Stroller/Wagon At Disney for 8 Yr. Old??

We barely used it when my youngest was three and a half. Aren't you guys planning to take a rest/nap break in the middle of the day? Go back to the hotel and chill for a bit before the evening stuff?
Besides, what kind of eight year old would be seen in a stroller, SERIOUSLY?
Also, you can't take a stroller in line for rides, you know that, right? You have to park it outside the entrance to the ride/attraction.

I wouldn't, but never judge someone else for doing it. I have no clue if their child has a disability.

My thoughts are at 6 & 8, they can walk. If they are tired, then it is time to take a brake. Who is going to pull the wagon? My kid weighs 100lbs and I won't even allow her to stand at the end of the shopping cart because I'm not pushing her!

Wagons have small wheels, which I don't think are great for moving a lot of weight.

We went last year with a 5 y.o. And 8 y.o. We spent a lot of time in Epcot and I think a stroller was a must there. We rented the double stroller in the park so we could keep are bag in there. Although my 8 y.o. was tired some days, she didn't have any trouble walking.

My younger daughter gets overwhelmed pretty easily so she liked to hide in the stroller to avoid the crowds. It was also easier for us to rush across the parks when we wanted to do things at opposite ends of the park.

You could try day 1 without a stroller and get one the second day if needed.

Like you, I am admittedly shocked that folks get strollers for their 6 and 8 yo kiddos. Mine were done with strollers when they were 3yo. Are kiddos unable to walk these days?

My suggestion would be to plan your days around their energy levels and walking abilities. The more you force it, even if they have a stroller, the harder it's going to be on everyone.

And get small backpacks for your kiddos and a small one for you. They are old enough to carry their own stuff. None of the packs need to be heavy.

I am fairly certain they do not allow wagons in the parks at all. In all our years going to Disneyland I have never seen wagons being pulled by anyone. I would expect the rules to be the same in Disney World.
There are lockers for rent in several locations around the parks where you can put your jackets until you need them and also any food, often in a small cooler. If you are staying on property, you can plan to go back to your room for a short break, clothing change, grabbing more food and waters and then go back. The kids are big enough to carry a small backpack of their own with their jacket and a few snacks and a refillable bottle for water. I know at Disneyland you can ask for free cups of ice water at any food service locations (except for the carts). You can easily refill water bottles during the day that way to save you from having to carry a ton of water. I would assume Disney World has the same policy as Disneyland. Another option is a small Camel Pack backpack. You can buy ones with enough room to carry a jacket and a few odds and ends and it includes a water bladder. If you are staying on property, most shopping locations offer a free service for delivering your purchases directly to your room so you don't have to worry about carrying around all of your purchases all day. There is ample room at your feet on most attractions for a backpack, some actually have somewhere under the seat or behind the one in front of you, a few you can just keep it on your lap. We've been able to fit our bigger packs very easily on everything we've gone on.
Disney is fantastic working with allergies. You will find you have a lot more options than you think. The chefs can work with you as well to avoid allergens. If you are making reservations at any of the locations you can let them know about your dietary needs right there on the phone so they can help you plan before you even get there.
As for a stroller. That's a tough one. We are weaning off of one with our 5 year old. Partly because she's the size of a 7+ year old and really doesn't fit in it anymore and partly because we're so tired of dragging it around. She's doing OK but we have to plan a few more resting breaks now. One of my boys would hop into his sister's stroller at 8 though when he was dragging. He'd hide himself so no one saw. Most of the time he was too embarrassed to be in there. We brought our sit n stand one time around that age when he had an injury that made it hard for him to walk. He tried so hard to not ride in it. The 6 year old might whine a bit more but could probably do it if you plan breaks and don't push to rush from one thing to the next. It does depend on the kid though. My oldest was not ready to give up the stroller at 6 yet, he used the space when he got over stimulated. Worse case, you can rent strollers at the parks if you find you really should have gotten one after all.
The best advice I can give it to follow your kids' lead. Don't get frustrated if they just want to stop and do something like watch the ducks or look at the flowers. Disney can be over stimulating, even for adults. Those brief moments of simple things can help slow down the chaos and can sometimes be the best memories of the trip. I still remember stopping so my kids could sit on the floor with a Cast Member and play an oversized game of Connect Four. It's a game we have at home, but sitting there on the ground inside the parks made them so happy! I have a million pictures of flowers my kids have taken over the years too.
You will do great! Enjoy your trip!

