Backpack carrier versus stroller?

[Big Kid]

We are heading to the world in 12 days--wahoo!--with our 2.5 year old DS. We have both a stroller and a frame backpack carrier (the wonderful Deuter Kid Comfrort III). We actually use the backpack carrier more than the stroller because we do more trail hiking than paved sidewalk strolling. It's a very comfortable pack for both of us and I don't mind the weight as long as we're not ascending Everest.

On our last trip I saw only a handful of families using carriers. I suppose this makes sense since the entire World is paved and in good repair, but I like the relative freedom of movement of the carrier, and imagine that DS prefers the view from my height versus low rider height in a stroller.

Does anyone out there prefer carriers to strollers?

If yes, will airlines treat them as a stroller and allow them to be gate-checked at no charge?

A downside of our carrier is that it is framed and far too big to take on any ride so I suppose I would have to stash it in the stroller corral. Would carrier users recommend a soft carrier, such as the Deuter KangaKid, instead?

Thanks in advance.

 

[msmama]

Don't you think your 2 1/2 year old will want to walk a bit, too?

Personally, I went with a soft carrier (I have a Babyhawk) and stroller (though my DS was much younger). I imagine that getting him in and out of a back carry for each and every ride would get really old really fast. With the babyhawk, if I had him on the front, I could take him on rides that way.

I'd also be iffy to gate check it. It'd think it can get banged around quite a bit. Does it come apart and you could put it in with your luggage?

Have a great trip!

 

[tricia]

My kids are older now, but I also used to love my framed backpack carrier. My DS spent 12 days in it touring Japan when he was just 6 months old. I loved it for that trip, getting on and off subways, shopping, touring castles and temples, etc. That said, I never brought it to WDW. I have thought about it, and it would prob be good for walking around the World Showcase in Epcot, or shopping at Downtown Disney, but for places like MK, where there are a lot of rides I think I would prefer the stroller. Easier to get in and out of, lots of places to park. And, at that age my DS was pretty heavy and I would be more worn out after a few days.

And I am no help on the flights, as the last time I flew with mine was over 7 years ago. (DSs are 12 and 8 now) I did gate check it at that time, but things have changed a lot since then.

 

[tlh0726]

I would say take the stroller.
You are constantly in and out of a line/ride/or building.

Walking/hiking constantly is totally different than having to stand in one place with weight on your back. End of a long day you may be glad to be pushing instead of carrying. Plus a stroller will also give you a place to stash your extra stuff.

 

[SpoiledDisFam]

We had a soft backpack for my DD when she was younger and it was great for her as an infant to walk thru DL. She was 2.5 when we went this past summer to WDW. IMO it would be the stroller. It was said before they are great for extra places to carry things. My DD would also fall asleep in the stroller if she got to tired and would walk with us.

Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[design_mom]

We had a soft carrier (Ergo) and I used it at DW. We also took a stroller but didn't end up using it much. All of us preferred the carrier. The soft carrier was nice because I could wear it through the line, take DD out at the end, and take the carrier on the ride with us.

I did see a family on our last trip who had a frame carrier. On one ride (I can't remember which one -- maybe IASW?), they wore it through the line and left it on the loading/unloading platform near where wheelchairs were stored. My guess is that it would be on a ride-by-ride basis whether you'd need to leave it with the strollers or could carry it to the loading platform.

 

[Melissa&Shawn]

I second the Ergo. LOVE it! Easy to use and comfortable for the kids. DD thinks it's a ride!