Best Stroller for my 2 big kids

[jennerjoo]

I need help! I really can't decide. I know there are a lot of stroller forums - but there is so much information that I'm getting confused. Also, wanted advice for my specific situation.

We are going to Disney in November with a 2 year old boy (who's huge for his age - very tall (just turned 2 last month and 38" and 35 lbs already). Also, a 4.5 year old girl who doesn't like to sit in strollers for the most part (42 lbs) but we know there is no way she could walk Disney.

Couple of things:
1. We have to have at least 1 stroller in the airport for my son (he's a boulder to carry and I don't trust him to walk through the airport). I completely trust my daughter to walk through the airport with us.
2. We do not own a stroller we would ever want to take on an airplane or Disney currently (so we will have to buy or rent).
3. We're done having kids and considering how big my kids are now - I don't think we'll need strollers for much longer (so I don't want to spend a fortune).

I figured my options are this:

1. Buy a cheap stroller for the airport and then rent a double stroller while we're in Florida (need recommendations on the double given how big my kids are).
2. Buy two cheap umbrella strollers (and when I mean cheap I don't mean the $20 Wal-mart kind - something decent enough to withstand a Disney trip and be comfortable - maybe in the $70 - $80 range).
3. Buy a cheap umbrella stroller for my son and then wait until we get in the Disney parks to see what my daughter wants to do and then rent a Disney stroller for her if it's too much.

What would you guys do? I was leaning toward buying two separate umbrella type strollers but am second guessing that decision.

 

[Yzerbear19]

I'm interested in seeing what others recommend.

I'm having a bit of the same dilemma. We're taking my nieces (3.5 and 4.75) in December. The original thought was to rent a double stroller when we got there, but I'm kind of second guessing that. I'm thinking it might be better to have 2 strollers to help eliminate fighting and if we want to separate and do different things we could. Plus I know when we rented a double stroller at the zoo last year it was kind of a beast to steer. And I think the two strollers might take up less room together than one double stroller.

 

[robndani]

I would bring or rent on (the City Mini is what many of the rental companies offer) and play it by ear for the 4 1/2 year old. When we were there in Septemebr my almost 5 year old twins were each in their own City Mini but they kept wanting to get out and walk and get in and get out and stand up and look around and run around. Needless to say we didn't bring the strollers with us to every park, mostly just for long full days.

Definitely better to have two strollers so that you can go your separate ways for certain things.

We went again in February when they were a little over five... Totally stroller free and it was amazing!!!!!

Have fun!!!!!

 

[Jd_queen]

I brought a double stroller for my kids and was so happy I did becuase they were so tired from walking...plus i was able to store snacks and drinks underneath which was very helpful. If you buy a walmart stroller..make sure they work well. I once bought one and it was frustrating to manoeuvre..i had to throw it away! Double strollers allow more storage for coolers. Plus they are free to take on plane and you can buy them cheap on kiijii or craigslist.

 

[Jd_queen]

Its okay if your daughter does not use her stroller...most people just parked their strollers beside a fence and just left it there. You can add a bright ribbon to identify your stoller or even just leave a sweater on it. If you are very worried about someone taking it because it never had it happen to me....you can use a bike lock or chain on it.

 

[LadyOfDunBroch]

jd_queen has it right... slightly bigger strollers are awesome for storage! that little basket underneath holds all sorts of souveniers, snacks, bottles of water, jackets, etc.... My kids still use strollers and I honestly think I might be bummed out when they dont anymore... then I will have to carry everything!

 

[HulaHoopy]

buy or borrow an umbrella stroller for the airport and then rent a citi mini double down there. You will not regret it!

 

[marinejjh]

We went 2 years ago and the kids were 4 and 6, we had them walk every where and took breaks when needed. Realize that some rides have a stroller parking area. The people that did have them looked like it was a lot of work to cart around.

 

[MHofeners]

I'm stuck in this same dilemma! I can rent, but then I have no stroller to confine my 2 yr old and 4 yr old in the airport (plus a 7 yr old to keep an eye on). Same in the park - I know they will ALL want a turn in the stroller so i don't think a single is an option. I am considering buying a relatively inexpensive Kolcraft Cloud ($100ish), a used Combi Twin or renting a double in park. We move onto the beach for a few nights after Disney so I really think i might be better off bringing one. Anyone have insight to these? I have used a Combi (borrowed from a friend for a trip to Mexico) and really liked it - smaller and easier to maneuver (and much lighter) than my current Chicco Double. Definitely will not be taking that!!! All this being said, we are nearing the end of out stroller days and only really use one for theme park, zoo, and outings of the like....

