disabled, and can't work, and use a scooter, you pretty much have unlimited vacation, just need to find the money to go to disney.

As a mom of two littles, I can think of 2 reasons...

1. When I was a kid, we went back to the hotel for naps midday. Parks were smaller, crowds were smaller and tickets were cheaper, so we could do this. Now my kids are out for marathon open-to-close days. They still need naps, but now they take them in the strollers to save time.

2. Today's strollers are so much better at being mobile storage units than the strollers of the 70s and 80s. My kids are 7 and 4 so we are almost out of the stroller years and I'm already dreading having to carry all our crap in a backpack instead of putting it under the stroller.

Yes, post 9/11 security, and getting in and out of a park is a sucky part of a trip now, having a stroller to nap in is so much easier. The Strollers in the 80's sucked compared to the ones they have now. Easier to push, store, get in and out of, lots more storage.

Are you arguing statistical information though? Ignore my little video sample for a moment and look up the numbers. They do not lie. The percentage of obese people in the U.S. has gone from 13% in 1980 to 20% in 1992 to 30% in 2001 and up to 39% in 2014. Extreme obesity was only 2% in 1980, 3% in 1990, 5% in 2001 and then 8% in 2014. When you consider how many people there are living in the U.S., those percentages/numbers and the rapid increase since 1980 is eye-opening and quite staggering. Here are the stats if you want to see for yourself. Department of Health & Human Services statistics

They also changed the meaning of obese in that time frame.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

He will have a leash. He's a runner and his safety trumps my embarrassment.

Oh dear. Please don't. Why would the two year old be running free? You already said you'd have a stroller, won't that keep him contained?

My teens will use their phones at stupid times. They need them so I don't lose them. I will, again, apologize but the training might not have sunk in by then.

Who cares if you lose them? Let them get back on the bus and as long as they're back in the hotel room by a designated time, so what?

 

[kwoodfan1]

Yeah, strollers suck. Only thing is ... they are sooo awesome down there. My kids have outgrown em, but I took it the hardest when we had to leave it home. It made snacks, naps, lines, etc so much better for everyone, but most importantly them. I have no problem with strollers if it means those kids enjoy their day 12% more than they would without. Pretty sure mine did.

 

[perfectparanoia]

Oh dear. Please don't. Why would the two year old be running free? You already said you'd have a stroller, won't that keep him contained?

He can't be in the stroller all the time. He's two. He doesn't run around some, trust me, it will be worse.

Who cares if you lose them? Let them get back on the bus and as long as they're back in the hotel room by a designated time, so what?

They will care! I will care! No sense ruining a day because they can't tell time or met us at the wrong entrance to whatever.

I guess the cutting slack got missed.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I guess the cutting slack got missed.

I agreed with 75% of your post, but I singled out the 25% I disagreed with to comment on because this is the Internet and that's what we do here.

I just think your approach lacks confidence. WDW is the easiest place on Earth to be with kids. Our last trip was Disneyland with a 4 year old and a 15 month old and the parks are super easy and safe. Just make sure everyone gets their naps and the rest is a breeze.

 

[GoofGoof]

I kind of agree that older kids in a stroller is not the norm. Only because if it were more common, they would not stick out like a sore thumb so much. People's minds are used to seeing small kids in stroller so it does not even register as you pass them. But an older child crammed into one tells your brain that something is "off" and so you notice it. That is just human nature. So I would say to anyone wanting to put their older kids in a stroller, be aware that people will notice, some will comment and some of those will even be within earshot of your kid. It is easy for us as adults to write that kind of stuff off. But and 8yo will notice that people keep looking at them and they may hear comments. I am not saying this as any kind of judgement, just be aware that kids can be negatively affected by this, so weigh the pros and cons of that also when deciding on what is best for your family.

I’ve been around a ton of 8 year olds in recent years as my kids moved through that age range and I think you are over estimating the self awareness of kids that age. They generally don’t care if people look at them or even make comments. That awkward, self aware phase starts more like 11 or 12 and kids that age won’t likely be in a stroller. That’s about the age when I became a walking embarrassment for my older son. The pre-teen phase is ugly. I would think that if a kid matures earlier and becomes concerned about other’s perception that kid would be likely to refuse the stroller anyway.

My only point is if your kid wants to ride in the stroller and does it freely they are unlikely to be embarrassed by some adult judging them (mom and dad are a different story).

