I hate my Maclaren Triumph :(

[Tiger926]

If you are used to a big Graco, you've gotten used to hauling everything but the kitchen sink everywhere you go, and I have to tell you, that's a BAD HABIT! Force yourself to break it when travelling. You won't believe how much more free you will feel.

Half the time I don't take my diaper bag out of the car even on local outings. I keep a ziploc in my purse that contains a smaller ziploc of wipes, two diapers, a spare onesie, a teething ring, and a 12 inch square flannel piddle pad. I really don't NEED anything else. (I do nurse, so I don't schlep cups or bottles around.) At WDW my flat-pouch cloth packpack has a few more items, including sunscreen and jar of food, bib, spoon, etc., and a change of clothing and chamois for fountain splashing, but it is still not large nor heavy.) The rule is that if it doesn't fit in the backpack, it doesn't go to the park.

Most importantly if you are taking the buses, train yourself to not use the basket at all! If you are folding the stroller and carrying it (as you don't do when you have a vehicle), then you have to take everything out of the basket every time and also carry the stuff -- gets old REALLY fast. Have all park purchases either sent to your resort or held at the park gate -- don't cart them around with you. It's a PITA and they are at risk of getting stolen.

You also have to fold the stroller for the train at the MK, where your Triumph can come along but your Graco cannot, because it is too big. Travel stroller users can use that train as transport across the park, but people who use the behemoths can't do that, because the stroller won't fit. For them, it's just another ride.

ITA! It boggles my mind to see how much junk people bring into the parks. I always remind first timers that you are in the biggest theme park resort in the world, which is situated in a major urban city, not the sahara desert or a jungle in Africa! There are so many unneccesary items that I find people bringing into the parks, for the 'just in case' times that never seem to happen, and if they do, you can usually buy what you need. Not to mention that these guests hold up lines for long bag checks, as well as cause park congestion due to trying to push huge strollers with bags and stuff hanging off - it's not safe either!

I totally agree that bringing everything but the kitchen sink is a bad habit. We have travelled to WDW with infants, and we hardly bring anything into the parks, except a few small things in our backpack/diaper bag.

Lightweight strollers like Macs are fabulous for the simple fact that they may start a revolution of less stuff bringing families into the parks, not to mention I won't get my feet or legs banged into as much, and I won't have to worry about my kids being almost run over by huge, overloaded strollers.

Sorry if this post offended anyone, but honestly, people need to realize that huge, overloaded strollers like Gracos are really cumbersome and unsafe in many situations at the theme parks, not to mention that they seriously cause park congestion on monorails, lines and park entrances.

Good luck with your stroller issues, Tiger

 

[mom2aredhead]

I won't get my feet or legs banged into as much, and I won't have to worry about my kids being almost run over by huge, overloaded strollers.

Sorry if this post offended anyone, but honestly, people need to realize that huge, overloaded strollers like Gracos are really cumbersome and unsafe in many situations at the theme parks, not to mention that they seriously cause park congestion on monorails, lines and park entrances.

Good luck with your stroller issues, Tiger

But the gigantic double rental strollers with the nine year olds legs hanging out of the front are OK? And the rental ECV's being used by people that haven't used them before and have no idea how to steer aren't dangerous at all?

Clearly park congestion is caused a number of things, not just non-Mac strollers.

I truly do not understand why people get so fired up about these things - last I checked, people were free to DISLIKE MAC STROLLERS if they want to.
Every time someone posts that they don't care for them, people jump on them - they must be using it wrong, they must be carrying too much stuff, they must not be used to pushing it, they must have bought the wrong model, or clearly they are just insane. I just don't get it.

And to be honest, putting weights in or on a stroller that you bought because it was a lightweight stroller is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.

 

[o2bacelt]

I'm sorry that you don't like yours. I didn't get ours until DD was almost 2 and we were primarily using a cheap Kolcraft umbrella stroller. I had read about Macs on here and seen a lot of them when we were visiting inlaws in England. I went and tried one out at BRU and fell in love with it.

We were pretty much down to a very small diaper bag at that point. Now that DD is potty trained I carry a Bagallini bag (another thing I read about here and LOVE) and that's it. I carry just the essentials like a small first aid kid, a spare change of clothes for DD, a little cash, a credit card, and my key to the kingdom. A couple other things like a cell phone but really not too much else. It's been fabulous being free from all the extras that we had to carry around when we had a baby.

I also have a Volo, and while I wish it would recline, DD actually likes it when it's hot out because that mesh lets her get a little air where she's sitting, something that the Triumph doesn't let her have so she usually let's me know which one she wants to bring on vacation now.

