For those with MacClaren Volos...

[amsafko]

I've been shopping for a lightweight stroller that wasn't too expensive but would be nice for my 2 y.o. dd in Disney, I'm expecting our 3rd so I would like it to last a while too. For those who bought the Volo, did you have any problems with damage when taking it on a plane? I actually bought another (cheaper) stroller that I want to love because of the price but am now unsure about it (clips worked poorly, was heavier and harder to fold), then I tried the Volo, and fell in love with it. My only qualm is whether it is worth investing $100 in something that might get damaged on the plane. Thanks for any input.

 

[GoofyGirlie]

i'm not sure IF what i'm gonna say will help you,but i'm gonna say it anyways,,lol,,

i bought the maclaren triumph just for this trip at $100!!! I am not at all worried about damage from the plane since i have traveled quite a bit with a stroller and haven't experienced my stroller being damaged!!

You don't check your stroller with your luggage you check it onto the plane with you,,gate check,,so you give it to the stewardess when you enter the plane and its waiting for you when you come off the plane,,

so when people say their stroller was damage i can only assume they checked it with their luggage and not at the gate!!!

I was looking for the volvo!!! but i found the 2005 model triumph for the same price and it reclines!!
BUT i fell in love with it too!!!!

definitly take the good stroller,,,you'll be glad you did!!! its worth it!!

dawn
leaving on friday

 

[flynnmnstr]

You can find late models of the triumph or quest from anywhere between $100-150. The best part about them is that they recline. But if you don't find them then I would still get the Volo. I love Maclaren and they are so easy to push and turn and fold. We have used our Maclarens on several plane trips (checked at the gate) and never had trouble; if you are really worried you could always get a stroller bag. We have always bought strollers and other accessories from albeebaby.com.

Good luck

 

[long4disney]

We have used our volo for many many trips including Disney World a few times. It is the best stroller for a toddler. My daughter has used it since she was 1 and she doesn't want to ride in any other stroller. It is the best for Disney because of the mesh seat, if it rains and gets wet, it dries right away. We have been rained on many times in Disney and my daughter was ok getting into her stroller since it dried so fast.

We also gate check our stroller so it doesn't get damaged. Never have had a problem with it being damaged. I did just buy another volo, the 2005 at bestbuybaby.com I wanted one for each of our cars, so my husband is keeping the red one in his and I got the 2005 pink at bestbuybaby.com because it is so "cute", and pink is my dd's favorite color!!!

I did get the 2006 volo accessory pack since it comes with a rain cover, a padded seat and the main reason to buy this was the silver duffle bag to carry your stroller in, so it doesn't get dirty. I'm going to gate check it in bag since the pink is so light, I don't want it to get dirty! Hope this helps with your decision.

My dd is 3 and 1/2 years old, very tall about 42" and 32 pounds. She still has room to grow into the stroller!

 

[mommyarewegoingback]

I've to WDW (9 times) with my 5 yr DS and 2 yr DD. And it was finally time for me to buy a new stroller for my DS. We just got the volo too. The 2005 Volo (with shade) is $79.50 (includes shipping) at www.livingincomfort.com. That's where I bought mine. http://www.livingincomfort.com/mavolistwiho1.html

Or you can go to babiesrus.com and get the 2004 (w/o shade) for $49.99 (doesn't include shipping) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...bbs_b_2_3/102-9376207-7386531?v=glance&s=baby

Test driven it out several times and I love it. I've been wanting this stroller for 2 years now Finally got my husband to say yes when our last stroller died.

Forgot to add that we looked at the triumph too, but it was a few pounds heavier because of the recline and padding. My DS doesn't like the recline now and we wanted super light to bring on / off tram, monorail, train ....

-virginia

 

[amsafko]

THANK YOU! I just ordered the Volo at that site - a very good deal. I had flown before and should have known better about the damage concerns. We were always greeted as soon as we left the plane with our stroller. Thanks again to all who replied.

 

[nuttylawprofessor]

Strollers get damaged most often because baggage handlers sometimes drop them from the jetway door to the ground to be loaded on the plane. The strollers are in the same cargo hold as your bags.

THAT BEING SAID, our Mac Quest has survived many plane flights. I imagine that the Volo would do just as well.

 

[SarahKate]

We also bought our Mac Volo just for our Disney trip last month! We got it on clearance (2005 model) at Babie's R Us for about $80.

Even tho this model doesn't recline, they sit back far enough in it to be very comfortable and my daughter slept in it MANY times while we were at WDW.

As for the airplane travel.....you're probably a little safer if you check it at the gate. BUT, just keep in mind that it's going in the same place where the rest of the luggage is going. But my guess is that it's thrown on top and probably less chance of getting stuck under other suitcases. When I talked to the rep at Southwest re: this before our trip, she recommended bringing a few big trash bags w/ us in our carryon and some packing tape. Sounds like a lot of trouble but it's really not. We just "mummy wrapped" it in the bag and used the packing tape that you can tear w/ your fingers (not the kind w/ the serrated blade on the end). We left the wheels exposed so they can tag it on the foot rest strap. We had no problems whatsoever. It was great being able to check it at the gate.

For anyone contemplating the Volo, GO FOR IT.

 

[tuckerkeys]

get the volo! it is the best stroller for a toddler, and lightweight to boot! our 3.5 yo son uses it even at home, he is 42" h and 40lbs and it turns on a dime! we love it and wished we got it sooner for him...it has been to 2 trips to DW and a trip to the FL keys. many many miles have been logged on this stroller and it is still in perfect condition! the mesh is very easy to clean too, if it gets dirty, a little fantastic or tide w/ water will take the spots right off...it folds down to be pretty compact for a stroller. in all of my air travel, i have yet to have a damaged stroller... good luck with it!

 

[itsagirlthing]

can he nap in the volo w/out the dreaded head slump??

 

[long4disney]

My dd has napped many times in her Volo, and because of the mesh seat, she sits down in it, so her head doesn't really do that slump thing! She is very tall for her age, and she seems to sleep comfortably in it! I remember when we had a reclining stroller for her and it seemed like every time we tried to recline it when she fell asleep sitting up, she would wake up! So it is not an issue anymore since the Volo doesn't recline, but like I said, it is not a straight upright type seat, it slouches a little bit, so I think that is why she can sleep in it.

 

[Denine]

Reclining and sleeping was my question.

I was looking at the Volo but then maybe we should get the triumph or Quest because they recline for sleeping. DD 3-1/2 always falls asleep in WDW in her stroller and I want her to be comfortable.

What about a snack tray for the front? DD loves hers. I am guessing she needs to get used to not having one.