First time with a stroller

[WDW Princess]

I am sure this question has come up many a times before; however, I couldn’t find any threads (my search mojo is weak apparently). We are (well, were) die-hard child free and have enjoyed Disney and Universal since we were kids. We are now going to Disney with a stroller for the very first time. Very surreal. Anyway. My question is about leaving a stroller around attractions. We do have a superb stroller and I am curious how safe it is to leave it? Has there been any known theft of strollers? I suppose we could buy a temporary inexpensive one, but the whole reason we bought our stroller was not to show off but specifically for our trips and love its maneuverability, safety, comfort, convenience, ruggedness, and the fact our kid is high off the ground. It’s been with us through the sands of Abu-Dhabi , Sydney beaches, cobblestone of tiny European towns, busy streets of megalopolises and we love the ease of traveling with it. So would you be comfortable leaving a good stroller unattended? I appreciate any input!

 

[graceesmom]

We've taken our good stroller on 8 trips to Disney and have never felt uncomfortable leaving it in the stroller parking. I've had a couple of "oh crap, where's the stroller" moments, but it's always been just that the CMs have had to rearrange the strollers while we left it unattended. Once, I did park in the wrong place unknowingly, but a CM was very helpful in locating it.

I do try to put something that is easily spotted on the stroller to make it noticeable in the sea of strollers -- our bright pink Vera Bradley diaper bag seems to always stand out, but I also tie streamers or something else too. I also put a sticker with our name and phone number on the frame of it near the bottom so that I could identify it if neccessary. I've seen people tie a balloon to the stroller as well to help them keep track of it.

 

[jesswindsor]

There is always that chance that your stroller could be taken or moved. But for the most part I don't think you will have a problem. I would just attach something to it to make it easier for you to find. I think they also make wheel locks to put on the stroller Someone could still pick it up and move it, but I think that would keep someone from taking it out of the park. I think it would look strange to a CM if someone was carrying a stroller. Also think of what will be more comfortable for your child. I say take your stroller, and have a great trip!!

 

[mollysbu]

We headed down this week and will be using a stroller lock. I purchased a buggy guard based on reviews. I plan to lock either the front wheels or back wheels together (so the stroller will NOT be locked to something stationary) so CM's can still move the stroller as needed. I'm hoping that if someone really wants to steal a stroller they won't bother with one that can be wheeled around easily.

 

[SSR]

I would put a sign on it that says: "Are you sure my child isn't getting over the norovirus? Your call."



Seriously, we've never had trouble with our stroller. I wouldn't leave anything valuable in it of course.

 

[jbschafer]

While I'm not saying it has never happened, MOST of the reports you hear of stroller theft seem to be from people who had their rental stroller abducted. (Since it is known that Disney will replace it some people without scruples don't find it stealing from you if they "borrow" your rental stroller. ).

We have taken large "expensive" strollers with us on both of our last trips and never once felt nervous about leaving it. In fact during our trip in 2008 we actually left it in MK unattended for the afternoon while we took the bus back to POP for a nap. It was easier to leave it than lug it back and forth for the four hour break from the park.

 

[WDW Princess]

Thank you all so much! I think we’ll just go ahead and take our stroller then. I was mostly concerned about the hassle of getting another one should this one be stolen (it’s not offered in the U.S. so it’s definitely a little bit of a hassle). I will also look into a wheel lock that doesn’t render entire stroller immobile, thus allowing cast members to to move it. Thanks again!

 

[dknytech]

I strongly suggest a uv/rain cover for your stroller. It not only allows you to find your stroller easier it also can keep expensive strollers covered up and out of plan view of would be thieves.
Obviously these covers work great for shielding your child from the sun and rain, but we use our cover even when we go on a ride with our little one because nothing is worse then being on a ride when it starts to down pour outside i.e. Liberty Square Riverboat and your stroller gets soaked.

 

[brymolmom]

Since you are going to be going again (and again by the sound of it) - I would recommend buying a good, cheaper WDW stroller. That's what we did. Got an older model double side by side for about $30 at a garage sale and used it only for WDW trips. It was PERFECT! Folded flatter than newer models - I didn't care if it got dirty or rained on while we were on rides, had a nice big basket underneath. And I didn't have to worry about it wandering away. We used it for at least 4 - 5 trips and it was so worth it!!

I can't imagine having to lock it up every time I parked it. Since it's your first time with a stroller you don't realize it yet - but it's kind of a pain to try to run into the TSM line at DHS and have to try to quickly get to stroller parking, pull the kid out and grab the diaper bag and run into line. Adding another locking/unlocking step would be a huge hassle, IMO.