Double Wide Stroller Should Be Banned

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Common sense and manners. They can be missing from so many situations...

Including many of the early posts wanting to ban strollers....

This is a problem with multiple causes..... not the least of which is rude and inconsiderate guests.

Which can be both stroller pushers, and those trying to jump over my stroller trying to cross my path because they think they need to get to Dumbo before I do.

WDW could make its stores a little less cluttered, of course. I'm sure the CMs that had to clean up the mess left behind godzilla-stroller would have liked a store with more open space.

But why does the common sense idea of not having a humongously wide stroller blocking access in a store bring out so much vitriole? Why the personal attacks? I'd be glad to email WDW about the stroller dimensions allowed in their stores, but I don't need to be harangued by anyone.

Good luck with that. Not allowing strollers in stores means lost sales for Disney.

Careful... sarcasm is against the rules.

Only if you don't include <sarcasm> quotes.

What about overly hairy people?

I'll join that FB group!

Just my luck! I offered my swap to someone too savvy to fall for it! Mine are 16 and 18. But at least they are boys. I hear we're REALLY in for it when our girl gets there....

I have a 2 year old! But I also have a preteen and I know its only downhill from here so I guess I'm stuck with the kid. But since he's banned now, I guess I'll try and sneak him in the parks under our double wide this weekend.

 

[Wadecool]

 

[Sleeping Becca]

To be read in a Jack Palance voice:

I was mowed down by a double wide back in '93, irritated my ingrown toenail to the point I had to soak it in the fountain at Epcot. Lost my good eye to a double jogger in '97. I almost tripped over a pair of toddlers reading a map in '05.

Double wides are bad news. The sooner they are gone the better.

 

[kshattuck]

I prefer my double-long stroller, just works better for me. I felt really self-conscious with the double-wide stroller, Disney World or no. Just felt really cumbersome to me. But, whatever, that's why there are choices.

I will say that even with the best-intentioned, highly stroller-skilled parents, there's a lot going on there...I try to make sure I am super aware of others around me while I am pushing my kiddos in that big stroller, but sometimes I get distracted by a Mickey sighting, too

Seriously, it's all in the consideration of those pushing strollers, and of those less encumbered, more mobile travelers.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Oh no!!! The FB group is spreading. I just saw a "stroller ban" post on Mouse Planet!!! Well actually he just wanted to ban parents and kids.

 

[pbrim]

A 2 year old on the loose is probably about as destructive as the occasional stroller operator who takes out a display or 2.

You know what -- they have this wonderful new invention to prevent small children from running loose and destroying things! It's called PARENTS. My parents had 4 kids in 4 years. We went to Disney plenty when I was small (see sig) and they never used a stoller at all!

Banning strollers from the parks all together is too much. But I don't see banning double-wide strollers from stores is that big a deal. If your kid can't walk for the 15-20 min and you can't carry them for 15-20 min take turns staying out with the kids. This may involve some inconvience on your part, but after all, YOU are the one who chose to have kids and chose to come to Disney with very small kids, therefore YOU should be the one to put up with the inconvience, not me.

As for banning ECV/Wheelchairs: I use an ECV at WDW, but I can walk some and I always park and walk into stores. (Oddly enough, I always find a designated Stroller Parking area near stores. Wonder why they did that since it is totally impossible for stroller-user parents to leave the stroller outside?) But ECV/Wheelchair for those unable to walk even that short a time (and I include strollers with a "Stroller used as Wheelchair" GAC in that) is NOT the same as those parents who expect the whole world to adjust to their convience because they can not be expected to exert any control or influence over their children at all.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

I don't know about banning but we could NOT use a double wide stroller at Disneyworld. We used 2 single strollers when the kids were very young and even that was horrible. We got them used to walking and have been happier ever since.

If however, there was some sort of width limit on devices used (for practical reasons such as getting through store aisles, getting on rides - oh that already exists - etc), I would not be personally offended.

 

[lugnut33]

You know what -- they have this wonderful new invention to prevent small children from running loose and destroying things! It's called PARENTS. My parents had 4 kids in 4 years. We went to Disney plenty when I was small (see sig) and they never used a stoller at all!

