Huge Strollers

[jilld11]

My chief complaint is these people w/huge strollers (double or single) as some of the single strollers can be just as big. When my kids were 1 and 3, I brought an umbrella (with an extended handle, as my husband is 6'3) and a smaller single with an under carraige to carry some things. I think some people can really relate to these people who have these huge strollers and think they rule the walkways. Not only in the park, but in the elevators, on the streets, etc. I just think it's rude. We were at Seaworld and Legoland a few months ago and you could barely get around some places at Seaworld. Legoland is much more open so that was easier. I do realize there are rude adults that stand in the way, etc, I just feel like these people with ginormous strollers think that because they have kids in them, they have the right away. I know my opinion is not popular, but I think some will agree that it's true.

 

[BadRomance]

So just out of curiousity, what is considered a large stroller? I am a first time mom who is planning on eventually taking my baby on a family trip to Disneyland someday... but now I am worried people are going to be ticked off at me for bringing a stroller. I have never noticed larger vs smaller strollers at Disneyland before. So what is considered large? A travel system? A jogger? Anything besides an umbrella? Just wondering.

 

[Canadiantinkerfairy]

Sorry guys, i'm a long time lurker, but I hope that I can chime in here.
I AM one of those rude people who bring those HUGE strollers. And, although we wish we could go without, we have a baby and a toddler with all our stuff and just cant get around the fact that we have to keep them and all their stuff together.
We thought that disneyland was a place of tolerance and acceptance, we saw many folks with wheel chairs, and scoooters and all sorts of things and belongings that they NEEDED to make the day go smoother.
I wish our 18 month old would just walk on her own and NOT run away, and our toddler would just keep with the group, and carry our heavy backpack of stuff while I carry the diaper bag and the babies snacks/bottles. But it isnt happening.
I was at the baby center last time we visited and during the time I sat down to feed my baby, there were no less then 3 lost children show-up at the center. Imagine how many there would be if people felt they were upsetting others for NOT bringing their much needed strollers to the park.
I wish that there were a way to not annoy others with my need for a stroller. Sorry guys! See you in the summer!

 

[coaches24]

My chief complaint is these people w/huge strollers (double or single) as some of the single strollers can be just as big. When my kids were 1 and 3, I brought an umbrella (with an extended handle, as my husband is 6'3) and a smaller single with an under carraige to carry some things. I think some people can really relate to these people who have these huge strollers and think they rule the walkways. Not only in the park, but in the elevators, on the streets, etc. I just think it's rude. We were at Seaworld and Legoland a few months ago and you could barely get around some places at Seaworld. Legoland is much more open so that was easier. I do realize there are rude adults that stand in the way, etc, I just feel like these people with ginormous strollers think that because they have kids in them, they have the right away. I know my opinion is not popular, but I think some will agree that it's true.

So your issue isn't the stroller its the person pushing the stroller. It has to be because if you think its rude just for a person to bring a large stroller that's the same as saying a large family shouldn't visit DL because they will all want to walk together and take up too much space. To me its just as selfish to get upset about people bringing strollers because you don't like them, as it is for someone to say they don't care what anyone else thinks about their stroller.

 

[All American]

So just out of curiousity, what is considered a large stroller? I am a first time mom who is planning on eventually taking my baby on a family trip to Disneyland someday... but now I am worried people are going to be ticked off at me for bringing a stroller. I have never noticed larger vs smaller strollers at Disneyland before. So what is considered large? A travel system? A jogger? Anything besides an umbrella? Just wondering.

Bring your stroller and have a great time! Disney is a place where thousands of different people congregate. That means thousands of different personalities and temperaments will pass through the gates. Your stroller may bother someone but not bother another. It's not worth worrying about. The best you can do is be aware of the people around you, and if you bump someone, apologize. How they receive the apology is up to them. Most will be understanding and some will be less so. Honestly, though, in all my years of going, strollers have never been a problem.

As for what is considered a large stroller, the biggest I ever saw was in Walt Disney World this past June. It was a stroller for triplets, a miniature train. I wasn't ticked off or bothered. In fact, I was amazed at the patient father who held one crying baby while calming the others. He was standing off to the side and was in nobody's way. It's pretty nuts when you think about. All it will take is one birthday, and that family's cost of admission to Disney will triple. But I digress...

 

[1girln3boys]

And nor is it for us. I guess I should have said "attraction to attraction."