A wagon will not be allowed on any disney transportation (the busses or the ones that get you from parking to park), or in the parks (just checked).

I think you may want ONE stroller. It would be good to pack things in and if one or the other gets tired, they can ride.

Renting one, the city minis, at many places around DW (google it) is a great option as those are small, easy to fold, and have a higher weight limit.

I don't think your 8 year old will ride, but I do think one stroller would be a good idea.

I went to Disney last year with my kids who were 4 and 7 at the time. We went for 4 days and saw every park. We did not use a stroller or a wagon. They both kept up the whole time and yeah they were tired at the end of the day but that's what you expect at Disney.

I couldn't imagine an 8 year old being pushed in a stroller. My daughter is 8 now and weighs 80 pounds, she's defiantly old enough to walk. My son who was 4 at the time just has so much energy and he kept up with all of us.

I guess go with your gut, if they can walk at SeaWorld, I'm sure they'd be fine walking Disney as well.

A stroller for an 8 year old is ridiculous. I'm not sure about a 6 year old. I guess that would depend on the individual child. There are plenty of places to sit and rest at Disney World if your kids need to rest.

I think kids would be embarrassed to be instroller. Not necessary. Rent a locker for all your food. Now you are hands free!

My kids would not have sat in a stroller when they were 3, nevermind 6 or 8! What about bringing a wheeled grocery cart for your food?.

We were there 2 yes ago. My youngest were 6yrs and 8 yrs. I would NOT get a stroller we would never get one. I was there also without my husband. We are active. My kids are always playing outside. If your children have some disabilities that would make them difficult two walk that's a different situation. I think its completely silly for kids t that age to use a stroller.

I did see so many older kids in strollers last time I was there. They looked a bit sad to me. When we took our kids, we planned to not do the entire park. We planned for the must-do's, left by 1ish, went back to our places for naps for all, and re-entered the parks about 4. We paced ourselves around their energy levels. Your situation is different, as you are going with other adults, who may have other expectations, perhaps wishing for a more extensive routine. The suggestions you are receiving of one packable stroller seems a good compromise. Wishing you a wonderful vacation.

Your sister in law and friend are nuts. Perhaps a wheelchair for you after you are worn ragged from chasing them.

Oh my gosh - you do not need a stroller for an eight year old! Not even for a six year old! If you are planning to arrive at 7:30 to catch the first monorail into the park and then not leave until after the fireworks... you may need a stroller for EVERYONE in your group, you'll be so tired.

Just pace yourself, set a reasonable plan for each day, understand you won't see everything, and have fun.

I went in April with two six year olds and did not see anyone pushing elementary school aged kids around in a stroller. Remember that a stroller will slow you down. You have to park it in the acceptable stroller parking in each park, so you'll be going out of your way to park it and then get back to the rides you want.

Ditto Kristen W. and everyone's suggestions about lockers. Split up the loads (dump half your stuff in the locker for 'as needed') and have fun!

We rented the Disney double when my kids were 6 and 4. The 6 year old barely fit, but she was happy, and it saved us a lot of misery and we could move faster when we wanted to. But 8 and 6? That would be definitley pushing it just due to size, imo. I'm not one to really care about others judgment on this issue, it's personal choice. I just think your kids may be physically too big. Next time we went they were 10 and 8, and we did not get a stroller at all. You don't need to carry too much.

As for the food, just pack some snacks. Disney is good with food allergies. You can get by with a medium sized back pack, and it will easily fit on all the rides, you'll see. No need for messing with a locker. Ice water is free everywhere, don't carry water! We sometimes carry paper cups to split sodas, also sunscreen, bandaids, and flip-flops or crocs in case our feet get wet, hot, or sore.