Banning strollers from the parks all together is too much. But I don't see banning double-wide strollers from stores is that big a deal. If your kid can't walk for the 15-20 min and you can't carry them for 15-20 min take turns staying out with the kids. This may involve some inconvience on your part, but after all, YOU are the one who chose to have kids and chose to come to Disney with very small kids, therefore YOU should be the one to put up with the inconvience, not me.

As for banning ECV/Wheelchairs: I use an ECV at WDW, but I can walk some and I always park and walk into stores. (Oddly enough, I always find a designated Stroller Parking area near stores. Wonder why they did that since it is totally impossible for stroller-user parents to leave the stroller outside?) But ECV/Wheelchair for those unable to walk even that short a time (and I include strollers with a "Stroller used as Wheelchair" GAC in that) is NOT the same as those parents who expect the whole world to adjust to their convience because they can not be expected to exert any control or influence over their children at all.

Like I said in my OP, in our 11 days there not once did I have an issue with an ECV or a wheelchair (and I never will have an issue). And now that you mention it, I don't really remember seeing ECV's in the stores. I'm sure there must have been, but I distinctly remember just standing behind double wide strollers in stores waiting for the parents to move the thing. For example, the store at Tatooine Traders only has two aisles, and yes both aisles had a double wide blocking the way.

I remember one time at Disneyland I was standing next to a guy in an ECV and we had been there for quite some time to have a nice view of the fireworks. Well, just as the show is starting this tall guy comes and stands right in front of the guy in the ECV. He was understandably upset, so he turned on his light and started honking at the guy. After a little bit the tall guy got the message and moved off. I was like, "Good job" and the guy in the ECV said it happens all the time.

 

[t_catt11]

You know what -- they have this wonderful new invention to prevent small children from running loose and destroying things! It's called PARENTS. My parents had 4 kids in 4 years. We went to Disney plenty when I was small (see sig) and they never used a stoller at all!

Banning strollers from the parks all together is too much. But I don't see banning double-wide strollers from stores is that big a deal. If your kid can't walk for the 15-20 min and you can't carry them for 15-20 min take turns staying out with the kids. This may involve some inconvience on your part, but after all, YOU are the one who chose to have kids and chose to come to Disney with very small kids, therefore YOU should be the one to put up with the inconvience, not me.

As for banning ECV/Wheelchairs: I use an ECV at WDW, but I can walk some and I always park and walk into stores. (Oddly enough, I always find a designated Stroller Parking area near stores. Wonder why they did that since it is totally impossible for stroller-user parents to leave the stroller outside?) But ECV/Wheelchair for those unable to walk even that short a time (and I include strollers with a "Stroller used as Wheelchair" GAC in that) is NOT the same as those parents who expect the whole world to adjust to their convience because they can not be expected to exert any control or influence over their children at all.

Whaddya know? It's not dead yet, after all!

I still maintain my original position: if I excercise manners when operating my double stroller in a store, you have no reason to complain. Me blocking the aisle is a manners issue moreso than a stroller one. If the aisles cannot accomodate the stroller, we do just as you suggest - unload the kids or keep them outside.

But thanks for telling me that I should always have to pick up my three kids under the age of five if I want the priviledge of shopping with you in WDW. If one is asleep, or just tired out, too bad for them; stay in the heat, little ones! No stores for you!

Now, do note that I don't allow my two year old to run free in stores. He's either (a) buckled into the stroller, or (b) closely supervised while walking. Don't count on everyone being like me. See how well you like a store full of barely supervised preschoolers.

Hey, do make it a point to contact Disney as advised before - let them know that you, too, believe that double strollers should be banned from retail establishments!

As an aside... what about restaurants? Are they out for us, too? We chose to have five kids, so should we just plan to pack our lunch every day?

 

[lugnut33]

Whaddya know? It's not dead yet, after all!

I still maintain my original position: if I excercise manners when operating my double stroller in a store, you have no reason to complain. Me blocking the aisle is a manners issue moreso than a stroller one.

But thanks for telling me that I should have to pick up my three kids under the age of four if I want the priviledge of shopping with you in WDW. If one is asleep, or just tired out, too bad for them; stay in the heat, little ones! No stores for you!

Now, do note that I don't allow my two year old to run free in stores. He's either (a) buckled into the stroller, or (b) closely supervised while walking. Don't count on everyone being like me. See how well you like a store full of barely supervised preschoolers.

Hey, do make it a point to contact Disney as advised before - let them know that you, too, believe that double strollers should be banned from retail establishments!