As to your other points, I am not sure the age of your "toddler" but I know at 3yo my youngest was able to walk around the parks, stand on her own while holding my hand while waiting for characters, etc. And she was able to sit in the chairs provided at all the counter service places.

Now I can see how 3 - 4 year olds could still have problems doing this. But when 7 - 8 year olds are still being pushed around the parks in a stroller, I just don't get it.

My son is 6 and will be almost 7 when we go. He has a neurological disorder that effects his endurance. He also wears AFOs and he's not able to keep all day at the parks so we use a stroller so he won't get worn out from walking from ride to ride or anything.

 

[disneychrista]

My son is 6 and will be almost 7 when we go. neurological disorder that effects his endurance. He also wears AFOs.

And obviously there are exceptions to every "rule" but the average 7yo is able to walk around the parks.

 

[coaches24]

So just out of curiousity, what is considered a large stroller? I am a first time mom who is planning on eventually taking my baby on a family trip to Disneyland someday... but now I am worried people are going to be ticked off at me for bringing a stroller. I have never noticed larger vs smaller strollers at Disneyland before. So what is considered large? A travel system? A jogger? Anything besides an umbrella? Just wondering.

Our stroller is one of the Graco travel systems and we had zero issues with anyone at DL when we took it. No one made comments, no dirty looks that we noticed. I wouldn't worry about it. If someone has an issue with it that's their problem. You are well within your right to take and use it (and it really shouldn't bother anyone). If it makes your stay in the parks more pleasant then do it. For the amount of money you pay to go to DL you have the right to take what you please, and if it pisses someone off then they are the ones with the problem.

 

[xiolablue1971]

We will also be bringing our Bob double jogging stroller in July for my 5 yo and 3 yo sons. It is the most comfortable option for them, helps keep them by my side, and provides a place for them to rest and get away from the sun (which they will certainly need). From experience, I know that it is miserable to push a stroller meant for shorter people (I am 6 feet tall) for any length of time. I hadn't even thought the choice of stroller would be an issue and now I am kind of bummed I read this thread. However, since I try to be a considerate person and have years of experience driving a stroller without injuring bystanders, I think I'll be sticking to my original plans.

 

[dsny1mom]

My chief complaint is these people w/huge strollers (double or single) as some of the single strollers can be just as big. When my kids were 1 and 3, I brought an umbrella (with an extended handle, as my husband is 6'3) and a smaller single with an under carraige to carry some things. I think some people can really relate to these people who have these huge strollers and think they rule the walkways. Not only in the park, but in the elevators, on the streets, etc. I just think it's rude. We were at Seaworld and Legoland a few months ago and you could barely get around some places at Seaworld. Legoland is much more open so that was easier. I do realize there are rude adults that stand in the way, etc, I just feel like these people with ginormous strollers think that because they have kids in them, they have the right away. I know my opinion is not popular, but I think some will agree that it's true.

I, as a mother of two now grown children, agree with you. Our first time to DL with our chidlren they were 1 and 3. We had a double side by side (not big in comparison to the SUV strollers I see at DL now) and brought it, but only that one time. We were in just about everyone's way over and over again, especially in shops. Lots of shops in DL have narrow aisles and people would have to go out of their way to get to where they wanted to go because of my stroller. That was a long time ago so I don't remember all the ways that made me feel like we were in other people's way but it was signifigant enough to never bring that stroller again. After that one time would rent two strollers at DL and be sure to keep ourselves contained in such a manner to not inconvience others.

Some people take others into consideration, others do not. I am one that does. The SUV pushing nut case that tried to jam her gianormas stroller onto a 3/4 full elevator demanding everyone "suck it in" because she "has a dinner ressie to make", the inconsiderate who parked thier SUV in the middle of an aisle blocking passage while their kid stroked a half dozen stuffed animals sitting on a shelf with food caked hands, and the self absorbed nitwit that felt it perfectly acceptable to change their little darlings poop diaper in their SUV at PI while others were trying to eat at the Minnie and Me breakfast do not.

Now, not all that push those things around DL would do the above mentioned, but I just have to wonder just how considerate **some** of them are when they bring SUV strollers into the park to begin with. I'm not talking about doubles, not even side by sides. I'm talking about those things that look like they should be attached to the back of bike.

I do understand doubles, I do understand not wanting to use an umbrella stroller, I do understand a Mom or Dad at DL with their kids and no other adult. What I don't understand is why anyone thinks their convience and comfort trumps everyone elses.

