1 parent/2 kids double stroller bus strategies

[WonderlandisReality]

Anyone ever travel alone with 2 kids and a double stroller?
Did you come up with a good system to get everyone and the stroller on and settled? I have only been in a situation where kids were allowed to remain in the stroller on the bus. We have rented a double city mini gt for use at Disney.
How do you situate a stroller on the bus to keep it out of the way of others?
My kids are older. Both have disabilities but should be able to get from a queue, up a step, and onto a bus if I have a stroller to wrangle.

 

[lady9]

I'm not sure about all the bus stops but at Old Key West there was a monitor that said when the next bus to our destination would arrive. I'd watch that, then get the kids out, fold up the stroller and be ready to go when the bus pulled up. Put the kids on before you. Hopefully there will be seats without having to go up the steps. It would be easier to keep the stroller right in front of you on the main floor of the bus or ask the driver what he/she suggests. On the way back from the parks, there isn't a monitor so you won't know when the bus is coming, but I wouldn't worry too much. Take your time, keep your kids safe from falls. I don't know your budget but if it's late at night, you might want to consider a taxi or "Minnie Van" (Lyft). It's about $20. Have a great trip!

 

[Bellex917]

What we did is when the monitor showed it was coming we'd watch for the bus... as soon as we saw it rounding we'd get the kids out and fold it up. There's gray seats that face sideways, we'd sit on those with the folded up stroller, and put the kids in the regular seats. If there was a need for someone in a wheelchair who needed those seats (only happened 2x all week) we'd just move right next to them.

The best thing is that many people have strollers/kids and are understanding.

 

[maxiesmom]

Once you have the stroller, do a bit of practicing with it. How to fold it, and how to hold it when standing. Most people with large strollers tend to stand and hold them out of the way. Try to coach your kids to get seats near the center door, where you can stand and hold the stroller out of the way. Or at least a seat where you can hold the stroller and still keep it out of the main walkway as much as possible.

Please try to not sit in the very first seats if you can't hold the stroller out of the way there. It makes it difficult for others to walk around you and can trip people. Good luck!

 

[tjmw2727]

Agree with the above - I am a single mom so I had no choice but to take my 2 kids solo! I invested in a lightweight double that folded compact and easily and could stand up on its own.

Since your are renting I agree with the above suggestion to become familiar with and practice folding the stroller in advance you will want to be ready when the bus arrives. Don't load up the stroller / I used a backpack for our items and made sure I gathered up any loose items and packed them into the backpack before heading to the bus. You will board via the front and as a pp suggested I would walk toward the back door and find a place for the kids to sit and where you can safely hold the stroller out of the way. If the bus is standing room only consider waiting for the next bus so you can all sit safely.

You will not be able to leave the kids in the stroller on any bus at WDW.

eta - I never brought more than I felt I could manage on my own even if that meant paying for something I needed (snacks or drinks) vs bringing a larger backpack.

 

[2019TripIdeas]

I would also recommend doing the fold up on the City GT a LOT before being in the situation of trying to quickly fold it. It's not "that" hard to fold, but ours at home does occasionally get "stuck" and refuse to make the fold if one tiny component is out of alignment OR, for example, you've accidentally left something thick on the bottom.

 

[wvjules]

Your kids will be rather large in a year. Make sure that their weight doesn't exceed the weight limit on the stroller you purchase/rent.

 

[cinderaimee]

Your kids will be rather large in a year. Make sure that their weight doesn't exceed the weight limit on the stroller you purchase/rent.

I've used a double city mini gt with my boys who are 6 and 4 and very big for their ages. Their combined weight is well over the "limit" of the stroller and it held up like a champ. The city mini gt is a very sturdy stroller.

 

[holden]

Just be aware there are new restrictions on strollers. Make sure yours fits the requirements.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are riding a bus that has multiple stops and you aren't the last stop, don't sit in the seats labeled as reserved for wheelchairs, elderly. You'll have to get up and move if a scooter or other elderly person gets on the bus. Those are usually the gray seats.