We'll be down in June and I'm trying to decide which stroller to bring with us. I will grab a fan this time and maybe a saddle bag for this trip because I'm sure we'll be changing clothes a little more since we're currently very into princess dresses and I have a feeling they will get old faster in the heat of June more so then they did in December.

 

[Camno's Mama]

I would second taking the Graco to WDW. We are in need of a double, so we have the double Triumph. Before this, I used my double jogger (best stroller ever!), but it's not easy to tote around. So, that's why we are taking the double umbrella.

That being said, if I only had to take a single stroller, I'd take my old Graco from when we only had one. I took that on our first trip to WDW, and it was so great. It's not that big...after using doubles, at least, it doesn't seem that bad. It should fit on everything...we got ours onto the tram, etc. And you won't have to worry about the tipping, you'll have a better shade, more comfy seat, etc.

Take what you're comfortable with...you won't regret it!

 

[Tiger926]

But the gigantic double rental strollers with the nine year olds legs hanging out of the front are OK? And the rental ECV's being used by people that haven't used them before and have no idea how to steer aren't dangerous at all?

Clearly park congestion is caused a number of things, not just non-Mac strollers.

I truly do not understand why people get so fired up about these things - last I checked, people were free to DISLIKE MAC STROLLERS if they want to.
Every time someone posts that they don't care for them, people jump on them - they must be using it wrong, they must be carrying too much stuff, they must not be used to pushing it, they must have bought the wrong model, or clearly they are just insane. I just don't get it.

And to be honest, putting weights in or on a stroller that you bought because it was a lightweight stroller is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.

Please don't misunderstand me - this isn't about Mac lovers vs. non-Mac lovers for me; it's about being able to easily and safely get around the parks. I can't stand the Disney double strollers with kids hanging out - I was tripped and almost broke a bone (I'm highly fracturable with Osteoporosis at a very young age) the last time I encountered this set-up, and I was pregnant. Not a good combination at all!

I wish everyone would use lightweight strollers, but I know that's not possible, but when a person posts about having purchased a Mac, I want to encourage that person to use the Mac properly in order to get their money out of their purchase. If used properly, and then still not liking it, then that is legitimate, but when people want to load up the lightweight strollers this is not using them properly, and so this will obviously skew how they evaluate the stroller. Of course people are free to like any type of stroller they wish, but in regards to how Disney is set-up, lightweight strollers such as Macs are excellent for navigating the parks.

By the way, I agree that weights on the wheels is silly as well if used for bags on the handles as there should be no bags on the handles, just underneath in the storage basket.

I'm not going to comment on the EVC issue as they totally congest the parks, not to mention that they can cause body damage as well (we've been banged into as well), but there are so many of them being used for a multitude of health/medical issues that we as other park goers are not privy to, nor should we be.

Basically, I encourage people to think about others a bit when deciding on what stroller to bring to WDW - make sure you know how to properly use it, and be prepared to wait your turn to board or unboard transportation. If a good lightweight stroller is an option (not cheap umbrella strollers as when they are misused or overloaded they cause issues as well), I encourage visitors to use those before heavy Gracos or Cabooses as they will have difficulty with some doorways, entering parks and boarding/unboarding transportation.

Good luck to all contemplating the stroller issue, Tiger

 

[lovepooh]

Jennymomof3, I am so sorry you don't like your Mac. I have always taken my Graco and I really liked it. I liked how it handeled, was comfy for my kids, and carried all of my purchases , what I didn't like was how heavy it was and how hard it was to transport on the buses. This last trip my mom and I took two of my four kids (ages 6 months and 6 years at the time) to SSR for a weekend trip. As I got of the bus, holding my six month old in a front carrier and lifting the heavy Graco, I stepped down and the weight pulled me forward and I fell forward into the pavement. My daughter didn't get hurt, I prevented that from happening. I did however skin my hands and knee. It was unpleasant and scary since I was holding my baby!!! My mom can't lift anything which is why I thought with the carrier I would do okay. Anyway, we are going back to Disney this Oct so I bought two Maclaren Triumphs. One for my daughter who will almost be two and one for my son who will amost be three. I like that they are light weight, easy to handle, and come with a carrying strap. I sure hope I like them.

