Stroller suggestions. Tips for large families? - The DIS Discussion Forums

alligood2000 · 11-23-2009, 11:58 PM

This is my first post to these boards, and I am a Disney novice. I hate to admit this here, but DH and I haven't caught the 'Disney bug'. My son has brain cancer and was granted a wish through the make-a-wish foundation. He chose WDW.

We are really getting excited, but I am such a newbie I feel like I am doing everything wrong (by that I mean, I've done nothing to plan.......) So, I need some advice. First, are there people like us who just go to Disney and, well, wing it??? The process of planning every detail of a trip feels tedious to me and is not my idea of fun. I am worried now, though, that I've ruined this trip by not planning it down to the wire! Help me feel better about my lack of planning or, alternately, help me create a basic plan on, um, 3 days notice....

Item #2. We have a large family. Matt (our wish child) is the oldest. He is 11. We also have an 8 year old, 6 year old twins, a 2 year old, and an infant (5 months). Any strategies for doing Disney with six children? Things that might be different for us?

Item #3. Strollers. We have quite a collection of strollers. I've determined that I need to bring ours from home, as I need a recline for my infant. My choices are either two single Maclaren's or one Graco tandem. I love my Mac's, but worry about the practicality of having 2 strollers. The Graco is HUGE and extremely heavy. It does have the advantage of a nice reclining seat for the baby to nap and a big basket for storage. The reality of bringing that sucker on an airplane gives me pause, though!

Anyhow, those are my 3 biggest worries at the moment! Help!

-Allison

Swmr359 · 11-24-2009, 08:28 AM

My mom and I took our first trip last year. We had no plan at all. We would decide in the morning or the night before where we were going and then call the desk to see what resturant had seats for lunch or dinner at that park. We went in October so I think that helped. We didn't get to see everything but we had a blast and are going back in March!

mjkacmom · 11-24-2009, 08:31 AM

You are going at a very busy time. You do get front of the line with MAW, right? If so, that will help a lot! I hope you made your ADR's, since most table service restaurants will be booked. I'm not a fan of tandem strollers - can you buy a side by side umbrella like? When I had 2 in strollers (which was most of the time after #2 was born), I really preferred a double over 2 singles.

tzolkin · 11-24-2009, 09:22 AM

We had two Maclarens. My husband and I each pushed one. We liked that they were easy to maneuver and folded up so small for the busses (one person could hold both strollers with the shoulder straps while the other person held the baby). We did buy clips to connect the strollers together (they were about $10 at BabiesRUs). I found it almost impossible to push/steer the strollers with them on so we didn't really use them much, but they were convenient to have if we did need to split up.

My biggest suggestion for you would be to go to the morning EMHs. It may be difficult to get the kids up and out that early, but we go at a fairly busy time (Memorial Weekend) and have always been able to do most of the attractions with under a 5 minute wait and are ready to head back to the resort for a break by 11:30 (when the crowds really start to arrive). My oldest was 10 this trip, but we actually ALL took a nap for several hours every day when we went back to the resort. The break was well worth it for us, and something we'll probably continue even when we don't have little ones.

I did a ton of planning and preparing for our trips (just how I am), but we didn't have a set schedule. We only have three kids, but we like to be flexible. We didn't make any ADRs. We were happy to eat counter service and food we'd bought at the grocery store because we didn't want to have to worry about making it to a reservation at a certain time. If someone needed a nap or if we wanted to do a different park, we weren't tied to a meal. I had a detailed/color coded parks schedule for our trip, so we could see when the EMHs were and what days parades/fireworks were offered. We usually planned to do the park that had EMH in the morning and then let the kids pick where they wanted to go after our afternoon break.

micheleq · 11-24-2009, 09:29 AM

First, hugs to you and your family!

Second, go check out the DISabilities board asap! You'll find many other MAW families there and they can help you out with planning.

If you are going over Thanksgiving, be forewarned that it is very very crowded. It helps to have a plan so you get to see and do everything your son wants to see. Is he up for helping you plan? Can you get him online to www.allears.net or www.wdwinfo.com so he can see lists of all the rides and attractions that he wants to experience?

Another helpful item would be a guidebook like The Unofficial Guide or Passporter (again, there is a Passporter edition for guests with special needs).

Is your son up for all the walking involved or will he need a scooter? I assume you will get him a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), and as a PP said MAW kids can get front of the line access. Don't hesitate to ask the CMs (Cast Members, the Disney employees) for help. And when you get to WDW, ask the concierge for help in making dining reservations if you haven't already.

