??? More Stroller Questions ???

[Bethany]

Ok, I know there have been a few threads on strollers lately, but I still have some questions to add. Dh and I are taking ds (will be 2.5) and dd (will be 4.5) in Sept. for their first Disney trip. Based on these threads I am leaning towards purchasing a Macleran...don't know which model yet. Can't decide...single or double? Dd normally walks at mall, ds rides in full size stroller. But at Disney I'd prefer dd have the option to ride, without ds having to give up his seat in his stroller.Oh, and Dh is 6'7" and I am 5'1". At the mall I am always the one pushing the stroller we have because his back hurts bending over and his feet kick the bottom of the stroller. So here are my ?'s

Is a Macleran double stroller really worth the money? Can we get a way with getting a cheaper version? I can't see myself pushing a dbl stroller around the mall....so this would most likely become a vacation only stroller.

If we only get a single stroller, what are some options for older child when she gets tired of walking? (We do have a "buggy board" that attatches to back of stroller, but kind of bulky and a pain in the butt to attatch and detach). Can you rent a stroller mid day? Can you ONLY rent from the park entrance or are there other places to rent?

What about strollers getting stollen? I'd be nervous about leaving a Macleran stroller while we rode the rides, much more so than a cheapy stroller. Has anyone ever heard of people stealing strollers?

That's it for now, I'm sure I'll think of more.

Thanks in advance!!!!!

 

[JennsBabySky]

You might also consider the Phil and Ted's E3 with double seat. It looks weird online, but it is really my favorite stroller. It is a regular jogging (walking actually) stroller. It has 3 wheels, but the front wheel swivels so it has excellent steering. A second seat can be popped onto the back near the basket, transforming it from a single to a double. My dd is almost 5 and my son is 1. I pretty much only use this, so that I have a single when I need it and a double when I need it. My best friend is pg with #1 and is thinking of buying one for her outdoor stroller, but will be using it in the mall and such when she has her niece with her.

Here is a link:

http://www.philandteds.com/

I use it at the mall all the time, since it is so much narrower than a traditional double. When I get too many packages out, then I make dd walk. I love it! I believe the handlebar flips so that it can be higher for a taller person. I'm 5'6" and my DH is 6'0" and we don't have any problems with kicking the stroller, but at 6'7" -- wow that might be more of a problem!

Good luck!

I had a Maclaren double and loved it, but I don't think I would invest the money for a disney trip. You could also try not using a stroller on the first day, then renting one on subsequent days if this proves too difficult.

 

[mjmcca]

My kids are much closer in age only 17 months apart. I have gone through 2 double strollers. I got a Maclaren double this fall before I went to WDW. I love it.MY DS is 4 and DD will be 3 in March.No problems with losing it in WDW and it was left outside at all of the attractions.

 

[Bethany]

Thanks Jenns, for the link to Phil and Teds. That stroller does look nice, but I have a couple ?s about it. First of all, how small does it get when it's folded up? We are looking for something lightweight and compact but with tall enough handles for 6'7" dh. The e3 looks kind of bulky. Also, doesn't the child riding in the rear seat have a limited view? It looks in the pictures like all they could see is the back of the front seat.

Here's another ? for any and all stroller users. This will be our first time at WDW with kids and a stroller.....realistically how many times will we have to fold it up and carry it? We plan on driving our own vehicle, so no buses....but we'll still have to fold it up on the monorail, right? And if we want to go on the train inside the MK.....are these the only times we'll need to fold it up and lug it with us?

For Macleran double users... How comfortable is it to push a side by side dbl? I owned a front a back dbl for a short time and I hated it! It was so heavy and hard to maneuver. Also, how small does it get when folded down?

Thanks again!!! If it weren't for this board we'd have brought our own "regular" Graco stroller and regretted every minute of it I'm sure.

 

[lovesdumbo]

On my first trip to Disney with my 3 kids they were 4 1/2, turned 3 on the trip and weeks shy of 1. I took my MacLaren double on that trip that I used for the older two and rented a single stroller from A Baby's Best Friend (www.abbf.com) for the younger one. We couldn't deal with three car seats, 3 kids, luggage and TWO strollers at the airport.

On the next trip my kids were 5 1/2, nearly 4 and 21 months. The baby HATES that double umbrella. She's the most independent of my 3 and just doesn't want to share her space with anyone. So for that trip I purchased a Peg Perego Pliko P3. It was my 5th stroller and I really wish it had been my first. We LOVE it and the baby LOVES it! She likes to sit straight up and she likes having the snack tray. We like that it folds umbrella style, has a large sun canopy, stands when folded, has a built in running board. We took that stroller and rented doubles in the park. The baby would ride in the Pliko if she was tired and would nap there but wanted to ride in the park stroller when she was wide awake and one of her siblings would ride in the Pliko then.

We found it very difficult to fit the double umbrella stroller on the tram you take from parking lot to park entrance-while you've got a hand on a child assisting them into to the tram and you're also carrying any bag you may want to take to the park. The double umbrella will fit in the handicap cars on the monorail but you will need to fold the stroller up if those cars are occupied.

