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One of the most common questions asked by parents planning a trip to Disney World is: Does my older child need a stroller at Disney World? You will see it asked multiple times each week in Facebook groups, travel blogs, and Disney fan forums. When parents who have never been to Disney before hear that you walk, on average, 8-10 miles per day there, they immediately think: “My 6 year old can’t walk that much!” Personally, I have taken multiple trips to Disney World with my son, nephew, and niece, when they were all between the ages of 6-10. Never once did I use a stroller with any of them. So, no: kids over the age of 4 do not need a stroller at Disney World. Keep reading to find out why and what you should do instead.
DISCLAIMER: This post is talking about healthy kids. If your child has special needs or medical issues, THIS IS NOT DIRECTED AT YOU! No one knows what your child needs better than you do, so trust your gut.
I know what I’m about to say will anger some of you, but it’s important to address this openly and honestly because I feel some of you are scared or guilted into getting a stroller “just in case” when it is really not necessary.
Reason #1: Kids will get tired.
Of course, your child is going to get tired while at Disney World! Everyone does! Disney World is exhausting. But, it’s not the only place in the world your child gets tired. If you wouldn’t push your 8-year-old around in a stroller at the mall just because they’re tired, then you shouldn’t do it at Disney World!
While it’s true that you will walk a lot each day at Disney World, you won’t be doing it all at one time. The walking is broken up by breaks, meals, rides, and shows. Lots of kids go to Disney World and do all this walking every day without any issues. It is not impossible for kids to walk several miles in a day.
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #1
Train your kids for lots of walking in the weeks and months leading up to your trip. For details on how to do this, see how to go to Disney World without a stroller and how to prepare your kids for Disney.
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #2
Take plenty of breaks. Schedule breaks into your plans. And when your kids get tired, take a break, whether it’s scheduled or not. Stop for a snack, spend some time on a bench, or go back to your hotel for a nap. In my family, daily naps at Disney World are mandatory for everyone. And my son, who NEVER naps, is happy to take one every day of our trip.
Reason #2: They will want to ride in the stroller.
Once again, just because this is true doesn’t mean it’s a legitimate reason to get a stroller at Disney World. Your kid is going to want every stuffed animal, light up toy, and snack they see too, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to say yes every time. They will also want to cut the lines for all the rides, but you’re not going to let that happen either. This is about setting expectations and insisting your child act their age. In my experience, kids willingly rise to the expectations set by their parents.
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #3
Tell your child that if they are old enough to go to Disney World, they are old enough to walk. If they balk at this, take them back to the hotel. I promise, if you make them leave the park once, they will not do this again.
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #4
Don’t give your kids an option. Many parents argue that they rented a stroller at Disney World just in case and their kids rode in it the whole time. The truth is that if you give people, adults and kids, a choice, most people will choose to ride instead of walk. But, if you don’t give them that option, they will be just fine walking. So, if you don’t get the stroller, your child will not want to ride in it.
Reason #3: If my younger child has a stroller, my older child will want one too.
This reason goes hand in hand with the two reasons above. But the truth of the matter is that some basic aspects of life are as true on vacation as they are at home. And one of those truths is that your older child doesn’t get to revert to being a baby just because they have a younger sibling. You wouldn’t let your 6-year-old wear a diaper and drink from a bottle just because your 1-year-old does. This is no different!
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #5
Hype up being a big kid. Kids love being “big.” So tell your child that big kids don’t use strollers. Explain that only big kids get to ride the best rides. This will help to motivate them to want to shun the stroller.
Reason #4: We need the stroller to carry our stuff in the parks.
If you need a stroller in the parks to haul around your stuff, you’re bringing too much stuff! It is an unnecessary expense and hassle to have a stroller just to carry your stuff. A stroller may be convenient to hold all your things, but it can waste a lot of your park time every time you have to park it or find it in a stroller parking lot. Save yourself the time and effort by not using the stroller as a cart for your things.