I'd bring the double for your smaller kids, or buy stroller clips (made by Prince Lionheart, sold at Babies R Us) and you can clip the two Macs together.

My cousin who has had two kidney transplants has been to WDW on a MAW trip. He loved every minute of it. I know planning can be overwhelming (esp. with everything else you are dealing with), but a little planning will go a long way.

Have a great trip. I hope it is everything your son dreams it would be

wmharley · 11-24-2009, 10:59 AM

if I had that many kids, i'd get the tandem for the 2yo and infant...

i don't know if the Mac's can have a clip to link them as a sidebyside.. I know clips are made, just not certain for those.

The 2 older kids can walk. i'd be concerned about the twins. my 5yo rides our stroller in the parks generally.

You could also get a dual stroller from one of the outside vendors or rent one in Disney so the twins and the other two could share at various points..

With that many kids though, i'd want 2 duals..

WantToGoNow · 11-24-2009, 11:57 AM

Are you staying at MAW? If so, you will be able to have your breakfast and dinner there and just have to worry about lunch at the parks - probably CS would work fine. MAW will give you a card that will give you front-of-the-line-preference so the crowds won't be much of a problem for you. As for strollers, I agree that a double umbrella is easier to maneuver than a tandem - the tandem I had was extremely heavy and hard to turn. Will your Wish child need a wheelchair as well - if so 1 adults could push the stroller while the other pushes the wheelchair.

And most importantly, relax and have a wonderful vacation.

alligood2000 · 11-24-2009, 01:01 PM

We are staying at GKTW. My twins are 6 and I can't imagine them riding in a stroller. However, I will leave it open as an option in case they get tired. My tandem is so big and heavy. DH thinks I should bring the two Mac's, but I am a bit worried about our Matthew needing a wheelchair - and we can't push all three things! Maybe I'll pick up some stroller connectors if we bring the Mac's. Matt's health issues make him tire very easily and I want him to have an amazing experience! I wish I still had my Mac SBS - it was so wonderful with my twins. But, alas, I sold it when they were done strollering, never imagining I would have a toddler and an infant after the twins!

I really don't want to buy a SBS as I would not have a use for it after DW.

Thanks for all the great advice!
-Allison

wmharley · 11-24-2009, 02:04 PM

soorry, i missed that the 11yo was a MaW... yes, he needs something to ride in.

MyDizneyBoyz · 11-24-2009, 02:43 PM

I personally would leave the strollers at home and rent a double Baby Jogger City Mini (has recline for the infant and awesome sun canopies) and a Liberty Special Needs Pushchair for Matthew (good for up to 100lbs), all from Orlando Stroller Rentals. That way you've got 3 seats that can be used by whichever child needs one at the time.

The double is $85/week and the SN stroller is $120/week. They'll be dropped off at your hotel on your day of checkin and picked up by bell services when you leave. Easy peasy, and both are fairly easy to handle on the buses. If Matthew doesn't want to ride, the stroller can hold your stuff or the twins can take turns relaxing.

http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/

(And it's not too late to rent - their customer service is fantabulous!)

wmharley · 11-24-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyDizneyBoyz

I personally would leave the strollers at home and rent a double Baby Jogger City Mini (has recline for the infant and awesome sun canopies) and a Liberty Special Needs Pushchair for Matthew (good for up to 100lbs), all from Orlando Stroller Rentals. That way you've got 3 seats that can be used by whichever child needs one at the time.

The double is $85/week and the SN stroller is $120/week. They'll be dropped off at your hotel on your day of checkin and picked up by bell services when you leave. Easy peasy, and both are fairly easy to handle on the buses. If Matthew doesn't want to ride, the stroller can hold your stuff or the twins can take turns relaxing.

http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/

(And it's not too late to rent - their customer service is fantabulous!)

ORRRRRRR she can bring her own and save the $205 for the week

what will she do in the airports with an infant, a 2yo, twin 6yos, an 8yo a special needs 11yo AND all their luggage and carryons?

Strollers can be gatechecked after using them to actually get to the gate. saves hassles to do this. most airlines will allow the stroller free of charge.

MyDizneyBoyz · 11-24-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmharley

ORRRRRRR she can bring her own and save the $205 for the week

what will she do in the airports with an infant, a 2yo, twin 6yos, an 8yo a special needs 11yo AND all their luggage and carryons?

Strollers can be gatechecked after using them to actually get to the gate. saves hassles to do this. most airlines will allow the stroller free of charge.