As an aside... what about restaurants? Are they out fot us, too? We chose to have five kids, so should we just plan to pack our lucnh every day?

They should make you motorize the stroller so you don't have to bring them on busses and boats either.

 

[Wadecool]

Whaddya know? It's not dead yet, after all!

I still maintain my original position: if I excercise manners when operating my double stroller in a store, you have no reason to complain. Me blocking the aisle is a manners issue moreso than a stroller one. If the aisles cannot accomodate the stroller, we do just as you suggest - unload the kids or keep them outside.

But thanks for telling me that I should always have to pick up my three kids under the age of five if I want the priviledge of shopping with you in WDW. If one is asleep, or just tired out, too bad for them; stay in the heat, little ones! No stores for you!

Now, do note that I don't allow my two year old to run free in stores. He's
either (a) buckled into the stroller, or (b) closely supervised while walking. Don't count on everyone being like me. See how well you like a store full of barely supervised preschoolers.

Hey, do make it a point to contact Disney as advised before - let them know that you, too, believe that double strollers should be banned from retail establishments!

As an aside... what about restaurants? Are they out for us, too? We chose to
have five kids, so should we just plan to pack our lunch every day?

You should have known better than to think all the judgemental pontificators
were finished doing what they do best.

 

[t_catt11]

You should have known better than to think all the judgemental pontificators
were finished doing what they do best.

C'mon, I am the rude one, here. That's been established earlier in the thread. How dare I argue my position without resorting to name calling or the like! How dare I suggest that those who honestly think that double strollers be banned should contact Disney and let them know. By golly, I even provided the email for them to do so.

I am a jerk. Write that down.

 

[afwdwfan]

You know what -- they have this wonderful new invention to prevent small children from running loose and destroying things! It's called PARENTS. My parents had 4 kids in 4 years. We went to Disney plenty when I was small (see sig) and they never used a stoller at all!

Banning strollers from the parks all together is too much. But I don't see banning double-wide strollers from stores is that big a deal. If your kid can't walk for the 15-20 min and you can't carry them for 15-20 min take turns staying out with the kids. This may involve some inconvience on your part, but after all, YOU are the one who chose to have kids and chose to come to Disney with very small kids, therefore YOU should be the one to put up with the inconvience, not me.

As for banning ECV/Wheelchairs: I use an ECV at WDW, but I can walk some and I always park and walk into stores. (Oddly enough, I always find a designated Stroller Parking area near stores. Wonder why they did that since it is totally impossible for stroller-user parents to leave the stroller outside?) But ECV/Wheelchair for those unable to walk even that short a time (and I include strollers with a "Stroller used as Wheelchair" GAC in that) is NOT the same as those parents who expect the whole world to adjust to their convience because they can not be expected to exert any control or influence over their children at all.

I guess that puts us back at the idea that they just need to ban 2 year olds from the stores... and therefore their parents as well. Unless they plan to put in a toddler corral outside every store.

It has nothing to do with being a parent or not. I consider myself to be a good parent and I can take care of my child, but they tend to be curious. Take your eyes off of them for a second and they can be into something... which means if they aren't confined to a stroller in a shop, I'm probably not spending much time browsing through merchandise, because I'm keeping an eye on my kid. I don't think that's necessarily what Disney wants either.

Another point to support banning toddlers from the stores is that if they aren't in a stroller, they will likely be walking next to their parent, holding their hand. That is of course, as long as they have a parent, and aren't running with reckless abandon through the store. If they are walking next to their parent, holding hands, it will be just as wide as these hated strollers, they will be moving slower and anytime you involve a toddler, sudden stops and changes of direction will be expected. Really, is that better than having someone in a store with a stroller???

I don't support the idea of parking a stroller in the aisle blocking everyone from getting through. Common courtesy is a ncessity, but banning them really won't accomplish anything either....