I don't know the Pliko would be enough for your DD as she'd have to stand not sit. You may consider it and rent in the park for longer days as needed.

 

[xCourxCorex]

Sorry...wrong post

 

[JennsBabySky]

It folds fairly flat, but not particularly narrow. The E3 with doubles leaves me with more usable trunk space, but it is more to juggle when folded. When I first heard about this stroller and saw the picture, I had no intention on ever trying it. It looked just plain mean for the child in the back seat. Then a few months later I finally got a chance to see one in person. I loved it! My DD actually prefers the rear seat! You actually get a fairly good view from back here, plus it gives her a little hideaway when she wants it. This is my DD's favorite stroller. I love strollers, and I usually have 4 at any given time. Since this is so versatile, I'm actually thinking of downsizing to only two!

About the Mac double. It steers like a dream (and so does the E3). It folds umbrella like and has a carry handle to carry when folded. I did a quick internet search and it looks like the folded dimensions on the Twin Traveler 2004, I think) are as follows:
42.5"x 15.75"x 9.75" and it weighs about 23#s, unfolded it is 29" wide

For comparison, according to Phil and Teds folded the E3 is:
36"x23"x11" and weighs about 21#s with the wheels, unfolded the E3 is 23" wide

If you are interested in a used stroller, I belong to a strollerswap board on yahoo. There are often well maintained strollers for sale and it is a great place to get advice. Just let me know and I'll post a link.

Jennifer

 

[robinb]

I think you will probably need a stroller for your two children at WDW. I love my single Maclaren Techno. But ... I don't think I would recommend buying a Maclaren double unless you are planning on having more kids. You just won't get the value out of the stroller for your current two. My 5 year old DD stopped using a stroller everywhere except WDW and then only at night. In fact, we didn't use her stroller at all on her 5 year old birthday trip since we were not out late. On the NYE Commando trip 4 months later she fell asleep in the stroller more times than I want to mention. We were out late a lot.

Another option might be a ride-along platform for the older child. The other parents can help me out with the name ... I don't remember it and since I only have one child, so it wasn't important to me . Your older child wouldn't be able to sleep in the stroller, but s/he also wouldn't have to walk everywhere.

Your last option is to rent a double stroller at the parks. This is probably a good option price-wise. Renting a stroller for a week is a lot cheaper than buying a double Maclaren!

But ... if you're planning at least one more brother or sister then you might as well buy the double stroller now. I have had no problems with theft of my stroller, but I have heard that you should watch out at Downtown Disney since people can just "walk in" to the area and help themselves to your stroller. You will also only fold/unfold when you enter/edit a bus or tram. It's really not a big deal.

Good luck!

 

[JennsBabySky]

About theft, I haven't locked mine at Disneyland yet. But I did buy a ski lock with retractable cord (really small) that I am planning on using. It can happen, but so far it hasn't been a huge problem. More often, strollers have gotten moved and so they can be hard to find or similiar strollers are mistaken for each other (especially the disney rentals).

 

[all4fun]

.....realistically how many times will we have to fold it up and carry it? We plan on driving our own vehicle, so no buses....but we'll still have to fold it up on the monorail, right? And if we want to go on the train inside the MK.....are these the only times we'll need to fold it up and lug it with us?

Hi, Even though we typically stay on site, we usually rent a car. You will have to fold the stroller up to get on the Tram in the parking lots but not on the monorail, where you can just roll your stroller right on. You're right about the train inside MK - if you have your own, you can fold it and take it along. We have had our bulky Jeep Liberty 3-wheeler along and our more compact Kidco LS2000 stroller (similar to the Macs) and the Jeep was doable but the Kidco was definitely easier to deal with, especially on the Trams.

hth,
Cheryl

 

[Disneyonmymind]

Hi Bethany,
I have a very strong opinion on this question. I think you would be wise to plan for a stroller (either your own or rented) for BOTH kids, not just the youngest. We went a few years back with two kids 5 and almost 5. Neither one of the kids ever rode in strollers anywhere else at that age and said they weren't going to ride in strollers at WDW. They had no choice as I received very good advice before we went and we decided for them.

Anyway, we rented double strollers at each park as soon as we got inside the park. There is no way our kids would have been up for all that walking. After awhile, I would have been glad to ride in the stroller myself, if the kids would have given me space, LOL. I'm only half kidding. I was even eyeing the ECVs and wondering what the daily rental rates were, . The kids will have more fun if they are in the stroller. It PREVENTS them from getting so tired in the first place. Put the older one in and the younger one won't get the idea that he/she should be able to get out either (maybe??? just a thought) Anyway, I can't even imagine having to carry a kid around the World. At the end of the day, we (adults) were so bushed. But our kids had it made. Someone to push them around WDW. What little princes and princesses!!! They had plenty of time to be on their feet and were very happy to ride.

Another factor is that you will be able to get around SO MUCH FASTER with a stroller than you would trying to move along a preschooler who is going to see a million interesting things to slow him down, and that's before he gets tired. We would have had a problem with that. Who wants to be badgering their kids to "come on, hurry up" at WDW? We put the kids in the stroller and we moved at our pace, fast or slow.

