How do you get sleeping child back to hotel once you return stroller?

[Mkrop]

Here is my dilemma. DS4 is a big boy, 50lbs and over 40 inches tall. When we have gone to other amusement parks (all local) we bring our stroller because we are driving. It is pretty bulky and I do not want to bring it on the plane. He also has a condition called hypotonia (low muscle tone) which although he is walking great his endurance is not the best. I cant carry him, I am too petite and he is too big which leaves it up to DH if he should fall asleep at night in the park. I really am not carzy about buying anyhting since we rarely if ever usr the stroller anymore.

Any suggestions on renting a stroller down there offsite? Or is this just something we are going to have to deal with?

Our original plan was to just rent the stroller at the parks each day but the worry wart in me is freaking out.

 

[blessedby3]

I would purchase a Maclaren Volo for the trip. Its super lightweight and compact and holds up to 55 pounds easily. It pushes like a dream too. Because of your childs weight it will be hard to find a decent stroller that will push easily with him in it. This is what we did 2 years ago for our DD7 (at the time and 42 pounds). I checked into the rental prices and it was cheaper to purchase a Volo (we got ours for $68 shipped then). We were able to use it for vacations in 2005 and 2006 to Disney. I loved having our own stroller because she fell asleep a few times late at night. We just left her in the Volo and pushed on and did more rides and shows while she slept. It was nice to have the stroller to push her in to the bus stops and she just slept or watied in the stroller until the bus came.
I know you said you dont want to buy another stroller because you dont use them much anymore, but you could resell this one easily when you feel you dont need it anymore. We certainly didnt use a stroller for DD7 then, but felt this was a wise investment. It was much cheaper than renting a stroller for our 2 Disney vacations.

 

[mexican-mouseketeers]

I would purchase a Maclaren Volo for the trip. Its super lightweight and compact and holds up to 55 pounds easily. It pushes like a dream too. Because of your childs weight it will be hard to find a decent stroller that will push easily with him in it. This is what we did 2 years ago for our DD7 (at the time and 42 pounds). I checked into the rental prices and it was cheaper to purchase a Volo (we got ours for $68 shipped then). We were able to use it for vacations in 2005 and 2006 to Disney. I loved having our own stroller because she fell asleep a few times late at night. We just left her in the Volo and pushed on and did more rides and shows while she slept. It was nice to have the stroller to push her in to the bus stops and she just slept or watied in the stroller until the bus came.
I know you said you dont want to buy another stroller because you dont use them much anymore, but you could resell this one easily when you feel you dont need it anymore. We certainly didnt use a stroller for DD7 then, but felt this was a wise investment. It was much cheaper than renting a stroller for our 2 Disney vacations.

ITA

 

[perdidochas]

Here is my dilemma. DS4 is a big boy, 50lbs and over 40 inches tall. When we have gone to other amusement parks (all local) we bring our stroller because we are driving. It is pretty bulky and I do not want to bring it on the plane. He also has a condition called hypotonia (low muscle tone) which although he is walking great his endurance is not the best. I cant carry him, I am too petite and he is too big which leaves it up to DH if he should fall asleep at night in the park. I really am not carzy about buying anyhting since we rarely if ever usr the stroller anymore.

Any suggestions on renting a stroller down there offsite? Or is this just something we are going to have to deal with?

Our original plan was to just rent the stroller at the parks each day but the worry wart in me is freaking out.

I'd bring a stroller.

 

[litlpixie]

We always bring our umbrella stroller too!!

 

[Kellyscrapbooks]

We bring a stroller too. This way I can fill it with junk even if the kids want to walk!

 

[bumbershoot]

I've seen people mention this site for off-site rentals of things like strollers.

I don't know what the strollers are like at WDW, but at DL they were a tight fit for my son last year, and he was only just 2 at the time! We're buying a stroller for him this year, b/c of that tight fit, and because of the *leaving the park* walk to the hotel.

If we were going to WDW instead, I'd either buy one or rent from that company, since people here have said good things about them.

 

[mexican-mouseketeers]

I have rented from www.abbf.com and they do provide great service, but the stroller is very bulky and weighs a ton, that is why I would go with the Volo.

 

[Mkrop]

Thanks I checked the Baby's Best Firend web site but DS4 weighs too much.

 

[Mkrop]

I googled the Volo and the couple sites it came up it costs $129. I checked Babiesrus site and they didnt have it and all the lightweights would not hold his weight.

 

[sarahknowles]

Albeebaby.com has a few 2006 volos for under $100. I think their lowest is for $84, but don't quote me. And yes, you could easily resell!

 

[bgirl29]

Are you aware that you could gate check your own stroller? This way you would have it with you for airports too. You just have to get a slip from the gate attendant when you arrive at the gate and fold up the stroller and put it off to the side before entering the plane. It will then be waiting for you in the next jetway when you get off of your flight.