 

[Miffy]

Just be aware there are new restrictions on strollers. Make sure yours fits the requirements.

In case you don't know what these policies are, I copied this from an email I received today from WDW:

• Strollers must be 31" wide and 52" long or smaller when measured across the widest and longest points.

 

[WonderlandisReality]

Your kids will be rather large in a year. Make sure that their weight doesn't exceed the weight limit on the stroller you purchase/rent.

I've used a double city mini gt with my boys who are 6 and 4 and very big for their ages. Their combined weight is well over the "limit" of the stroller and it held up like a champ. The city mini gt is a very sturdy stroller.

We rented a city mini gt double. Per the rental agency and the stroller manufacturer it fits the updated requirements. My children are well below the limit in weight for the stroller. Despite age there’s significant medical issues at play, some affecting physical growth. They are the size of much younger children.

Are strollers marked as wheelchairs ever allowed up the ramp on the bus for ease of transfer to seats on the bus? We have a wheelchair for them but it exceeds the new requirements for size. I realize that the stroller wheelchair tag is intended for use in line at the park, didn’t know if transportation worked with it as well. As the stroller is not a wheelchair with transportation tie downs they cannot stay in it on the bus but didn’t know if the ramp could be an option to assist getting them on.

 

[tjmw2727]

We rented a city mini gt double. Per the rental agency and the stroller manufacturer it fits the updated requirements. My children are well below the limit in weight for the stroller. Despite age there’s significant medical issues at play, some affecting physical growth. They are the size of much younger children.

Are strollers marked as wheelchairs ever allowed up the ramp on the bus for ease of transfer to seats on the bus? We have a wheelchair for them but it exceeds the new requirements for size. I realize that the stroller wheelchair tag is intended for use in line at the park, didn’t know if transportation worked with it as well. As the stroller is not a wheelchair with transportation tie downs they cannot stay in it on the bus but didn’t know if the ramp could be an option to assist getting them on.

The stroller as a wheelchair tag does not apply to bus transportation so it isn't likely the bus drivers will be familiar enough with the tag to allow you to roll it on. A wheelchair however would be recognized by the bus drivers and you would line up in the line designated for one and allowed to wheel it on. As far as I know wheelchairs don't have any size restrictions.

 

[unrequited23]

The biggest issue with 2 kids, one stroller and one adult on the bus I see is the sleeping child problem. You will either need to try to get situated on the bus before either falls asleep in the stroller, wander around until the nap is over, or wake the child when the bus comes. My oldest will rouse slightly, walk on to the bus and fall back asleep, but my youngest will cry and have to be held for the entire ride if we try to wake him up.

 

[DisneyOma]

The stroller as a wheelchair tag does not apply to bus transportation so it isn't likely the bus drivers will be familiar enough with the tag to allow you to roll it on. A wheelchair however would be recognized by the bus drivers and you would line up in the line designated for one and allowed to wheel it on. As far as I know wheelchairs don't have any size restrictions.

From https://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/disabmobility.htm:

Many of the Disney World transportation systems are accessible to guest with disabilities.

All of the bus routes utilize buses that can accommodate wheelchairs that meet the following criteria: The wheelchair must fit in the wheelchair lift space of 32"x48" without being forced and it must be fastened by the wheelchair restraints.

 

[DisneyOma]

Anyone ever travel alone with 2 kids and a double stroller?
Did you come up with a good system to get everyone and the stroller on and settled? I have only been in a situation where kids were allowed to remain in the stroller on the bus. We have rented a double city mini gt for use at Disney.
How do you situate a stroller on the bus to keep it out of the way of others?
My kids are older. Both have disabilities but should be able to get from a queue, up a step, and onto a bus if I have a stroller to wrangle.

Could you invite another family, or even just a friend, to join you?