double stroller

[Carrie Ellis]

Hello all!

I have a question! I will have almost 4 year old twins when we go in September. I am considering all my options on strollers and I do want one in the park. My question is is a side by side stroller. Is it a pain as far as width? Is there anyone on the Dis boards that has dealt with this? In the past, because I have older twins, I have always bought two singles; that way my husband can push one and I the other. Plus you can get through traffic easier and they can't touch each other to fight! EEK! ha!

I am a little worried about going through lines with a side by side but it would be cheaper to buy one side by side umbrella stroller with perks on it then two singles.

Thank you in advance!

 

[720L]

Side by side strollers are a pain!! I would get a front and back double stroller. Keep in mind that with two 4 year olds double strollers will be hard to push because of the weight. You are talking about buying your own, not renting one, correct? I'm not sure how Disneys double strollers push.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

720L,

So you have experienced the side by side! Is it the doors, crowds, or everything? Yes I am planning on buying but umbrellas. Our van will be full and I want something light weight to fold up. Target (others too) sale a brand called Chico Caddy Stroller and the reviews have been very positive. I might just go with two of those since you do say that the side by side is a pain!

Thanks so much for the information.

 

[riggins]

Hi Carrie-
We've used a SBS twice at WDW and it worked great. We didn't have any problems getting through doors, shops, crowds, monorail, etc. SBS are no wider than a wheelchair, so as long as you are dealing with handicap accessible places, it will fit wherever you need to go. Honestly, WDW is one of the most accessible places we've been. Also, SBS push much easier than a tandem, so you will likely be able to push it easier since your girls are older. So, I wouldn't rule out a SBS double if you think that would meet your needs better than 2 singles.

HTH
Leslie

 

[Carrie Ellis]

Thanks riggins! That is my main concern---getting through doors and walkways. So you had no problems in lines either?

 

[kelscross]

I took two single strollers last year but this year I was looking for a double.

I could not find a double stroller that was lightweight and compact. Some of the doubles wouldn't even fit in my car. The ones that I did find were WAY out of my budget.

Anyhow I went with two individual Umbrella strollers with a canopy and a bag to hold stuff in on the back. Additionally I bought these clippy thingies (sorry don't know what they are called) that converts two single strollers to a double stroller.

I have used them at the mall etc. and it works fine.

We will probably be using them as single strollers mostly but will come in handy when one person wants to run and do something real quick or go get something real quick (like run to the potty or a store) and not leave the other with pushing both strollers individually.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

kelscross, I use the connector things too. I believe it probably makes the strollers a little wider than a double umbrella combo. I might still consider two individuals with connectors because it is nice to seperate!

Here is the one I was considering:

http://store.babycenter.com/product..._strollers/4498?sku=202048&adcode=BIZ:SHO:PRF

Not that I would buy it from this store but I did a quick search to show you. I don't know how bulky it will be. I would like to try it out in a store first.

The car issue is a big deal for us because we have 2 sets of twins and the van will be full.

Thanks so much for your replies.

 

[kelscross]

Carrie,

Yes I was looking at the same stroller combo when I was on the search. The only problem I had was the weight limit. Now..I know that the thing will not self destruct if you go over the 35 each kid limit but I didn't want to invest the money in something that I would not get good use out of since mine are 29 and 31 pounds already.

I agree, try them at the store, and take your children with you. I had mine sit in them while I wheeled them around. The people looked at me wierd but after last year and the terrible strollers I had I wanted to see things like the height of the bars you push and would your fee hit the bar across the back of the stroller when you walked (that was so uncomfortable for us last year!!)

I folded and unfolded to see how easy it would be and how compact, the weight and size was an issue with me. I found that those front/back ones are too heavy and too big for my vehicle. Plus folding one of those big things to get on the disney bus just didn't appeal to me.

I wouldn't worry about the side by side which ever one you decide because most of the doorways in the stores are large enough.

And the crowds!! It didn't matter if I had a double stroller or not, they still walked into the dang thing and then looked at me like I was an idiot that ran up the back of their feet when they were the ones not paying attention!! (That's an entire post we could start ha!!)

Again, I went with the connectors for the reasons I stated but also because I could imagine the nighmare of my children sitting that close to each other for an entire week!!!! This way when they get into the "Stop Touching Me" mode I can separate them!

Let us know what you come up with
Have fun!

 

[Lora]

Originally posted by kelscross

Anyhow I went with two individual Umbrella strollers with a canopy and a bag to hold stuff in on the back. Additionally I bought these clippy thingies (sorry don't know what they are called) that converts two single strollers to a double stroller.

We had 2 single in-step umbrella strollers. I haven't seen them for sale anymore, but I don't know why - they were perfect for WDW. They were sturdy enough for older children, had a canopy, extending handles for tall people like me, and were nice and sturdy with large, but not massive wheels. We also got the connectors. The ones we had are called Prince Lionheart stroller connectors. I found them on the internet.

This way, we could easily split up if we wanted to, or one parent could manage both kids on his/her own. It was pretty wide, but I don't remember it being a major hassle the couple times we hooked up the strollers.

