When we were planning our recent trip to Disney World, Dr. G. and I seemed to be in agreement on most of the logistics — when to go, where to stay, where to eat, etc. The only thing we butted heads on was whether or not to get a stroller for Buddy, who was 6 at the time.
I knew from talking to countless friends that we would be CRAZY not to have a stroller for him. You literally will walk at least 7-8 miles on a given day at Disney World. And that’s not to mention the late nights when we would want to stay for one of the fireworks shows or the Main Street Electrical Parade.
Also, my son is an expert at whining and complaining and driving us crazy when he gets the slightest bit tired. Sometimes he’ll literally just stop and sit down in the middle of the sidewalk and sigh dramatically, telling us that he is just exhausted and can’t walk a single step more. This has happened on more than one occasion at parks and attractions much smaller than Disney.
Plus there’s the whole “flight risk” issue.
Yes, my son has a tendency to wander off. When he sees something that catches his eye, he’ll just saunter over, not really caring where we are. We’ve lost him numerous times — at Storyland in New Hampshire, at the outlet mall near our house, and at a Kohl’s store on his 6th birthday, where the store manager had to call a “Code Adam” before my son triumphantly emerged from beneath a rack of Bill Belichick-style Patriots sweatshirts that had completely concealed him.
Having a a stroller would at least eliminate the likelihood of him wandering off, I argued to my husband.
He countered back with the point that Buddy would feel like a “baby” being pushed around in a stroller like his sister.
“Seriously?” I had responded. “Um,no, he’s going to LOVE it.”
“Isn’t it a little, ummm …” he said, his voice trailing off. And I know what he was getting at: Isn’t it a little like when you see 10-year-olds being pushed around in the back of a shopping cart at Target, their bodies taking up the entire length of the carriage?
I informed him — yet again — that no, there are kids of all ages and sizes in strollers at Disney World because the park is so darn big and it just makes sense.
“Do you want him on your shoulders for three hours in 90-degree heat?” I eventually asked him. “Because that’s what’s going to happen. That’s the stroller alternative.”
That did the trick.
But one sticking point remained: We only had one umbrella-style stroller and it was for Mimi. So what to do? After researching our options — renting a stroller from Disney, renting from an outside company, borrowing a stroller from a friend — I ended up going with Kingdom Strollers.
Why? The first was the selection of strollers. Buddy weighs approximately 60 lbs and, not surprisingly, very few strollers accommodate children that size. But Kingdom Strollers had a couple of nice jogging strollers — brands like BOB Revolution — that were actually suitable for kids up to 70lbs! They also had a bunch of double strollers, which he toyed around with for a while, but then realized it might make more sense, strictly from a logistical standpoint, to have two separate strollers, in case one of us had to take one kid to the bathroom while the other took the other child on a ride. So we decided on the BOB Revolution Single.
Second, was the price. You can easily rent a stroller from Kingdom Strollers for a week for well under $100 (more like $60 for a week for a BOB Revolution), which is much cheaper than what you’d pay if you rented a lesser-quality stroller at the actual park.
And then there was the convenience. I ordered the stroller online, put the name of the resort we were staying in, when we were scheduled to arrive, etc. and voila! The stroller would be there waiting for us when we checked in. And it was. I found it near the bell services, bearing a sign with our family’s name. And even better? When you check out of the hotel, you just leave it there and Kingdom Strollers will come back and pick it up. For free.
At first, Buddy kind of balked at the stroller (and I caught Dr. G. shooting me an “I told you so!” glance), but when he got in and realized what a sweet ride it was, well, the rest was history. He quite happily climbed in the stroller and loved that there were mesh pockets there in the seat for him to stash his water bottle. And, as you can tell, it was very comfortable.
As expected, it was a godsend at the end of the day, when the kiddos were exhausted. I think he fell asleep in it nearly every single day, and it’s not like he is much of a napper at age six. But that’s how wiped out kids get in the sun and fun and excitement of Disney World. I honestly think we would have had to carry him some nights if we didn’t have the stroller.
This was my first time ever using a BOB stroller and I admit, it was really nice. Even with its size, it was easier to maneuver than our 5-year-old Maclaren umbrella stroller. In fact, both kids ended up fighting over who got to sit in it at times!
The only tricky part for us was figuring out how to fold it up so we could store it in the trunk, since we had a rental car. But once we got the hang of it, we were fine. So my advice would be to practice a few times, because whether you have a car or are staying on one of the Disney properties and relying on the buses to take you to the parks, you’re going to need to figure out to collapse and store the stroller quickly.
