Hi Abbigail,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thank you for your question. We just returned from our first stroller-less visit to Walt Disney World, so I definitely have some thoughts for you.
At ages 5 and 8, I would absolutely recommend
renting a stroller. Your 5-year-old will likely walk quite a lot during the day, but it’s nice to have a spot to rest, get some shade, or enjoy a snack – and by nighttime, she will definitely want to hop in, especially while waiting for fireworks. My oldest would even sometimes hop into the stroller for a quick break from all the walking. It's also a fantastic storage device – you can stash water bottles, sweatshirts, snacks, wipes, and sunscreen underneath.
While we missed having the stroller last week for all those reasons, stroller-free life does have its benefits. You do need to park the stroller for most attractions, shows, and Table-Service dining, but there is plenty of stroller parking so I don't consider that a major con of having a stroller. It’s also a little easier to maneuver whatever form of transportation you’re choosing to take, as you will need to fold the stroller on Walt Disney World bus transportation and many of the water transportation options. My family always rented an easy to fold and steer stroller from Kingdom Strollers – they deliver right to your Walt Disney World Resort hotel, which we loved.
Abbigail, you are welcome to leave the park for a mid-day break and return later – in fact, I strongly recommend it. A break for lunch, some air conditioning, and maybe a dip in your resort's pool makes for much happier days.
I hope you and your girls have so much fun counting down to your visit, and please come back and see us if you have any further questions.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn