Best stroller for Disney

[dmomom]

We are making our first family trip to Disney in April. We have a 19 month old , a 4 year old and a 7 year old. We're planning to buy a lightweight stroller for our 19 month old and renting a single in the park for the 4 yr old and 7 year old to take turns.

Can anyone recommend a good stroller to purchase? I'm looking for an inexpensive (less than $50) stroller that reclines, has a decent sunshade and a storage basket underneath.

I would also appreciate advice about renting a stroller for the bigger kids. Is it really necessary?

Thanks for your help!

Lisa , Mike , Emma , Eric , Eliza

 

[Perditamarie]

Welcome to the Dis!!! I think you can find a decent stroller for your 19 mo at Target or Walmart, or check out Craigslist or online stores w/sales or clearance (Babies R Us,etc). You probably want to make sure it is light weight as well if you are using the buses.

I would definately have a stroller for the 4yo., especially at AK, Epcot, Downtown Disney, etc. April can be hot and crowded and you will feel better w/your kids secure in the stroller! Maybe if your 7yo is slim, a sturdy umbrella stroller could suffice between the 4 and 7 yo. Depending on the length of your stay, it may be cheaper to bring/buy one for the older kids as your rental fees may equal a purchase price by the end of your trip.

 

[dmomom]

Thanks Perditamarie. I agree that my 4-yr old would be more secure and easier to keep track of in a stroller in a crowd. I thought about taking 2 strollers as opposed to renting, but we're flying (direct flight), and I'll only need 1 in the airport. Guess I could always purchase the extra when we arrive. So much to consider! It's overwhelming!

 

[staci]

I would say, YES - your older kids will need a stroller. Mainly the 4 year old, but I am sure the 7 year old will appreciate a lift every now and then. The park stroller would work out well for that, although I agree it may be cheaper to just buy one.

As far as your 19mo old, IMHO you are going to want to make sure it has a sunshade, and a small basket. Those are absolute musts for me. Reclining too if you plan on having them sleep.

Have fun planning!

 

[dheinz]

I think you are on the right track!! I went a few years ago with a 8 month old, DD6, and DS4. We rented a double and took our own stroller. In my opinion, it is easier to rent a stroller and take a stroller b/c when you get on the monorail or train you only have to fold one stroller!
Good Luck!

 

[mrstomrice]

We just bought a Baby Trend Sit and Stand for our DS 1 1/2 and DS almost 4 for our Aug 08 trip. It seems to be a good solution for our needs...it was also on sale at Target for $129 this week...more than you wanted to spend, but you will spend a lot for renting which you will have nothing to show for. You could even resell the stroller after your trip at a consignment shop if you truely won't use it for long. The stroller has 2 seats now and the back one removes for the jump seat. My biggest concern is that it doesn't fold up as compact as I would like for the bus...this becomes dh's problem though I have used it a few times for local walks, and it is much better than the duoglider that it has replaced.

 

[dmomom]

Thanks to everyone for your advice!

Countdown is 45 days!

Lisa

1997 All-Star Sports (me and hubby)
2008 All-Star Music Suite (kids first visit)

 

[laughinplace199]

When my older two kids were little, I bought Kolcraft umbrella strollers for them. They reclined and has a sunshade, but no storage basket. I just bought mesh storage bags that could attach to the back of the stroller. The strollers were about $35, but that was 5 years ago.

I just checked the Kolcraft website and they have a reclining umbrella stroller with a canopy and storage bag for $49.99.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

What ever stroller you choose, make sure the handles come up high enough to make it comfortable to push all day long. When my oldest was little, DH and I made the mistake of buying an umbrella stroller (Kohlcraft, reclining, w/basket) but it was way too short for DH and even I at 5' 5 was not all that comfortable pushing it around downtown Boston all day.

We now have a Jeep stroller with high, nicley padded handles. It does not have a basket, but I have found that really is not an issue- you most likely will have a back pack and they fit nicely over the handles. It also however does not recline, which I think would be an important thing for you/. So, sorry I do not have a suggestion for a specific stoller, just a caution to make sure it is tall enough and comfortable to push all day

Good luck and have fun at the park

 

[dmomom]

Thanks to all for your advice. I found a great stroller that fits all my requirements. Just under $50, has a basket, reclines, is very lightweight, folds up with only one hand - even has 3 cupholders! It is a Jeep stroller that I found at Wal-mart. The search is over!

 

[disney_family_1247]

I just bought a Graco IPO for my 21 month old, and I LOVE it. It folds up like an umbrella, reclines, has a storage basket, etc. It is very sturdy and light weight. Some color choices for the IPO are expensive, but mine was about $55 on amazon for the "Greg" color. Shop around, you can get it for less than $100 online from Target and Walmart.