Having a double stroller on the bus... HELP?

[Disneylush]

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old who LOVE their stroller. We have a swan double stroller that turns into a sit and stand. I am worried about the bus. In May I had a big single stroller and I felt like I was in the way of everyone. We are staying at POP in Jan and I am wondering what people thing of "those people with big strollers" and if anyone has a better suggestion??? Thanks!

 

[rentayenta]

We had a double stroller and it has to be broken down while on the buses. You cannot leave the kids in it and this was universal, no exceptions rule. They are a big fat PITA to be honest and I will never take a double again. Even folded, it took up a ton of room.

 

[Disneylush]

Hey.. I am reading your trip report on another board..weird!
Anyways... ya i knew I had to fold it up and I know it is big and in the way but I am wondering how you were treated. My DH gets uneasy about people without kids having to deal with us.

 

[rentayenta]

Hey.. I am reading your trip report on another board..weird!
Anyways... ya i knew I had to fold it up and I know it is big and in the way but I am wondering how you were treated. My DH gets uneasy about people without kids having to deal with us.

I didn't really notice if anyone got upset but I wouldn't really care either as long as we were being efficient and courteous. I felt terrible though for DH who had to lug it on and off the bus.

I wouldn't worry about what people are thinking. Those are the same people who care when a wheelchair is being loaded. Do what is going to be the most comfortable for your family. With children that young, you are going to need it for sure. Just be quick when loading and you'll be fine.

 

[gottagodisney]

I have kids of my own, and I'll have to say that those strollers were quite a hassle for the "others" who had to deal with them on the buses. There just isn't a good spot to accomodate them while packing people in. It wouldn't be too bad if there were just one person with a stroller but, usually there is more. My bad experience with these were worse on the boats actually. We got trapped behind two of these one time on a boat with multiple stops- thought we would miss our stop because the captain at the front had no idea people were stuck in the back of the boat. Ended up having to climb over the seats to get out.

How about renting a double stroller at the parks? I realize this does not give you the stroller to and from the bus stops though. If it really is necessary to bring your own stroller then how about renting a car? Then you don't have to worry about trying to smash the thing on the bus nor bothering others? Just some suggestions.

 

[Schmeck]

Think about how you will handle the stroller and two sleeping little ones on the bus - will you have enough adults to take care of all three of them? (The stroller and two kids, that is...) If not, and if you can afford it, rent a car. Will you have car seats for them, though?

 

[wildzootv]

you know I think it all depends on when you go - if during the crowded times, yeah I can see running into a higher possiblity of disgruntled guests.....but when we went in NOV 2 years ago - not so much. Just a total PITA rushing it on a bus and off with closing it.

 

[Vijoge]

I am wondering what people thing of "those people with big strollers"

We think they have children! LOL

Take your stroller and don't worry about it.

 

[Tiger926]

I am someone with kids, and I can't stand double strollers, to be honest with you. They are big, heavy and I have been bruised many times by people pushing into me at parks. We have a lightweight Mac & Peg, as we find 2 single strollers are best - best for everyone else around us too! To be honest, I don't much care for Disney's double strollers either as they can be a PITA as well.

I can't stand big & heavy single strollers, but big & heavy double strollers are just too much for me as I've been bumped into (I have Osteoporosis at a very young age, so being bumped or rolled over on my foot by heavy strollers could be very dangerous for me), so my bias is there for a different reason.

Here are some tips from our multitude of trips in the parks:

1) If kids are asleep, then please roll the stroller off to the side and discuss what your options are without holding up the line
2) Don't load your stroller down with bags and such
3) Remember that your stroller will be searched upon entrance into park, so please be prepared
4) Please don't try and push your stroller into obviously small areas as someone always gets hurt
5) Please don't just abruptly stop your stroller while walking (emergencies excepted)
6) Please practice strolling (if not your regular stroller) before you get to the parks and need to use your stroller

I am not trying to offend anyone with these, but we find that many stroller guests just don't use them properly - it's one thing to stroll around your neighborhodd park or mall, and quite another to stroll around a park with 50,000 other people. If you take your stroller, please be mindful of those around you, and they will probably be mindful of you too!

Good luck, Tiger

 

[Perditamarie]

Lugging double stroller on the buses is a PITA, however so worth it for the overall convenience and comfort - it is for only minutes a day. I have to say, some of the nicest people I have ever met are the folks on Disney buses. People always seem to want to help out if you need it or give you a reassuring smile, and I have never seen a "hairy eyeball" over a double stroller--if such was the case, I was too busy with my kids to notice,or care for that matter.

Dh has a Disney stroller routine down! Make sure kids and bags are unloaded well before bus gets there, fold up stroller and grab kids. When we board, one parent wrangles the kids and one the stroller. My dh holds the stroller way back by the exit door, so we are not in the way on the way out and there is plenty of room for people to board. Sometimes, we can store under the seats and hold w/our feet.

I think you are going at a quieter time, so hopefully crowded buses shouldn't be a big issue. Bring it and enjoy your trip.

 

[ljcrochet]

I have gone to Disney with two single strollers and a double combi stroller. I found the one double stroller was so much easier on the bus. I also found the bus to be easier than driving to the park since parks usually require a tram ride. The double stroller on the tram was very tough.

 

[Morley Dotes]

We bring our Mac double stroller (we have an urban mountain buggy, but it is a real PITA), and it is awesome. I would not worry about what anyone else thinks. We always try to be prepared, and courteous, but after all, we are on vacation, and we paid like everyone else. If someone gets upset, that is their problem. Some people think that because you have a stroller, you are an inconvenience. They probably feel the same about people in wheelchairs, the elderly who might be walking a bit slower, the young who might get in their way, etc.. In the end, do what is easier for you, you will enjoy your trip more.