 

[magicluvinmom]

Unlike having 4 kids in 4 years where they all get older together relatively quickly, ours are spread out more. Theoretically your parents could have waited for the oldest to be 8 and the youngest to be 4 and never hardly have needed a stroller. This isn't the case for us, I don't know if this is how u meant it but I hate it when people bash on parents with little babies as if they shouldn't bring them "you chose to bring babies u should be inconvenienced" if I waited till I didn't have a baby my oldest still would not have been and she is 15! not to mention that my hubby and I enjoy it and would want to visit even if we just had 2 babies. The pp's are right the issue is with manners not strollers. You said u are considerate with your evc. But I have seen many people who aren't. The strollers are not the issue. Also I don't know who has kids and who doesn't but I say choose your high horse wisely, I have had many things I said prekids come back to haunt me later

 

[linzbear]

Ah well, I'm screwed. My 2 year old is firmly 2.5 years now, so I couldn't pass him off at 24mo.

Oh wait, I got it! I'll get him a harness and tie him to the lamppost outside of the shop!

 

[Hannathy]

C'mon, I am the rude one, here. That's been established earlier in the thread. How dare I argue my position without resorting to name calling or the like! How dare I suggest that those who honestly think that double strollers be banned should contact Disney and let them know. By golly, I even provided the email for them to do so.

I am a jerk. Write that down.

But you don't argue your point with out getting smart alecky or trying to be cute. People are allowed to have different opinions. And discuss them as adults. You are the leading one using names.........

Try just stating your opinion without the nasty undertone or attempt at being cute ( I guess that is what you would call it)

 

[t_catt11]

But you don't argue your point with out getting smart alecky or trying to be cute. People are allowed to have different opinions. And discuss them as adults. You are the leading one using names.........

Try just stating your opinion without the nasty undertone or attempt at being cute ( I guess that is what you would call it)

I'm sorry, I don't understand this comment. Did I call anyone any name on this thread at any point? If so, I hereby apologize.

As for stating opinions - that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I do not disagree that I am debating the issue, and that I am using sarcasm to do so.

I believe that the viewpoint that double strollers need to be banned is extremely flawed, and I have argued against that viewpoint. Feel free to refute me.

Simply stating an opinion is meaningless. I can believe that the sky is purple, but my opinion is worthless without any sort of evidence to back it up.

Did I use a mocking tone to point out the fallacy of your position? Yes... yes, I did. Again, feel free to refute that. Otherwise, your argument consists of name-calling (I am rude) and finger pointing (you don't care for my tone)... but zero facts to back up your point of view.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

Ive been hit with strollers (single and double) and also wheel chairs.

 

[Mrs D]

lugnut33 - you are one of the most adept posters at taking a thread to 8 pages in under 5 hours. There should be award you can add to your avatar!

 

[t_catt11]

But you don't argue your point with out getting smart alecky or trying to be cute. People are allowed to have different opinions. And discuss them as adults. You are the leading one using names.........

Try just stating your opinion without the nasty undertone or attempt at being cute ( I guess that is what you would call it)

Tell you what - I'll humor you.

I disagree with your position. I believe that it is patently ridiculous to ban double strollers from WDW.

If a family has more than one small child, a double stroller can be a great convenience for getting around. If the family has more than two small children, a double stroller becomes almost a necessity. Toddlers and preschoolers simply cannot walk the 10-20 miles per day that are covered in a typical WDW trip, and single strollers are not practical for this larger family.

The issue of having to deal with people blocking aisles in a store with their double stroller is slightly more valid - but only slightly moreso. The solution to this problem is for people to use consideration and related good manners, and to not obstruct others whenever possible. Do note that poor manners are hardly confined to those who push double strollers; all sorts of people will block your way at WDW; many of them (but not all) do so unintentionally.

Disney would only ban double strollers if there was a safety issue at play, as doing so would cut in to their profits. Many times, it is not practical for a parent to park a stroller before entering a store that otherwise could accomodate it; that parent would likely spend less (or no) money at the establishment, and Disney knows this.

Furthermore, every small child removed from a stroller is one that is likely to be walking around for a good portion of their visits to stores. Small children are likely to dart in front of you, to bump into you, or to slow you down, due to the fact that they do not appreciate their relationship to others around, and they move slower most of the time. Even worse, higher numbers of children not in strollers will equate to higher numbers of children with little nor no effective supervision. Disney could expect increased breakage and pilferage (of small items) if children were not allowed to remain in strollers, and guests could expect less pleasant shopping experiences overall.

The position that double strollers should be banned is truly a self-serving, short-sighted proposal that does nothing to address the underlying cause of rudeness among park guests, but merely singles out a group of easily identifyable people that the proponents of this idea do not belong to (they are different from us, and are therefore bad).



There, is that better?