Anybody Bring a Stroller and Regret it?

[aaronlisar]

Hi, I am wanting to bring a stroller for our DS2 when we leave on the 13th but my wife thinks its just going to get in the way and be too much to haul around. I'm starting to agree with my wife on this since it is just the two of us with our DS2 hauling at a minimum 3 pieces of checked luggage, 2 carryon and a laptop already. She also doesnt think DS2 will use it, we havent had him in it for over a year because he would rather walk. He will ride in his wagon for a little while theres no chance of us bringing that along with us. So, has anybody brought a stroller and regretted it because you never ended up using it?

 

[Gooofy-Blade]

we used to take our umbrella type stroller but I wouldn't recommend any other kind - way too bulky and in the way. Go with an umbrella one or you can simply wait and rent one if you need it.

 

[BrerMama]

Well, we brought one and never used it, but my daughter was 4. Also, it was a lightweight umbrella stroller, so it didn't take up much room in our hotel room. We used it the first half day, realized she never used it, and then left it folded in the room for the rest of the trip. In fact, we just left it sitting in the room when we left. We didn't "regret" it, though. We just checked it through, and it wasn't a problem, even though we had 5 or 6 other pieces of luggage (family of 5).

However, if I was taking a 2 year old (which is what I'm assuming DS2 means), I'd take a stroller. No way is a 2 year old gonna do all that walking. And CBR is a large, spread-out resort. You may appreciate having it just for the walk from the bus to the room. You may want to consider buying a cheap, fold-up umbrella stroller for him. Either that or budget for renting one if needed. Your son may not use one on a normal excursion, but the huge spread of WDW will probably encourage him to use a stroller.

 

[952LisaR]

I don't think you will regret having a stoller. You walk A LOT at the parks and you and your child will get hot and tired - believe me you would much rather be pushing him than carrying him. The odds are so high you will end up having to carry him and the downside if he doesn't use the stroller is pushing an epty stroller which (IMO) is not that bad (esp. in comparisson to carrying a hot, tired kid when I am hot and tired).

 

[unixadm]

I wouldn't go to Disney without one!

We have a double stroller. And I still stand behind that statement.

Yes, it is a bit bulky, but wow...it can hold lots of stuff....and the kids get tired and we can just push them along. We can put a cooler bag with juice, water, soda, snacks in there, diaper bag, cameras, etc. I can guarantee you that a 2 or 3 Year Old, and probably a 4 and even 5 year old will get tired partway through the day. Of course it depends on the child, but I've seen enough kids saying they are too tired to walk and making their parents carry them to know that I would not want to be without one!

We can now drive to Disney, but before we moved last year, we travelled with it on the plane. Had to take kids out to put stroller through security, but then loaded them back and wheeled to the gate. The airline put a gate check tag on it, and we wheel down the walkway and fold up next to the plane door. They load it onto the plane, then it is waiting for us when we get off the plane. Put the kids back in and wheeled them down to Baggage Claim.

We specifically went to Polynesian last year because we had the stroller and wanted to be able to roll it onto the monorail.

This year, we went to BCV so we could roll it directly into Epcot, onto the MGM boats, or onto the Epcot Monorail to get to MK.

It will be a little more of a pain for this trip since we are staying at the ASMo for the first 4 nights. We will have our SUV and will either drive to the parks, then take the tram to the front, or just take the bus. Either way, we won't be able to pack up the stroller first since it will need to be folded up. We will then stay at Boardwalk villas, so it will be easier.

We also have a BackPack that my wife or I use occationally:

 

[pennst8r]

We've used the Disney strollers, and altho they're an added expense, they're convenient. And I've thought each time about packing one, since I basically bought one for the money spent on rentals! But the bus rides back to the resorts at night can be standing room only, and I've seen people struggle with the big strollers. With 3 boys who usually are asleep by the time the bus gets to our stop, I wouldn't have been able to handle getting the stroller off, too.

I also used the stroller as a way to have DS nap while the rest of us were still going strong. I don't think he would have been as comfortable in an umbrella stroller, even tho they're easier to bring.

 

[swilphil]

Take your own stroller. He will get tired at some point and want to sit in it. You can always park it in one section of the park and leave it there while you go on rides. When it's hot, sitting in the shade will keep him cool. If you are flying, you can check the stroller at the gate of your plane, actually at the bottom of the plane right before you board. I also like having the stroller to put stuff in. If nothing else, it holds my drink.

 

[AnaheimGirl]

We pushed an empty stroller around MK for 2 days straight when dd was 4. She used the stroller at all three other parks, so we brought it to MK, too, thinking that she'd tire out at some point. No way, too excited to sit down. But, we didn't regret it a bit. Having that stroller to carry the water bottles, camera/case, ponchos, hats, sweatshirts, etc, was great. There's lots of stroller parking outside the rides. Even pushing it around empty was no big deal. No regrets.

