Disneyland Stroller Rental & other ?'s - DL with a 14 month old

[MommytoaSweetie]

Woot woot! We finally booked our first trip to California, and part of that will be a trip to Disneyland/DCA! (We've been to WDW a few times) It will definitely be our first major vacation with our will-be 14 month old, as well as our first flight with her. I have a few questions that I've tried looking around for, but haven't found answers yet...

1. What are the Disney stroller rental strollers like? We have a Disney Visa, so we'd get them for free, but are they comfy? This is probably really silly, but do they get cleaned somehow between families using them? Anyone have a picture of them?

2. We're planning on getting an Ergo or Beco (or similar) carrier to have with us as well as a stroller for times when DD is really tired or we have to wait awhile in a line without a stroller. Does that seem like a good idea??

3. I know our DD doesn't need a ticket to get in, so does the same apply for Fastpass? I mean, does she just go in with one of us (or really, both of us) with our Fastpass assuming we have one?

4. Do you have any great tips for DL (and flying!) with a young toddler? We're planning on 2.5ish days in the parks (but have the 3-for-5 day passes so we can go more if we want - we're going the first week in April and didn't think about spring breakers when we made the plans because spring breaks around us are earlier - WOOPS! )

Okay, that's it - for now!! I finally got my account activated so I had a few questions from just reading posts, but I'm sure more will come. Thanks!!

 

[pumpkin5156]

I believe Spring break this year is the last 2 weeks of March. Hopefully you'll miss the crowds

The strollers are jogging-type strollers and don't look very comfy IMO, but I've seen lots of sleeping and happy kids riding them. Don't have a pic as we always bring our own. Consider bringing your own for the walk from the hotel to the park and vice versa.

I don't think you would need a carrier in line, but if your toddler is accustomed to being in one, then go for it. I know mine at 14 months wouldn't fit or stand to be in one. We just did short lines and brought bubbles for the longer ones. He did pretty good.

I've never flown with a toddler, sorry. As far as the parks go, keep a watchful eye on your toddler. I know my DS is really good at deviating from his schedule and sleeps well in his stroller. But not all toddlers are like that. Your's may need more breaks, quiet naps, early bedtime, etc. We try to stick as close to our normal schedule as possible, then when we deviate, he does great! Just don't ignore the symptoms of a tired toddler....you're whole day will be over very quickly! Most of all: Have so much fun and don't feel too rushed.

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

Awesome, thanks for the info! I forgot to mention that we're staying at the Anahiem Marriott Suites (I think that's the name of it), so we'll be driving each day to the park (which we'd prefer over a shuttle without a carseat). We won't need the stroller really until we're in the park. We will have one with us on our trip, but we're trying to decide if it's better to take that one inside (and risk something happening to it? I'm sure that's really really rare though) or just get one of the rentals for free. I tried finding a pic of them online but the pictures I've found don't really show the stroller much.

I'm still debating the carrier - I think we'll get one for other uses anyway, and then bring it to see the first day at least. I really think our DD will do well - she's very flexible and great at napping wherever, but yeah, we're definitely keeping our own schedule very flexible to accomodate any of her extra needs.

BTW, pumpkin, I LOVE the idea of bubbles while in line - I never would have thought of it, but that's sure to help!! Thanks!!!

 

[mindylovesmickey]

I posted some pics of my ds in the Disney stroller on here the other day, I'll try to find the thread. Here's the thread, several others posted pictures too: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1694483 Since we have two 3 and under, we are bringing our double, but for rental strollers they worked out wonderfully when it was just ds to worry about. However, they don't have much storage space although we worked it out.

As far as the fastpass thing, I don't think she will be able to ride anything that has a fastpass. You can check height requirements on the rides at the disneyland.com site, and I'm sure they are a couple other places as well. She will be able to ride some things, but more than likely not any of the rides that have fastpass. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[pumpkin5156]

I think Rodger Rabbit has a FastPass on certain days, and she can go on that. Somebody back me up on this....??

 

[mindylovesmickey]

That's true. I didn't think about that one, and since I haven't been on Roger Rabbit myself, I didn't know if it was okay for a 14 month old. So, I would assume that since she would be too young to have her own ticket that she would be allowed to go with either adult on their fastpass on any rides that she would be able to go on that has fastpass.