We went to Disney for a day once when my kids were 2 1/2 and 5. No stroller, we just took our time and carried the youngest a little. I know you don't have that option, so I think a small umbrella stroller may be good for you at most. Your 8 year old should be fine. (Wouldn't they be embarrassed to be in a stroller?) Will Disney allow a backpack on wheels? When I went to six flags there were designated areas to leave large bags if you were going on a ride, maybe Disney is similar?

I wonder (in general) if the older kids are in strollers because the adults have a long list of must-see and -do activities and don't want the kids to slow them down?

The last time we used a stroller at Disney my daughter was 7 yo. Now when we go, I honestly miss having it. It is a great place to store your jackets, drinks, camera etc.

Rent the strollers at Disney. We did that with our 4 and 6 year old. The 6 year old rarely rode in it. She was almost too big for it. We used it mostly for carrying bottles of water and such. The first day you rent, tell them that you want one for three days. You will get coupons for the next two days and you get a little price break. You won't have to stand in line as long to pick up the stroller after the first day. If you park hop, your rental is good all day. You don't have to pay again if you go to another park. That is good at Downtown Disney, too.

Do people put 8 year olds in a stroller - yes. Would I? No. I see no reason why a healthy 8 year old needs a stroller. My DH makes my kids start walking at disney once they hit 5. They can manage it just fine. You sit to eat, you sit on the rides, you can sit to have a snack, you sit for parades.

I would not bring a wagon. IT will be very hard to navigate that.

Can your brother carry the back pack? Throw a bunch of snacks and a few drinks - the bag shouldn't be too heavy. You shouldn't really need jackets unless there's some odd cold front. Maybe a light weight wind breaker. The bag goes with you on all the rides.

I think you have the stroller thing figured out but I just wanted to add that as far as food allergies goes, Disney is probably one of the most accommodating places you can go to.

I don't know what the park's policy is re: outside food. Maybe you can get a cooler and leave it in a locker/ car/ hotel room. That way you can pause for lunch and not have to tote the food with you all day.

Best,
F. B.

We were there in February, a few months before my youngest turned 6 and my oldest was 9. No way would I have gotten (or wanted to deal with) either one in a wagon or stroller.

I can't imagine either pushing or pulling a 6 and/or 8 year old. they would be way too heavy for me. Forget the stroller and wagon and have them walk. If you need to rest, you need to rest for you and your children. It sounds like your SIL and brother are worried about the 3 of you slowing them down. Let them go ahead and enjoy yourself at your kid's pace. Meet up with them later. You are doing this for the kids so slow down and enjoy yourself. Who cares if you don't see everything, they goal is to do this for the children. Having fun does not mean rushing around, but enjoying the moment.

As far as backpacks, both of your kids can carry backpacks with a jacket, bottle of water and snacks. Really, it is time they are more self sufficient anyway. Walking and carrying basics are things they need to learn anyway.

There was just a post similar to this in our allergy group on Facebook. Maybe it was yours and this will be old info. I can't seem to find it now. Anyway, a lot of the moms in our group have kids who are top 4, 6, or 8 free, and there was a lot of really positive responses. You might check with the restaurants. The wheat-free waffles got rave reviews! Have fun! I would expect with the number of kids who request Disney trips as part of Make a Wish kind of things, there is probably not a request you could make that they wouldn't be happy to accomodate.

FYI Disney does not allow Wagons in the park. only strollers.

Good grief!

We took our kids when they were 4 and 8. I did get a stroller for the 4 year old. Yeah, I gave it back later that day. Wasn't worth the effort.

There would have been no way my 8 year old would have gotten into one!

I think that is silly.

I totally disagree. Right now mine are 1,4, and 6.5. We have always only taken one simple everyday stroller. I loved having one stroller because I could leave bags, cameras, water etc. when in line for rides. Mostly the little one rode, but the bigger one got a ride or two when tired (at age 4-5). So absolutely yes take ONE stroller. My now six year old can keep up. We theme park it all the time, we live in so. cal, but when my 6 year old turns 8, there is no way I will be pulling her in a wagon. She can walk that perky little butt off like the rest of us. And what do you think it will feel like for you to pull a couple of 50 lb kids around?

