Double stroller question--help, please!

[HappyMommy2]

Hi, everyone! This is my first post. I've been absolutely addicted to reading this board ever since I discovered it a few days ago! Thanks for all the fabulously helpful information. I'm so excited about our first trip to Disney with kids!

I have read every stroller post I could find, but my voracious reading hasn't yielded a direct answer to my stroller question yet (and the search feature isn't working, so I hope I'm not missing something!), so here goes: Has anyone actually used a Graco Duo Glider on Disney buses (or talked to someone who has), and if so, was it doable? We're staying at All Star Sports for a week in July--DH, myself, DS 3, and DS 17 months. We're planning to use only Disney transportation. We have the Duo Glider and a really nice Combi umbrella-type stroller and I've been desperately reading this board trying to figure out if it would be best to bring the Combi AND buy another umbrella stroller, or whether I should just bring the Duo Glider, or whether I should bring only the Combi and rent a single at the parks as needed for the 3yo (who does tire pretty easily and wants to be held, and we're not planning to do much holding in hot July at WDW!). The kids fit okay in the Duo Glider (though I rarely use it anymore now that 3yo usually walks), but I'm just really worried about lugging it around on the buses. Then again, would carrying 2 umbrella strollers be easier? Would pushing two strollers around the parks (our own or one ours/one rented) be too much of a pain?

Sorry so long. Thanks for letting me "talk" this out with you as DH just wants me to plan everything so he doesn't have to worry about such details!

 

[tricia]

I would definitely skip the idea of just renting for your 3 yr old. Having you own stroller to get back to the hotel with is a must. My DS was usually tired when we left the parks and would not have walked. (when he was 3 and 2 months) I do not have the stroller you are talking about, I brought a Sit N Stand last time I was in WDW. It was heavy getting on and off the bus, but as long as one adult can handle both kids and the other can get the stroller it would be OK. Try folding the stroller and walking up a few steps at home. That should give you an idea.

 

[C.Ann]

We went in Sept. 2001 just before my granddaughter turned 3.. Two weeks before we were scheduled to leave my DD got an AWESOME deal at a garage sale (twenty bucks) for a DOUBLE stroller that was like new.. (Where one sits in front and one in back..) Although we only had the one child, we knew we would be lugging a lot of junk into the parks so that's why she grabbed the double.. I wouldn't say it folded up very small, but we never had any problems with getting it on the monorail or the trams or anything else..

Just make you you bring SOME kind of stroller because that's way too much walking for the really little ones and you don't want them getting all cranky on you..

Have a great time - and welcome to the boards!!!!

 

[FreeTime]

I have the Graco Duo Glider. We have never had any problem getting it on the bus. One of us takes the stroller and the other the kids (2&3). It is easier to use in the parks then one that sits side by side because the sbs won't fit through the aisles in the stores, and it is harder to push through the lines that allow strollers. That being said, I have been wanting to get two umbrellas for our next trip and getting the clip that attaches them together. The reason is because I find the double very heavy to push after I load it up with the kids, bags, junk etc. And then we can separate them when hubby wants to take one kid one way while the other is sleeping and I go shopping. Also, if you are flying you will definately want a stroller for both of them in the airport, as it is quite large. Lastly, we always bring a crib size sheet then when they fall asleep it can be stretched across the top and keep the sun off of them. I hope that you have a great trip!

 

[michelem]

I too posted questions about a double for 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 that easily tires, especially in heat. A lot of people advised not to bring my heavy double, so I looked into 2 reclining umbrellas with awnings and getting a connector. But then I thought my DH will be with me and he could lug it on and off the busses, and I like the idea of keeping 2 kids and my belongings in one place, so I'm going with the double. What I am buying is a rain protector so that the kids and stroller don't get soaked if it rains.

 

[swilphil]

Another tip is to line the stroller seats with white towels if it is very hot and your stroller is navy or another dark color. We have a single Graco and a double Peg Perego that are both navy, and the baby has been getting sweaty in there as of late.

Does anyone know where to get a rain protector for a double stroller? We leave in 9 days and I'm sure it will rain at some point. I'm also trying think of what the best rain gear will be for the 3 yo and 1 yo.

Happy Strolling!!

 

[michelem]

I've tried my babies r us and baby depot, but they are always out of stock. I'm going to order from graco. Here's the link. I have a peg perego, but this says it is adjustable and looks like it would fit any tandem double stroller.
http://www.gracobaby.com/catalog/product.aspx?modelNumber=510299.

If anyone knows where else to get this online for less than$20. let us know!!

 

[michelem]

Allright, sorry, forget that link, you can't purchase it online, but know that a Graco double stroller protector exists!