 

[las3888]

I admit I am a wary Mac person. I just bought one online (haven't received it yet). I bought it because I used a Combi for Disney but DS is now 3 and too big for the Combi. At any rate, in my normal routine of life, I use a stroller a few times a week. I am VERY used to throwing a sippy cup and/or drinks from the food court, or water bottles into our cupholders at lightning speed (those folks at the McDonald's food court are in a hurry). I put a medium sized diaper bag either underneath or hang it from on stroller handles. I need this bag because DS is potty training and I basically do have to bring the kitchen sink, okay, well, at least a change of clothing, including socks. I can't stand when I shop and buy a few things and the stroller tips over if I forget to take DS out first. However....I did buy a Mac. I had an ebay coupon and ended up paying about $60 for a volo. I am considering it an umbrella-stroller-on-steroids. I have 2 umbrella strollers which I don't like and never use, but like I said, I like the Combi for Disney. It's so light and easy to fold. Anyways, DS has outgrown it and I needed a Disney stroller. I am going to gizmo-and-gadget this stroller up I hope to the point where I have cupholders at quick disposal, and I have pared down the diaper bag so I THINK it will fit underneath. This will help I think and I believe I will make my way through Disney and appreciate the ease of handling the Mac's offer. Other than that, I think I will go to our medium-sized evenflo for everyday use at home. I really sympathize with those wary of the Macs...I am one of you. I went ahead and did it. There is such a huge brigade of Mac lovers on these boards and it gives you a sense of confidence like they can do no wrong. I guess if you throw a little common sense in the mix, they are nice, but not the end-all of strollers. Just another opinion!

 

[kpm76]

Wow, this is a really emotional issue for some, huh?? Sure, I agree it's no fun to get wacked in the ankles with a stroller but I'm not going to tell people not to bring them. I'd argue that when used properly they are much safer for the child than an umbrella stroller. They are sturdy and offer more protection. If you're bringing a really young infant, there really is no other choice. We went to WDW in November with our then 5 month old and brought our large Chicco and it was wonderful. DD was super comfy, protected and was able to nap without a problem. I loved it and will bring it again in December. We do rent a car and don't use WDW transportation except the monorail so that does make a difference I think.....

 

[labdogs42]

Please, it is just as easy to bang into someone with a Mac as it is with a Graco. Some people don't know how to drive a stroller and nothing can make that better, not even an over-priced umbrella stroller. I have NEVER bumped into anyone with my Graco. Just like I haven't run into anyone in my minivan. Should I buy a Prius because it is more considerate to other drivers? And potentially easier to park than my van? Or should I drive what works FOR ME and not worry about what other people think of my choice in cars (or strollers)? Hmmmm....let me think about that...

 

[abcboys]

Did you just buy your stroller? If so give it a chance and you may start to like it more. I just got a new volo last month. Even though I only paid $70 it was still a huge splurge for what it is. I didn't really like it at first either. I thought it handles very strangely on rought terrain (we have lots of broken sidewalks, sticks, rocks to run over) But I've used it 4 or so times now and each time I get more used to it. I bought it mainly for disney for my 2 year old so I'm sure the pavement is smoother there. I think I'll like that it folds up so small and won't take up a lot of room (there will be 5 of us, 1 being a 2 year old, squeezed into pop century) I also thought it was kind of heavy pushing my 45 pound middle child in it but other people claimed "it pushed like no one was in it??" I also don't like it doesn't have a cup holder. I'm planning on buying a water bottle or something that has a strap and I can hook it to the handles. The buckles were also VERY HARD to do. I did the hairdryer trick and just kept working with them and they are MUCH better!!

Long story short if you are used to pushing around a bigger stroller like I was this little tiny mac just feels weird. Give it a chance, keep using it and you may start to like it a little better. I took mine to the mall the other day and it pushed wonderfully there.

 

[sara74]

Just bought a Mac (my first and last!) yesterday! It is my last as it will be the last stroller I ever purchase! I am very glad that I went to the store and tried them out as I couldn't appreciate all the differences online.

We last visited WDW when I was 6 mos PG with #3. I spent 3 days on the buses to DTD and the water parks with a 4 year old and a toddler and NO DH!! I was wrestling the double Graco duoglider on and off those buses and I managed ok with the help of many friendly people (thank you!!) but it was a pain.

Now the duoglider was the only stroller we had and here we are starting to pack for our May trip to WDW. I am thinking the younger kids in the double graco and the older (barely 6 years old) in the Mac. I bought the Quest as I liked the way the recline was controlled better than the others. I would not normally have a 6 year old in a stroller and she may not always use it, but since we are getting to the point at home where I only need a stroller for the youngest child anyway this seemed like a good time to purchase a single stroller. And besides, I can get a little nuts when I get going at WDW so I know that DD will have problems keeping up with me. Heck, DH has problems keeping up with me!!!

I will say that the area under the Mac is small and won't hold much but we do tend to travel light and we don't shop mch while at WDW so I don't think it will be a problem!