We'll have a 2yo this trip, too, and while she hasn't used the stoller much since she was about 15 months, we'll definitely bring it.

Good luck!

 

[PoohHappens]

Take it, Take it, Take it. Iknow this is just my opinion. But, it looks like you have not been before from your sig. I cannot imaging trying to navigat around without one. I am not sure how you get around with out one currently. If you are at the mall or anything, does he just stay put and not wonder off or anything? The protection from crowds is well worth it. Carrying junk in it is well worth it. We have gone with a smaller regular one (Graco Metrolite) and a nicer umbrella fold (inglesina). I would reccomend if you do not have one to invest in a descent umbrella fold kind. The cheap ones are too short and most have to stoop to push. Just check them all out. If you are ever having to rush through an airport you will appreciate having it. Are you taking a car seat. Our car seat, Britax, would bunge cord on to our Graco when we used it. We would just put the kid in the car seat, buckle it, and strap it on to the stroller. Not exactly intended use but it worked great through the airport when I travelled alone with him. When we took the smaller stroller we staped it on one of those folding luggage pullys with a bunge cord. Our son napped in them when he got to tired and we also purchased a rain cover and he retreated there during the rain. When he did not go in there our stuff did. It looks like you live in MI. Meijer has an alphabets rain cover for around $5-7 --worked great on both strollers and has a small pocket. You can rent strollers, however they are around $8-10 a day and that goes a long way toward one of your own and then you can use it again or sell it if you wish. We will be taking ours again in October and DS will be almost 4. If your son is not used to riding in it you may want to parctice some making it a fun thing. Our use my method and tell him that is where he is going to ride and buckle him in. (JK) Oh yeah we have always gate checked ours and it worked great. They give it back to us at the airplane door and we throw the carry on in the basket and away we go. I can't imagine trying to hold our son, or his hand and trying to keep track of him and our stuff in crowded situations like that. I would be worried and flustered and not have a good time. But that is me and my child.

 

[Amyality]

I have never, never, never regretted a stroller. I have a 4 and 7 year old and this will be the third year we've gone to disney. Its a great place to put extra stuff and you have it when you leave the park. I researched thouroughly and spent $40 on an umbrella stroller, slightly expensive but, money well spent. We bought the Chicco Caddy, its the best...still going strong and I have beat it around thouroughly for 2 years. Benefits: Light aluminum frame, turns on a dime, cool yellow color, reclines a bit, sun shade, rain fly, travel bag. Cons: No bag on the back or bottom (though I do stuff things in the bottom area). Also, it is only good for a child up to 4 or a small 5 year old.

A stroller is a benefit in the airport. They always move us up and to the side in the security, so its quicker and its so nice to have a stroller right when you get off the plane. Have always made the older guy walk, poor thing. Sometimes he used to get a ride in it at the parks but, not much.

 

[PixiePop]

I agree ....bring a stroller. I just got back from a trip with my five year old and we brought an umbrella stroller and I was very glad I did. It is also a good way to keep track of your child so you don't have to worry about him in the crowds.

 

[cinder1]

I'll add my voice to bring a stroller. We went to WDW when DS5 was 21 mths (he has been several times since) and he was not accustomed to being in a stroller either. However, he was great in it. Even when he walked or rode on Dad's shoulders, I loved having the stroller for all the stuff!! We have never gone without a stroller. We go again in Jan and our youngest DD will be about 20 mths. Again we will have a stroller. Even our older kids like the stroller. They use is to hold all their junk too!! I kind of think it will be hard when our 4th kid doesn't need a stroller at WDW. I'm so used to the extra pair of "hands".

 

[disney1990]

Yes, this is a question I am bouncing back and forth. We took our granddaughters to Disney 2 years ago. At that time they were 3 and 5. They both had their own strollers and used them -- everyday.

Now the problem, we are taking the girls back to Disney in November. They are now 5 and 7. I don't know whether to take a stroller this time or not. I think I will have a hard time getting the 5 year old to ride in a stroller with her sister NOT riding in a stroller.

However, with all the walking, they might both decide that riding for a while would be a good idea.

Your thought?

 

[WaltD4Me]

Personally, I'm going to be sad when my kids don't need a stroller anymore! I love having something to stow stuff in and it's actually kinda nice for me to push around.

Anyway though.....I would never dream of going to WDW with a 2 year old and no stroller! He may love walking, but that much walking? And if he gets tired, it's so nice to have the stroller rather than you carrying him everywhere. I also think it's worth every penny to rent a stroller for the whole trip rather than just renting the ones at the park. I rented one through our limo company for $20 for the whole week and it was the best $20 I spent that trip. Yea, they are kinda bulky and a pain to get on and off the buses, but other than that they are so worth it.

As for the 5 and 7 year old granddaughters. I'd get one. I took my 5 and 9 year old nieces to Disney and even though the 5 year old balked at the stroller at first, believe she ended up using it!