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #6
If you bring lunch or snacks to the parks or have a lot of stuff that you need, rent a locker. This way you will have your stuff in the parks, but don’t have to lug it around with you all day.
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #7
Rethink what you really need in the parks. Only bring the absolute necessities. Anything that you need unexpectedly can be bought in the parks.
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #8
Avoid carrying souvenirs around the parks by buying them at the end of the day or have them shipped to your hotel if you are staying on property or to the front of the park if staying offsite.
Reason #5: My kid will wander off and get lost without a stroller.
I will concede that some toddlers are runners and may need to be in a stroller for this reason. However, by the time your child is 5 or 6 years old, they should be past this running stage. If your older child tends to wander off because they aren’t paying attention, then you as the parent need to pay more attention to them! There are lots of solutions for wanderers but putting them in a stroller is not one of them!
Stroller(less) Alternative Solution #9
Talk to your child about the importance of staying with you. Practice as you go about your normal daily activities. Have them walk next to you and either hold your hand or your shirt while walking. Keep them engaged by having them help you find where you’re going. Check out our other tips to keep your kids safe at Disney World for more ideas.
Conclusion
Many people waste lots of time and money on strollers at Disney World for their kids who are 6, 7, 8, 9, or even 10 years old because they think they need them. The truth is that any healthy kid over the age of 4 does not need a stroller at Disney World. Set clear expectations, treat your child the way you would home, take breaks, and pack less stuff. With these solutions, I have no doubts that your child will do great without a stroller at Disney World. Save the money and buy them an extra snack or souvenir instead! For more tips on taking kids to Disney World, see life lessons Disney can teach your kids, how to prevent Disney meltdowns, tips for teaching your kids at Disney World, and how to help your kids wait in line. To book your trip, go to Disney’s website. Happy travels!
One person’s opinion. I say do what is right for your family and don’t shame others if they want a stroller for any particular reason. Waste of time reading this judgemental article.
Kate,
Thank you for your comment. I’m sorry if you think this article is a waste of time. The purpose of the article is not to shame others, but to show people that it is absolutely possible to go to Disney World with a child over the age of 4 and not take a stroller. Many people think they are a must for kids up to the age of 10. I don’t want to see someone waste time, effort, and money on a stroller just because people convince them that their elementary age child cannot go without a stroller. The pro-stroller folks are very vocal. I just want to present the other side of the issue so people can see a different perspective. If you feel that you need a stroller for your child, then please take one. I have always said that the best thing about a Disney World vacation is that it can easily be customized to fit each family’s needs. -Christy
This reads extremely judgmental and mean spirited. Whether you have a stroller for an older child or not is absolutely nobody’s business. Shaming people is ugly and unnecessary.
I’m sorry that I touched a nerve with you. This is clearly a very sensitive issue for you. You’re right: if you want to put your 10 year old in a stroller, that is your decision. However, the purpose of this article is to show parents who are not sure if they need a stroller that there are other ways to handle tired children at Disney World besides putting them in a stroller. Many parents don’t want to baby their kids and are looking for a different solution. This article is intended for them. Since you have already made your decision, this article isn’t really for you. I’m sorry if I confused you.
It is absolutely ridiculous to put a child over the age of 4 in a stroller. I see so many people with lazy 6, 7, 8 year old kids being pushed around in strollers at theme parks, festivals, etc. It’s really sad.
You should not judge.my son is 8 and he is a normal child,but yet has hypotonia.it’s a low muscle tone,after a few hrs his legs just can’t hold him up,.,they become jello,so I do need one. People who take a stroller they have more reason the a lazy child.