Been there, done that with 7 little ones and 2 adults, still prefer to rent as the rentals are so much more streamlined than a Graco tandem. It's a personal choice and I'm just putting it out there as on option. For the airport, I use carseats and strap them onto carryon luggage (which acts as a child seat for the youngest two and makes the carseat portable) and from there they go onto the airplane.

I prefer to pay for the convenience but again it's a personal choice and as a newbie she should be aware of all the options available so she can make a choice that's best for her family.

OP - good luck and have a marvelous trip!

alligood2000 · 11-24-2009, 03:59 PM

Hmmmmmm, renting a double jogger is an enticing option! I'll have to consider that. The site said they had availability for the days we are going to be there. Matt would need a wheelchair, rather than a special needs stroller. He weighs close to 200 lbs. (a result of his tumor and subsequent surgeries causing severe damage to his hypothalamus/pituitary).

I've been worried about the airport BUT, I could wear the baby in a sling, and bring my Maclaren Volo for my toddler. My older 4 boys are very helpful and I'm sure could manage rolling a carry on suitcase through the airport.

How much should I tip if I rent from orlandostrollerrentals.com?

Do any of you have ideas for rides our whole family can enjoy? Are there rides where I could bring my infant? I truly have NO IDEA what rides and attractions are there (except I keep hearing a lot about Soarin'......)

-Allison

MyDizneyBoyz · 11-24-2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alligood2000

How much should I tip if I rent from orlandostrollerrentals.com?

Well, I never tipped them as I never saw them...

The stroller was left with bell services before we arrived and picked up by bell services when we left. If you do see them when they drop off or pickup, maybe $5?

There's a lot you can do with the whole family! Any ride that doesn't have a height restriction you can bring the baby on along with the whole family. If you've got a second adult (I'm presuming your DH will be there) you can do a baby swap for the bigger rides that have height restrictions.

You can print out the park maps or browse them online to get a feel for which rides you can all go on and which you might want to split up for an hour or so (DH takes older kids on bigger rides or vice versa).

Just being in Disney and getting immersed in the magic and the chance to escape reality is one of the best things about the trip.

deva · 11-24-2009, 05:07 PM

First, my heart goes out to you. Dealing with a very sick child has got to be very stressful...and to plan a Disney trip on top of that.

You don't need to go overboard planning, but I would seriously check out the Unofficial Guide. It has ride descriptions and touring plans for all times of the year. Literally a plan for the day at each park. You can modify as you want, but for a newbie it gives you a good idea of "flow". So you can decide what you want to go on and then have some sort of mini plan (e.g go to Fantasyland - do Dumbo, Pooh and Peter Pan, Small World, move to Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder etc.).

Not sure if you are going to have line privileges, but if you don't, you definitely want to look into Fast passes and the Baby Swap. Also, if you are able to split up some can do "little kid stuff" and the others can do "big kid stuff"

11-23-2009, 11:58 PM	#1
alligood2000 Earning My Ears Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	Stroller suggestions. Tips for large families? This is my first post to these boards, and I am a Disney novice. I hate to admit this here, but DH and I haven't caught the 'Disney bug'. My son has brain cancer and was granted a wish through the make-a-wish foundation. He chose WDW. We are really getting excited, but I am such a newbie I feel like I am doing everything wrong (by that I mean, I've done nothing to plan.......) So, I need some advice. First, are there people like us who just go to Disney and, well, wing it??? The process of planning every detail of a trip feels tedious to me and is not my idea of fun. I am worried now, though, that I've ruined this trip by not planning it down to the wire! Help me feel better about my lack of planning or, alternately, help me create a basic plan on, um, 3 days notice.... Item #2. We have a large family. Matt (our wish child) is the oldest. He is 11. We also have an 8 year old, 6 year old twins, a 2 year old, and an infant (5 months). Any strategies for doing Disney with six children? Things that might be different for us? Item #3. Strollers. We have quite a collection of strollers. I've determined that I need to bring ours from home, as I need a recline for my infant. My choices are either two single Maclaren's or one Graco tandem. I love my Mac's, but worry about the practicality of having 2 strollers. The Graco is HUGE and extremely heavy. It does have the advantage of a nice reclining seat for the baby to nap and a big basket for storage. The reality of bringing that sucker on an airplane gives me pause, though! Anyhow, those are my 3 biggest worries at the moment! Help! -Allison

