What not to do at the World...bringing this for the first time

[Hakunamatata]

This bit of info is for stroller and not stroller users.....don't stop in traffic to read a map or gawk at the beauty of whatever you are looking at. Move over to the side out of the way. If you don't, don't get upset when someone bumps into you trying to go around...

 

[SAV]

You'll find out that 99.9% of the time that someone gets bumped or nudged with a stroller, it's because the one without, was probably not paying attention and walks directly in front of you. The only person I ever hit in the ankles was someone who walked right out in front of the stroller on their phone.

Agree 100%. Only time I have ever hit someone they thought they could cut in front of me instead of waiting that precious .1 of a second or that they were too good for everyone else that they couldn't change their route or (gasp) wait for me to pass.

 

[minniemickeyfan]

Yeah those 8 and 9 year olds really really really need those strollers... Not to mention that 12 year old whining about his feet hurting, sitting in the stroller while his 4 year old brother was walking around (and had been all day) just fine. That was my all time favorite. But nope, no correct age whatsoever... sooner or later I really hope they start making "big kid" strollers for the 10-19 age set. That'll be the most fun time ever for mom and dad.

That said, I think you are awesome for being considerate and asking for advice about strollers. I recognize them as a necessary evil for younger kids and for those I consider age appropriate for a stroller, I have no problem with them. You most definitely fit into that category, and I hope you have a wonderful trip.

I was referring "older chilren" to those about 3,4,5 years old since it was mentioned in the thread that if your 3 you don't need a stroller. 8,9, 12 year olds I agree no stroller is needed in general.

 

[disneyflush]

Here is my thing, if your kid is over the age of 3 and you have a stroller you are a bad parent! Simple as that. And that is being lienient. Take your kid to the pool/room for a nap between 2 and 5 in the afternoon and youll be able to enjoy the entire day.

I have a 4 year old with a physical deformation that makes walking long distances extremely painful. She has to use a stroller when the pain becomes too much and she starts to cry. Not so simple anymore. Blanket statements are generally lazy and unwise.

 

[KCheatle]

I have a 4 year old with a physical deformation that makes walking long distances extremely painful. She has to use a stroller when the pain becomes too much and she starts to cry. Not so simple anymore. Blanket statements are generally lazy and unwise.

I agree with blanket-statements, generally, and ever more so with regard to parenting children. Ask yourself how many children were parented the same? Answer: none - not even siblings because parents treat each child differently whether they intend to or not. Then, ask yourself, how many of those children go on to be totally normal? Answer: the vast majority. In other words, yes there are parenting decisions that can severely and detrimentally effect a child's future; stroller-use at Disneyworld is not one of those.

 

[Tinkerbell 8]

Thank you for being considerate about the stroller issue, as you can see it is a big topic for debate on the boards. As someone else mentioned, I would put something on the handles to make it easier to find your stroller in the sea of stroller parking. I would also practice folding up the stroller at home before leaving just so it gives you a better idea of how long it will take when there is a line of people standing behind you giving you the evil eye, for even better practice, I would fill up the stroller with whatever you plan on having in it during your trip so it gives you an idea of the amount of things you will have to hold on buses along with the child.

In response to the "some children are too old" thing....My "little" cousin (turning 11 this month) still uses a stroller in Disney and it drives me CRAZY! She has no physical disabilities that would prevent her from walking, they do not spend the entire day in the park either, they always go back for a swim in the afternoon, and some days are strictly just pool days at the resort. I find it somewhat amazing that parents let children get away with stuff like that (again, as long as there isn't a physical disability) Sometimes I think its just to make the parents lives easier so they don't have to listen to the children complain. My first trip to WDW was when I was 6 and my parents did not bring a stroller, I had to walk and I knew if I complained my parents would take me back to hotel, so I know that it's possible for children to walk around WDW, if anything, most children have more energy than their parents anyway.

 

[coleandrachel]

Stroller and non-stroller users just need to pay attention in the parks and be understanding and courteous to the opposite party and everything will be ok Don't be jerks!

 

[coleandrachel]

Here is my thing, if your kid is over the age of 3 and you have a stroller you are a bad parent! Simple as that. And that is being lienient. Take your kid to the pool/room for a nap between 2 and 5 in the afternoon and youll be able to enjoy the entire day.

This comment is insensitive and ignorant to some degree. Everyone is different and we all use different methods. My daughter is almost 4 and I hate using a stroller anywhere, but that is a long day to be up and on your feet for a 3 year old. Also, I can't see her voluntarily wanting to leave the coolest place on earth to go back to a hotel room to nap and for the money I paid, I want the full day. So when she needs a nap the stroller will come in handy for sure. Nap on the go.

 

[Britt]

Stroller and non-stroller users just need to pay attention in the parks and be understanding and courteous to the opposite party and everything will be ok Don't be jerks!

Exxxxactly!! People need to be more understanding!! Realize that stroller people GENERALLY don't mean to get you. Just like when someone accidentally bumps into you (without a stroller). Sure I glared and the person who stepped in front of me, but I also said "no worries man" and moved on with my day.

Nooooow, there are the crazies who use their stroller as a weapon, but for goodness sake, realize most of us aren't like that and we truly feel bad if we get your ankles or foot (usually.....LOL)

 

[DfromATX]

Here is my thing, if your kid is over the age of 3 and you have a stroller you are a bad parent! Simple as that. And that is being lienient. Take your kid to the pool/room for a nap between 2 and 5 in the afternoon and youll be able to enjoy the entire day.

