Disney Stroller Question

[bumperlove]

***I posted this on a different forum and someone suggested that I may have better luck posting in the Disney for Families forums so I apologize if you already read this***

Last April when DH and I went to WDW, we rented two strollers for my stepkids (DD6 and DS4). These worked really well for us as we were able to cover much more ground without having fatigued (read: cranky) children. We were advised against getting a double stroller by some friends. They had tried that once and were treated to a day of "He's touching me, Get over on your side, Stop hogging, He spilled that on me " incidents throughout the day.

My only (very small) complaint was when we were at MK and the kids wanted to ride the train to the next stop. Because the disney strollers do not collapse, they either had to be left or driven unaccompanied to the stop. We chose the latter so it wouldn't screw up our itinerary. So I would walk both strollers, minus children, to the trainstop and my DH would ride the train with the kids.

Upon returning from our trip, the very same friends who gave us the advice about the double strollers told us that we were insane. They said what we should have done was remove the Name Cards from the back of the strollers and park the strollers at the trainstop. Then when you reach the desired stop you then grab a couple of "blank" strollers, throw the name cards in and continue on your way.

Is this accurate? Will there always be a supply of strollers to trade off with? I don't want to be taking someone's stroller, but also if this is true it would really be helpful.

Thanks,

Lindsay

PS - okay another small but somewhat larger complaint - What is with the MGM stollers? They are so hard to push? I am an average sized woman at 5'6" and my back was so sore from hunching over to push that stroller. My husband (a rather tall man at 6'4") was almost permanently a hunchback (slight exaggeration ) due to the strollers....sheesh - okay whine over....

 

[AUDramaQueen]

Your friend was right. You just show your receipt and they give a new one at the next stop. It's just like getting a stroller at the entrance. So you're not taking anyone's stroller, really. They've dropped theirs off to get on the train too and will get a new one at their next stop.

As to availability, we've never had a problem getting a new stroller when we got off, but I don't know if we've just been lucky or if they keep them well stocked

 

[JulieNMM]

I would not have done that. I would have felt like I was stealing a stroller. What if the other person came back and wanted their stroller? Or worse, what if I parked my stroller there and then someone took mine!!!!!????!?!

We don't ride the train just for that reason. Taking strollers on them (even the ones that do fold up) is a hassle.

Also, my kids are 4 and 6 and we got a double stroller the whole time so only one person would have to push, in case the other adult wanted to go somewhere else...

What's up with the lack of storage space on the strollers????

JULIE

 

[tjmw2727]

There are unused strollers at all the train stations for just that reason! Some have been left by guests boarding the train but extras are stored at the station for just that purpose. When you leave yours remove the name card and just get a new one at the new station - or ride round trip.

In fact, if for any reason you need a new stroller you can even return to the front rental area with your receipt and get a new one.

As far as the aguments in the double, with my girls we established the "anyone fights, nobody rides" and we only had to do it once. It was way easier to set up the rules then push twice as many strollers, IMHO. One double saves $ and our backs, in addition I am often solo with them so two strollers wasn't an option at times.

Have a good trip.
TJ

 

[tjmw2727]

I would not have done that. I would have felt like I was stealing a stroller. What if the other person came back and wanted their stroller? Or worse, what if I parked my stroller there and then someone took mine!!!!!????!?!
????
SNIP
JULIE

Generaly speaking if you remove the card with your name you have "abandoned" the stroller. So while taking a stroller with a namecard is a no, no, if you have paid for a stroller you can take a new one at the train station and put your name card in.

If you leave the name card chances are your stroller won't be taken. If it is you simply need to go back to the rental with your receipt and get another, a total pain but knock wood in many years of renting it never happend to us.

TJ

 

[bumperlove]

Thanks all...this makes me feel better. I just didn't want to steal anyone else's stroller. It was such a pain the but to push two empty strollers while my DH and the kids rode the train, but now I know better!!!

Yeah, the double vs single stroller thing....it is probably still going to be two singles for us this trip. My wonderful dear stepdaughter who is now seven is the biggest drama queen I have ever met. She is a sweet loving girl but she demands her space and will incringe upon her dear brother at no cost. (still having flashbacks from when I got them a double little tykes wagon for local amusement parks and fair trips with her antics....bad... bad memories).

We have tried the "any arguments and you walk thing" and then it becomes an issue of "too tired, feet hurt, I can't possible walk any further, screaming cyring"...it isn't worth it to us. (yup we are whipped) I am hoping she will walk more this trip as she will be turning 8 in August so there may be days that we will only rent him a stroller.

Also, for those who do you the double stroller do you find them hard to manage when their crowds due to their width?

Thanks!!!

--Lindsay