11-24-2009, 09:29 AM	#5
micheleq DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fairfield, CT Posts: 614	First, hugs to you and your family! Second, go check out the DISabilities board asap! You'll find many other MAW families there and they can help you out with planning. If you are going over Thanksgiving, be forewarned that it is very very crowded. It helps to have a plan so you get to see and do everything your son wants to see. Is he up for helping you plan? Can you get him online to www.allears.net or www.wdwinfo.com so he can see lists of all the rides and attractions that he wants to experience? Another helpful item would be a guidebook like The Unofficial Guide or Passporter (again, there is a Passporter edition for guests with special needs). Is your son up for all the walking involved or will he need a scooter? I assume you will get him a Guest Assistance Card (GAC), and as a PP said MAW kids can get front of the line access. Don't hesitate to ask the CMs (Cast Members, the Disney employees) for help. And when you get to WDW, ask the concierge for help in making dining reservations if you haven't already. I'd bring the double for your smaller kids, or buy stroller clips (made by Prince Lionheart, sold at Babies R Us) and you can clip the two Macs together. My cousin who has had two kidney transplants has been to WDW on a MAW trip. He loved every minute of it. I know planning can be overwhelming (esp. with everything else you are dealing with), but a little planning will go a long way. Have a great trip. I hope it is everything your son dreams it would be __________________ Me DH DD4 DD2 Last edited by micheleq; 11-24-2009 at 09:30 AM. Reason: typos

11-24-2009, 02:43 PM	#10
MyDizneyBoyz Me and my Disney Lovin' Boys! Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 465	I personally would leave the strollers at home and rent a double Baby Jogger City Mini (has recline for the infant and awesome sun canopies) and a Liberty Special Needs Pushchair for Matthew (good for up to 100lbs), all from Orlando Stroller Rentals. That way you've got 3 seats that can be used by whichever child needs one at the time. The double is $85/week and the SN stroller is $120/week. They'll be dropped off at your hotel on your day of checkin and picked up by bell services when you leave. Easy peasy, and both are fairly easy to handle on the buses. If Matthew doesn't want to ride, the stroller can hold your stuff or the twins can take turns relaxing. http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/ (And it's not too late to rent - their customer service is fantabulous!) __________________ Gloria Harry and Da Boyz: DS#1 DS#2 DS#3 Married at WDW Wedding Pavilion 3/4/03 Getting our Disney fix every year since 2001 OKW 9/2007, SSR 9/2008, SSR 9/2009

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Free Sit&Stand Stroller Swap~ Read First Post Please	Suellen	Budget Board	314	Today 06:50 PM
*Swap has ended*Strolling around the World Dbl Stroller Swap	mybabesuz	Budget Board	182	Yesterday 06:38 PM
Fairly large budget...how crazy can you go???	PrincessBecky	Disney Weddings and Honeymoons	25	01-15-2010 01:38 AM
Stroller Thefts at WDW	EcbLovesMickey	Disney for Families	80	12-08-2009 09:13 AM
Tipping in restaurants	AKLBeauty	Community Board	311	11-30-2009 04:05 PM

11-24-2009, 08:28 AM	#2
Swmr359 Princess in training Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Northern VA and Central OH Posts: 225	My mom and I took our first trip last year. We had no plan at all. We would decide in the morning or the night before where we were going and then call the desk to see what resturant had seats for lunch or dinner at that park. We went in October so I think that helped. We didn't get to see everything but we had a blast and are going back in March! __________________ ~Maggie

Sponsored Links
DIS ad Register to remove Join Date: 1997 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,000,000+	<div align="center">This information cannot be displayed because your browser does not support inline frames.<a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com">Click Here</a> </div>

11-24-2009, 08:31 AM	#3
mjkacmom DIS Veteran Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 7,345	You are going at a very busy time. You do get front of the line with MAW, right? If so, that will help a lot! I hope you made your ADR's, since most table service restaurants will be booked. I'm not a fan of tandem strollers - can you buy a side by side umbrella like? When I had 2 in strollers (which was most of the time after #2 was born), I really preferred a double over 2 singles. __________________ Me DH dd11 ds10 dd7 ds5 dd5

