Double vs single stroller

[jvz82]

Hi, this is my first time posting! I have been to Disney many times but this is my first trip with 3 kids of my own. My kids are (or will be in December when we go) 12 months old, 2 years (but turning 3 in January), and 4.5 years. We have a double stroller... it's not huge, more like 2 umbrella strollers side by side. But it's definitely bigger and bulkier than a single stroller. I also have a baby carrier I can bring. For those who have experience, should I bring the double stroller or try to make it work with just a single? I'm not looking forward to maneuvering that thing around Disney but I don't know if the kids can handle walking all day. I could have a single stroller available for all 3 kids and just plan to wear the baby when a bigger kid needs it, but don't know if that is realistic.

This is my second Disney trip with kids. The first trip, my son was just turned 2 and my daughter 8 weeks old. I wore her in a wrap for most of the trip but she was so tiny then and slept all the time. So just not sure what will be best.

Oh and we are also driving to Florida so we can make room for strollers better than if we were flying but don't have unlimited space!

 

[angelmom27]

I say rent a double from an offsite company. And bring your carrier too. The doubles like city mini and bob are easier to maneuver in the parks and in and out of doorways too.

 

[henry72]

I would definitely go with a double stroller with kids that age...and bringing the carrier too will help. If yours isn't sturdy or easy to fold, then consider renting one from an off-site location (not the Disney ones).

 

[MrInfinity]

Have to ask, can you leave the 12 mo with family? Traveling with a 2- and 5-year old would be such a different experience to going w a 1- 2- and 5- year old. Mobility is so important at the parks. Consider all the on-and-off of buses, 1/2 mile walks from the bus to the gates, etc. Bring the baby next time.

I would say no, it's not realistic that a 2-year old (almost 3) not get stroller-space all day. Even a day at Six Flags warrants 2 strollers for that, cuz when one gets tired both will get tired and then you're hosed.

If it's absolutely bring the baby, then have you considered 2 strollers? Or an umbrella stroller that can fold up and stick in the bottom of the baby's sleeper stroller? You can always park one by a ride for half the day and just go around with one, then work your way back when you need it.

 

[jvz82]

Where would I rent a stroller? What are the off-site places you are talking about? I could look into that. I will also bring my carrier. That will be nice to have if I want to wear the baby somewhere like while standing in line for something rather than carry him.

Definitely not an option to leave the baby home! I managed fine with an 8 week old the first time around, I think we'll be ok with a 1 year old! Plus everyone in my family is going so there's no one to leave him with... my grandparents, my parents, my sisters, my brother, my nieces and nephews... actually I think a baby is the least of our problems, lol. It's going to be quite the adventure!

 

[PEC]

Double is an absolute must and that is you carrying the 12 mo. If there is another adult I would go with a double and single. If you are not going with another adult, slow the pace way down. It isn't just the children that are going to wear out, carrying one and pushing 2 for any length will wear you out also. Hit the must see attraction but do not plan on being close to a Park Commando.
As far as rentals I do not have the link but I am sure many people on this forum have the link to several good places at Disney.

 

[angelmom27]

Where would I rent a stroller? What are the off-site places you are talking about? I could look into that. I will also bring my carrier. That will be nice to have if I want to wear the baby somewhere like while standing in line for something rather than carry him.

Definitely not an option to leave the baby home! I managed fine with an 8 week old the first time around, I think we'll be ok with a 1 year old! Plus everyone in my family is going so there's no one to leave him with... my grandparents, my parents, my sisters, my brother, my nieces and nephews... actually I think a baby is the least of our problems, lol. It's going to be quite the adventure!

Apple strollers I know of we used in May. I agree baby is going to be the easy one and having the carrier makes just more easier. When we go in May we will have become a family of 10. Ages from 15-6 months. Disney is always fun as a family. And I'm the one who if I left the baby home just because I wouldn't have any fun. I would be thinking about baby all the time. You are going to have fun and at 1 they start to notice stuff and point it out. Such a fun age.

Others mentioned the double/single but keep in mind if you plan on splitting up for any reason it might not be a good idea to rely on another adult to push the other stroller. Unless you will be together all day all the time.

 

[bjgonzo]

I have 4 kiddos, the first trip with kids, my oldest was 5 and then I had about an 18 month old. We had a double stroller, it held the 5 year old and our stuff, I wore the 18 month old on my back. Next trip, we had the first 2 and baby was 17-18 months, again a double stroller but I wore the little one most of the time. Next trip number 4 will be almost 3, while I still wear him, I know he won't let me wear him all day even though that would be so much easier!

I say get a double and use your carrier. If baby isn't used to being in it frequently, start working on it now so you are ready and baby is used to it. No way would I leave a baby home on a family trip, they are normally the easiest!