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

Oh awesome, thanks so much for the thread with the pictures! So the strollers seem clean to use? They don't look dirty in the pictures at least. I'm actually really NOT a germaphobe, but I worked as a preschool teacher before having DD and am concerned about things like lice. I know I'm being ridiculous though.

I also hadn't even THOUGHT about the fact that most fastpass rides aren't rides DD could do anyway. I'll have to look at the Roger Rabbit ride to see if DD could go on that. How does Fastpass affect the Baby Swap thing? Do we both need to get a Fastpass, then get a Baby Swap pass when the times hit for the Fastpass, then do the actual ride swap?

 

[bumbershoot]

For a ride with FP, you only need one person to get one, when you are swapping. First person gets FP, let them know you're swapping (when we have swapped we have only had one adult get in line, and point to the other adult and kiddo, but others have mentioned they have all had to get in line at first...but we go during slower times and lines are much shorter, CMs are much more easily able to see those outside the line!), FP rider goes, gets off, gives swap pass over, other adult goes in FP line (which is sometimes the exit) with their swap pass.

Here is a pic of me and DS in the Jungle Cruise line at about 16 months in the mei tai. We rented a stroller, and I think he was in it ONCE that day. Then we got to Small World and he got out and wasn't in it again! I wore him all day, the mei tai was great for it, and my arms sufficed when he wanted something else. Or my SIL's arms, he adores his auntie!

And here he is in the Ergo at approaching 2.5 years old, while we were looking at maps and such after entering DL.

Wearing a baby who is used to being worn is a FABULOUS way to get around!

And although I love the cloth-based, more traditional slings/carriers, the Ergo was less annoying, b/c of the clips. With the mei tai I had to untie one of the strap sets, then roll the thing down and have a bulky thing around my waist. With the Ergo when he wasn't in it I just unclipped and carried it. No retying, just reclipping, when he wanted back in.


I'm not sure if my trip reports will be of HUGE help, but they might be, and others have found them somewhat enjoyable. The first trip report contains info from our first two one-day trips when he was 1 and 2. Links in my signature. We've been 4 times with him, and he's only 3.5.

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

Awesome, thanks for the help, bumbershoot! I'm in the process of trying to find a used Ergo (mainly because they're cheaper than Becos)... we currently have a few other wraps and slings, but I want something more structured now for our big girl. I'll have to look at your trip reports later when DD is sleeping. I love your son's curls in the pic with the mei tai! I've looked at those, but definitely will need buckles for my lack of coordination.

Good to know also about the Fastpass with the baby swap. I'm getting so excited already and we still have a little bit of time ahead of us - I can't believe my little girl is turning ONE next week!!

 

[Zena Wright]

Aloha,

Just a little FYI about the strollers, we were there Nov 30th-Dec 9th 2007 and I realized that the have two different strollers. The one with the wide handle bars are the older ones and the ones with the smaller handles are the newer ones.

The newer ones seemed to be cleaner, in much better condition and more comfortable than the older ones.

The reason I noticed this was because the bag that we used for my DD fit perfect on the new handle bars which I got a new one on the first day then the second day I couldn't figure out why I couldn't put my bag on the handle bar so I asked a CM that was passing them out if I could have the one with the smaller handle and she said they are suppose to give out the old ones first.

I told her my bag only fit on the other one and although she wasen't to happy about it she gave me the newer one after that every time I got one I imediately asked for the one with the smaller handles and I didn't seem to have any problems.

Also, your own stroller is probrably safe there, I have taken my own strollers before from really nice ones to older ones and so far I haven't had a problem. Good luck!


Aloha Zena

Woot woot! We finally booked our first trip to California, and part of that will be a trip to Disneyland/DCA! (We've been to WDW a few times) It will definitely be our first major vacation with our will-be 14 month old, as well as our first flight with her. I have a few questions that I've tried looking around for, but haven't found answers yet...

1. What are the Disney stroller rental strollers like? We have a Disney Visa, so we'd get them for free, but are they comfy? This is probably really silly, but do they get cleaned somehow between families using them? Anyone have a picture of them?

2. We're planning on getting an Ergo or Beco (or similar) carrier to have with us as well as a stroller for times when DD is really tired or we have to wait awhile in a line without a stroller. Does that seem like a good idea??