In addition to the ease, convenience and price, the customer service at Kingdom Strollers was top-notch. I had emailed the owners with a few questions and they literally responded back within a few minute. Another big plus? They deliver to most hotels, resorts, condos, vacation rentals, etc. in the Orlando area, including Kissimmee. And in addition to strollers, they also rent full-size folding cribs — a far cry from the beat-up Pack & Plays you find at most hotels.
Okay, okay. I know some families (and others) are rolling their eyes at the idea of a stroller for their kindergartner and snorting “Why can’t he just walk?”, and “He’s too big for a stroller!” and that’s just fine. This is what worked for our family, especially since we were going full-force most days, staying through at the parks to the evening for dinner or to catch a fireworks show — no mid-day rest time back at the hotel. But in the end, it’s up to you.
I received a complimentary stroller rental from Kingdom Strollers in exchange for my honest review. As always, all thoughts, opinions and text are my own. I honestly loved my experience with Kingdom Strollers and think you will too!
Courtney Buteau says
I love the idea of big kid strollers! When we went to Disney this year my husband didn’t believe me that we’d need a double stroller for our 10 week old and 2 1/2 old. I said are you kidding me?! Of course we need a double! I will use a stroller at Disney until my daughter can no longer fit in one. It is a must have! I’ve never hear of Kingdom Rentals and I will def be using them next time we go.
jen @ keekoin says
OMG, i was literally JUST on their website yesterday looking at stroller rentals for our Disney trip this December!!!! We’ve been the Disney with the kids a handful of times and we have used a stroller every single time- even for my 5 year-old last October. They get tired! No matter the age, a stroller in Disney is a necessity!!!
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I wish they had strollers big enough for my 6 year old. Teddy the Yeti is way over capacity.
Kelly M says
We’re going to Disney the middle of June 2013. This is blog post came at the perfect time. Our boys are 14 months apart and the 7 year old is also a “flight risk”. This seals the deal. I’ll be looking in to Kingdom Strollers today…..but maybe, just maybe I’ll be lucky enough to win your great giveaway.
Jacqui says
Too funny that you posted this, I just looked into them a few weeks ago because we decided it might be easier to rent a stroller then bring one!
Sara hammer says
We are hoping to go in February- definitely plan on renting a stroller! 🙂 thanks!!!!
Sara
Lisa D says
We have always brought a double with us to Florida for the parks. This is the first year we didn’t…and we ended up renting one at the park for the day. Total rip off but necessary. This seems like a sweet ride! (even for the big kid!)
JD Bailey @ Honest Mom says
I LOVE Kingdom Strollers! We have used them twice – and yes, my 7yo was thrilled to have the stroller. She used it more than the 4yo!
Chelley / AisForAdelaide says
I had no idea this was even available! Thank you for sharing!
dawn says
Going in August and with my medical problems this will come in super super handy. Thanks for the chance!
Zachary Saffell says
hmm, stroller sounds like a good idea for sure, I believe You won’t regret it
Sarah B. says
Hey – if it means you don’t have to listen to “I’m tired of walking,” then I’m all in favor of big kids in stroller 🙂 Heck. I wouldn’t mind being pushed around in a stroller myself!
Sophia Bell says
Interesting story! Experiencing the good service of kingdom stroller is unforgettable. Because they give good and nice stroller that you can use for your jaunt. I agree! This is a highly recommended!
Jodi says
I was just wondering about this! We’re thinking of going in Nov and we’d definitely need a double that could hold our 5 yr old and 3 yr old. Love this idea!
Laura R. says
I’m going to Disney with my sister (Kelly M, from above) in a couple of weeks. I took on the role of your husband and BEGGED her not to take a stroller with us. After listening to her points and reading your post, I am relenting: we DO, in fact, need a stroller for the 7 year old. I hope one of us wins!
Chantell says
Thanks so much for your post. I have a very lazy 4 year old and was wondering what I’m going to do for our Feb trip to Disney.
I’m going to look at the BOB, we’ll be there for 9 days and can really not carry his 22kg through Disney.
Great idea!
Vanessa says
Thanks so much for this article. We are planning to go to Disney next year and my son will be 6 and a tall six at that. I know we want a stroller but I’ve been trying to find out how bigger kids will fit in the ones available for rent. Seeing the picture of your 6 year old in the BOB helps me a lot. Now I’m pretty certain he won’t be too squished in a Bob type stroller. Many stroller sites list the weight, but not the height and all the images are of little kids (that being the main target I suppose 🙂 ) Thanks for providing a sensible real life experience with this!