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

I think the key is- what kind of stroller meets your personal needs so that you feel comfortable.

On our most recent trip to WDW I went to Once Upon A Child- a second hand children's shop and picked up a lighter weight version of what I owned.
A Graco Passage, so this was Graco, with the same size basket underneath and canopy, but lighter. I bought it for about $25 I think.
It's true, it is a bit more difficult if you have to get on one of those trams in the parking lot, and not fun in rain to deal with, but all in all, it worked.
The canopy on mine jammed and it was difficult to close sometimes. So I just sold it back to them when I returned, I think I got $12 for it.

This time I'm debating if I want to bring the heavier Graco I already own, or try to find a light weight version again. Im still not ready for an umbrella stroller.
For me I like to have a tray for snack and juice, I carry a diaper bag with me in the parks- bib,diapers,sippy cup, clothes, camera, whatever- its how I function best on vacation, its not a bad habit- its being prepared. the basket underneath is a big help, purchases, left overs from our meals, I stash rain ponchos for everyone and to cover the stroller when we leave it. I like the big canopy- which worked great without any need for buying extras, just MO.

I think its valuable to get advice from others on what works best for them- but you then have to compare that to what your needs are. When you go to buy a stroller, bring your diaper bag in from the car- take the stroller for a test drive around the store to get the feel of it- because ultimately you are the owner, not your fellow DISers.
I have learned this lesson too- someone says "THIS IS THE BEST PLACE TO EAT!!!" but I went- and thought it was mediocre at best.

Happy Strollering to everyone!

 

[DVCJEN]

I have a Triumph that I really like, but I think the important thing to remember is that the Triumph is an umbrella stroller. Granted, it is an expensive umbrella stoller, but an umbrella stroller just the same. It is meant to be lightweight, so it will tip if unbalanced with a heavy bag. It wasn't designed to be heavy duty stroller.

.

Totally agree! WE love ours. Just put your bag in the seat when your child gets out. It stops the tipping.

 

[northriver]

I love my Volo, but I don't carry anything in the stroller other than my child. On park days they are definately expecting rain I do stick our real rain coats underneath and the rain cover for the stroller. But everything else I pack in my small sling style backpack - even when DD was still in diapers. I travel very light, so a lightweight stroller works for me.

As for the canopy being flimsy, we often use the canopy as a coat rack while we are shopping, ours has held up very well. And yes, when we are shopping we tip ours over all the time! But at Disney, I don't like to leave stuff in the stroller so it is usually empty.

The Volo does not handle on uneven ground, expecially not on grass or mud, but at Disney it handles like a dream!

 

[Tiger926]

Please, it is just as easy to bang into someone with a Mac as it is with a Graco. Some people don't know how to drive a stroller and nothing can make that better, not even an over-priced umbrella stroller. I have NEVER bumped into anyone with my Graco. Just like I haven't run into anyone in my minivan. Should I buy a Prius because it is more considerate to other drivers? And potentially easier to park than my van? Or should I drive what works FOR ME and not worry about what other people think of my choice in cars (or strollers)? Hmmmm....let me think about that...

You make a good point, but every time (and there's been many times as we've logged lots of Disney park days, as most people here have) we've been seriously banged into, it's been with a large stroller - Graco, doubles or Cabooses. Honestly, we've never been bumped into with any lightweight strollers as they are easier to manipulate and push. Big strollers always seem to be overloaded and they pose problems for many parents in our experience. It never fails, we always see parents trying to push these huge strollers which are loaded with kids and bags, and they look so uncomfortable and tired, and they almost always have trouble steering in certain areas of the park, not to mention that they struggle greatly with boarding/unboarding. It seems it's always the tiniest little moms who are pushing the largest strollers - LOL!

Granted, lightweight strollers, whether they are Macs or not, may not work well for some infants (it depends upon the model), but I still find that in most cases, lightweight strollers are best for theme park touring, IMHO.

Obviously, we are all free to love whatever strollers we wish (I'm a stroller junkie myself), but I seriously realized after bringing my deluxe Eddie Bauer to WDW for our 1st baby trip, that it was not only cumbersome for us, but we got in people's way and made them wait as we boarded/unboarded, and that was not fair to do. Although this was a seriously deluxe stroller and my daughter loved it, we sold it afterwards as it was just not a good park stroller as it caused inconvenience for us, and the people we were sharing the parks with. We do think of others when deciding what strollers to bring, and that is why we have lightweight strollers: 2 Macs and a Peg Pliko for our 2 kids!

Good luck to all who are contemplating stroller usage @ WDW, Tiger