 

[GoofGoof]

Seriously, parenting is hard. Parenting at Disney World is harder. Can't we all just cut each other a huge dose of slack?

No slack here. You are ruining the parks with your strollers and your happy kids and appropriate parenting. Kids shouldn’t be allowed at WDW until they have a job and at least have the ability to grow facial hair (even the girls)

In all seriousness I agree with your whole post. I visited WDW many times as a young adult without kids and never noticed the strollers or cared. I know they were there but it really didn’t impact my day. I was too busy having my own fun. Now with kids I’ve done trips with strollers and more recently trips without and all were fun and enjoyable for the whole family. I think it would be too bad if someone read some of the responses here and decided not to go with their kids. Do what makes you happy and as long as your acting appropriately there’s no reason to care what other people think.

 

[xdan0920]

I think you are all seeing more strollers at Disney and forgetting that there are more strollers everywhere.

Go to your local mall or park. Any child under 4 has a stroller. They are basic parenting accessories now.

And the carrying more stuff is not the problem. I am a terrible over-packer. We bring a giant backpack, the kids each carry a backpack and small purse to the parks. Every time. Kids or no. Inside are ponchos, drinks, pins, a first aid kit, sunglasses...okay, and much more. We appreciate being prepared for a day of walking around in the heat and want nothing to stop us so we carry it.

So, when I go back to the world in 5 months with my 15, 14 and 2 year old:

1. We will all have bags. I will attempt to make sure my kids use manners but I am only so good.
2. We will have a stroller. I will try not to hit you with it but my kid is heavy and my driving sucks. I will apologize and mean it.
3. He will have a leash. He's a runner and his safety trumps my embarrassment.
4. My teens will use their phones at stupid times. They need them so I don't lose them. I will, again, apologize but the training might not have sunk in by then.

Seriously, parenting is hard. Parenting at Disney World is harder. Can't we all just cut each other a huge dose of slack?

No. The child less brigade knows best. What they say goes.

 

[jaklgreen]

No slack here. You are ruining the parks with your strollers and your happy kids and appropriate parenting. Kids shouldn’t be allowed at WDW until they have a job and at least have the ability to grow facial hair (even the girls)

In all seriousness I agree with your whole post. I visited WDW many times as a young adult without kids and never noticed the strollers or cared. I know they were there but it really didn’t impact my day. I was too busy having my own fun. Now with kids I’ve done trips with strollers and more recently trips without and all were fun and enjoyable for the whole family. I think it would be too bad if someone read some of the responses here and decided not to go with their kids. Do what makes you happy and as long as your acting appropriately there’s no reason to care what other people think.

Strollers are great for for the little ones. And there is nothing wrong with taking your little ones to WDW and putting them in a stroller. We used one for ours when they were little but where glad to be rid of them when they got old enough.

 

[jaklgreen]

My only point is if your kid wants to ride in the stroller and does it freely they are unlikely to be embarrassed by some adult judging them (mom and dad are a different story).

If they are more then willing to show a picture of them in the stroller when they have show and tell back at school, then they probably don't care. If they are unwilling to do that because of embarrassment, then they should not be pushed into it.

 

[GoofGoof]

If they are more then willing to show a picture of them in the stroller when they have show and tell back at school, then they probably don't care. If they are unwilling to do that because of embarrassment, then they should not be pushed into it.

I would agree with that, but I don’t think it’s all that common for an 8 year old to be forced into a stroller. Maybe a toddler or possibly a pre-school age kid who needs a nap, but not an older kid. I don’t think it’s an issue.

 

[OneofThree]

I think you are all seeing more strollers at Disney and forgetting that there are more strollers everywhere.

Go to your local mall or park. Any child under 4 has a stroller. They are basic parenting accessories now.

And the carrying more stuff is not the problem. I am a terrible over-packer. We bring a giant backpack, the kids each carry a backpack and small purse to the parks. Every time. Kids or no. Inside are ponchos, drinks, pins, a first aid kit, sunglasses...okay, and much more. We appreciate being prepared for a day of walking around in the heat and want nothing to stop us so we carry it.

So, when I go back to the world in 5 months with my 15, 14 and 2 year old:

1. We will all have bags. I will attempt to make sure my kids use manners but I am only so good.
2. We will have a stroller. I will try not to hit you with it but my kid is heavy and my driving sucks. I will apologize and mean it.
3. He will have a leash. He's a runner and his safety trumps my embarrassment.
4. My teens will use their phones at stupid times. They need them so I don't lose them. I will, again, apologize but the training might not have sunk in by then.

