Great Stroller Debate - Tandems for Disney

gabriellewatson · May 26, 2015

Hi all,

My little family is traveling to Disney World for our first time with the kiddos Sept 28-Oct 3; we are staying at CBR pirate:

. They will be 3 and 6 for our trip. Our 3 year old is 24 lbs and our 6 year old is almost 40 lbs.

We are planning to drive, so we will be brining a stroller along with us rather than renting.

So now.... it's the great stroller debate at our home. I'm doing all the research, and of course trying to save a few dollars. We know that a sit N stand type of stroller will be a good investment for us because we plan to have another bundle of joy in the future, but not for at least a year.

Currently our 6 year old gets tired from walking around the mall for a few hours, so I know that Disney is going to wear her feet out, and our 3 years old will likely nap frequently in the stroller.

So what are you thoughts on strollers at Disney? What do you bring? Why did you choose it or like to use it? What is the weight of it? We are staying at CBR so no elevators, so weight is kind of a factor as I am not very strong.

These are the models I've been eying for the past several months, and I just need a little help in taking the plunge.

1. Joovy Ultralight - I hear this one might be a little uncomfortable in the front seat for toddlers, but overall super lightweight, compact as far as tandems go, and is great for children more than 2.5 years apart (like mine). I love the large sunshade and the bright happy colors they come in.

2. Joovy Caboose - This one is a little heavier with a smaller sunshade. Everything is basically the same, just a tad longer dimensionally, but mostly the same.

3. Baby Trends Sit N Stand Ultra - Heavier than the Joovy strollers, but is is equipped with snack/cup holds for both kiddos, large basket underneath, and more plush seating. Downside, it is heavier, but I've heard front steering on these is not that great. I want to hear otherwise because this one LOOKs like a winner. I like the idea of plushier seats for the kiddos, plus ample snack/cup trays are great for parents and kids alike. Also, this holds kids up to 50 lbs in both seats.

4. Graco Ready2Grow - This is the heaviest of them all from 33lbs (or more?). I do like that it has 2 removable head canopies, so both children may be sheltered from the sun. This one comes with a detachable rear seat for smaller children, so it will grow with us for sure. The front seat holds up to 50 lbs. The toddler seat and stand hold up to 50 lbs, and the detachable seat holds up to 40 lbs. Has tray for adults and tray for child. It is also the most expensive of them all, and has plushier seats.

Your thoughts. What are you driving around the parks with your bigger kids. I need something that folds easily down, is someone compact (I prefer tandem), and is good on the pocket book. I don't want to spend a fortune. I also like the idea of it growing with us, being able to use it with a car seat of our future baby.

Thanks all!!

nalajms · May 26, 2015

Also in the market for a sit and stand stroller. Our older kids are the same size, but my younger is over 30lbs. We're still in a city mini double.

gabriellewatson said:
4. Graco Ready2Grow - This is the heaviest of them all from 33lbs (or more?). I do like that it has 2 removable head canopies, so both children may be sheltered from the sun. This one comes with a detachable rear seat for smaller children, so it will grow with us for sure. The front seat holds up to 50 lbs. The toddler seat and stand hold up to 50 lbs, and the detachable seat holds up to 40 lbs. Has tray for adults and tray for child. It is also the most expensive of them all, and has plushier seats.

I bought this when DD was born. I would not recommend it. It's clunky and heavy. Maneuvering is as good as the city mini, but it's just so heavy and awkward when folded. Also the front seat is VERY small. The length of the seat is really meant for 1yo. My 36in 3yo would have her legs dangling and probably pushing on the side while I'm pushing the stroller. And if the front seat is reclined, DS would not have much room to sit in the back. He could stand, but most times he'd want to sit.

violentlyserene · May 26, 2015

For us, there is zero question but I have young twins. I would recommend looking at kids consignment stores in your area. Every time we go there's at least one or two tandem options for a LOT less than new. Ours is a jogging stroller and it's so much more comfortable than anything else.

Of the options, the Graco sounds the best to me.

unrequited23 · May 26, 2015

I have a joovy ultralight for my 3.5 yr old (35lbs) and my 11 month old (19 lbs). It is very light and super easy to steer (even with one hand.) The front seat is not that padded and when reclined does not leave enough room to sit on the second (bench seat)--the options are to buy a jumpseat and fully recline it or stand. The storage basket is hard to get to as it is under the bench seat, but the handle organizer holds a ton securely--drinks don't bounce and spill.

I know it sounds really negative but this was the stroller I chose especially for our 2017 Disney trip when I will have a 5.5 yo and an almost 3 yo. It will be lightweight, easy to maneuver and keep the kids corralled in heavy crowds. I'm not expecting any napping to occur in this stroller.

