A Disney expert shares why they recommend strollers for “big kids” at Disney World, even if they aren’t using them at home.
Any parent knows that strollers can be an essential part of your Disney World experience. In the parks where you can easily walk 13+ miles a day, lugging around a tired child can be less than ideal without a stroller to push around. But, at what age should you stop bringing a stroller to Disney World? That’s the question a recent social media video posed, and it caused quite an array of responses.
Should “Big Kids” Use Strollers at Disney World?
TODAY.com recently posted the story of Massachusetts mom Nicki Marie, who shared a TikTok video about bringing a double stroller to Disney World for her eight and 10-year-old kids.
The comments came with divided reactions, with some sharing that they do the same with their older kids in Disney World, and others wondering at what age it’s too old for a stroller. According to an interview with TODAY.com, Marie shares that she still relies on the stroller at theme parks and airports as a way to get her kids around. She explained that her kids are very active, and like resting in the stroller on vacations like Disney.
As for me, while I don’t currently have kids older than toddlers, having been to Disney World enough to know how much walking is involved, I fully expect to keep bringing a stroller as an option once they’re a bit older. I think it can be all too easy to underestimate just how much walking you’ll be doing in Disney, especially once the kids are older and no longer in need of a full midday nap or break. Having a stroller can provide a nice respite for their feet, giving them a chance to not overdo it and potentially have a meltdown later.
The Best Strollers for Older Kids
Now, one thing to keep in mind is that a lot of strollers will only work up to a certain weight limit, which may cut off the age at which you’re able to use them for your child. One option for this is to rent a stroller, whether through Disney World or a third party. At Disney World, a single stroller fits up to 50 pounds, while a double stroller fits up to 100 pounds. That double stroller doesn’t come with a divider, so it can also be used for one child who weighs more than 50 pounds.
If you have younger kids and are looking for recommendations for strollers that can accommodate older children, these are a few of my favorites.
The Bob Jogging Stroller can accommodate up to 65 pounds. It’s a slim jogging stroller that compacts down to a manageable size, making it ideal for navigating your way around the parks. The storage in the bottom also is ideal for carrying all of your in-park needs, holding up to ten pounds.
Photo Courtesy of Zoe Strollers
For multiple kids, there’s also the Zoe Baby The Twin Stroller, which can accommodate up to 60 pounds per seat. The stroller comes with two full-size seats and a 4-panel canopy for sun protection. Helpfully, it also has the option for a car seat adapter, so if you have kids of varying ages, you can fit an infant and an older kid in.
Photo Courtesy of Mockingbird
The Mockingbird Stroller is a personal favorite of mine in Disney World, and that one also fits up to 50 pounds. It comes with a ton of configurations, fitting both a second seat and a riding board for older kids. The most helpful feature, in my opinion, is the extra-large storage basket underneath, which can hold up to 25 pounds.
