Anyone travel to WDW with this stroller? (Evenflo Aura)

[MommyBryn]

Okay, I know...as if there aren't enough stroller threads already! But I'm looking for some help...

Does anyone have an Evenflo Aura stroller?

Unlike many people here, it's simply NOT in our budget to purchase an entirely new stroller just for our vacation, no matter what the cost (I figure someone would've suggested a Maclaren, and as cool as I think it'd be to purchase a new stroller, we just can't). So we're faced with the decision to take our "big" stroller (it's a travel system stroller) or an umbrella stroller for our daughter, who'll then be 11 months old. We REALLY want to take the big stroller because the seat lays back (much needed for naps and diaper changes) and there's enough room for all of our stuff underneath. It's also bigger so there'd be no leaning over to push it like there would be with the umbrella stroller.

My only issue is the Evenflo stroller is big, bulky, and heavy. It folds up quickly and easily, but isn't compact by any means. Will this be a big problem if we try to gate check it?? And I know being able to get it on the busses is something to consider, but I think we'd be able to manage that well.

But has anyone ever taken this specific stroller to WDW?? I'd love to hear how things went...

 

[DaPanMan]

We took an umbrella stroller last year for our just turned 2 year old. It was easier by far. We hooked a bag over the handles and it worked great, especially with all that walking. The only time he was in it tho was walking from attraction to attraction, couldn't keep him in it. Naps......apparently he didn't need any "stinking" naps. He would fall asleep on the monorail, or the train, anywhere but at the parks.

I will tell you this. We were at WDW for a week. Being the cheap skate I am, I totally intended on not renting a stroller, my foot was DOWN. On one of our last days we went to MGM. I have two older kids, then 9 and 7. We were all running out of steam and I rented a double, YIKES $12 for a day, I'm gonna DIE.

Anyway, I started pushing them around and I don't know what they do to the wheels but it was 1000% better than pushing around that umbrella stroller. It was easier, lighter, more manuverable.....just plain better.

I decided then and there, I'm not bringing another stroller to the World. We are off on another adventure down there in Nov. He'll be 3 and we'll rent, only a single this time not a double, those older kids will have to fend for themselves now.

Hope this helps, even a little.

 

[ryanally]

I don't have that exact model but ours have been Evenflo that we have traveled with on Disney trips. Our first Evenflo bit the dust at Disney with DS3 using it. Bought new Evenflo for DD when she was born because we also had the travel system and needed the car seat to fit. Since then I have bought another Evenflo at a yard sale for $5.00 and call it my Disney stroller! I don't care if it breaks or gets damaged on airline.
Yes, you can gate check it with airline. It is a pain on the buses,but DH has gotten used to lifting it over other peoples heads to get to the back of the bus where there tends to be more room(handicapped area-if its not being used). I wouldn't trade the little ones comfort for a little aggravation! I think you'll be happy you brought the Evenflo instead of the umbrella version.
Remember to mark it with your personal info.
Have a great trip!

 

[RangerPooh]

We can't just run out and ourchase a new stroller for the parks so we keep returning with out big bohemith instead. The reasoning is similar to yours. It fits everything under the sun, it reclines, DD can sleep in it, it's easy to push, and ours has the handy bug screen.

We have the Evenflo Journey stroller and have taken it to WDW on several occassions. We have gate checked it a few times and each time we put it in a stoller bag (purchasd at BRU). However, the stroller is longer than the bag and we thus have to remove the handle so that we can zip the bag shut. No biggie. One word about gate checking the stroller, on a recent flight we had a connection (nonstop was WAY too expensive) and we only had about 30 minutes from the time that we landed until the time that our next flight boarded. Unfortuanetly the flights were in 2 different terminals. So while DH waited for the stroller I ran with the baby to the restroom, changed her and then proceeded to literally run through the airport to the next flight. Our grand plans of pushing the stroller were gone, instead it was literally dragged. I have suggested to DH that we bring an umbrella stroller next time for the flight and check the big stroller. We'll see though .

With regards to busses. It does collapse and when the busses aren't too crowded it is a non issue. Yet when they are crowded it can be a pain as you are trying to lug all the stuff that fits so well in the basket, the baby, and a stroller through a crowd. This is when our stroller usually comes home with a few more scratches or ripped basket liner as it is usually dragged to the bus and onto the steps.

I do think that you'll enjoy having your stroller with you as it is comfortable for the little one as well as easy to push. Plus the basket underneath caa be worth it's weight in gold.

 

[Disneydreaming6]

I too have traveled with my big stroller to disney.. many many times. My oldest dd is 16, back then there were no small strollers. Hers was this very large Combi stroller. My other children had evenflo strollers. They are big and bulky, but managable. On the buses if I was not able to get to the back of the bus where there is more room, I was able to either keep it in front of me of if I had the seats facing front, kept it in the isle when everyone was seated and when it was time to get off, quickly just got up and moved along with the stroller in front of me while exh held the baby. They are a little more work, but hey everyone can't afford a new stroller and if you are staying long enough, renting one everyday at the parks would cost as much as a new one. Bring yours, your baby will be more comfortable, you don't have to worry. At the airport, you will beable to have the baby sitting in it, (I've always been able to just wheel the stroller to the plane and they took it from there, when we were leaving the plane it was right outside the door waiting for us, dont' know if that has changed, been a few yrs since we flew). Take your big stroller, you will not be the only one in disney who has.

 

[MommyBryn]

Great! Thank you all very much!! It's so good to hear from people who've BTDT!! I appreciate all your replies and this has made my decision much easier!

 

[bartleby1]

If your choice is between a full size stroller and an umbrella for an 11 month old, definitely bring your full size. They are bulky and big, but not impossible to use. I have a collection of strollers (6 singles and a double) and opted to bring a full size for my DD last year when she was 9 months. It is a little more incovenient for the adults who must push, fold, and carry it, but with a little one so young, it is more important that they be comfy since they spend so much time in it. They also need the sun protection that most full size strollers offer. This year, I am bringing a lighter weight stroller for my youngest (20 mths). I still wouldn't use a non-reclining umbrella for her yet and I love having a tray on her stroller for snacking (which toddlers do constantly!).

Have a good trip!