Annetta,
Thank you for your perspective. I’m sorry your son has to deal with this. I don’t think anyone would fault you for using a stroller because your son has a medical condition that makes it necessary. I mention very early in the article that it is not directed towards parents of children who need a stroller for medical reasons. This article is intended for parents of healthy children. Unfortunately, a lot of parents feel that their healthy children need a stroller at Disney simply because “they’ll get tired.” The point of the article is that while kids will get tired at Disney, there are lots of ways other than strollers to handle the fatigue. -Christy
You must have lazy unathletic children. Its not judgmental to say children over 4 should not be in strollers, ask your pediatrician if children these days get enough walking/running/exercise due to parents who treat capable children like babies. Our child was climbing mountains at 4 yrs old, with huge elevation gain and mileage and loved it. He was laughing at all the pathetic 8 yr olds in strollers at Disney last week. He even asked me “what is wrong with those parents?”
Wow, this is such a condescending and rude remark. My daughter also dances for 4+ hours at a time and plays softball, but being in Florida in the summer heat and walking 12 miles a day can require a little rest. Way to raise your kid to be judgemental.
No one is saying that kids don’t get tired at Disney World. Everyone gets tired there! What we’re saying is that there are other alternatives besides just sticking your 8-year-old in a stroller.
Interesting that you are bragging that your child was laughing at other kids – kids whose condition he doesn’t know anything about. Kid could have asthma, growth issues, anything! Sounds like a bully raising another bully. And no my children have never used a stroller at Disney, but we don’t concern ourselves with what other ppl do for their children’s comfort or benefit.
You all need stop judging!!
This make me really sad. You wonder why the world is the way it is. Leave us mom who need a stroller for whatever reason alone. Be kind and get out of the way
#5 makes me cringe. “So tell your child that big kids don’t use strollers”. Big kids with disabilities DO use strollers and it can be super upsetting to them when they hear their peers point to them and say they are using something meant for babies. This has happened to my child countless times while using a stroller, adaptive cutlery, etc.
Danielle,
I understand your point. Teaching your kids about differences and that that not everyone can do the same things is a totally different conversation parents need to have with their kids. Battling your child over a stroller in the middle of Disney World is not the time for that conversation.
Totally agree.. We’ve been taking our daughter to Disney since she was two. She’s 7 now. If you want to get a full day out of the park and you don’t have a resort to retreat to for a few hours, bring or rent a stroller. You can walk 7-15 miles in one day at a Disney park. Ain’t nobody training a kid for a 10 mile walk. Honey, get that kiddo a stroller if it’s right for your family’s needs.
@Kate – Couldn’t agree more. My 8 year had a wonderful, less tiring trip, all because of the stroller. A stroller is a must have necessity!
A stroller does help kids not be so tired, but it’s not the only way. And that’s the point of this article-to show you that there are other options. -Christy
I think it’s easier for people who go more often. Definitely the author is not a once a decade Disney visitor. We have one day at DL and one day at DCA and we might get a stroller for the 8 year old. I just tested a touring plan for DL and with a one hour lunch break and no others plugged in, we would be walking straight from one ride to another from 8-8. If we could go again the next year, cool. But this is it for any foreseeable future. A stroller could keep us going into the evening without us having to guilt the child into feeling like she isn’t acting her age. It’s normal for kids not to have 12 hours of go-go-go in them. There are so many reasons people make the choices they make that aren’t apparent and laughing at people is so unkind.
Ellen,
To be honest, if you are going from ride to ride from 8-8 with only a lunch break, no one in your family is going to be having any fun. Touring plans are helpful in developing a plan for the parks. However, you have to build in breaks or you miss out on all the fun. And a stroller is not going to fix this problem. No one can go full blast for 12 hours, kid or adult.
I was prepared to be offended when I clicked on this article but you’ve convinced me. I never cater to my kids’ whims at home. But, as I’ve been reading all of the other blogs I was prepared to rent a stroller for my kids who haven’t used a stroller in years. Thanks for reminding me of the parent I aspire to be! Also I love your comment at the beginning about healthy kids. My oldest (8) is asthmatic and probably can’t handle the 5+ miles of walking per day but my 4 and 5 year olds can. I do not need a triple stroller!
Lisa,
I’m so glad this article helped you! I hope you have a great trip! Enjoy!