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kolcraft-Cloud-Double-Umbrella-Stroller-Scarlett-Red/44390754

http://www.toysrus.com/buy/double-triple-strollers/combi-twin-stroller-black-7720028-22961636

 

[quagmire0]

I'd rent a double jogger when you get there. We went with Kingdom Strollers. It held our then 2 yo son and 6 yo daughter. The joggers ride nice too and are fairly easy to maneuver. They'll drop it off and pick it up for you at your condo/resort.

As for the airport stroller, it's really not that bad. Once you get through security, you basically go to the gate and get a tag and then fold it up before you board and they take if from you. Then it's there when you get off the plane. We took our single stroller to cart our 18mo on the same trip. Just left that stroller at the condo while we were at Disney and the older kids would take turns riding in the stroller and walking.

 

[Jd_queen]

Perhaps you could also consider getting a wagon after you get rid of your strollers...they are perfect for outings like on the beach and theme parks but not so great in the airport.

 

[LaurEm378]

Your 4-year-old will fit just fine in a City Mini or City Mini GT. They're the most popular models to rent from an outside company.

I definitely wouldn't wait and see about renting a park stroller for your daughter, simply because you can't roll a park stroller back to the resort if she falls asleep in it. (My son was 4.5 and thought I was crazy for renting him a stroller on our first trip--he changed his tune very quickly once we started walking those big parks.)

I would bring a cheap umbrella stroller for the airport and rent a double from an outside stroller company for the trip. A good stroller is way more comfortable for the kids and much easier for you to push than an umbrella. City Minis have a large sun shade, a good-sized stroller basket and back pocket, and a drink console--all invaluable for park touring. Most companies provide a rain cover and a cooler free of charge. Whatever you decide, have fun planning!

 

[jennerjoo]

I read another idea on some other website that I thought might work. Tell me what you guys think:
We could buy a decent umbrella stroller for the airport and then rent a single Citi Mini and hang the umbrella stroller off of it and only take it out when my 4 year old daughter needs it. That way most of the time we're only pushing one small stroller (opposed to a big double). Thoughts on this?

 

[LadyOfDunBroch]

Not a bad idea! Easier to maneuver and you won't have the whole "but it's my turn now!" fiasco... That is the worst argument to try to referee

 

[michael's mom]

I would get a very cheap umbrella stroller for the airport and rent a double. If your DD doesn't use one regularly, you don't need two separate ones if you decide to go separate ways, she can walk. The city minis are relatively easy to maneuver and I can guarantee you won't regret it. We didn't have a stroller for DS in our last trip and he got so cranky. On our last park day DH said "do you think we should rent him a stroller"

Best day of our vacation. We're bringing a stroller for DD this year even though she hasn't sat in one for well over a year. Even if we park it in stroller parking at each land, I'll know it's there if we need it. Besides, as PPs mentioned, without a stroller I'll be stuck carrying all the stuff!

Good luck!

 

[LaurEm378]

Hanging the umbrella stroller off the rental stroller actually sounds like a pretty darn good idea. The only problem might be if it swings around and gets in the way of your legs as you're pushing. Maybe bring some bungee cords or something to fasten it securely (and deter theft--I've never had something stolen from a stroller but I think a stroller just hanging there might be a little tempting to some people). Good luck, whatever you decide!

 

[brooke789]

I'm about to buy one of these for our trip next year. http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Childre...7089566&sr=8-1&keywords=delta+double+stroller

I have someone on my local for sale group selling one for $20. I'm thinking we'll take it and hopefully hook up with someone on here to leave it for when we leave!

 

[Gracie09]

Perhaps you could also consider getting a wagon after you get rid of your strollers...they are perfect for outings like on the beach and theme parks but not so great in the airport.

wagons are not permitted in disney.
We bought a used macclaren double for our 5 years olds. It worked great. They didn't use it all the time, but it made life easier when it was really crowded or they just wanted a break

 

[Paigesmom2013]

We're bringing an umbrella stroller for the airport and renting a double from an outside company. We plan on sticking together the whole time, though. We have a sit and stand but it's kinds hard to steer and feels like I'm pushing a Cadillac so its staying home. If our 5 yo wants to walk in the parks that's ok, but I know how she gets whiny about walking.

 

[sara1215]

What about renting a single that has one of those boards attached? I don't know the name-it's like a platform one child can stand on while the other rides. I'm considering that for my trip with a 4 & 7 year old.