 

[Miniefan]

I don't know if anyone else does this or if I am the only one, but I always rent one it saves me the space when we travel down, plus WDW is the only place my daughter will use one anymore. She is 4 my ds is 6, I always rent a double stroller, because she has extra room to stretch out and sometimes when he gets tired my ds sits in it too. But that's just mho Hope this helps
Kim

 

[720L]

I have tried the sbs strollers before(in the store with kids in them and didn't like them), but not the umbrella ones. Those probably wouldn't be bulky. I was thinking of the heavyweight fancy sbs strollers. I think what kelscross did (buying a clip that clips the 2 umbrella strollers together) sounds like the best idea. I can't see how you guys think the side by side is easier to push than the tandem! Maybe if both kids are the same weight its easier? The tandem is a heavy stroller and long, but I couldn't do without it.

 

[Disney_1derland]

and I am totally in love!!! While out of town, we stopped by a Burlington/Baby Depot just to look. We have one in our town but hadn't seen anything there that impressed us. We found the Avalon side-by-side umbrella stroller there for $59.99. It meets all of our criteria....CHEAP!, folds like and umbrella, has a sun shade, has individually reclining seats and dual baskets underneath. Easy to push and fits our somewhat tall 4 year old (40 inches now). Five point harnesses and a decent footrest.

My 4 year old fits in it, her legs aren't too long, her feet sit nicely on the footrest and she could easily get in and out on her own. She could also recline in it without her head hanging over the edge. The sun shade seems to cover fairly well. My 2 year old loved it as well.

We used it this weekend, all over Atlanta and the girls loved it, loved riding together and it was easy to push with 32 pounds on one side and 25 pounds on the other. It's rated to seat 35 pounds on each side and another 12 pounds of cargo. Even if it only makes it through one trip at WDW, it was less than the cost of rental everyday for the length of our trip. I think it will last beyond that!

Check it out:

http://www.bcfdirect.com/IWStoreBCF...ection_Id=9553&pcount=&pn=1&Product_Id=300126

 

[Carrie Ellis]

disney_1derland,

It says 30 pounds on the link that you sent for each seat. Do you think that is just for precaution? My 3 year old son is pretty close to 30 if not there. I am going to go borrow a scale because I don't own one! Does it fold up pretty flat? I agree with the cost of renting. If you can get it to WDW, you could use it and throw it away according to the cost of renting. Not that I would do that.

Oh...also how are the handles? I hate bending over to push. I am 5'6" and the cheapo umbrellas that we have do make me bend over.

 

[Disney_1derland]

dh is 5'11 and he said it wasn't uncomfortable for him. The info at the store said 35 pounds each side and the woman that worked there pulled out some info that said 35 pounds and 12 pounds of storage capacity though that could certainly translate to 82 pounds total weight regardless of how you distribute it. It fits through a standard door opening easily and never encountered problems except in very small independently owned stores where they are not as concerned about handicap accessibility. Having been to WDW with someone in a wheelchair, I know that we should not encounter very many problems at all there.

anyhow, we like it and I'm looking forward to using it at WDW. This stroller dilemma has been the ONLY stressful thing about planning for WDW and I'm glad that it's over!

 

[Carrie Ellis]

Thank you!!!

 

[mattmommy]

Rent it at Disney. If they're four, they're old enough to walk. It'll will make your travel a bit lighter. They push so well and you can return one at one park and get another one the same day free. Even if they don't want to sit in it in the beginning I'm sure you'll have stuff you'll want to push around.

 

[Lora]

Originally posted by mattmommy
Rent it at Disney. If they're four, they're old enough to walk. It'll will make your travel a bit lighter. They push so well and you can return one at one park and get another one the same day free. Even if they don't want to sit in it in the beginning I'm sure you'll have stuff you'll want to push around.

I understand where you're coming from, but if you're going to be a WDW for several days, it's definitely worth it to have your own stroller. The cost can add up after several days and depending on where you're staying, you may want it for the walk to your room from the buses or out of MK after Wishes(picture your kids sleeping in it). I don't think 4 is too old for a stroller at WDW. When my kids were 4- 6 we used strollers. They were great to have for parades, etc. (especially the canopy part!)

Keeping in mind that our trips are usually 11 days long and we stay at the BW where we walk to MGM and Epcot....here's how we finally parted with the strollers: I think we started using just one stroller when the oldest was 7. My younger dd was 5 and used it most of the time and the 7 yo got a few turns here and there. Last year our six yo had one for about half of the trip until it broke. She was fine, but we had to slow our pace. Our next trip will be stroller-free with a 9 and 7 yo.

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by Carrie Ellis
Thanks riggins! That is my main concern---getting through doors and walkways. So you had no problems in lines either?

I just wanted to mention that strollers are not allowed in lines or buildings (places like Living Seas, the Land at Epcot and like in the preshow area of shows or movies) unless they are being used as a wheelchair by someone with special needs.
A standard wheelchair accessible door or path is at least 36 inches wide, so you will not have problems there. The main aisles in stores are at least that wide, but sometimes you do end up in blind dead ends or narrower areas off the main aisle.

 

[mamalle]

we used to use the duoglider when my son was younger but now that they are 2 and 4 I use my double jogging stroller. granted they both are big and bulky but I find the side by side easier to manuever.