We just got back from Disney with my 7 yr old and 4 yr old. We ended up renting a park stroller for my 7 year old at 1 of the parks. There is barely anywhere to sit at Disney nowadays, the lines are are well over an hour of addl standing, and the crowds are so crazy its way easier to tuck ur tired kid in the stroller to get where you are going. Even the disney bus transportation was standing by the end of the day. Because of covid, there are also barely any places to sit and eat. Lesson learned. Hope this helps the next mama… id never make that no stroller decision again.
Robyn,
Sorry you had such a bad experience. Covid has definitely made things more difficult at Disney. I definitely understand reaching for that stroller when you are there in the middle of the parks and your kids are tired and cranky. I don’t blame you at all. I think you point out why it’s so important to plan out your time at Disney and work on building up your children’s endurance before you arrive. I hope you have a better trip next time. -Christy
Although you have a right to your opinion, I have to disagree. And based on most replies on here, I think you’re just about the only one who agrees with you. I was just at Disney last week with my 4 and 6 year old. We brought our double stroller and MAN AM I GLAD WE DID. It was absolute chaos, every park was at capacity. I don’t know how we would have safely gotten through those crowds all day long without a stroller, unless we wanted to spend all day behind crowds of people. I would have ended up holding my 4 year old just to keep us moving. Not to mention ZERO places to rest, sit, take any break, let alone eat.! Not ideal for anyone. It is absolutely okay to use a stroller at a place like this. Sorry, but you Comparing it to a trip to the mall is just asinine. Do what is right for the safety of your kids, and what you feel is right for your family. Disney is HARD in littles and letting them sit in a stroller so mom and dad can trek through the madness is not catering to them or whatever else you said. It’s safe and time efficient, and allowed a break from the hours of standing in line. We took a break every day, and they were still exhausted. My kids are very active boys and “preparing them” weeks ahead of time wouldn’t have changed the outcome of their exhaustion for this 4-day new experience. If you’re a Disney guru and you’re there all the time with your kids, and they’re used to that type of daily living, then great. But this was a first trip for us and I would HIGHLY recommend a stroller for anyone with kids under 6, especially during busy season. Without a doubt.
Kim,
Thank you for your perspective, but I think you missed my point. I absolutely agree that you need a stroller for kids under the age of 5. I never said you don’t need one for your 4 year old. But just because you need a stroller for your preschooler doesn’t mean you need one for your elementary school aged children. You are right that going to Disney World is hard, but planning and preparing in advance of your trip can and does help make it easier. My family does not go to Disney all the time, but I have taken my son at ages 6, 8, and 9 and taken my niece and nephew at 7 and 10, and did not use a stroller on any of those trips. And they all did just fine without one. And we always go when it is crowded and busy. It sounds like you were not prepared for the crowds and did not plan as well as maybe you should have to navigate those crowds. I’m glad the stroller worked for you, but I stand by my (experienced and educated) opinion that you do not need a stroller for kids over the age of 5.
I used to be team “No Stroller for Big Kids.” My parents didn’t get one for my sister at age 5 when we were kids. However, now that I have 2 kids, I figure if I am bringing a stroller for my youngest, what is the harm in bringing a double so my 6 year old has a seat? When it was just him and me, while little sis and dad were at the hotel, he walked around Universal without a stroller and even walked from the hotel to Seaworld, did an afternoon at Seaworld, then we walked back to the hotel. He is very good in one-on-one situations, but when you throw another kid into the mix, I just feel safer having a place for him to sit in crowds. Though he is a “healthy” child, we are on a waiting list to see if he is dealing with ASD or ADHD. Some health issues he had as a toddler have made me more compassionate towards people with hidden disabilities, so I try not to judge big kids in strollers anymore. I understand your arguments that not as many big kids need strollers as one might think, but each family needs to do what is right for them.
KC,
It sounds like your decision to take a stroller for your 6 year old has more to do with your insecurity in having 2 kids in a crowd than whether your son actually needs a stroller. And as I said in the article, this is not intended for children with disabilities. It is intended for healthy children. The vast majority of older kids in strollers at Disney World don’t have hidden disabilities. They have parents who just want an easy way out.