Mind you I don't walk around pointing out SUV strollers or pay any attention to them, until they start to present problems for others. Then I take notice and just have to wonder how they got to the point in their lives where they became the anointed one and the rest of the population needs to just deal with their self imposed grandeur.

dsny1mom

 

[TigerlilyAJ]

My chief complaint is these people w/huge strollers (double or single) as some of the single strollers can be just as big. When my kids were 1 and 3, I brought an umbrella (with an extended handle, as my husband is 6'3) and a smaller single with an under carraige to carry some things. I think some people can really relate to these people who have these huge strollers and think they rule the walkways. Not only in the park, but in the elevators, on the streets, etc. I just think it's rude. We were at Seaworld and Legoland a few months ago and you could barely get around some places at Seaworld. Legoland is much more open so that was easier. I do realize there are rude adults that stand in the way, etc, I just feel like these people with ginormous strollers think that because they have kids in them, they have the right away. I know my opinion is not popular, but I think some will agree that it's true.

I've read your posts over and over and you still have yet to answer the basic questions other people have posted, which might be summed up as, "What exactly, specifically, in easy definitions, is the behavior that irks you? What should I be doing or avoid doing?" Because you have not said anything that says to me that I can in any way have a double stroller without it pissing you off unless I somehow manage to never be in your way and/or just submit to your definition of "respectful," which is bring a tiny stroller like you do, neither of which seem a reasonable request of others in a busy public space. The people who seem so rude to you here, that they don't care about others, are actually saying, "Wow, there is just NO WAY to please you, so I really just need to do what is best for my family and be as courteous as I can, but I guess there is just no pleasing everyone. Especially people like you, where there is only one correct way to be in the parks, which is your way."
If you can't spell out what specific behavior(s) is so bothersome (other than your perceptions about people's attitudes) once people explain that they need a particular stroller to suit their needs--a stroller different from the ones that satisfy your needs--people feel that they cannot find a reasonable way to accommodate you.

ETA: I would like to point out that in the course of this thread, prospective visiting parents have been told, among other things, that:
1) Anything bigger than an umbrella stroller is going to irk a variety of people.
2) Some people have 3yos (feel free to insert any other age you like) who can walk and stand all day in the park, so they are going to assume that yours should, too, as if all children are the same--or if the kids are not all the same, they will think it must be because you are doing something wrong.
3) If you try to use an alternative like the popular leashes/leash backpacks, that will just irk someone else.
4) You can't go shopping with your stroller, beause if there are tight spaces, you personally will be blamed for bringing the stroller rather than the poor shop design, even though my understanding is any place that is not wide enough for an average double stroller is not wide enough for an adult's wheelchair, which they should be by law. But using the stroller, unlike the wheelchair, is seen as being purely a choice, and a selfish one at that.

So let me be one who wants to thank all of you who are bringing strollers, no matter how large.
Thank you for bringing along a stroller that will carry the things that will help keep your children calm and happy while in the parks.
Thank you for bringing a stroller because you have a child like my 4yo, who would not make it through the day without some combination of lagging far behind the family or whining about how tired he is from the walking and how he needs a stroller or to be carried.
Thank you for bringing a stroller because you have a child like my whirling-dervish 2yo and you are doing your best to contain them when moving from one place to another or at a stationary event like a parade or WOC.
Thank you for trying to do the best for your family, because as a parent of a special-needs child with an "invisible" disability like my 7yo, I know how it is for you have to do things differently from others and feel people judging you for not conforming to their standards.
Thank you for bringing a stroller so you don't strain your back when a tired or sleepy child needs to be carried, because I want you to have a nice time, too. And being around other people who are having a more orderly, nicer time allows me to have a nicer time. So thank you.

 

[DBMC]

Remember when renting that you can't take it into DTD or out of DLR/DCA...we just hopped over to the local Target and picked up one then we could keep our DD in it for our walk back to our hotel HOJO...worked out great and then @ the end of our trip we asked the HOJO to regift it for us to another family

Oh, I meant I am planning on renting one from an off site place.


Not everyone has the option of bringing two strollers. (Don't see how that really saves space anyway.) I usually use an ECV *gasp*. I know, I really should think about others. I am taking up way too much space between my ECV, and double stroller. I honestly though you were just not thinking it through at first, but now I see that isn't the case. Just because we use a large stroller doesn't make us rude. My husband is actually over considerate, and half the time we would barely be able to get anywhere because rude people would just shove by us, and he was very worried about bumping someone.

I am glad to see that most people here understand though.