3. I know our DD doesn't need a ticket to get in, so does the same apply for Fastpass? I mean, does she just go in with one of us (or really, both of us) with our Fastpass assuming we have one?

4. Do you have any great tips for DL (and flying!) with a young toddler? We're planning on 2.5ish days in the parks (but have the 3-for-5 day passes so we can go more if we want - we're going the first week in April and didn't think about spring breakers when we made the plans because spring breaks around us are earlier - WOOPS! )

Okay, that's it - for now!! I finally got my account activated so I had a few questions from just reading posts, but I'm sure more will come. Thanks!!

 

[TaniaU]

The first time we took our son to DL he was 20 months (I think). We brought our own stroller because I honestly didn't know you could rent them until I saw all of the same green strollers with different name tags Having our own made it a bit easier to find. We parked in the parking structure and took the stroller on the tram, it was a bit of a squish because it was busy, but not too bad.

Jet never really wanted to get out an walk around; I don't think he was comfortable with the amount of people so we didn't have to worry about him running off. By the afternoon he was passed out and sleeping so hard that we strolled through 1/2 of DL, all of DTD and were in the middle of eating lunch at ESPN Zone before he woke up. Best part of the vacation!

As for the plane ride...he played a bit, fell asleep for about an hour and then played with the seat belt for a bit more. I've had people suggest buying some new dollar store activities/toys and only brining them out one at a time on the flight. So they have something new to hold their interest. I have yet to remember to do this, but I'm sure it works.

On the entire plane ride back, he played peek-a-boo with the very nice understanding couple seated behind us

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

Thanks for the info! Zena, if we end up renting a stroller, we'll definitely see if we can get a new one. We may try renting one the first day and see how it is, then decide the next day if that's what we want to keep doing. Still not sure!

Tania, I think a long midday nap sounds like a GREAT idea for our DD - maybe your son can send the sleepy-DL vibes to my daughter so she'll get the same idea. I hope so! I love the idea about dollar store toys for the plane ride - I got some Disney board books the other day at Target's one dollar section, and was trying to decide if I should let her see them before or during the trip, but it sounds like the plane would be a good idea. I'll have to check the dollar store, too!

 

[Monkey Monkey]

I wouldn't really recommend Roger Rabbit for a 14-month old. It's kind of jerky, and it scared my 2.5yo, who has never really been afraid of anything.

But make sure you ride the carousel! There is hardly ever any line and the kids love it!

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Re: flying with a young toddler

Will she have her own seat? I have found that a portable DVD player is priceless on flights with a toddler. I always bring crayons and a new coloring book, copious amounts of snacks, and a couple of brand new, cheap toys. And stickers! He loves putting them on my arm and taking them off.

Good luck!

 

[MommytoaSweetie]

Thanks, Monkey. Good to know about Roger Rabbit - we've obviously never been on it (they don't have it at WDW, unless we've totally missed it?). We were watching kids on a carousel at the mall today, and DD looked SO into it, and I think she'll LOVE the big one at DL!

We don't own a personal DVD player, and our DD has never watched a movie, but that would probably be a really good idea... I'll have to see if any friends have one we could borrow. Do they work with headphones? I wonder how DD would do with headphones on! I love those other ideas, too... thanks! OH, we do not have a seat for her - she does really well on our laps (normally; no experience with it on a plane), so we're HOPING that'll help, and we also booked the window and aisle seats in hopes that no one will want that seat and the flight won't be full so we will have a seat for her.

 

[kuusimo]

We took our second son when he was 13 months and to be honest it was hard to keep him in a line. That was just him though.

Another thing you will want to do is to know where the baby-care centers are at both locations. Those will be your life savers when you need to be away from the noise. The one at Disneyland is at the end of main street by the corn dog cart, and the one at CA is by the tortilla factory. They also have family bathrooms in Bug's land that are nice and large.

We always brought our own strollers, so I don't have an opinion on them.

As far as flying, I know that if you can get them to sleep that would be the best. I know that Benadryl has only worked on one of our three boys, but for that one child it was a life saver. Also make sure they are sucking or chewing on take off and landing- it will help with the air pressure. My son is 13 months old right now and I don't think he would watch a DVD player and just puts crayons in his mouth still.

For FP- use the baby swap. Buzz Lightyear is a FP ride though and your daughter may like that. I agree with Roger Rabbit ride though- too jerky.