We were just there and I have an 8 year old and of course there was no need for a stroller for him. When we were there 10 years ago, our two oldest were 6 and again, they certainly didn't need to be wheeled around. We did have a stroller for my 15 month old. I really don't think you will need jackets in November but if you do, nothing that the kids couldn't throw in a backpack and tote around themselves. My husband wore a camel pak both times we were there for easy access to water. For food, you can check with guest services on what you can bring in but in general, you can't expect to bring in much by way of food. It is probably different with medical needs and perhaps there is a locker or something you could rent in which you could put a cooler and any other gear. We actually brought lunch in a cooler and just kept it in our rental car in the parking lot. At lunchtime, we went out and ate in the car, slathered on more sunscreen, refilled our water and headed back in.

Don't bring a wagon, that would be really annoying to those around you, honestly. But I am also having the stroller debate right now for my 6 and 4 yr olds who walk everywhere. We will probably rent a double, just for carrying stuff. Last year we did it and were thankful to have it for carrying, if nothing else. I remember it being around $150 for 5 days, so cheap, at least.
Even if your 8 yr old doesn't ride, it'll be a place that he can sit down easily if he gets tired.

We used a double stroller with the kids even in Walmart for a long time. I would probably do what your relatives are saying. They know what they're talking about.

Your back, arms, and shoulders are going to be very tired from pulling on one side for a long time then switching to the other one for a long time. Pushing is easier.

The good thing about the larger stroller is they have a section below where you can put larger items and you can carry food and water in one of the seats while one kiddo walks. I have even carried my tray on the cover that you can pull out when it's sunny. I had more room than I needed with the larger stroller.

I don't know your kids but I would imagine you could try it the first day and if you hated it and didn't need it then you could leave it in the room the next day.

I would want to have something to push simply to carry food and drinks. It could be a simple umbrella stroller but those just don't carry much underneath.

Target has strollers for under 40. If you can rent for close to that, get one cause it will be easier. I'm not a fan of Walmart, but they have even cheaper ones. You can get it there, and maybe donate it to someone, or leave it at the hotel when you're done.

Don't bring a stroller you can rent one from the park for $15 a day. Unless you have really lazy kids they will want to be moving and looking at everything but as the day goes they may get tired. I think at 8 you will have a hard time getting him to sit in it but like other posters have said it's great to carry your stuff. As far as food goes eat breakfast at the hotel/room and carry just some sandwiches and fruit. Buy the refillable cup and you can have it refilled all over the park. Make sure you bring a scarf or bandana to tie on your stroller so you know which one is yours when you come out of a ride. It's worth renting to not have to lug it in and out with you.

Since your kids are older I would look into renting a stroller at the park (at lease to carry your stuff in) or get a locker for your backpack. Disney does not allow wagons or anything to pull kids behind you. There is always room for backpacks on the rides.

Your kids may not ride in a stroller anymore but remember these parks are about 300 acres each. That is a lot of walking for adults and children.

I would think about renting a stroller there if not just for the convenience of storing things. Especially since you mention back issues. I wouldn't do the wagon because it would be hard to manage with the crowds and I would rather not have to haul it into the park.

We have been to disney multiple times. When we hosted our friends from England I rented a stroller strictly for our things. We carried water, snacks and jackets and the stroller was a HUGE help. If you decide to rent a stroller there if you rent for all 3 days on the first rental you receive a discount and then it's easier to rent the next couple of days. In my opinion magic kingdom is the main one you need a stroller. Again I would lean toward it simply to save your back.

The last trip we made I purchased 4 of the filtered water bottles. That way we could use water fountain water and our backpacks weren't so heavy with multiple water bottles. It worked out very well.

Once when we were there I checked Craig's list and purchased a stroller from a couple who didn't want to transport the one they bought while in Orlando. It worked out well. We met at a local store and it really helped us out while there.

Enjoy your trip. It's a fun place.

Blessings!
L.