 

[Mkrop]

bgirl29

Please Im tired so if I seem slow then help me out. Let me know if this is correct: I could take my stroller into the airport, through security and then check it at the gate right bfore boarding, then they will have it there when we get off? Hmm Ok need to think about that

Ok then what about the downside I keep hearing of holding up buses trying to break it down. And if he falls asleeps in the park that is a bus transportaton or monorail then we still need to take sleeping child out of stroller have DH hold him until we get to hotel. Just thinking out loud here.

Last time we went we stayed at the Contemporary and ended most our days at MK so that would work because we could stroll back to CR...but if we end any day at another park, I guess is my concern.

 

[crazywig]

Ok then what about the downside I keep hearing of holding up buses trying to break it down. And if he falls asleeps in the park that is a bus transportaton or monorail then we still need to take sleeping child out of stroller have DH hold him until we get to hotel. Just thinking out loud here.

i think knowing the best/quickest way to grab your stuff and fold your stroller is key. usually at the end of a night both my kids are sleeping. so i only take strollers that i can carry while holding a child. i grab dd, my dh folds her stroller. then dh grabs ds (50lbs!) and folds his stroller and we both get on the bus each carrying a kid and a stroller.

if the bus is too crowded we always wait for another so we are assured of a seat.


i would recommend a maclaren, but if he's a sleeper i'd go with the Triumph (has a recline)over a Volo. my ds will sleep in a Volo but not well.

alternately the Inglesina Swift is a really nice stroller. it lists the weight limit at 45 but i can easily push my 50lb ds in it. the Swift has a suspension so i find it much easier to push his weight in that versus the Volo (and i sold my volo for that reason).

 

[jamesmommy]

I don't know what type of stroller you have, but most standard size strollers will fit on the monorail without folding them, unless you are riding in the front car (where the driver is). You would have to remove your child and fold the stroller for a bus ride, or for the tram if you utilize it for any reason.

I too would recommend a Mac as well, they are quick folding and small, easy to handle at the parks. You may want to check ebay or craigslist, maybe the yahoo group StrollerSwap for a gently used one. The Volo doesn't recline, most the other Macs do, my son can sleep in the Volo, but is more comfy in our Mac Techno when sleeping.

Have fun, whatever you decide!
Amie

 

[bgirl29]

It looks like you have figured out the pros and cons of taking your own versus renting a stroller. Now you have to decide which is the least amount of hassle for your family, and what works best for you.

And yes that is how gate checking your stroller works. You do have to unload everything from it when going through security though.

Have fun!!

 

[Mkrop]

bgirl9 and everyone else

Thanks you all helped us decide. DH and I sat down and talked about it and we are bringing are own. It helped to hear that we can check it at the gate. I think it will help us navigate the airport better. And hey if we get there and we dont like our own vs the rental then we leave it in the room. He will probably be more comfortable in his own anyway.

Thanks again

Also thanks for the tip about security, I wont fill it up too much.

Ok now for the next decision....

 

[Desnik]

bgirl29

Please Im tired so if I seem slow then help me out. Let me know if this is correct: I could take my stroller into the airport, through security and then check it at the gate right bfore boarding, then they will have it there when we get off? Hmm Ok need to think about that

Ok then what about the downside I keep hearing of holding up buses trying to break it down. And if he falls asleeps in the park that is a bus transportaton or monorail then we still need to take sleeping child out of stroller have DH hold him until we get to hotel. Just thinking out loud here.

Last time we went we stayed at the Contemporary and ended most our days at MK so that would work because we could stroll back to CR...but if we end any day at another park, I guess is my concern.

You are right about gate checking your stroller. We have done this and have never had a problem.

You can roll the stroller onto the monorail and boat. So if you are at the MK and staying at the Cont. or WL you'll be fine. You'll also be fine from Epcot to the Cont. When standing in line waiting for a bus you would just let your kid stay put in the stroller till the bus arrives. What we do is as the bus pulls up DH will take DS out and hold him. I then take any bags out of it and fold up the stroller and hold it. We are done way before it's time to get on the bus. We also will wait for the next bus if we see it is standing room only. Once you are on line you can tell if you will be sitting or standing!

We have always brought our own strollers. We have the Mac Triumph for DS who is 4 and 30lbs, 40 in. The Triumph holds 55lbs and reclines and folds just like an umbrella stroller. It has a basket underneath and a canapy. It even has a strap so you can wear it over your shoulder when folded onto the bus! You would love having the stroller at the airport and resort. Also, what if one evening you want to stroll around DtD? Your DS can be in the stroller sleeping while you and DH can shop, or just people watch!