Advice please: Renting vs. Bringing Stroller

[DrMomof3]

I'm sure I'm not the first to ask this question. To rent or to bring. That is the question.

I have 3 kids, ages 6, 4 and 2 (will be 2 by the time of the trip). Our August trip will be our 4th trip in 3 years. We're staying at BCV (in a one-bedroom so we'll have plenty of space to store strollers!). I know that I need a seat for all 3 kids or we will have chaos on our hands (my 6 year old is tiny and my 4 year old is whiney and it'll be hot in August!). In the past we've brought 2 strollers - a jeep double for the older kids and a chicco for the little one. Both strollers are light-weight, inexpensive, easy to fold, etc. But it's a pain in the neck bringing them both.

I know the little guy is an unreliable hurricane (did I mention that he's almost 2???) so he needs a stroller in the airport or we'll never make it through the security line. So we definitely need at least one stroller on the plane.

Options:
1. Suck it up. Bring both strollers from home. It'll save some cash and it isn't SO bad.
2. Bring Jeep Double on plane. Rent single stroller at Disney. (Which stroller is another question.)
3. Bring single stroller on plane. Rent double stroller at Disney.

More Questions:
If we rent, should we rent from Orlando stroller rentals and have to drag stroller on Disney transportation (we're staying at BCV so we can walk to Epcot)? Or do we rent at Disney and have big kid(s) walk on Disney transportation.

I'm so torn about what to do! Dealing with strollers on Disney buses at the end of a long day is such a pain!!! I don't want to wish the years away but it will be nice when we can go stroller-free!

Thanks for the advice!
Amanda

 

[r&kmommy]

if I were you I'd take both strollers, and gate check them (walk them to the door of the plane and leave them, they'll stick them under the plane and when you get off the plane they'll be sitting just outside the plane door waiting!)

 

[scarlet_ibis]

We've brought one or two for our kids. They are helpful at the airport, and if the kids don't want to ride in them there, load them up with your carryons and carseats. I also like having the stroller for the long (and sometimes hurried) walk from the park to catch the bus.

For what Disney charges to rent strollers, you could buy yourself a VERY nice one.

 

[njmeisje]

My advice to you would be -- if you are renting a car -- bring your strollers from home. The airport is manageable. If you plan to use WDW buses -- consider renting strollers at WDW. Boarding the buses with 3 little children, two strollers, your diaper bag, plus anything you buy that day is tough on you and your family. In the summer - buses can be standing room only. JMHO.

Enjoy your trip -- make it easier on yourself so you can enjoy it.
Diane

 

[plimsoll]

Taking your own can be a pain on the bus, I agree, but if you are renting you need to return them and then WALK to the bus with hot,sticky,tired kids. I feel for you, I only have one and its hard. I liked taking my own, but I would suggest a very portable, easy to fold stollers that will make getting them on / off the bus easier.

 

[DrMomof3]

if I were you I'd take both strollers, and gate check them (walk them to the door of the plane and leave them, they'll stick them under the plane and when you get off the plane they'll be sitting just outside the plane door waiting!)

That's what we've always done.

We've brought one or two for our kids. They are helpful at the airport, and if the kids don't want to ride in them there, load them up with your carryons and carseats. I also like having the stroller for the long (and sometimes hurried) walk from the park to catch the bus.

For what Disney charges to rent strollers, you could buy yourself a VERY nice one.

That's one of my issues. The cost of stroller rental is expensive!!!

My advice to you would be -- if you are renting a car -- bring your strollers from home. The airport is manageable. If you plan to use WDW buses -- consider renting strollers at WDW. Boarding the buses with 3 little children, two strollers, your diaper bag, plus anything you buy that day is tough on you and your family. In the summer - buses can be standing room only. JMHO.

Enjoy your trip -- make it easier on yourself so you can enjoy it.
Diane

We never rent a car at Disney. That's one of the selling points for my DH! I totally agree about the bus nightmare. We have a system for getting on and off the buses with our gear but it's NO fun!

Taking your own can be a pain on the bus, I agree, but if you are renting you need to return them and then WALK to the bus with hot,sticky,tired kids. I feel for you, I only have one and its hard. I liked taking my own, but I would suggest a very portable, easy to fold stollers that will make getting them on / off the bus easier.

We have very portable strollers but it doesn't change the fact that getting on/off buses is a royal pain in the neck! Good point about walking to buses...

Amanda