We always planned on going back to the hotel in the afternoon for a nap. Our children's favorite ride was Small world. It was 15 minutes of silence from them! The train is another one that was soothing for them.

Have fun!

 

[Ashlotte]

I thought I'd jump in with advice on flying with toddlers, since at this point I liken myself a min-expert. In 10 days we'll be on our way to Disneyland with our dd 2.5 and ds 4.5. It will be dd's fifth airplane vacation and ds's eighth. We didn't fly with dd until she was 18 months, so all those trips have been in one year and not all of them were short ones to Disney! Anyway, here are my tips:

* Bring LOTS of snacks. Make them things your dc doesn't normally get to eat (animal cookies? a different kind of cereal?) and make sure they are small things that take a while to pick up an eat, vs something large. This way they are entertained and it takes a while. Bring a variety.

*Bring an empty sippy cup on board and have the flight attendents put something in it when they go by so you don't have to worry about trying to deal with the little plastic airplane cups.

*Bring a new, small toy or two (doesn't have to be "new," but one dc hasn't seen or hasn't seen in a while). We have several toys that I only whip out for airplanes. Make sure they are not too cumbersome to deal with in a carry-on. Ask friends to borrow something small and novel.

*Board books with flaps are great, especially for toddlers you dc's age. That should suck up some time.

*Your dc is young for this, but we always bring stickers. My older child loves sticker books and will be content for a LONG time with one. My dd likes stickers also. I have great pictures of dh decorated on the way to Hawaii when my ds (then 22 months) put the stickers on daddy and his glasses.

*Make sure your dc has something to eat or suck on during take-off and landing to prevent ear discomfort. A paci or bottle would also work if you use one. We used raisins for my dd because they were chewy.

*If you have one or have a friend you can borrow from, a portable DVD player is a GOD SEND. They sell child sized headphones at Target and if you get a splitter, you can listen to the show, too. When ds was young, we brought Baby Einstein videos and he was perfectly happy to watch them without sound.

*Finally, I don't know if you bought a seat for your dc on the plane or not, but it is SO much easier to bring your carseat on board and strap your child in. If you didn't get a seat, you can sometimes get them for free. Here are my tips, which have worked on all (Southwest, Alaska, Hawaiian, Continental)but one airline (Frontier- they were booked on all four flights with them):

- on Southwest, people with small kids board first. When you check in, tell them that you are traveling with a lap child and ask if there are any extra seats. This works great.

- use the online check-in 24 hours before your flight. I would always change our seats around so my dh and I were booked in the aisle and window seats with the middle open. This way new passengers would rather be anywhere BUT that middle seat and the airlines usually put them elsewhere first. If when you get to your flight someone is assigned that seat, just ask to trade your window or aisle seat. Now that I have to pay for both of my kids on the airplane, I really want to pass on all of my tips to people who can use them!

- after learning the hard way the first time, I never check the carseat on. I bring it to the gate to "gate check" it, even if we have no ticket reserved. That way if a seat is free, you can put your carseat in it, but if not, you just check it. You can also gate check your stroller, which is a great way to push all your carry ons and whatnot to the gate.

Good luck! That first trip with a toddler is intimidating, but so liberating when you know you can still travel.

 

[Monkey Monkey]

Those are great tips!

I've flown with DS to Houston 3 times and to Illinois once, for a total of 10 different flights since he was 11 months old (and 6 of those were just the 2 of us).

The first few times, I dumped out his sippy cup before going through security, and then had to ask the flight attendants for a refill. But you can just fill it back up after the security checkpoint - they don't re-check for liquids before you get on the plane. So if you buy bottled water in the airport and use that, you're good to go.

Most airlines let kids with small children board right after first class does, so you have a bit more time to get yourself situated before it gets too crowded.

You can bring a carry-on bag PLUS another personal bag like a purse, laptop case, etc., so don't feel like you have to stuff all your things in the diaper bag.

Speaking of diaper bags, I always use a backpack because it is so much easier to board a plane while carrying a toddler when your bag isn't bumping against all the seats!

I also use an ID holder that hangs from my neck. This is really more for when I travel alone with the kiddo, but it's very handy to have my ID and boarding passes ON me instead of having to search in a bag for it whenever it's needed.

Phew! And I thought I was done. I will be flying alone with him next week, so this was kind of a good refresher course for me!