 

[davisdenyel]

I will be bringing our dubble stroller for our 2 girls ages 1 and 3. It is a PITA. But the way I look at it is the people that get annoyed they really have no idea what it is like to push, steer and fold up the big heavy dubble strollers. On top of doing that trying to stay out of everyones way is hard. You have to do what is best for your family and dont worry about what others think. If you give respect hopefully you will recieve it back.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I always feel sorry for the folks with all the children and strollers and bags and stuff when they are trying to get on the bus. I'll offer help if it's needed. But please don't take up a seat by putting your stroller on the seat. I was on the bus once and a family got on with one of those SUV-type strollers. Dad got on the bus and proceeded to take up three seats with the stroller. Then when a more senior lady got on the bus he had the nerve to tell her the seat was occupied by his son who was bouncing back and forth between mom and dad. While he and his stroller took up several seats.

 

[camdensmom]

I noticed you were staying at POP. Based on that alone, I would try to avoid a huge, honkin' stroller. In my experiences at POP the buses are always very full. I really think you will feel a high level of stress each and every time you come or go somewhere. Even if other passengers are courteous and understanding, it is stressful trying to collapse that thing, hoist it on and off the bus and keep track of 2 little ones. I think you will find it much easier and relaxing to rent a stroller in the park.

 

[Holly]

I always feel sorry for the folks with all the children and strollers and bags and stuff when they are trying to get on the bus. I'll offer help if it's needed. But please don't take up a seat by putting your stroller on the seat. I was on the bus once and a family got on with one of those SUV-type strollers. Dad got on the bus and proceeded to take up three seats with the stroller. Then when a more senior lady got on the bus he had the nerve to tell her the seat was occupied by his son who was bouncing back and forth between mom and dad. While he and his stroller took up several seats.

I think I was on that same bus.

 

[kids of the kingdom]

I'm sorry to point this out but keep in mind that people - even in Disney - are people and can be self involved and rude. Particularly on a crowded bus like POP or PO, be prepared for those guests that will disregard you and your children and stampede for the bus as if there will never be another one. Boarding is sometimes a free for all dispite well intended drivers. Steel yourself for this and, as others have advised, be prepared to board. My wife and I have traveled recently with singles, side by sides and front back strollers - all a PITA but necessary. Though we all love the Dis, some poeple forget it's all about the kids. Don't waste your money on a car rental (and have to also pay for parking? - forget it.) You have to fold up for the trams, anyway. Allow a little extra time for travel so you don't feel frenzied. Try to avoid peak travel times around park openings and closings. Try to avoid the most popular park on the most popular day (eg MK on Mondays).Take advantage of EMH's. Above all, enjoy youself and the time your spending with you children in the most magical place on earth!

 

[tanyaandallie]

I'm sorry to point this out but keep in mind that people - even in Disney - are people and can be self involved and rude. Particularly on a crowded bus like POP or PO, be prepared for those guests that will disregard you and your children and stampede for the bus as if there will never be another one. Boarding is sometimes a free for all dispite well intended drivers. Steel yourself for this and, as others have advised, be prepared to board. My wife and I have traveled recently with singles, side by sides and front back strollers - all a PITA but necessary. Though we all love the Dis, some poeple forget it's all about the kids. Don't waste your money on a car rental (and have to also pay for parking? - forget it.) You have to fold up for the trams, anyway. Allow a little extra time for travel so you don't feel frenzied. Try to avoid peak travel times around park openings and closings. Try to avoid the most popular park on the most popular day (eg MK on Mondays).Take advantage of EMH's. Above all, enjoy youself and the time your spending with you children in the most magical place on earth!

I agree. Take your stroller and don't even think twice about what anyone else thinks. As long as you are not intentionally mowing people over with your stroller or knocking them in the head on the bus, you are just fine. We are taking our double with us for the 3rd time but it will be our first time without a car. I am certain it will be a pita getting on and off the bus, but I think the Disney rentals are just not very good and a waste of money if I have my own. You don't want a rental for a 1 year old!! I also prefer a double to two singles. With our double, one of us can handle the stroller, one the kids.

 

[afinnteach]

Hi there!
I am in a similar situation - we are heading to Disney this Thanksgiving with a 2 year old and a 3 month old. I THINK we have decided to leave the double (which I LOVE) at home and opt for the single (large stroller) for the baby and a cheapo umbrella for the 2 year old. Our double stroller (a graco) is HUGE and HEAVY and my DH (like yours) does not like to cause other people stress on the bus. I've waffled about this, but we're travelling with MIL, FIL, SIL, plus us and the kids, so there are plenty of adults to handle the "baggage"
In fact, this is why I finally decided two strollers were better than one. This way if the adults want to split up, we can split the kids up too and still be comfortable!
We are driving down to Disney (20 hours - ARGHH!!!!), however, we WILL NOT use our van once we get there. Part of the joy of Disney is not having to drive once you get there!
My best advice is to be prepared when the bus comes i.e. stroller packed up bags and kids in arms or ready to go, be patient - if a bus is full or if there are lots of grumpy people glaring at you and your "monster stroller" don't be afraid to wait for the next bus!, and take the stroller and just have fun!!!!

Good luck,
Amy

 

[DISNEYFOS]

I know what you mean about worrying about what people think but just for a for a split second then I say "what the heck, we are at disney world for goodness sake"

Please try not to worry about it. I just try to be efficient as possible, make sure its broken down while we are still in line if possible. and store it under the seats if you can.

What is much more important than what rude people think is how will your children be most comfortable? If they love their stroller than by all means Bring it!