I'm only 5'2" so the fact that it was lighter & shorter when folded were big pluses in my book. Some flash sale sites have the brand in limited colors at least once a quarter and I've seen them on craigslist too.

Molly812 · May 26, 2015

I have the joovy caboose for my 3 yr old (28 lbs) and 18 month old (19lbs). The front seat hardly reclines and they share a sunshade. It's light weight easy to fold up and steers mostly fine-not on sand but everything isle is smooth. The basket underneath is a little smaller then I'd like but manageable. I used it at 6 flags for the whole day yesterday and it was great, so I will bring it next year to disney.

Lilliputian · May 26, 2015

Try them out, with your kids in them and for a few minutes. Remember that pushing on a store floor is way easier than anything you will ever do outside. Personally, I can't stand tandems. They're always harder to steer and heavier to push because some of the weight is so far in front of you. They usually fold really big, too. And having a larger child makes them even harder.

Side-by-sides are wide, but they're no wider than wheelchairs, so they fit in doors. The good ones are really easy to push. (The ones around $100 that are like 2 umbrella strollers are hideous if you aren't pushing two babies.) And they also provide the easiest way for a child to nap. You can recline the seats without bumping the other child. I have 6 children, ages 12 and under, so I've been pushing double strollers for a long time. I really can't think of a time I would have rather had a tandem than a side-by-side. I bought a Joovy Caboose when my oldest 2 needed a double (weeks before they released the lighter version--ugh!). I took it on one walk around the neighborhood and then sold it. I couldn't get over bumps in the sidewalk because it was so heavy.

DznyPrnces · May 26, 2015

My sister took a sit n stand to Disneyland once with her kids. She hated it and never took it again. It was heavy and awkward to push. When I went to DW 2 years ago my kids were 8 months and 4. I rented a baby jogger city mini double and it was super easy to push. If I needed a double stroller that's what I would buy.

Habbott · May 27, 2015

Go to a store and try them all out. I dislike most of the strollers that are front and back. Pushing them is not fun. If I had to choose, the ultralight would be my pick. Always go for the sunshade when thinking for Disney. My true preference would be the city mini side by side.

mcjaco · May 27, 2015

nalajms said:
Also in the market for a sit and stand stroller. Our older kids are the same size, but my younger is over 30lbs. We're still in a city mini double.

I bought this when DD was born. I would not recommend it. It's clunky and heavy. Maneuvering is as good as the city mini, but it's just so heavy and awkward when folded. Also the front seat is VERY small. The length of the seat is really meant for 1yo. My 36in 3yo would have her legs dangling and probably pushing on the side while I'm pushing the stroller. And if the front seat is reclined, DS would not have much room to sit in the back. He could stand, but most times he'd want to sit.

We have that stroller as well. It's heavy and bulky. It turns okay. I would not recommend it for Disney for the pure fact lugging the dang thing on an airplane.

We ended up just buying two cheap umbrollers for our trips. Even if one kids doesn't use it, it's not that big of a pain to push around and manuever. AND, the option for him to use it is there, if he does finally relent and want to get pushed around.

Raenstoirm · May 27, 2015

gabriellewatson said:
Our 3 year old is 24 lbs and our 6 year old is almost 40 lbs.

unrequited23 said:
I have a joovy ultralight for my 3.5 yr old (35lbs) and my 11 month old (19 lbs).

Molly812 said:
I have the joovy caboose for my 3 yr old (28 lbs) and 18 month old (19lbs).

I have nothing constructive to add, but a question..how do you people grow such small kids?

(honestly I think me twins are freakishly huge, but still!) My twins are 15 pounds each and only 3 months old!

tabistar · May 27, 2015

We rent a City Mini GT every trip. Last year, my kids were 6 and almost 4 and both still fit, so we'll be getting one again when we go in September. Yeah, it's a little bulky when folded, but it is so easy to push and the kids are comfortable (they even take naps in it occasionally, even though both are not usually nap takers). Having nice stroller is well worth the extra money for us!

rrehman · May 27, 2015

gabriellewatson said:
Hi all,

My little family is traveling to Disney World for our first time with the kiddos Sept 28-Oct 3; we are staying at CBR . They will be 3 and 6 for our trip. Our 3 year old is 24 lbs and our 6 year old is almost 40 lbs.

We are planning to drive, so we will be brining a stroller along with us rather than renting.