Seriously, parenting is hard. Parenting at Disney World is harder. Can't we all just cut each other a huge dose of slack?

Sorry, no. We've got five -the youngest of which was 3 for our last trip. Compact stroller for her, and one bag for whatever everyone else needed. Simple deal, really.

A leash? If you need this to take proper care of your kids, you probably don't need kids.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Another plug for the Graco Roomfor2 sit-stand stroller. It's a compact double that accommodates baby and big brother/sister (up to 4ish). Small enough to fit through the TSA security scanners, which even our standard-sized single stroller couldn't do.

 

[OneofThree]

I would agree with that, but I don’t think it’s all that common for an 8 year old to be forced into a stroller. Maybe a toddler or possibly a pre-school age kid who needs a nap, but not an older kid. I don’t think it’s an issue.

None of our 8 year old's would have had any interest whatsoever in riding in a stroller. In fact, they'd probably be pretty disappointed if they could not be free to walk when visiting WDW or Universal. As far as capability, a normal, healthy 8 year old has zero trouble touring commando style. I think what we run into a lot of times is normalizing what isn't normal at all. It's not necessarily "good" just because someone out there happens to want or prefer it.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

None of our 8 year old's would have had any interest whatsoever in riding in stroller. In fact, they'd probably be pretty disappointed if they could be free to walk when visiting WDW or Universal. As far as capability, a normal, healthy 8 year old has zero trouble touring commando style. I think what we run into a lot of times is normalizing what isn't normal at all. It's not necessarily "good" just because someone out there happens to want or prefer it.

This. My oldest (4) uses the sit/stand stroller I posted above only during rope drop or if we're trying to catch a last-minute bus or other transportation that's about to depart. It's more about speed than any desire on her part to ride. She'd much rather walk.

I still don't recommend commando even for physically fit adults because lack of sleep leads to family conflict from what I've witnessed, but I agree with your main premise.

 

[Family_Man]

Another plug for the Graco Roomfor2 sit-stand stroller. It's a compact double that accommodates baby and big brother/sister (up to 4ish). Small enough to fit through the TSA security scanners, which even our standard-sized single stroller couldn't do.

I owned this one. Don't like it. The sit stand is nice for kids to get in and out. But it is harder to steer than the side by sides. Be forewarned.

 

[WDWFan2018]

I think you are all seeing more strollers at Disney and forgetting that there are more strollers everywhere.

Go to your local mall or park. Any child under 4 has a stroller. They are basic parenting accessories now.

And the carrying more stuff is not the problem. I am a terrible over-packer. We bring a giant backpack, the kids each carry a backpack and small purse to the parks. Every time. Kids or no. Inside are ponchos, drinks, pins, a first aid kit, sunglasses...okay, and much more. We appreciate being prepared for a day of walking around in the heat and want nothing to stop us so we carry it.

So, when I go back to the world in 5 months with my 15, 14 and 2 year old:

1. We will all have bags. I will attempt to make sure my kids use manners but I am only so good.
2. We will have a stroller. I will try not to hit you with it but my kid is heavy and my driving sucks. I will apologize and mean it.
3. He will have a leash. He's a runner and his safety trumps my embarrassment.
4. My teens will use their phones at stupid times. They need them so I don't lose them. I will, again, apologize but the training might not have sunk in by then.

Seriously, parenting is hard. Parenting at Disney World is harder. Can't we all just cut each other a huge dose of slack?

I have no issues with the strollers. We rented a double on our last 2 trips and now that my oldest is 7, we will rent a single for my youngest. Nobody understands what it's like to have a runner unless they have one. My oldest was a runner and while I never personally used a leash, I understand why people do. If my youngest had been a runner too, I would not have been able to take them places together because he hated the stroller. If they all of a sudden decided to run in opposite directions, you're f**ked. Your job is to keep them safe; you do what you have to do. Disney is a madhouse and you don't want your 2 year old lost in the crowd, however, I would try with just the stroller and see how it goes without the leash but bring it in case you feel you need it. I think with just one toddler to worry about, you should be alright. You also have a 14 and 15 year old to help you. I wouldn't worry about them. If they have phones and you somehow get separated, I'm sure they know how to get a hold of you.