Is there a stroller parking area for when you go on rides?

[Treysar]

I'm trying to picture navigating Disney as a family of 5 while pushing a double stroller. Where do I put it when we go on rides? If I bring a cooler, do you think it's safe to leave it on the stroller as we ride? Is the stroller itself safe if we leave it?

Thanks!

 

[Disneylover42]

Yes, there is stroller parking and imo your cooler will be fine. We dont leave valuables, but never had anything stolen.

 

[TravelingTotMom]

There are stroller parking places all over the place (as you can't take your stroller into lines). You will have no problem b/c they really are hard to miss - just look for the sea of strollers. There are also "stroller parking" signs in a lot of the spots, and the cast members are more than happy to point you to the closest one.

Your stroller and cooler will be fine. As pp said, just don't leave any valuables.

 

[Treysar]

Thank you! Is it at the beginning of the ride line or right when you get the ride itself?

 

[maxiesmom]

Most of the time you leave your stroller outside of the ride line. The Safari in the Animal Kingdom is an exception.

As far as leaving stuff on your stroller, you *should* be fine. However, keep in mind that Disney has no one watching your stroller, and you are hoping that no one wants to take what you have left behind. If something is valuable to you, don't leave it on the stroller. Only leave stuff that you won't be too upset by it being gone. Heck, if you value your stroller take a wheel off or lock the back wheels together. People do steal at WDW, as much as we all wish that wasn't true.

 

[scrapquitler]

I'm trying to picture navigating Disney as a family of 5 while pushing a double stroller. Where do I put it when we go on rides? If I bring a cooler, do you think it's safe to leave it on the stroller as we ride? Is the stroller itself safe if we leave it?

Thanks!

Also know that you should NOT panic if you get off a ride and your stroller is not right where you left it. There are Cast Members whose sole job is to move and rearrange the stroller parking to keep it under control. As a result, your stroller may be moved within the general area. It's a good idea to somehow mark your stroller with something that will help you identify it among a sea of similar looking strollers (a brightly colored bandana or ribbon tied around the handle, for example). Also know that you can use a wheel lock on the wheels of your stroller, but you are NOT allowed to lock your stroller to an object like a fence, railing, post or bench.

 

[Jen4400]

Also know that you should NOT panic if you get off a ride and your stroller is not right where you left it. There are Cast Members whose sole job is to move and rearrange the stroller parking to keep it under control. As a result, your stroller may be moved within the general area. It's a good idea to somehow mark your stroller with something that will help you identify it among a sea of similar looking strollers (a brightly colored bandana or ribbon tied around the handle, for example). Also know that you can use a wheel lock on the wheels of your stroller, but you are NOT allowed to lock your stroller to an object like a fence, railing, post or bench.

Great advice! Our stroller was moved a few times and I thought I was going crazy until I realized they were moving them as a control measure. One of the biggest lessons learned on our first trip was marking the stroller. I will definitely be placing a name card or ribbon on the handle next year.

 

[TravelingTotMom]

As previously mentioned, the Safari at AK is an exception. You CAN take your stroller in line, and then there is a stroller drop off point before you board the safari trucks (wish I knew that the first trip with a stroller).

Also, at Epcot, you cannot take your stroller into the Land pavilion (where Soarin' and Living with the Land are located), so plan accordingly.

 

[cnunley424]

We tie a balloon to our stroller during the day and light up glowsticks on it at night so it's super easy to spot. It can be comical how many strollers there are in one area! But frustrating if you're in a hurry and can't find it. I've seen cast members walking around whose only job is to keep the strollers lined up and looking nice

 

[khertz]

Thank you! Is it at the beginning of the ride line or right when you get the ride itself?

Don't stress about this. The stroller parking areas are very easy to spot! Some attractions have one right outside of them and some have larger parking areas nearby that serve a larger general area. You will be able to find them easily!

 

[scrapquitler]

Don't stress about this. The stroller parking areas are very easy to spot! Some attractions have one right outside of them and some have larger parking areas nearby that serve a larger general area. You will be able to find them easily!

And if you aren't sure, just ask the CM (and they might even direct you before you get a chance to ask)

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just don't leave anything in the stroller that you would miss if it was taken. Disney Castmembers do not watch your strollers and some are stolen or stuff can be taken from them.

Plus birds have been known to steal food off the strollers if they can get to it.

 

[Treysar]

Don't stress about this. The stroller parking areas are very easy to spot! Some attractions have one right outside of them and some have larger parking areas nearby that serve a larger general area. You will be able to find them easily!

Thank you

I'm more worried about my kids getting to and from the rides and how they will handle the crowds. They have autism and I keep picturing them darting away. They will probably be too tired to dart, lol.

 

[khertz]

Thank you

I'm more worried about my kids getting to and from the rides and how they will handle the crowds. They have autism and I keep picturing them darting away. They will probably be too tired to dart, lol.

Ooh I understand. That can definitely be stressful to worry about!!

 

[tzolkin]

Thank you

I'm more worried about my kids getting to and from the rides and how they will handle the crowds. They have autism and I keep picturing them darting away. They will probably be too tired to dart, lol.

I was going to make a suggestion about parking your stroller, but then saw this comment. Not sure if this would be best for your situation or not.

In some places, we would park the stroller and then walk around that area and do several rides. For example, in Fantasyland we would park the strollers by the carousel and then walk to do the surrounding attractions before going back to pick them up. We found this easier than having to look for the strollers (we used two singles) in between each attraction since the CMs always moved them.

We did like having the strollers during crowded times because it was less stressful to be able to walk at an adult pace and not have to worry about the kids getting separated from us or stepped on, so I can definitely see what you're thinking. Last trip my oldest was 16 and she would still instinctively grab one of our hands if it was super crowded.

It looks like you are going in October, so it shouldn't be an issue with crowds except a few times like rope drop, park closing, parades, etc.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thank you

I'm more worried about my kids getting to and from the rides and how they will handle the crowds. They have autism and I keep picturing them darting away. They will probably be too tired to dart, lol.

It sounds like it would be helpful for you to be able to keep the stroller in line. Many kids with autism like to have a 'safe haven' like a stroller to help them cope with the crowds and stimulation. It can also help to keep them with you so they don't dart.

Guests with disabilities can go to Guest Relations and request a 'stroller as wheelchair' tag. That allows them to have a stroller in lines/attractions with them and have it handled as a wheelchair. That means it could be used all the way to the boarding area and will be waiting for you when you get off.

Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread. Post 6 will have helpful information.