DOUBLE stroller FEB17-21/MAR14-21/MAR30-APR8/ OPEN

[JeepOnRock]

I'm Doxxie's husband...

Here are my thoughts.

The stroller has a weak design. It isn't helped that there was barely any weld area to stabilize the pivot point for the front wheel. Because of that, the mount moves around a little.

I tried to use some JB Weld to stabilize it, but it broke free again. Of course I didn't have the ability to get all of the paint out, etc. But I do think that if one of the 2-part epoxy cold-welding compounds were applied (the type that is like play-doh while being mixed) and the pivot point stabilized, it would be easier to drive.

However, because of the weak design, there is a good chance it would break again. I found that if I let it go in the direction it wanted to go, and then gently worked to turn it, it would do fairly well. Force just makes it worse.

It was slightly loose, but not enough that it should have been a problem. I tightened it up (you only need a #2 phillips screwdriver -not included- to take off the plastic cover and the wrench that comes with it), but if it were any tighter it would stop the wheel from pivoting freely.

After a couple of days, I wasn't having too many problems driving it... but that was because I adapted to its issues.

Also, when folding it, you may (probably) will need to help the stroller fold by pulling out the bar in the center between the seats. It is under the cover, but you can just grab the strut there and pull it out slightly. That isn't a big deal at all. Basically, squeeze the folding mechanism on the handle, let the stroller fold slightly. If you feel resistance, pull out on the strut in the center just a little. And then the stroller will fold right up.

If you have any issues, send a PM to Doxxie. She'll give you my cell number and I'll be happy to answer anything I can. I would say to PM me, but I am not on here as much as she is.

 

[doxxie]

BTW - the stroller does have a very large basket on the bottom that makes it awesome for carrying your stuff all day long. And I even threw a couple of bottles of water down there when heading to the park. I am not sure if you're supposed to bring in water or not but... Then we had jackets down there, a blanket, the diaper bag, pal mickey (which I'm very upset that there is such little support for him now), and a second bag that I would pull out when going on rides. It was great to have all that room!

For the most part the stroller rolled very nicely (as long as I didn't try to turn). Seriously, it did roll nicely.

Our shirts held up nicely for the most part. I discovered that there is a difference in which transfer paper you use. Some cracked more easily than others (like as soon as you put it on). Others did great and have even survived a wash and dry. We all had a shirt for every day and even ended up with extras.

I did find plenty of Christmas decorations to do photos in front of and the castle was absolutely gorgeous. They have it decorated to appear to have ice crystals all over it. It's gorgeous. Epcot does have some decorations, Main Street in MK is decorated as well. There was plenty of stuff. And I enjoyed the Christmas party a lot. I can at least say that I've done it now. I'm not sure I'd pay to do it again, except that it did provide exclusive access to the rides and we did a lot with little to no wait. And I liked the shows and the parade as well. There was a special version of wishes. We stayed in the park until midnight...with the kids!

Julie - I know you didn't like Illuminations that much. What about the kids? My son loved it! We unfortunately missed the first part with the fire - we have to go back now, right - but he still loved it. We were actually walking through Epcot one day and the draw bridge went up and all the barges came rolling through. So he talked about how we saw all the stuff and I told him we'd come back and see the show. The last night we were there we saw it and he loved it.

Gotta run again. Photos later. BTW - DS is saying "Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger". Mostly because DH was saying it to him all week. But he loved that ride!

OH - the first thing you should do at DHS is to go back and get a fast pass for Toy Story. Unfortunately we didn't get to go on it (another reason to go back) because we didn't know/think about that and we had our fast pass tied up with Aerosmith. The Toy Story ride wait time was already 60 minutes about an hour after the park opened and the fast passes were for late afternoon. By 2-3 hours after park opening the fast passes were gone. They are hot - get them first thing!

 

[doxxie]

I don't know how to do pictures!

So - go here for pics of the stroller, including some pics of the wheel (not much to look at). http://www.baileyservices.com/stroller.html

And here for just a few pics - http://www.baileyservices.com/pics.html

Also - RD, I feel for you having the kids by yourself in the parks. I know now that it is HARD! I had help but it was still hard at times when I had them by myself. I'm not sure if your age gap is as wide as mine and I think once the kids are older it would be a bit easier but when they are young like this it is hard.

 

[mayjay]

Thanks for the tips. If the written instructions aren't there, I'll show this to my Dad (we'll have a laptop with us) and hopefully he'll know what to do.

We leave tomorrow morning. Kids are excited, I'm excited and I just have a few little things left to do and we're off.