So now.... it's the great stroller debate at our home. I'm doing all the research, and of course trying to save a few dollars. We know that a sit N stand type of stroller will be a good investment for us because we plan to have another bundle of joy in the future, but not for at least a year.

Currently our 6 year old gets tired from walking around the mall for a few hours, so I know that Disney is going to wear her feet out, and our 3 years old will likely nap frequently in the stroller.

So what are you thoughts on strollers at Disney? What do you bring? Why did you choose it or like to use it? What is the weight of it? We are staying at CBR so no elevators, so weight is kind of a factor as I am not very strong.

These are the models I've been eying for the past several months, and I just need a little help in taking the plunge.

1. Joovy Ultralight - I hear this one might be a little uncomfortable in the front seat for toddlers, but overall super lightweight, compact as far as tandems go, and is great for children more than 2.5 years apart (like mine). I love the large sunshade and the bright happy colors they come in.

2. Joovy Caboose - This one is a little heavier with a smaller sunshade. Everything is basically the same, just a tad longer dimensionally, but mostly the same.

3. Baby Trends Sit N Stand Ultra - Heavier than the Joovy strollers, but is is equipped with snack/cup holds for both kiddos, large basket underneath, and more plush seating. Downside, it is heavier, but I've heard front steering on these is not that great. I want to hear otherwise because this one LOOKs like a winner. I like the idea of plushier seats for the kiddos, plus ample snack/cup trays are great for parents and kids alike. Also, this holds kids up to 50 lbs in both seats.

4. Graco Ready2Grow - This is the heaviest of them all from 33lbs (or more?). I do like that it has 2 removable head canopies, so both children may be sheltered from the sun. This one comes with a detachable rear seat for smaller children, so it will grow with us for sure. The front seat holds up to 50 lbs. The toddler seat and stand hold up to 50 lbs, and the detachable seat holds up to 40 lbs. Has tray for adults and tray for child. It is also the most expensive of them all, and has plushier seats.

Your thoughts. What are you driving around the parks with your bigger kids. I need something that folds easily down, is someone compact (I prefer tandem), and is good on the pocket book. I don't want to spend a fortune. I also like the idea of it growing with us, being able to use it with a car seat of our future baby.

Thanks all!!

The sit n stand will be your best choice.

Long story of how we got to this but some may find it interesting:
In January 2009 we took our first trip to Disney with children (our first trip as DVC members too), our daughter was 21 months old. The previous trip (March 2006 on our honeymoon) my wife and I swore we saw wagons in the park, apparently we didn't. We got our daughter the step 2 safari wagon with the roof for Christmas 2008. We hauled the wagon down from Pennsylvania on the hitch haul thing on the back of our Trailblazer. As we were pulling my daughter around Saratoga Springs, we got so many comments on how nice the wagon was. We went to get on the bus for our first park day, and the driver wouldn't let us on with the wagon. We found our DVC rep and questioned it (this was when Disney Customer Service was still good). He thought wagons were allowed in the park as well. He made a few phone calls and found out that they were not allowed on the busses or in the parks. Disney offered us a free stroller rental for the one day only. After doing the math for renting a stroller the rest of the days, and having to carry an almost 2 year old back to our room late at night after the parks, we decided to venture to a Toys R Us in the area. We decided on the Sit n stand stroller. Now 6 years later, my daughter is now 8, and our youngest one is 4, we still use the sit n stand stroller to all of our park visits. It has been abused but is still in good shape (tires are showing signs of wear). My oldest still sits on the back part, although very heavy, still better than carrying her if she falls a sleep at night, as the younger one sleeps in the front part. We still use the wagon as well when we go to local amusement parks.

gabriellewatson · May 27, 2015

Thanks everyone for the input. We ended up at BabiesRUs the other day and tried out a few doubles. Both my kids loved the Graco. When it folded down it was pretty gigantic, which initially was a turn off, but it folded so easily, and it was a dream to push. I thought it would be harder. This is the ones that both kids voted for. It has two sunshades, the extra removable seat for future baby, and Sawyer my sit fit quite perfectly in the front seat. He liked it a lot.

Then we tried the Sit N Stand Ultra. This was was far lighter than the Graco, but it was harder for me to push, and my sons legs kind of just dangled off the end. It was a good stroller overall, and probably great for everyday and even Disney, but it just didn't seem like a good fit for us. I'm trying to hunt down a Joovy, so we can try that one out next.

I was surprisingly happy with the Graco despite its stature and weight. We plan to only bring a backpack into the park to store in the basket with the kids extra clothes, sunscreen, and snack, among other things. So if my husband can fold up the stroller and lug it onto the buses then we should be fine.