 

[Disneyolic]

We have a Graco Duo-Glider and have decided against bringing it on our next trip. One reason is that only the back of the stroller reclines. Both my boys fell asleep once and the one in front was very uncomfortable (kept waking because of a bobbing head). Another reason is just the bulk of it. I don't want to be lugging that thing around on the bus or pushing it after a long day.

We bought a Kolcraft side-by-side umbrella with the shade on top. We will be bringing 4-yo and 2½-yo boys. This side-by-side reclines on both sides and is very lightweight. No storage tho so we had to buy something to hang on the back and are looking into buying clips for drinks. I'm happy at this point with my decision basically for the cost. We have used this stroller multiple times at the mall and the boys love it. They even have there "own sides". My oldest refused to ride in the Duo-Glider any more.

 

[beattyfamily]

I'm a big fan of side-by-side umbrella strollers. They definitely fit in stores and even some aisles too. It's not a problem at all manuvering it. I couldn't imagine us each having to push 2 umbrella strollers. That, to me, would be a pain.

I've had 2 different side-by-sides (my other bit the dust after 3 trips to WDW) and my current one is the Kolcraft for $50. It doesn't have baskets but it's fine. I bought the mesh bag you can attach and I also bought these plastic hooks for hooking bags onto it. It folds to almost a regular umbrella stroller.

Here's a link to another very light basic double umbrella stroller...the kolcraft has more cushion and can recline...double umbrella stroller

 

[HappyMommy2]

Wow!! Thank you all SO much for the great replies! That gives me a lot more to go on. Thanks for the extra stroller tips, too (bringing a crib sheet, etc.). What smart ideas!

BTW, does the inexpensive side by side Kolcraft still "drive" okay if only one kid is in it? I've heard that the Combi SBS does but there's no way I'm spending $300!

Still haven't made up my mind; any further information would be much appreciated! Thanks again!

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by HappyMommy2


BTW, does the inexpensive side by side Kolcraft still "drive" okay if only one kid is in it? I've heard that the Combi SBS does but there's no way I'm spending $300!

I've pushed that thing many times with only 1 DD in it and had no problems at all!

 

[Disneyolic]

Not a problem with one child as long as they stay seated well. We end up pushing just one a lot of times. They're always in and out...Hopefully more in down at WDW.

 

[FFerret]

I'm glad you asked about the Duo Glider. We've got one as well, but I've been relunctant to bring it because I thought it would be too cumbersome on the buses

Glad to hear it should be alright--REALLY don't want to fork over $15 a day for 8 days. Now I just gotta see if my lanky 4 yr old can still fit in it!

 

[IMADSNYLOVR]

Hey all! We have the Graco Duo Glider; front and back recline and they both have shades; We brought it on our last trip in 2001 with DS & DD age 3 and DS age 9months; They stroller was not a hassle on the Disney buses; yes it was big but we had no trouble; The driver almost alway opened the rear/side door for my husband to get on in the back so he wouldn't bump everyone and personally I think it was harder to get the 2 three year olds and the 9 month old on the bus with the 8yo whining behind us!!! LOL! But seriously we had no trouble getting around with the stroller and we are bringing it and a single this year. I wouldn't go without it.

Sarah

 

[Amaris]

We used the Duo Glider on our last trip with two kids, ages 3 1/2 and 5 and it was wonderful. It WAS bulky to get on busses and stuff , but for the relief it gave us ALL DAY ( storage for everything, shade and seats for the kids all day) it was well worth it ! Now they are 6 and 8 and we are going back for our first trip WITHOUT a stroller.. I am afraid now.... they are TOO big to ride in a stroller. ha ha ha! I am hoping they don't zonk quickly from all of the walking!

 

[Disneyolic]

I just got out our Duo-Glider and had my husband check the recliners. Yes, they both recline. What a numbnut I am! Now I'm faced with the decision of which to bring. I really like the idea of having the Duo-Glider for the storage reason and better shades. Guess I'll make a last minute decision in November. Oh boy...

 

[HappyMommy2]

Thanks again for the additional info, everyone--you were all really helpful!

I pulled the Duo Glider out of the back of the garage yesterday and we made kind of a trial run with it--a long trip to the local aquarium, which was super crowded and involved some walking and even some stairs. It worked out quite well. I think we'll go with it for the Disney trip. I had forgotten how surprisingly well that huge thing steers with one hand (my little Combi travel stroller has awful one-hand steering!); that's a big plus for the Duo Glider.

Anyway, I will post after our trip so anyone who's thinking about bringing a big Duo Glider can hear how it worked out for us!

Thanks again!