Anyone ever use a pull-along cooler?

[DisneyMom23Boys]

Hi!

We are leaving for WDW in 8 days. We've always taken our double stroller on past trips, but the boys are now 11, 9 & 5 & we'd like to do away with the stroller this year.

I have a HUGE Creative Memories 8-1/2 x 11 autograph book (about 5" thick!) and it will be too heavy to carry in a backpack. DH & I were thinking about using a collapsible pull-along cooler to tote things like the auto. book, bottled frozen water, mister fans, snacks, etc. I've been trying to find one that has 2 seperate compartments, but haven't found any. DH suggested that we get a large rubbermaide-type container to keep the water bottles in to keep them from sweating onto the other things.

Just wondering if anyone's used anything like this, or something else, instead of a stroller. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Deb

 

[PlutoPony]

It's been reported here that the coolers like that are not permitted in the parks. Kind of in the same category as wagons, etc. Personally, I think my arm would get tired of pulling all the time..... Another consideration is that someone would always have to stay with it while others went on a ride, as it sounds like something you wouldn't want to just leave around the stroller park.
Have fun!

 

[DisneyPhD]

Maybe one of those backpacks with wheels might be a better choice. That way you can wheel if if you want, but can wear it as a pack pack and take it on rides. I don't think I would lug the CM book with me. One year we just used a note book with sationary paper in it as a autograph book, and then cut them out and pasted it in the book. I wouldn't want to risk anything happening to the book and things get warn and torn when being lugged around the park (and food spilled on it.)

 

[BevS97]

I wouldn't take the album, cut some pieces of acid free paper up and put them in a ziplock bag with a thick piece of cardboard to rest on and a bulldog clip to hold it all together. You can then get the autographs on the paper and add them to your book later.

 

[DisneyMom23Boys]

Thanks for your suggestions!

I am thinking about maybe taking the double stroller along. 5yo ds has still been in need of an afternoon nap lately anyway, so long days in the park will surely tire him.

I've taken the album in the past. I take gallon ziplok baggies & put over both covers - I print out a pic of our family from a past WDW trip & put that on a cover sheet that includes our names & our resort dates, locations & room #s & home info. I take off the binding & leave that at home. I replace that with construction paper covered with packing tape. I then use packing tape to secure the covers & new binding. It's worked well at keeping food off & one day there was a torrential downpour & contents of the inside of the backpack got wet, but the album was protected. I'd used the portait sleeves to hold our itinerary & it was great to put in papers that I didn't want smooshed (magical moment certificates, etc.)

We've considered leaving it at home, but the CM's & characters really enjoy looking at it, too, and we LOVE the attention!! We won't need to pull it out as much as our last visit - we'll only need it for the character's autographs that we haven't gotten yet. We hope to meet a slew of new characters this year at MNSSHP!!

Thanks again!

Deb

 

[kldmom2000]

Hi! I'm a Creative Memories consultant and FYI-they do sell inkjet paper that you can safely use for autographs and they easily stick them into your book when you get home-much easier that way I would think!

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
Maybe one of those backpacks with wheels might be a better choice. That way you can wheel if if you want, but can wear it as a pack pack and take it on rides.

There was a thread a while back about those backpacks too. Since they pull behind, you might be told you have to keep them on your back. Some people reported in the other post that they were told they had to.
Other people reported the same problems we had. My younger DD is disabled and uses a specialized computer to talk. We thought one of those backpacks would be the perfect thing to get the computer thru the airport. But the backpack turned out to be a big nuisance. Even though it had nice skateboard wheels, different surfaces affected how well they rolled. It sometimes rolled quickly and hit me in the heels - the sort of short handle seemed to be part of the cause of this. It also fell over fairly regularly. If you put it on your back, the frame and wheels make it uncomfortable to wear.

 

[Tiggerlover48]

I just recently bought a rolling backpack for our son to bring on the plane and I thought it would also be great at WDW. I would like to hear more if people were having problems or where told they couldn't use them. Thank you.

 

[DisneyMom23Boys]

Hi!

Leaving in an hour & came to the conclusion that it would be best to just take the double stroller along yet.

With DS5 still possibly taking pm naps & our slue of stuff it will come in handy.

Thank you for your replies everyone & have fun preparing for your next trip!

Have a Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah Day!

Deb

 

[Rapunsel]

Most of the time people have posted that they are a hassle and tip over easily. Also you have to lug it on all the rides with you.. But to each their own..

The rule at our house is, If you can't carry it, then take stuff out. Mom and Dad don't carry your toys and books.


RApunsel

 

[SonicLogic]

Obviously, you need to hire a WDW Sherpa.

 

[Tiggerlover48]

Our son would be traveling with it in the airport, but we thought with the sun screen, snacks, wipes, water, camera, etc. it just might be easier using the rolling backpack in the parks, instead of having DH carry it on his back.

 

[Buttercup26]

We tried a rolling backpack at Disneyland (CA) a couple trips ago and found it was almost harder to deal with. Your arm gets tired pulling it, people kick it, step on it, etc... When you do wear it on your back the frame makes it very uncomfortable. Also, on rides it's harder to stuff under seat, between feet, etc.. because of fame and wheels.

I have also heard since then that people have been asked to wear them, not roll them in DL - haven't heard that yet about WDW.

 

[Tiggerlover48]

Thank you. Bummer. I thought it was such a great idea too. We aren't going to be bringing a stroller. Oh well. My DH will always carry it anyhow.

 

[DisneyMom23Boys]

We just got back from WDW!!!

Saw several people who were using the rolling coolers as backpacks & alone. Also saw a few families using the backpack strollers (on their backs, not being pushed).

Have a great time!

Deb

 

[Tiggerlover48]

Thanks Deb. They didn't seem to be having any problems using/navigating them in WDW? I just think with our bad backs, it's got to be easier, then lugging the backpack full with everything.