Wow, who put a stick up your *@tt?

 

[DfromATX]

Here is my thing, if your kid is over the age of 3 and you have a stroller you are a bad parent! Simple as that. And that is being lienient. Take your kid to the pool/room for a nap between 2 and 5 in the afternoon and youll be able to enjoy the entire day.

And I'm guessing you also have an appropriate age for when a child must be potty trained and their sippy cup taken away?

 

[Polyman]

What is making matters worse is the increasingly larger sizes of these strollers. Some of them look and maneuver like Hummers. And how about those with 3, twelve inch wheels where the front wheel sticks out like 3 feet. Try putting those on a Friendship boat without blocking the aisle. The Hummers are so wide that they just barely fit through the boat door.

 

[WDW 3]

I like the park it suggestion. I know that no one wants to wake up a sleeping infant or toddler so obviously there are exceptions. The one thing we noticed was when people were bringing strollers in to restaurants.
Main Street Bakery has no room for strollers; Peco's Bills & Cosmic Rays are so crowded that it's really a hazard for everyone. People carrying trays may not see a stroller and trips and spills might happen because some people do block the aisles (with emply stollers). Most people do park their strollers (Thank you ) at those restaurants but others seem to be oblivious to their surroundings.

 

[71dsp]

To me, when WDW is crowded getting bumped in inevitable. You get bumped by adults, you get bumped by kids, and you get bumped by strollers. Big deal (unless you're running with the stroller and mow me down). It happens. What matters is how you address it. Some people don't say a word. That irritates me. All it takes is a quick "pardon me" or whatever and move on. The golden rule, that's what it all boils down to.

The only thing that drives me nuts about strollers are the really big ones that people MUST get on the bus first with and MUST sit in the first row so that everyone has to climb over their monstrosity of a stroller.

 

[monkeysammich]

To sum up all the advice you've been given I will use Wil Wheaton's best advice...

"Don't be a d***"

 

[Britt]

What is making matters worse is the increasingly larger sizes of these strollers. Some of them look and maneuver like Hummers. And how about those with 3, twelve inch wheels where the front wheel sticks out like 3 feet. Try putting those on a Friendship boat without blocking the aisle. The Hummers are so wide that they just barely fit through the boat door.

I totally agree!!!! We have a sit and stand stroller and then our regular just folding one. We thought about the sit and stand, but it's like pushing a limo and no way was I bringing that to a park (we've actually never used the sit and stand ) we've got our umbrella stroller and it does the job beautifully!

 

[DfromATX]

The only thing that drives me nuts about strollers are the really big ones that people MUST get on the bus first with and MUST sit in the first row so that everyone has to climb over their monstrosity of a stroller.

Hopefully this hasn't already been said, but that's another good reason to rent the brown stollers at the parks. Plus you can choose the compact/single kid version or the "Hummer" version for two kids. We also tied a pink bandana onto our stroller which made it much easier to find after the rides.

 

[Goofnut1980]

While I have no issues with strollers or scooters... I have also come across the rudest people driving one or the other. As long as you are courteous with your stroller, people will love you.

Many of you will think this is super mean and I am sorry in advance.

But when I was a kid, we didn't go to Disney till we were old enough to walk on our own. There was not an option for a stroller. My parents thought, if we needed a stroller, why go??? We most likely wouldn't remember the trip they just spent $2-$3000 on in the 80s and 90s. They felt we needed to be old enough to really enjoy it. I sorta agree with how they thought.

I know so many people that take infants, nothing against it, but doesn't that kinda make your vacation difficult?

 

[DfromATX]

While I have no issues with strollers or scooters... I have also come across the rudest people driving one or the other. As long as you are courteous with your stroller, people will love you.

Many of you will think this is super mean and I am sorry in advance.

But when I was a kid, we didn't go to Disney till we were old enough to walk on our own. There was not an option for a stroller. My parents thought, if we needed a stroller, why go??? We most likely wouldn't remember the trip they just spent $2-$3000 on in the 80s and 90s. They felt we needed to be old enough to really enjoy it. I sorta agree with how they thought.

I know so many people that take infants, nothing against it, but doesn't that kinda make your vacation difficult?

I actually agree with you. I see a lot of infants and very small children and wonder why. On our first trip, our youngest was only 4 at the time (and in the stroller). In retrospect, we think he was too young and he doesn't remember it either. We think the older the better. Of course 5 year olds are so cute and still believe in the characters and are into the princesses, etc. so that is one type of experience. Now that my kids are older we have so much fun running around and doing things that one couldn't do with babies in tow. Also, Disney is very expensive and for some people, it's a once-in-a-lifetime deal so the ages of the children would be a big consideration.

 

[monkeysammich]

I brought my Daughter when she was 18 months old. She loved every minute of the bright lights, colors, characters and shows.

I brought my son when he was only 6 weeks old, but that was because my family all came down to Orlando to see the new baby and also wanted to go to disney. Why shouldn't we? It was for us and not for the infant.

My second daughter's first trip will be when she's 6 months old this Christmas.

There's nothing wrong with bringing an infant, especially if you've got other children that are experiencing Disney at different stages in their development and you can have joy through them as a parent.