It also can give them a place out of so much stimulation. Disney is fun, but it’s a lot for young brains that don’t yet know how they respond to that much noise and visual stimulation. Just throwing a blanket or towel over the stroller with some headphones can give them the downtime they need to keep going. Also, I like the idea of sharing one stroller for a few kids who can all walk most of the time. Just like with my friends when we share a backpack. If we switch every 20 minutes by back feels so fresh compared to carrying one the whole time.
Ellen,
There are lots of other ways to give your kids a break from all of the stimulation at Disney besides throwing them into a stroller under a blanket with a screen and some headphones. The beauty of going to Disney is to have fun as a family without all the screens. So, why would you want to give your kids a screen while there? Strollers are the easy answer, but not the only answer. -Christy
This is clearly a failed attempt at satire… right? RIGHT?!
Sorry, Jessica. No satire here. Just straightforward, honest truth that there are ways to handle a tired, whining elementary-school aged child at Disney World other than putting them in a stroller.
I’d never go to Disney without a stroller. When we do Disney it’s a marathon day from rope drop till close. We pack all of our food and drinks in a soft sided cooler and keep that in the stroller. Usually I bring the kids a change of clothes, sweaters for all of us and a blanket just in case they get wet, or cold. On the way back to the car we throw our big kids in the stroller and they pass out while we walk to the car. The families that have their tired kids whining and crying at the end of the day because they’re completely spent( I feel for them)…..I am not willing to have that happen to us. This is the most economical way to do Disney for us.
Carrie,
I totally understand your point of view. I don’t like seeing tired, crying kids at Disney either. I do think it is possible to do Disney without a stroller and without having crying kids at the end of the night, but it takes adjusting your plan a bit. I think the best way to do this is by taking a break during the middle of the day to allow them to rest a bit. But, this is difficult to do if you are not staying on property. So, I understand your process. -Christy
Overall i agree with this article and will share a recent experience. For our week-long trip to Disney World in March 2022, I rented a stroller for my daughter, age 6 (not yet 6 1/2), from an outside stroller company, not the parks. My family was very glad to have it. My daughter is active — we live in NYC and walk everywhere, to and from school, etc. — but having her in the stroller gave her a chance to rest when there was no seating available and helped with sibling compromises as her older brother did not always want to take breaks. Sometimes when she was tired, we’d take a break all together, sometimes we’d split up with one parent staying with her, and other times she’d hop into the stroller and we’d move along at my son’s pace. That said, this was certainly our last year with the stroller. We plan to go next year, when she is 7 and my son is 10, and we will just be sure to take breaks when she is tired (my son seems to never tire) and pace ourselves better. Having the entire family on board with the realization and acceptance that you simply cannot do it all really helps prevent exhaustion.
Anna,
Thank you for your perspective! I think your story really illustrates that, while strollers can be helpful, there are ways to have fun at Disney World without them. Thanks for sharing! -Christy
Hi Christy – I came across this article a while back when I was on the fence about taking a stroller for our 5yr old and 7yr old. All of our friends said it was a must but my kids havent ridden in a stroller in years and it just seemed odd to resort back to one for a trip. Your article helped me decide we wouldnt use one. We just returned from our trip last week and the kids did great walking on their own! I realize people all have different situations and need to do whats best for their family but I wanted to thank you for putting your article out there (even though Im sure you knew you were sure to receive some nasty remarks…which sadly seems to be the case). I think young kids are much more capable of walking long distances than people give them credit for – and it encourages exercise! Our kids walked 9-10 miles each day at the parks and hardly even mentioned being tired – they are at Disney World! Its hot and overwhelming and they would probably be tired even cruising in a stroller ha. I didnt miss having to lug around a stroller on the buses, etc. Park it and then find it after each ride. Or pay to rent one! Again, this is all just my opinion and my experience but I just wanted you to know it worked for us and I appreciate the words you shared!
