Is our stroller too big for DisneyWorld?

[javaj]

We use our Jeep stroller most of the time, I was wondering if it was too big to bring to DisneyWorld. We like it, and DS is used to it. It folds up flat pretty easily, but it is sort of bulky. Here's a link to a stroller that's almost identical to ours:

http://www.jeepworld.com/merchandise/cstroller.htm

We also have some cheapy umbrella strollers (used our Cosco umbrella stroller last year at DW and the handles were just too short) but we don't really like any of them. I'm wondering if our stroller is too big and we should buy another one. DS is already 30 pounds (27 months) so if we get a new one, I'd rather get one that has a weight limit greather than 35 pounds.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[castlegazer]

No - I don't think its too big, and especially since your son is about to outgrow stroller altogether, don't invest in a new one. Its nice ot have the one that they are familiar with along. I bring a smaller Combi stroller, but we went last year with a family that brought a stroller larger than yours and they didn't have any problems - but they had the husband carry it onto busses and the like as it was a little heavy and bulky to hold.

I say go with what you're comfortable with.

Have fun in Cocoa Beach - that's where I vacation at. we have a condo out there at the pier. Eat Crab at Crab Heaven once while you are down there - its now over on Merritt Island as their Cocoa Beach location burnt down, but its still great crab. I also highly recommend having dinner out on the pier one night sans kids. It was wonderful and romantic for us - we just returned three weeks ago.

 

[KerriL]

I've got one similar to yours(Evenflo). It will be cumbersome on the buses, but every where else it should'nt be a problem.
If you are flying, you can gate check it. And then have it waiting for you when you land. My stroller has a huge basket under it that my umbrella does not. Which makes it very convenient for the diaper bag. I think the full size stroller would be more comfortable too.
Kerri

 

[pyrxtc]

I have the same stroller as plus I have this one and the handles are much higher than a normal one and spread further apart so it's more comfortable to push. Babies R Us carries them so you test one out. TRU might have them too? I love ours..........


http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000071OWB/qid=1082663483/sr=1-2/ref=sr_1_2/002-6433122-5113641?v=glance&s=baby

Same thing but with a bag underneath



http://www.babyage.com/product_details.asp?productId=4010

 

[TJA]

No, it's not too large for WDW. We brought a Graco duo glider (double stroller) a few months ago. It was a little tiresome to fold it up and carry it on the buses, but I see you're staying at the CR, so you'll have the monorail. Incidentally, we're staying at the CR next month for exactly that reason!

 

[javaj]

Thanks for the replies! I think we'll bring our stroller then. I was just a little worried about maneuvering through the crowded parks and the buses to AK and MGM.

 

[summerrluvv]

I brought that exact stroller to WDW a couple of years ago and it was a nightmare. The thing does not fold up compact AT ALL so it was a HUGE pain in the butt on the busses. It weighs a ton and It was also very hard to push when my son was 30lbs. I would just go with a smaller light weight one if I were you. You won't find too many strollers for a 35lb child that are actually any good unless you want to pay big bucks. I found that the umbrella stroller for 19.99 actually turns and manuevers better than that huge jeep one.

 

[C.Ann]

We used one very similar to that for DGD just before she turned three.. Actually it was larger because it was a double - one seat in front of the other - and it was AWESOME!! No problems manuvering, folded up in no time flat, and provided lots of extra room for items we didn't want to lug around..

We gate checked it at the airport and when we got off in Orlando it was sitting right there waiting for us..

 

[Tigge50447]

What is Gate check in? We've only flown once before with my son but my aunt in Texas had borrowed a car seat and all the baby stuff. I was wondering if I should just check in the stroller as regular baggage since we have 1 layover each way. My son will be 4 by then so I don't think it will be a big deal for him to get on and off the plane. I am worried about have to carry his car seat on and off the plane. I know they normally let people with kids on 1st but getting off the plane while carrying the car seat, I'm a little worried about, good thing 4 adults are going.

Oh and how do you make it easier to carry those stollers that fold down. I have one that you press 2 buttons near the tray and it folds down towards the wheels. I was thinking of putting a bungy strap on it to make sure it stays closed while traveling.

 

[all4fun]

Hi Tigge50447
Gate Check is when you check your stroller at the gate, right before you board the plane. It doesn’t count against your baggage count. If you don’t think you will need the stroller to get your son down the terminal to the gate, then you can check it with your baggage. A bungee cord around it is a good idea.

Also, since your son is four, you probably won’t need to put him in his car seat, so you can check that as well. The only car seats allowed on the airplane are the kind that still have the internal belt system. If you’re using the seat as a booster, you won’t be allowed to use it on the plane.

According to the FAA site , a child weighing over 40lbs can safely use the aircraft seat belt.

HTH!
Cheryl

Have a magical trip!

 

[abeyst]

When you arrive at your gate (after you go through security) and are waiting to board the plane, you can go up to the counter and ask the worker for a gate tag for your stroller (and/or car seat). They will ask to see your ticket/boarding pass, so make sure to take it to the counter with you. They'll write out a tag that has an elastic band on it, and it will have your flight number and destination airport written on it. Attach that to your stroller. As you're called to board the plane and you walk down the ramp to get on the plane you'll stop right before you walk on the plane and remove your child from the stroller. (You may notice a door off to once side or other strollers/car seats sitting off to the side by the door. After you remove your child, fold up your stroller and leave it by the door or by the other strollers if there are some already there. Then walk on the plane. The luggage handlers on the ground open the door and take all the strollers and car seats and load them under the plane.

When you arrive at Orlando airport you'll go to the same spot just outside the plane where you left your stroller. Again, you'll see a door there. If the strollers are not already there (which sometimes happens if you deboard quickly), just wait a few minutes and they'll bring back all the strollers/car seats that were gate checked. Unfold it if they haven't done it for you and load you child and go!

I've checked a stroller both ways - as checked luggage at the airline counter and gate checked as we boarded the plane. And gate checking is MUCH easier! You'll get to use the stroller both ways (to the gate and from the gate to luggag claim) and it won't count toward your checked luggage.

Good points were made about the booster seat-you probably won't be able to use it on the plane. How are you getting to the hotel-renting a car or taking a town car? If using a town car service, all have them for use-although a few do charge for them.