11-24-2009, 09:22 AM	#4
tzolkin DIS Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2,072	We had two Maclarens. My husband and I each pushed one. We liked that they were easy to maneuver and folded up so small for the busses (one person could hold both strollers with the shoulder straps while the other person held the baby). We did buy clips to connect the strollers together (they were about $10 at BabiesRUs). I found it almost impossible to push/steer the strollers with them on so we didn't really use them much, but they were convenient to have if we did need to split up. My biggest suggestion for you would be to go to the morning EMHs. It may be difficult to get the kids up and out that early, but we go at a fairly busy time (Memorial Weekend) and have always been able to do most of the attractions with under a 5 minute wait and are ready to head back to the resort for a break by 11:30 (when the crowds really start to arrive). My oldest was 10 this trip, but we actually ALL took a nap for several hours every day when we went back to the resort. The break was well worth it for us, and something we'll probably continue even when we don't have little ones. I did a ton of planning and preparing for our trips (just how I am), but we didn't have a set schedule. We only have three kids, but we like to be flexible. We didn't make any ADRs. We were happy to eat counter service and food we'd bought at the grocery store because we didn't want to have to worry about making it to a reservation at a certain time. If someone needed a nap or if we wanted to do a different park, we weren't tied to a meal. I had a detailed/color coded parks schedule for our trip, so we could see when the EMHs were and what days parades/fireworks were offered. We usually planned to do the park that had EMH in the morning and then let the kids pick where they wanted to go after our afternoon break.

11-24-2009, 10:59 AM	#6
wmharley DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 696	if I had that many kids, i'd get the tandem for the 2yo and infant... i don't know if the Mac's can have a clip to link them as a sidebyside.. I know clips are made, just not certain for those. The 2 older kids can walk. i'd be concerned about the twins. my 5yo rides our stroller in the parks generally. You could also get a dual stroller from one of the outside vendors or rent one in Disney so the twins and the other two could share at various points.. With that many kids though, i'd want 2 duals..

11-24-2009, 11:57 AM	#7
WantToGoNow DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,717	Are you staying at MAW? If so, you will be able to have your breakfast and dinner there and just have to worry about lunch at the parks - probably CS would work fine. MAW will give you a card that will give you front-of-the-line-preference so the crowds won't be much of a problem for you. As for strollers, I agree that a double umbrella is easier to maneuver than a tandem - the tandem I had was extremely heavy and hard to turn. Will your Wish child need a wheelchair as well - if so 1 adults could push the stroller while the other pushes the wheelchair. And most importantly, relax and have a wonderful vacation.

11-24-2009, 01:01 PM	#8
alligood2000 Earning My Ears Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	We are staying at GKTW. My twins are 6 and I can't imagine them riding in a stroller. However, I will leave it open as an option in case they get tired. My tandem is so big and heavy. DH thinks I should bring the two Mac's, but I am a bit worried about our Matthew needing a wheelchair - and we can't push all three things! Maybe I'll pick up some stroller connectors if we bring the Mac's. Matt's health issues make him tire very easily and I want him to have an amazing experience! I wish I still had my Mac SBS - it was so wonderful with my twins. But, alas, I sold it when they were done strollering, never imagining I would have a toddler and an infant after the twins! I really don't want to buy a SBS as I would not have a use for it after DW. Thanks for all the great advice! -Allison

11-24-2009, 02:04 PM	#9
wmharley DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 696	soorry, i missed that the 11yo was a MaW... yes, he needs something to ride in.

11-24-2009, 03:59 PM	#13
alligood2000 Earning My Ears Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4	Hmmmmmm, renting a double jogger is an enticing option! I'll have to consider that. The site said they had availability for the days we are going to be there. Matt would need a wheelchair, rather than a special needs stroller. He weighs close to 200 lbs. (a result of his tumor and subsequent surgeries causing severe damage to his hypothalamus/pituitary). I've been worried about the airport BUT, I could wear the baby in a sling, and bring my Maclaren Volo for my toddler. My older 4 boys are very helpful and I'm sure could manage rolling a carry on suitcase through the airport. How much should I tip if I rent from orlandostrollerrentals.com? Do any of you have ideas for rides our whole family can enjoy? Are there rides where I could bring my infant? I truly have NO IDEA what rides and attractions are there (except I keep hearing a lot about Soarin'......) -Allison

11-24-2009, 05:07 PM	#15
deva Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 445	First, my heart goes out to you. Dealing with a very sick child has got to be very stressful...and to plan a Disney trip on top of that. You don't need to go overboard planning, but I would seriously check out the Unofficial Guide. It has ride descriptions and touring plans for all times of the year. Literally a plan for the day at each park. You can modify as you want, but for a newbie it gives you a good idea of "flow". So you can decide what you want to go on and then have some sort of mini plan (e.g go to Fantasyland - do Dumbo, Pooh and Peter Pan, Small World, move to Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder etc.). Not sure if you are going to have line privileges, but if you don't, you definitely want to look into Fast passes and the Baby Swap. Also, if you are able to split up some can do "little kid stuff" and the others can do "big kid stuff"