 

[mayjay]

There was some confusion over the weight limit as some places had it listed as 150 but I firmly believe it's 50 pounds per seat and do not know how it could hold much more. My son is about 43 pounds, 45 inches and when he sat in it the middle fabric would pull to his side (vs. the 8 month old). So if two kids his size were in it I could see where there would be some pulling on that seam. Also, he is tall (for his age) and the canopy would touch his head when it was out, especially with the sunshade on it due to the elastic that uses.

My DC are small for their ages. DS is 38" and 36lbs and DD is 31" and 26lbs, so they should be fine for the weight limit and their heads shouldn't hit anything.

Crossing my fingers that all goes well with it.

 

[doxxie]

My DC are small for their ages. DS is 38" and 36lbs and DD is 31" and 26lbs, so they should be fine for the weight limit and their heads shouldn't hit anything.

Crossing my fingers that all goes well with it.

Oh - you should be fine! My oldest was about 43lb and the youngest is over 18lb (feels like he's up to 20 by now).

Another thing that's kind of weird if you're not used to a side by side double stroller (which I'm not) is that you know how in a single stroller if you're kind of stuck on something you can lift up on side and get over it. Well, in a double it's harder and so you either can't do it or feel like the stroller may flip depending on which way you tilt. This was probably more so for me because the balance between the kids was off. When I had the oldest in it of course his side was heavier when he was out the baby's side would be so much heavier than the empty side. That has NOTHING to do with a defect or anything like that, just something I had to overcome since I'm not used to it. I know now that I'm really glad I don't have to deal with a double (or triple) stroller every day! I can't even begin to imagine people who have more than triplets!!!

I'm sure you guys will be fine and it will work out great. Hopefully the parks won't be crowded and that will help too! The bar pops off and it makes it a lot easier for the kids to get in and out. We had it off the whole time and I actually forgot to put it back on so we had to go back to your hotel a second time to attach that! Oopsy. That's okay, from there we headed on out of town.

By the way, when we left, gas was around $2.09 in some places down there. May be cheaper now. Other places had it for $2.18 or so.

Have fun!!!

 

[rainy~daze]

Doxxie--the pics are great! The one with the boys in front of the castle is gorgeous. They are very cute kids. And the shirts you made looked like they turned out very well.
Mine aren't as much of an age gap, they are only 16 months apart. 7 and 5--6 in 3 days.
I would like to hear more about your condo when you get a chance, especially if they take pets.


Mayjay--I hope you guys have a safe, wonderful trip. And I also really hope the stroller works for you--without being too much if a struggle. Please post when you come back---let us know how everything is and we love to hear about trips!!

 

[bjeannep]

One thing we found helped with the stroller was 1 adult would walk slighlty in front of the stroller and adjust the tire when it would get stuck.

Doxxie, I'm glad you had a great trip. We missed a lot of things to, so we also have an excuse to go back.

 

[bjeannep]

Doxxie, love your pictures. I'm happy you were able to get a few pictures to use for your Christmas Cards.

Your children are very cute.

 

[doxxie]

I would like to hear more about your condo when you get a chance, especially if they take pets.

Well, the condo was small. It was a two bedroom, two bath. One bedroom with bath downstairs, a small living area with a cross between a kitchenette and a kitchen (a/k/a teeny tiny kitchen). Then upstairs there was a loft bedroom with bath. The bedroom was not completely sealed off, there was a hole in the wall overlooking the living room (hence the loft reference). That could be dangerous for kids since the bed is right there too.

The resort we were next to looked nice but then there was a little wall that separated the townhouses from the resort as the townhouses were not actually part of the resort (which we knew).

She did allow my small dog. That was great since it costs so much to board her. It was not far and very easy to get on/off 4. It is practically next door to Sea World so if you're going there you're set. The price was right this time so I can't complain. I know that if we stayed there again I would not cram that many people in and that would make it more expensive so I'm not sure that I will stay there again.

My friend stayed at Windsor Hills and I'm waiting to hear how that was. We also looked at Vista Cay and we passed by that when we were down there. It is close to the convention center, Universal, etc. It looks nice but we only drove by.

Just out of curiosity we just looked up some prices. Can't do it right now but it would be awesome if we could buy a place and then rent it out.

 

[rainy~daze]

good morning.

according to tracking the new stroller will be delivered to YoMickey this Monday-will be there just prior to his arrival.

I mailed out the hardcopy of the return label to you, I think I mailed it Thursday. Losing track of days this weekend, tomorrow is my DDs bday!!!

Mayjay--I hope the weather is perfect for you and low crowds!!!



everyone have a good day!!

 

[doxxie]

Mayjay--I hope the weather is perfect for you and low crowds!!!
everyone have a good day!!