I say bring a stroller. Better safe than sorry!

 

[dreamalittledream]

I agree with the others about taking a stroller, I loved our umbrella one with a cannopy to keep off the sun. We used it every day and DD even napped a bit in it at times. That said, we did not take it at night to MK or MGM. She rode on my DH shoulders and it was easier for her to see and for us to navigate the crowds. Granted this was only for a few hours after dinner. We di take it to Epcot WS because it is more spread out and open later. So I vote for take it and use it at your discretion. They can be tough to fit on the busses!

 

[HappyMommy2]

With a 2-year-old, the stroller was a lifesaver in the airports as well as in the parks. Our youngest was never much of a stroller lover but in airports he was simply required to ride in the stroller--and that saved our sanity in crowds, lines, etc. It is so easy to gate-check the stroller, use it at your layover airport if applicable, and then have it to keep the little one contained a little longer at the final airport while picking up luggage, etc.
In the parks, our then-2-year-old wouldn't have lasted long without a stroller. He was much happier riding in it at WDW than he was at home; there was so much to look at, he would stay content in there for a long time.

To the grandparent with the 5- and 7-year-olds, that sounds like the perfect situation for renting a stroller (single or double) at the parks as needed. You probably won't need one every day but it's good that the option is there.

 

[Msslaydbug]

This year we brought our Maclaren stroller for our at the time 7 month old daughter. We also have a 7yo son that at the end of along day we could tell was dragging. He would never ask himself but we would take our daughter out and tell him to sit down for a few seconds. Within a matter of a minute or so he would be out. We would let him sleep and after a 10 minute nap he would be rested and ready to go again. I never thought I would ever use my stroller for a 7yo but really it is nice as a "luxury" to be able to just have a "rest" when you need it even if you aren't using it all of the time

 

[InnerStrength]

Hi, I am wanting to bring a stroller for our DS2 when we leave on the 13th but my wife thinks its just going to get in the way and be too much to haul around. I'm starting to agree with my wife on this since it is just the two of us with our DS2 hauling at a minimum 3 pieces of checked luggage, 2 carryon and a laptop already. She also doesnt think DS2 will use it, we havent had him in it for over a year because he would rather walk. He will ride in his wagon for a little while theres no chance of us bringing that along with us. So, has anybody brought a stroller and regretted it because you never ended up using it?

During our trip in 2000, our DD had just turned 2 so I thought it would be a great idea to bring along a nice, study yet lightweight umbrella stroller rather than spending extra $ in renting a Disney one. Well, we did bring it and it was no hassle at all on the plane, however the one day that we brought it to the MK (day 1 of the trip), DD refused to get in it and then decided it would be of more interest to her to push it instead or being pushed in it. That didn't fly to well with me as it was a danger to the legs and ankles of fellow vacationers. So the stroller was folded up, and DH lugged it around until midday when we returned to our resort for an afternoon nap. Needless to say, DH was not too thrilled to have to carry the stroller around and it did not leave our room again until it was time to check out and return home. Lesson learned - DD at 2 no longer needed a stroller - me, on the other hand, was pregnant with DS at the time and could have used the stroller on many an occasion to rest in, LOL.

 

[aaronlisar]

During our trip in 2000, our DD had just turned 2 so I thought it would be a great idea to bring along a nice, study yet lightweight umbrella stroller rather than spending extra $ in renting a Disney one. Well, we did bring it and it was no hassle at all on the plane, however the one day that we brought it to the MK (day 1 of the trip), DD refused to get in it and then decided it would be of more interest to her to push it instead or being pushed in it. That didn't fly to well with me as it was a danger to the legs and ankles of fellow vacationers. So the stroller was folded up, and DH lugged it around until midday when we returned to our resort for an afternoon nap. Needless to say, DH was not too thrilled to have to carry the stroller around and it did not leave our room again until it was time to check out and return home. Lesson learned - DD at 2 no longer needed a stroller - me, on the other hand, was pregnant with DS at the time and could have used the stroller on many an occasion to rest in, LOL.

This is the same problem I think we might end up having. We ended up buying a $20 umbrella stroller with canopy & storage underneath. I set it up when we got home and DS2 has been pushing it around the house ever since. The first thing he did when he woke up this morning was jump out of bed and run to grab the stroller so he could push it around the house some more. Oh well, we'll just have to see how things go but I am kinda glad that we bought the umbrella stroller since it is a lot smaller and lighter than our regular one so it won't be that much of a pain to lug around.

 

[disneyfreak74]

When we were there in March we used an our BIG stroller to get to the hotel room. DD did NOT ride but it made it easier to CARRY everything to the room!! Then to the parks we used an umbrella stroller (so we did not have to lug her around after the park). When we got to the park, we folded it up and got a double stroller and tossed the umbrella stroller on top so that just in case DS(6) and nephew (5) decided they were too tired to walk.