Like I mentioned, we'll be driving to the resort and probably taking the bus system to save money on gas. We enjoyed riding the buses, so we will see how that goes with a stroller.

unrequited23 · May 27, 2015

I know buybuybaby has Joovy in the brick and mortar store to try out, but only carry black or grey instore.

JPDtheJD · May 27, 2015

Since your trip is not until September, I would encourage you to scour consignment sales and online yard sale ads for a side-by-side jogging stroller. We rented a City Mini side by side in 2013 and are renting another this upcoming trip. We have one at home we got at a yard sale for $40 but we only use it occasionally as it is not as light and has an issue turning (it is not a baby jogger city mini). We decided to rent again instead of buying one because this is probably our last year with a double stroller.

I cannot stress to you how easy it was lift and fold that thing on the bus (compared to our strollers at home). That's why so many people rent them. Do a youtube search on Kingdom Strollers or some of the others and see how easy it is to just pick it up and have it fold itself over. I also agree with the prior posters that the side-by-sides are easier to maneuver and with the crowds that it is a huge issue.

gabriellewatson · May 27, 2015

I will definitely be scouring consignment shops in the weeks ahead. I would love to find a great deal on one. It would be awesome if I could find a city mini double, but those are SOOOOO expensive. Even used. I've considered renting one while we're down there, but in general it would be good for us to have something that both kids can lounge in when are visit zoos, etc. My daughter tires pretty quickly and just complains, which wears on everyone's nerves, plus she's getting to heavy for me to carry

Just going to keep a look out for whatever comes my way. I might make a trip out to aBuy Buy Baby nearby so I can try out a Joovy which both kids. It will be a fun trip, plus research for Disney!! Which is SO fun!

sprousehouse · May 27, 2015

I have a Baby Trend Sit n Stand and I'm renting a double Citi Mini for our trip. The sit n stand wheels are fine for short trips but pushing a jogging type stroller is SOOO much nicer. I have a single BOB Revolution and it is like pushing nothing. I think it spoiled me for other strollers! I'm guessing the last time we used the Sit N Stand for both kids was last summer and they were 4 & 6 and I would guess weighed about 35 and 40lbs - it was hard to push.

It is worth it to go Buy Buy Baby or Babies R Us to try them out.

shm_helene · May 27, 2015

We did something a bit different. We had two umbrella type strollers and got those things at BRU that connect strollers together. This way we could have one stroller or two (based on need - like one kid wanted to go one way and one another; we could seperate them if things were really crowded.

ATLbelle · May 27, 2015

shm_helene said:
We did something a bit different. We had two umbrella type strollers and got those things at BRU that connect strollers together. This way we could have one stroller or two (based on need - like one kid wanted to go one way and one another; we could seperate them if things were really crowded.

This is a great idea! I would be very wary of buying a big, bulky stroller. The buses can get so tight and strollers can be a pain. Plus you may want a different stroller when you have another baby. I have twins and still take my City Mini Double to the parks. It is great, but still a pain on buses. I agree with the previous poster who said tandems are hard to steer. My side by side stroller is much easier to steer (especially in crowds) than a tandem. I would suggest renting a double or taking two umbrella strollers.

Momof3WDW · May 28, 2015

We have a Baby Trend Sit n Stand XL. This has two seats, the back seat can be then removed and becomes a bench. The car seat (graco or baby trend are the ones we used) clip nicely into the front seat. While an older child is on the back (seated or standing). We last used this stroller at Disney in 2012. We had a 1 year old in the front (18lbs), and a three year old standing/sitting on the bench (30lbs). It was heavy going up hill, but otherwise I really like that stroller. On the buses it was a nightmare though. Folded it stood 3 feet tall, maybe a little more. It was bulky and heavy. and you could not leave anything in the basket because it would either not close or the stuff would fall out. The front wheels need to be perfectly lined up to close correctly also. This can be a hassle if you wait till the last minute to fold it up. My husband calls this stroller "Titanic" because of its size. He doesn't like lugging that thing around.
We drive to Florida also and drive to the parks everyday. This is a huge time saver for us as we don't have to wait for a bus. The time is worth the small amount of gas we use. We also don't have to worry about folding the stroller to get on the bus because we get to the park early enough that we park close to the front and walk.
We prefer the two umbrella stroller route now. My DS (5) and DD (3) get in and out of the stroller so much anything else is more hassle than we need on a vacation. Our youngest daughter will be 1 on this trip so our DS won't be using a stroller. But he does well walking around and doesn't complain much. If he does we take a break.
Good Luck and definitely look for something used.

Great Stroller Debate - Tandems for Disney

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