When we were leaving it was misting and it was very humid that morning. It would have been a hot day in the parks. It's been raining here (GA) for the past few days. Hopefully it hasn't interfered with their trip. It may not be raining there at all, but if so, hopefully not a lot.

I'm sitting here thinking about our next vacation. I guess everyone came back with that same feeling. I'm looking at cruises now. The other thing we may do is buy a 10 day no expiration ticket and be ready for the next big deal!

 

[julie2818]

Julie - I know you didn't like Illuminations that much. What about the kids? My son loved it! We unfortunately missed the first part with the fire - we have to go back now, right - but he still loved it. We were actually walking through Epcot one day and the draw bridge went up and all the barges came rolling through. So he talked about how we saw all the stuff and I told him we'd come back and see the show. The last night we were there we saw it and he loved it.

OH - the first thing you should do at DHS is to go back and get a fast pass for Toy Story. Unfortunately we didn't get to go on it (another reason to go back) because we didn't know/think about that and we had our fast pass tied up with Aerosmith. The Toy Story ride wait time was already 60 minutes about an hour after the park opened and the fast passes were for late afternoon. By 2-3 hours after park opening the fast passes were gone. They are hot - get them first thing!

Hi! Welcome back! I think DD liked Wishes better also. DS, well, he's not a big fan of fireworks because of the noise - so, he probably like Illumniations better because there is less "boom". Gosh, we should go back again and give it another shot ...

And, the Toy Story ride line, etc is crazy, isn't it? A friend of mine had warned me to go first thing and get a fast pass, so we knew to do that. Even at rope drop, there was a mad dash there to get them. While waiting to get the fast passes, these grown men come running out of the ride screaming "First ones on the ride!". Seriously? The ride was fun, but I personally like Buzz Lightyear better. So, I do think it is worth riding, but don't be too sad that you missed it.

Oh, and love the pictures! Your kids are adorable.

I hope everyone else is enjoying their weekend!

 

[mayjay]

Well I am here and I've got the stroller. We've only taken it for a short walk and not to SEa World as planned today, but it was OK for hte walk and the kids loved it. I have a tandem double stroller at home and they were so suprised to see a different one. At 4 and 2 there is some issue of "he's touching me" etc but I just threatened to make one of them walk and it did hte trick.

Off to DTD and MVMCP tomorrow night. The weather is supposed to be cooler than yesterday and today. Only about 68F during the day and cooler at night.

The kids are sound asleep now (early for them) and so I'm going to take advantage of the quiet and read my book now.

I'll try to keep you guys updated on the trip and the stroller (but I will say that I hate typing on a laptop...the keyboard is so darn small) LOL

 

[rainy~daze]

glad to hear you made it there safely, Mayjay---it does sound cool, but warmer than here---it is going down to 36 Tuesday-yikes!
Have fun at MVMCP!!

Well I am here and I've got the stroller. We've only taken it for a short walk and not to SEa World as planned today, but it was OK for hte walk and the kids loved it. I have a tandem double stroller at home and they were so suprised to see a different one. At 4 and 2 there is some issue of "he's touching me" etc but I just threatened to make one of them walk and it did hte trick.

Off to DTD and MVMCP tomorrow night. The weather is supposed to be cooler than yesterday and today. Only about 68F during the day and cooler at night.

The kids are sound asleep now (early for them) and so I'm going to take advantage of the quiet and read my book now.

I'll try to keep you guys updated on the trip and the stroller (but I will say that I hate typing on a laptop...the keyboard is so darn small) LOL

 

[rainy~daze]

bump

 

[julie2818]

glad to hear you made it there safely, Mayjay---it does sound cool, but warmer than here---it is going down to 36 Tuesday-yikes!
Have fun at MVMCP!!

Wow! It's going to be colder here? Our low here for Tuesday is 25!

Brrrr!!! Sure wish I could get back to sunny Florida.

 

[doxxie]

Julie - Of course it's going to be freezing on Tuesday, that's the day I go to the office. I am not a fan of cold weather!

Mayjay - we really liked MVMCP. I wont' bother with any pointers since you're probably there now. Hope you're having fun!

 

[doxxie]

Hmmm... anyone seen this offer for buy one get one cheap! Buy a cruise for this winter and you get one for $99/person for next fall. I'm just not sure there's enough room for everything that we took this time!

Seriously, I don't know if we can do it but it would be nice. Yes, I'm still dreaming!

 

[rainy~daze]

Hmmm... anyone seen this offer for buy one get one cheap! Buy a cruise for this winter and you get one for $99/person for next fall. I'm just not sure there's enough room for everything that we took this time!

Seriously, I don't know if we can do it but it would be nice. Yes, I'm still dreaming!

We have never been on a cruise, but that deal makes me want to book one!!!