Maclaren Strollers

[lissawynn]

I'm looking for a lighter stroller for our summer vacations. The Graco travel system we currently use is great, but the stroller will be way too heavy and bulky for our WDW trip.
I looked at several unbrella strollers at BRU and was considering the Chico. It's nice for $50, but I'm afraid my DS will outgrow it too soon. I also looked at the Maclaren. The cost is more, about $90 more, but DS can use it until he's 55lbs.
I want a good quality umbrella stroller, so I don't mind spending a little more $$$.
If you have a Maclaren stroller, what do you like/dislike about it?

 

[Big Kahuna]

Don't think about it, just buy it... We bought one for our first trip with our daughter to DW, and it was priceless. Fold up is a snap, and the extended handles, puts you in a far better position for your back.
My wife wasn't sure, but it was the one thing I am enternally grateful for. It will pay for itself just in the pleasure of handling with it.

 

[alloyd1170]

I had the Chicco Caddy and gave it away to a friend. Im 5'10", husband is taller and for us to push it we had to hunch over (not fun after awhile). I did like it for the fact that I could hang stuff from the handles and it did not tip over easily.

I ended up buying the Mac Quest and love it! Ive only used it a few times (WDW was why I got it for our 3 yr old). It can be tricky to fold if you dont use it often, but it folds just like an umbrella stroller. The handles are longer and taller so no hunching over. The basket underneath is small and can be hard to constantly access, so I bought their mesh bag that hangs from the handles. You cant hang much from the handles as it tips much easier than the Caddy. The fact that its good to 55lbs was a huge selling factor. I went with the Quest since we were planning on having another baby (due in 7 weeks now). It reclines in 4 positions, has an extendable foot rest, and the sunshade can be positioned several ways (my son kept pulling it down over his head to nap at WDW so he was in his own little world). It has a handle to carry it (a strap wouldve been nicer but you can probably rig something up) and comes with a rain cover. It pushes so so easily (one handed, as do all Macs I looked at). I wish I had bought this the first time! The Graco Metro Lite and travel system will not be getting used much from now on (only for the first few weeks since the Quest isnt really meant for newborns since it doesnt recline flat).

alison

 

[blessedby3]

I love my Maclaren. I bought it recently (the Volo) and it is great for my DD who is 43 pounds now. We bought it specifically for WDW (we are using it this fall) instead of renting one, and I am glad I did. I just wish I had found out about this line of strollers years ago. I could have gotten a lot more use out of a GREAT stroller. Oh well, I think we can use this one for the next 2 years of trips to WDW since it holds up to 55 pounds. Spend the extra money, you will be happier in the long run. Good Luck!!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

I have an older (2002) MacLaren Daytripper which I bought for my then 3 year old. I like the stroller BUT...if this is for your 3 1/2 month old baby I wouldn't suggest the Volo. My youngest HATES umbrella strollers. I purchased a Peg Perego Pliko which she loves-very comfy, folds like an umbrella, has a snack tray, she can sit straight up in it, it has a great 5 point harness that releases from the seat back giving freedom of movement for the baby, and it stands when folded. However this isn't a cheap stroller (I got a great deal on an older model) and it a lot heaver than the Volo (17 pounds)but it is perfect for us since I have 3 small children and one of the older kids can ride on the running board on the back of the Pliko. If you are going to have any more children you want to consider this stroller. AND I know some kids are very happy with the Volo. My DD let us know right away that she hated the umbrella stroller so maybe if you test drive one at BRU you'll know which one your DS finds comfy.

I found it much cheaper to order on line. Lots of places have free shipping and you pay no sales tax.

 

[Minnie824]

I just wanted to point out there is the Peg Perego Aria..we have both the single and the twin. They're more expensive but the single weighs maybe 12-14 lbs and folds up so easily. Just something to consider.

 

[lissawynn]

I have an older (2002) MacLaren Daytripper which I bought for my then 3 year old. I like the stroller BUT...if this is for your 3 1/2 month old baby I wouldn't suggest the Volo. My youngest HATES umbrella strollers. I purchased a Peg Perego Pliko which she loves-very comfy, folds like an umbrella, has a snack tray, she can sit straight up in it, it has a great 5 point harness that releases from the seat back giving freedom of movement for the baby, and it stands when folded. However this isn't a cheap stroller (I got a great deal on an older model) and it a lot heaver than the Volo (17 pounds)but it is perfect for us since I have 3 small children and one of the older kids can ride on the running board on the back of the Pliko. If you are going to have any more children you want to consider this stroller. AND I know some kids are very happy with the Volo. My DD let us know right away that she hated the umbrella stroller so maybe if you test drive one at BRU you'll know which one your DS finds comfy.

I found it much cheaper to order on line. Lots of places have free shipping and you pay no sales tax.

DS will be 6 mo. by the time we get to WDW. He is not a small baby. I call him ChubbaBubba, btw. I have heard such great things about this line of strollers, so I'm going to buy one in the next few weeks.
Thanks for your info.

 

[DW2006]

for our trip in January. I originally was going to get the triumph but upon hearing that the seat can be narrow I'm going with the quest. That way my then 3 yr old can use it with ease and the baby can use it (we'll have the baby bjorn too) and grow into it also. I know you can find a great deal on some of the new 2004 model quest over at ebay.

 

[momsully]

We have a Volo that has made several trips to WDW. I love how easy it folds, how lite it is, and how easy it is to carry. The built in shoulder strap makes it great for the buses. I put it on my shoulder and my hands are free to hold onto kids are stuff. The basket is a little small but works for us.

