Flying with or w/o a stroller??

[lovemypresley]

Hi all!
We're flying to Disney on Wednesday and I can't decide if I should take our own stroller or rent one at the parks. We're flying Airtran and no one there can seem to tell me if they even allow strollers on the plane in the cargo area or if I have to check it with my baggage. We're going to MK and MGM. Should I take mine or rent one at both parks? If I rent, do they fold when going on the train? Thanks for any advice!

 

[lovemypresley]

x

 

[Jaime]

I would bring it with you. We bought a umberalla stroller for our trip and we just put a backpack on the back of it. It is alot cheaper than renting them plus you have it with you for your transportation to the parks i.e parking lots especially at the end of the day when our DD no longer wants to walk. We have always been aloud our umberalla stroller on the plane with us because it was so compact, but I also saw people checking them as they got on the plane and picking them up as soon as they got off. We have only flown AirCanada and Airtransat not sure if thats the same as Airtran.
Have a great trip.

 

[MinnieGi]

We always bring our own. It saves money and is much more comfy than the park ones. When we fly we always use the stroller in the airport too and just gate check it. Just ask the attendant at the gate for a "gate check tag" and then attach it to your stroller. The attendant will tell you where to leave the stroller so the crew can put it on the plane. When you arrive at your destination your stroller will be waiting for you right as you get off the plane! So handy when you have a little one plus carry-ons.

 

[disneymama73]

DEB!!!! Fancy meeting YOU here! This is freaky Michele! LOL!

Take your stroller! You will find it SO helpful in the airport. You will also love having it with you at the end of the day on the walk from the park to the buses/parking lot and to and from your hotel.

Take it with you to the gate and have them check it there. As soon as you get off the plane, you can pick it up in the jetway. You will not be sorry!

Nice to see you, Deb!!!! HUGS!!!!

 

[disneymama73]

One more thing! The rental strollers do not fold up, and I have heard that are not very comfy.

 

[thumperjr9]

Another vote for taking an umbrella stroller. It also comes in handy in the airport. We fly Airtran and it is no problem to check it at gate when you get on the plane.

 

[lovemypresley]

Originally posted by disneymama73
DEB!!!! Fancy meeting YOU here! This is freaky Michele! LOL!

Take your stroller! You will find it SO helpful in the airport. You will also love having it with you at the end of the day on the walk from the park to the buses/parking lot and to and from your hotel.

Take it with you to the gate and have them check it there. As soon as you get off the plane, you can pick it up in the jetway. You will not be sorry!

Nice to see you, Deb!!!! HUGS!!!!

You NUT! LOL What are you doing here? lol Nice to see you too!!

 

[disneymama73]

Hey again, Deb! We go to WDW at least once a year. We are DVC members. Our next trip is in October!

In case you haven't read, we're expecting a new bundle of joy this July! So we'll have a 5-yr-old, 3-yr-old and 3-mos-old on our next trip!!!

What resort are you staying at?

 

[lovemypresley]

Originally posted by thumperjr9
Another vote for taking an umbrella stroller. It also comes in handy in the airport. We fly Airtran and it is no problem to check it at gate when you get on the plane.

oh good! An Airtran flyer! LOL Thanks everyone for the advice! I thought it would be easier to rent one, but i def. need a basket! No way am I toting my 20# purse on my shoulder! LOL Her stroller is the Babytrend Eurosport, so it's bigger and heavier than your typical umbrella (searched for one that would be taller and accompany a 3 yr old better.)

 

[peanutzmom]

I guess I'm the odd man (or woman ) out on this one!! We absolutely LOVE the rental strollers at the parks, and so do our kids. They are really easy for the kids to jump in and out of, are comfy for naps (amazing, but yes, my kids sack out in those hard plastic strollers), and are a breeze to push around!! They even have strollers to rent at Downtown Disney, and if you plan on park hopping you only need to hold onto your receipt to get a stroller at any other park you visit that day. Anyway, just thought I'd post another opinion!!

 

[kiddoc]

We have done both ways with DD4 and DD2. The WDW strollers may be a little better for the older children--it is difficult to find a compact stroller to fit a 4 yo! We took our own last trip to save a little money and for convenience in the airport--"Sit down in your stroller and let's go!"

Either way, I don't think you will be disappointed.

BTW, as above, at 2y/o, DD4 took at least one nap a day in the plastic WDW strollers!

 

[frannn]

For me, it was easier to take my own- no $ or time spent to rent one at WDW. Also, my DD1 is over 20 lbs, so she would've been heavy to carry from the parking lots or bus stops back to the resort/park/restaraunt. If you were planning on going shopping offsite, you would probably want a stroller also. I have only 2 gripes about bringing my DD1's comfie stroller- It was a pain to carry on & off the busses, and it got damaged by the plane crew. We took a medium sized stroller to make it more comfortable for DD to nap in. It was just hard to maneuver stroller, bag, baby on the bus between DH and I. It was a major hassle when stroller got bent & torn on Delta's Song (they replaced). I think we will bring a cheapie reclining umbrella stroller next time!