TheMaxRebo
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2008
I wish there was better self-policing among Disney park guests about using strollers for kids who are way too old to need them.
I see and hear too many parents justifying putting kids 6, 7, even 9 years old in strollers only because they feel they'll get tired and cranky by walking too much at Disney. That's contributing to the overcrowded feeling in the parks, and honestly, it's poor, selfish planning if you know your child doesn't need a stroller in their every day life or any situation outside of a Disney park, but you're going to clog up walkways because you're not taking enough breaks or pacing yourselves.
And just to head off the parents who are going to jump down my throat over this:
-I'm not talking about any kids with disability or mobility issues.
-I understand there's no kind of enforcement Disney could legally impose to solve this problem. It's a matter of etiquette and you should recognize that your child is too old to be pushed around in a stroller. It's the same concept as putting your kid on your shoulders during the fireworks -- you should know better and appreciate how that action negatively affects others around you at the park.
-This is not me telling anyone to leave their kids at home.
-Your child's enjoyment at Disney parks does not have to come at the expense of other people by contributing to overcrowding.
I respect your opinion but a day at a Disney park is so different from a day in "normal life" it is hard to say because you kid doesn't need one in normal life it is selfish parenting to want one for them in Disney. It is soooo much more walking, it is typically way hotter/more humid than our "real life" coming from the North East and emotions are so different with all the excitement and schedules are different, etc. Just so many variables that are different
I think it is up to each parent to decide what works best for their family - but would be great if everyone (whether you have a stroller or not) tried to be as considerate as possible of other guests. If you have a stroller, be aware of the space you are taking up and watch even more as you are walking if people stop in front of you, etc.