 

[LibertyLover]

My DD is almost 3. When we adopted her 18 months ago in China, we bought an umbrella stroller in one of the department stores there. It has served us well, but was starting to die, so about 4 weeks ago, knowing I was going to WDW solo with her, we bought a MacLaren Techno XT. It is very well made, rolls easily and will be useful for several more years of my daughter's life. Once you get the hang of it, it collapses reasonably easily. I do find that it tips a bit easily, but they all do. I like it and would buy it again.

 

[utahkennedys]

We LOVE our Volo! It has been on one WDW trip this April, to Tucson, and some other short trips and is going in Sept. to WDW again. It is PERFECT for buses and so light and easy. I chose it for my 3 year old DD because she can still get a few years use out of it. I love that it is mesh also because I think it keeps her cooler. I debated between the Triumph and the Volo but went with the Volo because it is lighter and also the reviews I read said the Triumph's sun shade was useless. DD wears a hat and is fine. You won't regret the Volo -- truly if anything happened to it I would run out and buy another! Plus, this year's model comes with a sun shade! I got mine on eBay for $70 including shipping!

 

[muldey]

We have a Mac Triumph.We bought it a few months ago for my ds who will be 4 in July.He LOVES it.It's so easy to push,fold,and it has a handy strap to carry it.The sun shade is ok,but he will still wear a hat.Well worth the money.Ds is high functioning autistic as well as has heart defects,so he gets tired easily.I like that he still has a few more years in it,as he's 37 lbs.His very soon to be 7 year old sister still fits in it.I've seriously considered buying a double Mac for the trip.HTH!

 

[cinjam]

We have a Maclaren Quest and love it. I bought the Quest over the Volo because I wanted the recline feature. I got a leftover 2004 for about $110.00. Check ebay!

 

[janets]

for my almost 3 yo for our trip next month (as well as in November). I have a Graco Quattro and it's just too big and heavy. I need the recline feature so that means the Triumph or the Quest I think. DS is only 30 lbs so I can get quite a bit of use out of it.

I checked the Mac website and the specs seem to be the same for the seat on both. Yet some feel that one has more width than the other. Can anyone give me some advice on this? I'm swapping some gift cards from a store where I never shop out for cash to a friend who can use them, so I'll only have to put in the difference between the price of the stroller and my $100 in gift cards.

I'm hoping to start looking this weekend (if I find one I like I might see if I can get it on Ebay cheaper) so any advice would be helpful.

Thanks everyone.

 

[left210]

We bought the Mac Triumph in March for our trip. My son is 4 and it worked out wonderfully. For those who say to rent I am so glad that we didnt. Our son was approx 50 lbs and it was a long walk back to the room from the bus stop or even to the bus pick up. I went back and forth on the Triumph vs. Quest and ended up with the Triumph which was great. The only difference I found was that the Quest had a little more padding, the seat wasnt wider but had a leg extension which is more for babies. Also, I think the Quest reclined a little more than the Triump but the recline on the Triumph was enough for my 4 yr old. Our son is not really in a stroller anymore but for Disney it was great and we have taken it to the zoo a couple times since then. Good luck.

 

[janets]

We bought the Mac Triumph in March for our trip. My son is 4 and it worked out wonderfully. For those who say to rent I am so glad that we didnt. Our son was approx 50 lbs and it was a long walk back to the room from the bus stop or even to the bus pick up. I went back and forth on the Triumph vs. Quest and ended up with the Triumph which was great. The only difference I found was that the Quest had a little more padding, the seat wasnt wider but had a leg extension which is more for babies. Also, I think the Quest reclined a little more than the Triump but the recline on the Triumph was enough for my 4 yr old. Our son is not really in a stroller anymore but for Disney it was great and we have taken it to the zoo a couple times since then. Good luck.

Thanks for this info...it's exactly what I was looking for. Considering the price difference can be $50, if there isn't anything on the Quest that would make it that much better for an older child, I'd just as soon save the money for other things.

Of course, now I just have to get DS to agree to sit in another stroller. He just loves his Graco and might balk at something else. I'll have to take him with me and push him around the store in it.

 

[skiwee1]

I have a Maclaren Daytripper, which I'm going to sell, and loved it! Unfortunately my DD is now 6 and can't use it. It was the best stroller I've ever owned.

 

[Laura66]

Just love, LOVE my MacTechno XT for all the reasons listed above.
Yes it will tip if you pile a lot of stuff - but all umbrella strollers do. You buy a Mac because of the durability, the ease of folding and how light it is. I use my Mac for trips and my Peg for the mall. It has a big basket for packages.

laura

 

[SpoonfulofSugar]

We just returned from a trip with our New Maclaren Quest and our old Combi Savy. DH was thanking me the whole trip because of how wonderful the Mac was to navigate. It is truely a wonderful stroller!!! Buy the Mac you won't regret it!

My only advice between the Triumph and Quest besides the baby footrest is the way they recline, the triumph have a strap that is either let looser to recline or pulled tight to sit up, but the Quest has a actual lock-in lever and reclines alittle bit more which both my 3 year old and 11 month old liked better for napping.

 

[sarsah]

We bought a Mac Volo for our WDW trip last fall. It was intended for my 18 month old to ride in it, but often he preferred to walk and my 4 1/2 year old wanted to ride. My 4 1/2 year old was 45lbs. and I had no problem pushing or steering the Volo with him in it. The cheapo umbrella strollers are pretty much worthless once your child is over 25 lbs.

It was an awesome stroller for our trip and beyond. It's the only stroller I use now (also have a Graco MetroLite, which I like, but it just doesn't get used since I keep the Volo in my van).

The one thing I don't like about it, and it's this way with all Mac strollers, is that they tend to be tippy. You can't hang anything off the back handles when there is not a child sitting in the seat. I've learned now to bring a backpack.

Sarah

Check on-line -- you can probably find a better price than at a store.