Allie,
Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m so glad you had a great trip! I hope other people are encouraged to be brave enough to go without a stroller after seeing how well your kids did! -Christy
I was highly considering on bringing a stroller for my healthy 6 year old to the park. I thought it would be easier to carry our things as well. But after reading your article I realized that it may make my daughter get lazy quickly. Also, I forgot about lockers that could hold our food or extra items. Yes I understand some kids may need breaks sooner than others and I would never think differently on parents who use strollers for older kids, but if my daughter wants to experience this magical place and for the money I am dishing out, I think she’ll do fine walking. I will be planning out breaks, rest and hydration sessions so that should aid in keeping her energy up. As far as others commenting on the writers tone, I think she’s straight forward and I appreciate that nowadays. Everyone wants to sugar coat and not offend….but if you are offended, than don’t read it. If you don’t agree with her, remember there are plenty who do agree with her and would take her words into consideration for planning. I realized that a stroller would not be necessary for our trip.
Melissa,
I’m glad I could help you decide that a stroller isn’t necessary. I appreciate your comments. Have a great trip! I know you and your daughter will have a blast! -Christy
Kids over 4 in strollers is horrific and the family should be kicked out of the park. Its borderline child abuse. No excuses. Blah blah, my kid gets tired. He’s special, here’s a quarter
We were thinking of buying a stroller for our 4 year old granddaughter, but you are right. She is very energetic and walks 3 miles with us at 3 miles an hour with no problem. We always planned for Disney with our kids and made them build up stamina before we went, even our diabetic son, we just had to watch his blood sugar and make sure he had regular snacks. He is 18 now and going with us. I think he needs the stroller more than my granddaughter!
Tracee,
Glad I could help reassure you. Have a great trip! -Christy
😒…you give too many explanations to justify your article.
It’s imposibble to compare walking at the mall and walking at Disney.
This article is SO great!! 4 years ago we took our 3 kids who were 5 and 3 (almost 4). we took strollers for 2 days and it was miserable cause they kept fighting over which seat they got. Day 3 we left them at the hotel and it was the best thing we ever did! That being said we had “trained” as a family for dinner aka we had spend the whole summer hiking as a family….starting short and working up to 7 mile hikes! So I knew when it came to walking they could do it! Another killer tip was that we told them Disney is the happiest place on earth and they don’t allow people to cry or throw fits. we told them if they did they would make us leave…they actually encouraged each other to stay positive! we had the best week as a family. Kids are amazing and resilient and can do way more than you think!! Loved your article! We are planning our next trip in a year and a half when our now 5 kids will be 11, 9, 9, 5, and almost 4. We will be leaving the stroller at home!
Jillian,
Thank you for your story and your tips. I love hearing about other families finding ways to go to Disney without strollers! -Christy
My daughter is a tall 6 yr old, very active, very healthy, but I will most definitely be renting a stroller that can accommodate a child her size. It will allow me to get through the park quickly, and give her some respite when she gets tired and dozes off, which I am sure she will do. This will also allow me to do some shopping while she’s resting and without me having to encourage her to push through the exhaustion. As another commenter stated, malls and Disney is an apples to oranges comparison. I think you would have captured more understanding from your readers if you would have written this article in a manner that conveys doing what works for each family individually. This article seemed to lack that and in my perspective, did come across as a bit judgmental vs. just pro’s of not allowing the use of a stroller.
Lynn,
Thank you for your perspective, but you completely missed the point of the article. It was never intended to be about the pros and cons of using a stroller vs. not. The point of the article is to show parents, especially those who don’t want to use a stroller, that there are options other than exhaustion or stroller. A lot of people believe that it is impossible to go to Disney without a stroller. This article is meant to show that belief is not true. As someone who has been to Disney World both with and without a stroller for my young child, I can tell you from experience that it is actually faster to move through the parks without a stroller. And if you use the tips in this article, your daughter won’t have to push through the exhaustion.