 

[annadette]

Thank you for this response, tigerlily. I echo all of your thoughts and feelings but just couldn't put mine into words as well as you have. It's pretty clear that this entire thread was just a way for the OP to publicly launch a complaint. For me, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. There are worst places in this world to have to walk around a big stroller. Whenever I catch myself thinking "sheesh, this line is soooo long" I always remind myself that I could be standing in a line at the DMV or the unemployment office. Be happy, people- surely the parent will move their stroller if you ask nicely enough.

 

[dbbydk]

Now I can see how 3 - 4 year olds could still have problems doing this. But when 7 - 8 year olds are still being pushed around the parks in a stroller, I just don't get it.

We have a Graco Quattro Duo something or other that has only ever been used at Disneyland! DH and I actually refer to it as the Battle Stroller. We have a 3 year old and 7 year old. The next time we go, they will be 4 and 8, and I will still be bringing the stroller. At almost 4, DS is nearly 50 pounds. I am not carrying that kind of weight from the the Main St Station back to the Disneyland Hotel, because he is too tired to walk. I am also not carrying my DD for the same reason. So, yeah, you may see my 8 year old in the stroller, but you'd probably rather see that, then me telling her repeatedly to stop whining because she is too tired to walk.

 

[disneychrista]

they will be 4 and 8, and I will still be bringing the stroller. At almost 4, DS is nearly 50 pounds. I am not carrying that kind of weight from the the Main St Station back to the Disneyland Hotel, because he is too tired to walk. I am also not carrying my DD for the same reason. So, yeah, you may see my 8 year old in the stroller, but you'd probably rather see that, then me telling her repeatedly to stop whining because she is too tired to walk.

Have you considered that maybe you need to leave the park earlier, so they (especially the 8yo) aren't so tired they can't walk?

We used to be an open to close park visiting family, but when my 13yo daughter started having melt downs because she was too tired we changed the way we toured the parks. We no longer open to close park tourers. We leave the parks at 9 - 10pm, so we can get our sleep.

 

[jennabennabofenna]

I've read your posts over and over and you still have yet to answer the basic questions other people have posted, which might be summed up as, "What exactly, specifically, in easy definitions, is the behavior that irks you? What should I be doing or avoid doing?" Because you have not said anything that says to me that I can in any way have a double stroller without it pissing you off unless I somehow manage to never be in your way and/or just submit to your definition of "respectful," which is bring a tiny stroller like you do, neither of which seem a reasonable request of others in a busy public space. The people who seem so rude to you here, that they don't care about others, are actually saying, "Wow, there is just NO WAY to please you, so I really just need to do what is best for my family and be as courteous as I can, but I guess there is just no pleasing everyone. Especially people like you, where there is only one correct way to be in the parks, which is your way."
If you can't spell out what specific behavior(s) is so bothersome (other than your perceptions about people's attitudes) once people explain that they need a particular stroller to suit their needs--a stroller different from the ones that satisfy your needs--people feel that they cannot find a reasonable way to accommodate you.

ETA: I would like to point out that in the course of this thread, prospective visiting parents have been told, among other things, that:
1) Anything bigger than an umbrella stroller is going to irk a variety of people.
2) Some people have 3yos (feel free to insert any other age you like) who can walk and stand all day in the park, so they are going to assume that yours should, too, as if all children are the same--or if the kids are not all the same, they will think it must be because you are doing something wrong.
3) If you try to use an alternative like the popular leashes/leash backpacks, that will just irk someone else.
4) You can't go shopping with your stroller, beause if there are tight spaces, you personally will be blamed for bringing the stroller rather than the poor shop design, even though my understanding is any place that is not wide enough for an average double stroller is not wide enough for an adult's wheelchair, which they should be by law. But using the stroller, unlike the wheelchair, is seen as being purely a choice, and a selfish one at that.

So let me be one who wants to thank all of you who are bringing strollers, no matter how large.
Thank you for bringing along a stroller that will carry the things that will help keep your children calm and happy while in the parks.
Thank you for bringing a stroller because you have a child like my 4yo, who would not make it through the day without some combination of lagging far behind the family or whining about how tired he is from the walking and how he needs a stroller or to be carried.
Thank you for bringing a stroller because you have a child like my whirling-dervish 2yo and you are doing your best to contain them when moving from one place to another or at a stationary event like a parade or WOC.
Thank you for trying to do the best for your family, because as a parent of a special-needs child with an "invisible" disability like my 7yo, I know how it is for you have to do things differently from others and feel people judging you for not conforming to their standards.
Thank you for bringing a stroller so you don't strain your back when a tired or sleepy child needs to be carried, because I want you to have a nice time, too. And being around other people who are having a more orderly, nicer time allows me to have a nicer time. So thank you.

