Is stroller theft really an issue?

[Tink561]

I'm just curious...is stroller theft that big of an issue at Disney? It's been so long since our boys were little and we're planning to take dd in the fall. I don't want to rent a stroller. I'd rather take my own but should I worry about someone taking it?

 

[glass slipper girl]

IT happens, but not often. Most of the time it's more an issue of "mistaken stroller identity" rather than someone just stealing the stroller. I can tell you the stroller I brought with us was one that was $500 new. I saw at least 5 Bugaboo Chamelons that retail for at least $900, a Stoke Explory stroller that is around that same price, several E3 strollers with toddler seats that bring that to about $500, several MBUD stroller that are around $700...none of them were locked up in any way. Not to mention countless Maclarens from about $150-$250 and countless Peg Perego P3s for about $300.

Stroller theft is more likely to happen with a rental stroller than your personal stroller. If it happens with a rental, you just have to show your receipt and you are given another one. With the rentals it is probably mistaken identity too but I also think people view that more as "borrowing" than "stealing" so they are more likely to snag one of those (not that I agree...taking something that doesn't belong to you is wrong no matter how you cut it but I think there are a lot of people who rationalize taking a rental that way.)

 

[Tink561]

That's good to know! I didn't want to take a really nice stroller if I was going to have to worry about it the whole time.

It seems like the Bugaboo strollers would be a pain for riding the monorail or tram. I have a Rock Star Baby and they're very similar. Mine is a pain to fold up, etc. They're so big and bulky.

 

[Tink561]

IT happens, but not often. Most of the time it's more an issue of "mistaken stroller identity" rather than someone just stealing the stroller. I can tell you the stroller I brought with us was one that was $500 new. I saw at least 5 Bugaboo Chamelons that retail for at least $900, a Stoke Explory stroller that is around that same price, several E3 strollers with toddler seats that bring that to about $500, several MBUD stroller that are around $700...none of them were locked up in any way. Not to mention countless Maclarens from about $150-$250 and countless Peg Perego P3s for about $300.

What kind do you have? I'm obsessed with finding the perfect stroller. So far I have three and though I like each of them, none are wonderful!

 

[glass slipper girl]

I have a Rock Star Baby. Yeah, it was a bit of a PITA to do on busses because we used it rear facing so we had to flip the seat around to fold it or just bring it seat and frame seperate. We only had to do the bus twice though so I figured it was worth it to have something with great steering, tall handle, one DH and I don't kick when we push and where baby is comfy and happy since he could face us. Our Babies R Us had a green infinity that broke so I got that really cheap and used the green seat fabric and canopy so it would be easy to spot and I didn't have to worry about stains on the tan fabric when I gate checked it. I had planned on using the pram but DS decided he wanted to sit up more so we are done with that. Having that rain cover was a Godsend though! I love how it unzips in the middle so we could get him in and out and leave it unzipped between showers.

LOVE that stroller and it worked great for us but I wouldn't have brought it if we weren't staying at the Contemporary for the first half of our trip then the Beach Club for the 2nd half...I picked the resorts to minimize bus time with the stroller.

 

[codimouse]

We have never had a problem. Took our expensive stroller last 2 years and even left some bags (diaper bags, cooler) in it and all were still there each time. I even forgot about it once and realized it after an hour and it was still there waiting!!

For this next trip however I am taking a smaller lightweight inexpensive one. Not because of fear of someone taking it, but it want something easy to carry and lug around for DD who is autistic and still needs a ride.
I just bought the ice pink Jeep reclining umbrella stroller for $35 via walmart.com

 

[dsneygirl]

I don't think it is an issue at all. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of strollers at WDW on any given day. I agree it's more likely to be mistaken identity.

We took our Mac and didn't waste a second thinking about it. Like the other poster I saw lots of more expensive strollers around (Bugaboo, Stokke)

 

[TheDizMom]

I wouldn't worry, however don't leave anything of value in your stroller when you park it. Take anything you care about with you, which is why I always pack light when I head into the parks.

 

[Tink561]

I have a Rock Star Baby. Yeah, it was a bit of a PITA to do on busses because we used it rear facing so we had to flip the seat around to fold it or just bring it seat and frame seperate. We only had to do the bus twice though so I figured it was worth it to have something with great steering, tall handle, one DH and I don't kick when we push and where baby is comfy and happy since he could face us. Our Babies R Us had a green infinity that broke so I got that really cheap and used the green seat fabric and canopy so it would be easy to spot and I didn't have to worry about stains on the tan fabric when I gate checked it. I had planned on using the pram but DS decided he wanted to sit up more so we are done with that. Having that rain cover was a Godsend though! I love how it unzips in the middle so we could get him in and out and leave it unzipped between showers.

LOVE that stroller and it worked great for us but I wouldn't have brought it if we weren't staying at the Contemporary for the first half of our trip then the Beach Club for the 2nd half...I picked the resorts to minimize bus time with the stroller.

It's nice to hear that RSB is doable. It seems like that is the one that will be most comfortable to use while we're there. You're right about kicking the wheels. I have a Combi Dash that I bought while I was in China adopting my dd and I use it but for long periods it wouldn't be good because I kick the wheels.

 

[camdensmom]

We have the Maclaren an LOVE it. We bought it for our trip last year after polling people on these boards. It is so lightweight and easy to open and close. Best of all it is perfect for taller people. We don't have to hunch to push it and our longer strides don't kick it when we walk.

I agree that it is a matter of mistake ID. Also, if you don't leave it in a designated spot CMs move them.

We bought a colorful piece of fabric at Walmart and tied it around the handles. When DH was sleeping we were able to toss it over the awning and it went down below his knees making a little cabana (blocking out sun and distraction when we wanted him to sleep). When we left the stroller to go on rides we flipped the fabric over it and pretty much insured that nobody would accidentally think it was there stroller.