Bring the BOB or Buy a ...?

[Jing]

We have a BOB motion SE (4 wheel, not the jogger) that mostly collects dust since we babywear.
I can long-haul our 23lbs boy for 6 miles before noon all week without an issue, and hubs is good for a couple hours at a time. He is quite the walker, but I know we would be wearing him a lot more than he would be running around. I really, really, really don't want to bring a stroller to Disney, but I am beginning to think this is a bad plan. One rolled ankle or a back spasm would put us in real bind.

He is just shy of 2, and we are probably going to take our park time in 4-hour stints over 8 days (except MNSSHP - 5ish hours with dessert party). We are staying CSR and doing all Disney transportation. We will defiantly go back at least once before he hits 5. The BOB is around 20 pounds and we can get it up and down pretty quickly. Is that do-able for buses, or should we invest in something else? If so, what should we get and who has the best deal? And in either case, what's your favorite stroller bag for travel?

 

[Stubbzilla]

I have had hundreds of woven wraps and I still bring a stroller to Disney. Where will you put all of the baby's food, diapers, changes of clothing, etc? I could never make it without a stroller. I've only gone to DL one time with one baby (we rented a DL stroller, which was different back then than when they rent now), then multiple times to WDW with 2-3 babies/small children. We've always needed both a carrier and a stroller (um...once I'm sure the Mousekeeping was like, "Why do these people have all these long strips of fabric lying around here??? I think I brought six wovens and I felt like that was roughing it...).

The BOB is probably fine for busses. You've got two adults and one child, so one person can watch the kid and the other can watch the stroller. That's pretty easy as far as Disney trips go when you have kids involved. You should see the enormous double jogging strollers that people bring on there! And with more kids than adults in the party... You can buy an umbrella stroller if you'd like (Maclaren, etc), or just rent. I get nervous renting, I feel like my kids are messy eaters and I can't deal with the stress of possibly getting something dirty that we rented.

 

[Fueledbycoffee]

I would take a long walk or "test drive" the BOB at a zoo with DS first to see if he likes it. If not, you might want to go shopping but otherwise it should be a great Disney stroller based on brand & size.

 

[jenthern]

We've rented the last 3 years. The first two we rented a city mini. So easy on the buses. This past year we had a new addition to the family so we rented baby jogger's actual jogging double stroller. That one was especially nice because it was easy to push over everything, like the trolley tracks in mk, without the wheels getting hung up. The rental company delivers right to your resort. It adds about $125 to our trip, but it's so worth it.

 

[jacknsally19]

So we go at least annually and I have found that the maclaren volo is great. Its incredibly lightweight and easy to throw over your shoulder. This can be pretty awesome if you are stuck with a child that insists on walking, along with holding a bunch of bags. Its also pretty easy to take apart and clean - which is pretty darn useful as well. It is fairly narrow so its easy to navigate inside stores and/or heavy crowds. Personally, I just wouldn't want to deal with a stroller as big as the Bob when in WDW.

Either way, there is no way in HECK I would go to WDW without a stroller for a 2 yr old. Yes, baby carrying is great and necessary at times. But it can get very hot and humid. So you and the little one need some space. The other thing is the hard pavement can be pretty rough on your joints, back. So the stroller really comes in handy. Personally, we always take it easy when we go and I still sometimes and dead tired. I would need a break from carrying.

 

[unrequited23]

I would either take the stroller you have or pick up an inexpensive umbrella stroller. Maybe just use it in the evenings or every other day for a break. The older (and heavier) my son gets the harder it is on my body to get him in and out of our ergo. Plus, a stroller is a nice place for a snack on the go...I've ended up with cheerios down my shirt when letting my son have a snack in the carrier.

 

[Lupeix]

Do you think you will need the stroller for the airport? If not I would rent a Citi Mini, there are some amazing deals for rental from apple strollers and let's go strollers. I agree that the stroller is not only for the child but also all the stuff you carry around when you have a little one.