Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

DD can still squeeze into our McClaren Volo. She never rides in it anymore but I think she will need it at Disney. I'm thinking we should bring it.

She has low muscle tone and gets PT and OT to help her build strength, endurance and coordination. She gets tired so easily.

I told her she was a big girl and didn't need it anymore to make her walk more and work on her issues. Now I kind of wish I'd worded it differently because it may be hard to convince her to ride.

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

I'm not a parent, but the only thing I can think of is renting a stroller, or decorating her stroller in a special way for Disney and calling it her "Princess Chariot/carrage", giving it a different name might take away the stigma, and also let her know it's something that's only for Disney, not for at home.


Just a thought

Also think about getting a guest assistance card for her in case there are certain lines she can't stand on or situations she can't deal with. They are VERY accommodating to special needs.

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

LOVE the idea of decorating the stroller. Considered doing it anyway to help identify it in the sea of strollers.

We are considering requesting a Guest Assistance Card but I don't know if she's eligible.

I think that every kid gets tired at Disney and while mine will get tired much faster I don't know if that's reason enough for her to get it. Maybe one that let's us use the stroller as a wheel chair but I'm afraid people may ask about it and I never talk about her special needs in front of her. As far as she knows her PT and OT are fun playtimes where she learns new things and gets highly rewarded for trying hard. She only hears me talk about what she can do, I never let her hear about any of her limitations.

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

I like the PP's idea of decorating the stroller. I would bring the stroller just so you have it-just in case.

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

PLEASE don't be shy about getting a GAC. There are so many people who could really use Guest Assistance Cards but don't get them.

I know you FMed me but I want other people to see it to. it's there to HELP you.

The whole point of a GAC is so that you don't have to explain DC's disability to anyone. You only have to go to Guest Services once and explain what your child needs, whether it's to wait in a line away from crowds or out of the sun, or to use the stroller in lines because of physical issues, and they will give you the most appropriate GAC for the situation. no explanations necessary at each ride. Your DD and others around won't know what the GAC is or what it's for.

Even if you think you may not need it just GET a GAC in case. Once you have it, if you decide not to use it, and DD can get through the regular way, then it's no harm done, but if she does need it, and a small accommodation can make the trip that much easier and more magical for her, you should definitely do it.

I know I sound like a zealot, but I work with special needs kids and I specialize in SN Disney travel, and i KNOW how amazing Disney is at helping families, so I just think everyone who needs help should get it and make the vacation as easy and magical as possible.

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

Bring it and don't worry too much. Disney is walking MANY miles in a day (I think I read it was like 10-15+). So a lot for little legs. I would say that she will see a lot of 5 and 6 year olds in strollers (I know we saw them on our last 2 trips). She might not want to go in the beginning but I promise you if she is tired and sees the other children riding in theirs she will want it. I think a maclaren is good for that age. I know I see pictures of friends with children ages 5 and 6 in Maclarens at disney.

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Thank you. I really appreciate the info. I kind of feel guilty because yes she has special needs but her needs aren't that extreme.

You helped me figure out what to do. I will go explain my concerns and request a GAC for whatever accommodations they can offer. Well try to not use it but have it there if needed.

Thank you again, you really helped me figure out how to handle it but not feel I'm cheating the system.

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In the end, Patti, it's about what will make the trip magical and comfortable for YOUR child, KWIM?

The system isn't there only for people with "severe" disabilities. It's there for anyone who needs some assistance.

I'm sure she is going to have a BLAST!

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

I thinkyour DD will easily tire out and WANT to go in it, kwim? That's what I am suspecting with my DD (over 3 who always wants to walk).

Re: Stroller for 4.5 year old at Disney?

I took my 4 year old to Disney in December. I generally do not bring a stroller any place except the Bronx Zoo these days. I did bring it to Disney and it was a godsend!!

My 4 year old who NEVER naps, fell asleep in that stroller every single day for at least an hour. I got her to and from everywhere we needed to be without having to yell at my DH to slow down. It was well worth it to bring.