If there is one thing we all seem to have as Disney fans, it’s strong opinions about anything that comes along. From the reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to the next cookie flavor to release from Gideon’s Bakehouse in Disney Springs, most of us know what we like and aren’t afraid to say it. One topic that I frequently see disagreement about is the use of strollers and what age is appropriate for them versus expecting your child to endure a full Disney Day on foot, and there appear to be a few different schools of thought.
On the one hand, you’ve got some parents that are for the use of them. A general mix of people who need them and others who rely on them more than necessary but enjoy the convenience of having a spot to keep their things and a place for their child to rest. On the other hand, there is another approach where some people can’t stand using them for more reasons than just the inconvenience of navigating the parks with them. While I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who couldn’t agree that strollers make the parks feel more congested, they serve a vital purpose. Just as some families might lean on a stroller for more years than necessary, others might overestimate the physical demands of park days on little legs and ditch their stroller too soon. So, how do you know when to switch from stroller life to walking with your children?
Some might say that a specific age or grade in school is the benchmark for their family, but my viewpoint is a little more individualistic. Just as kids learn to read and write differently, they also take on the physical demands of the world at different rates. Some might be ready and willing earlier, benefitting from the challenge at a younger age. Others might struggle, becoming overwhelmed, exhausted, and needing frequent breaks. In my opinion, there is no single answer, but I have one major tip to help you assess the situation before you travel.
Practice. It’s that simple. If this is your first trip to one of the Disney parks, it’s essential to understand the hours you will be spending on your feet—not only walking from end to end of the park but also standing in lines. Standing can be the most relentless part and is often overlooked. Since you will likely be more physically active in the parks than in your everyday busy lives at home, start small. Where you might have taken the stroller, try leaving it at home for lengthier stretches and testing out your little one on full days without it. Once you’ve conquered those challenges, manufacture more challenging outings to see how they do without the stroller. How they cope with that will give you the best indication of whether you would benefit from a stroller or find it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
If you end up not bringing one from home and you find that you need one after all, there are plenty of options if you do decide to rent one last-minute. You can save 10% by using Buena Vista Rentals – one of our site sponsors – and they will deliver it right to your Disney resort. You’ll also receive a FREE accessory like a cup holder!
Let me know what you think. In your experience, what was the best time to make that transition and ditch your stroller at the Disney Parks? Add your best tips to the comments on our Facebook post to help others in our DIS Community make that tricky decision.
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
