Double stroller front/back or side to side

[michvin]

We will be going to Disney the first time this october with 2 DD ages 18mos and 4 1/2 and DS age 6. We are staying at WL and are planning on bringing our own stroller....the 18 mos old just won't be comfy in the molded plastic. Anyway, we own a 5 year old Peg Perego front/back stroller and am cosidering getting a side/side umbrella to take instead. Is the side by side easier to handle on the monorail and boats? Or doesn't it matter. My DH thinks I am crazy obsessing about it but I do not want a grumpy toddler on my hands for 8 days. Any advice is welcomed.

 

[ninaeve]

I can't really answer your monorail and boat questions except to say that I read here on DIS from one poster that the doubles had to be folded or only fit in the handicap car which of course can only be used when unoccupied by a handicap person needing it.

Are u planning on having the double and renting for the 6 yr old? If not, u might consider what we did very sucessfully on our trip last month. We have a 4.5 yr old, a 22 mnth old, and I am 7 mnth pg. So only 2 kids, but this could work for u if you have the 4.5 & 6 yr old alternate riding. We bought 2 single Mac Triumphs. Loved them!
I think your toddler would be comfortable, they are soooo easy to maneuver, the rain cover is excellent and kept them very dry during our 1 day of rain, it has a sunshade and reclines, plus has a storage basket. THey are lightweight, easy to fold quickly, and have a carrying strap. We bought stroller connectors in case I was left alone with the 2 strollers, but ended up not using them bc they are so easy to maneuver, and the older child could always push one a short distance to a bench or table if needed. It was so much easier to have singles in the crowds and buses. And on the resort, we only used the one single for the youngest.

 

[DebMcDonald]

We already own a front to back double stroller, but I purchased a side by side (2 and 4) as I figured I would have better luck getting them to sit if they were side by side. I got the umbrella type, so figure I be OK, on monorail, etc.

 

[becky7953]

I have had both. I love the side by side stroller for going through stores, and places where a side by side couldn't go. Last year we took our side by side jogging stroller. It was no trouble. It fit on the monorail. I think we folded it up. (also we went in January when it was not crowded) One thing you might want to consider, your youngest is 18 months right? I would make sure which ever stroller picked had a seat that reclined for napping.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I am a nanny. I haven't ever been to WDW with young ones, but I use a stroller EVERY day when I am not on vacation!

I HATE the side-by-side strollers! The kids I take care of are 3 and 1. In a side-by-side they have WAY too much access to each other. Little brother leans over into sister's lap, pulls the straw out of her juice box, and generally annoys her to no end. the side-by-side is also hard to get through doors and other narrow aisles.

The front and back double strollers are so much better. The Graco I had years ago would recline ALL the way to form one long, flat surface which was fabulous for diapering or if I only had one child in the stroller napping. It is easier to separate the kids (put the antagonist in front) and I found it much easier to steer.

Good luck!

 

[ABWTmom]

Hi, I just wanted to let you know about using a baby sling, they are available at places like Toys-R-Us, or easily made using patterns found on-line. Last December we took our then, 21 month old twin DD to WDW. We made slings that we sewed pockets in that could hold two diapers and some wipes. The slings worked out great! The kids were easily straddled on our hips, were nicely supported, and kept both our hands free. Also, because it was rather cool, our body warmth helped to keep them warmer (though, this might be a negative point for when youa re going). They were able to nap at will, too.

On the occasion where your 6 and 4 1/2 year olds want to ride the stroller, this will free up a seat.

Whatever you decide - have a great trip!

12 days until our next WDW vacation!

 

[3lilprincesses]

i think a side by side would be much more convenient in the parks, especially if your 6 yr. old gets a little tired and wants to ride for a bit. it would be much easier in a side by side for a bigger child. i had a front/back double and didn't like it at all. i have found that the side by side is so much easier to maneuver around in. and the girls fighting or having too much access to each other has never been a problem for us.

however, i would have to agree with the poster who said she would take 2 separate strollers. that is what we did last year at DW for our 2 youngest (2 and 4 at the time). it was easy to split up, or take one to the bathroom without the other. we just used very light strollers and it worked out great!

 

[java]

Ugh! We hated having 2 strollers. We were always losing one of them(no children in it at the time of course ) We also had 2 non stroller children-that might have made the 2 strollers harder. We were always chasing someone down. This time side by side double combi for us!

 

[YesI'mObsessed]

Side by side, without a doubt! I too have a double front to back.....hate it. It's too bulky, very hard to navigate. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a stroller I may not use again, so for my trip, I purchased an umbrella side by side Graco from my local consignment shop for only $30.00. Both seats recline, big huge basket for all my stuff, and a great visor for both kids. I loved it. Best $30 I ever spent. I never had a problem getting on the monorail, never had to fold it up on the boats either. The only pain is the bus, but every stroller has to be folded on the busses. Good luck deciding, and have a great trip whichever stroller you choose!