Well put!

 

[Virgoinab]

Have you considered that maybe you need to leave the park earlier, so they (especially the 8yo) aren't so tired they can't walk?

We used to be an open to close park visiting family, but when my 13yo daughter started having melt downs because she was too tired we changed the way we toured the parks. We no longer open to close park tourers. We leave the parks at 9 - 10pm, so we can get our sleep.

 

[dsny1mom]

4) You can't go shopping with your stroller, beause if there are tight spaces, you personally will be blamed for bringing the stroller rather than the poor shop design, even though my understanding is any place that is not wide enough for an average double stroller is not wide enough for an adult's wheelchair, which they should be by law. But using the stroller, unlike the wheelchair, is seen as being purely a choice, and a selfish one at that.

Oh please. I didn't say people with strollers can't shop at DL. A bit of consideration is all that is asked. Park that SUV outside and pick the kid up and then go in the shops. The little one is sleeping? Wait until the litttle one is awake or try moving the SUV when someone wants to get through the aisle that it is blocking (the way most people in wheelchairs and using EVCs do). And yes, shops inside DL have plenty of areas where one of those huge things block the pathway.

There is little anyone can do about the design of a store inside DL but there is something those blocking aisles can do: Be considerate of others.

dsny1mom

 

[dbbydk]

Have you considered that maybe you need to leave the park earlier, so they (especially the 8yo) aren't so tired they can't walk?

We used to be an open to close park visiting family, but when my 13yo daughter started having melt downs because she was too tired we changed the way wetoured the parks. We no longer open to close park tourers. We leave the parks at 9 - 10pm, so we can get our sleep.

Um, we already leave the park by 4 or 5pm so we can eat dinner, and they can still have their normal bed time (8pm). Being tired because we stayed too late is not the issue at all. Walking in the park all day, and just wanting a place to sit, and have mommy push you back to the hotel, is nice. My point is, is just because your kid (and I don't mean yours specifically, but a broader "your") could walk the park all day and still walk back to your hotel at 5 to eat dinner, doesn't mean every other 8 yo can.

I don't recall ever writing that we were one of those families that did stay open to close, so I am mildly offended that you are offering me this unsolicited parenting advice, and that other posters are giving it the thumbs up.

What I neglected to mention was, that when we do go in October, we are going with another family with 2 kids, ages 4 and 2. We are taking our double stroller and their single, so that we have 3 places for 4 kids to take turns using. My dd will also be 2 1/2 years older going this time then she was last time, so I really don't even know if she will want to ride in the stroller. But, I am giving it to her as an option.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Why I choose my double stroller over 2 singles: Baby swap! If DH is taking our over 40" kids on a ride, he's leaving me with 2 under 40" kids. If I have 2 strollers I am stuck in one spot for the duration they are in line and riding. If I have my double I can grab a snack, head to the bathroom, find a nearby ride I can take the 2 little ones on by myself. With 2 adults and 4 kids, its extremely convenient to have one parent with free hands to hold onto the older ones....who weren't really all that "old".

And obviously there are exceptions to every "rule" but the average 7yo is able to walk around the parks.

And you can tell which is which by just looking at them? X-ray vision?

Have you considered that maybe you need to leave the park earlier, so they (especially the 8yo) aren't so tired they can't walk?

We used to be an open to close park visiting family, but when my 13yo daughter started having melt downs because she was too tired we changed the way we toured the parks. We no longer open to close park tourers. We leave the parks at 9 - 10pm, so we can get our sleep.

Absolutely do what's best for you....what's best for some is letting their 8 year old hop a ride in the stroller for the walk back to the hotel because no matter what time they left, they were going to be too tired to walk back to the hotel.



OP you say those with huge strollers shouldn't bring their strollers because its rude to not consider others needs.....ummm aren't you doing the same thing by condemning those that have bigger strollers? Aren't YOU being rude for not considering THEIR needs.....or is it all about you and your needs? To everyone else that has issues with other's stroller choices (not talking about getting rammed in the ankles, but have issues with size of the stroller or how old of a child is in the stroller)....GET OVER YOURSELF!!! ITS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!!!! Enjoy your own family, and stop getting bent out of shape because someone does it differently than you.