Finally, the safety factor was one I wasn't planning on but I realized it once we were there. It got very crowded at times and I felt so much safer with the kids in the stroller. Otherwise, I would be worried about them getting separated in the crowd or possibly getting stepped on by some uncaring guests, especially after dark. Don't even get me started on the people who walk around with cigarettes held at their sides (right at my kids' eye level)!!! We would have ended up picking them up at those times and carrying them. I was so glad we didn't have to. The stroller enabled me to relax more so that I could enjoy the park, despite the big crowds.

Bottom line -- Have fun on your kids' first trip to WDW. Use a stroller

Jackie

 

[NotUrsula]

The ride-on platform attachment is either a BuggyBoard, or a Seat-2-Go, depending on your preference. Personally, I don't find that the "step" on the back of a Pliko is large enough for extended riding, as it is very narrow, and the child must ride on the balls of his feet. I use it for things like crossing busy streets, but for a theme park day, I'd go with a platform attachment.

Depending on where you live, you might also be able to rent a double locally just for the trip. In my area there are a few baby equipment consignment shops who will do that for about $50/wk. By renting locally, you also get the stroller for the airport. You can also rent offsite in Orlando, I recommend abbf.com

 

[robinb]

I knew someone would know the name of the BuggyBoard! BTW, renting one locally is a great idea .

 

[Bethany]

I am actually the manager of a Children's and Maternity resale shop that my mom owns! www.othermothersresale.com (There's a pic of me looking at some clothes if you go to this site and click on "trades" ).You'd think I'd have come across a Macleran or the likes of it in the little bit over a year that we've been in business, but nope. I guess once you buy it, you don't want to part with it.

I do have a sit n stand type attatchment that I bought when dd was 2 and ds was just born. She LOVED it because she could sit (there's a little seat part) or stand and look around. I am leaning towards purchasing a Macleran (single) for ds and bringing the sit n stand attatchment for dd. The Macleran will definately get used at home as well (if it's a single) and we do plan on more kids so it will be an investment for the future (that's what I'll tell DH )

Thanks everyone, so much, for the useful info and tips!

 

[Bethany]

Disneyonmymind, thanks to you especially for the input on the safety factor. It's not something I'd thought too much about since dd does a great job at the mall sticking with us, but I can see your point about getting lost in the world. And cigarettes at the kids' eye level?!?!?!? I thought that there were designated smoking areas where smokers had to stay... they can just roam around the park with a lit cigarette? Some people just have no common sense.

 

[diznygirl]

There really is no problem with strollers getting stolen at the parks (DH worked security at MK) but more of a problem with them getting moved by CMs and then people not being able to locate them - my personal pet peeve!

Things left on the strollers will get stolen - like camera bags and purses - you'd think people would be smart enough to take their valuables with them - anywho, your Maclaren stroller should be safe.

Oh, and at the end of the day, there are usually a bunch of strollers left in the parks abandoned - now, wouldn't someone notice if they were leaving without their stoller?!

 

[eeyoresmountainpals]

The safety factor is the biggest thing. We traveled to DW when our boys were little and made them stay in strollers most of the time. We have two boys only 22 months apart and an older boy with Down Syndrome who didn't use to keep up quite so well. We actually made one trip with a double stroller AND a single umbrella stroller. We felt much better knowing they were safely in their strollers.

Two things to keep in mind ~ One, you did mention the concern of someone stealing a stroller. We never had any problem but sometimes when you come out of a ride you may get a little shock to find your stroller isn't there. Cast members constantly rearrange the strollers to make sure there's room for everyone's stroller. So don't panic, just look around! Second, don't forget if you decide to rent a stroller all you need to do is keep your receipt and you can get another stroller at another park on the same day at no charge.

And watch out for those inconsiderate smokers! Some people are very considerate and watch out for the strollers at hand level but we found so many to not even pay attention!

 

[tommygirl79]

We just returned Wednesday from our WDW trip with our 4 yr old and 18 month old. It was a blast. We ended up taking two separate strollers after much debate about a possible double. This was the best decision EVER!!! We took our Graco larger stroller (the one that comes with the infant carrier in the store) and bought a Kosco lightweight stroller (parent tray, food tray for baby and storage underneath, and canopy overhead) for $40.00 at Toys R us. They were great. The Kosco one was a cinch to push even one handed and our baby loved reclining for naps. We never had to go back to the resort for naps because they would just lay back and fall asleep. Plus, an added bonus of taking two strollers was being able to go our separate ways (ie going in different stores, different rides, etc) without getting them out of their seats. WE found this helpful from the moment we even stepped into the airport. This would be my suggestion and I'm so glad we went with this.

 

[disneyohbear]

We usually go with extended family and until last year our oldest was restricted to the stroller for safety sake. However last year at 8 years old (her last trip before that was at 6) we didn't have her in the stroller at all. We did have her younger brother and my niece (then 4) in a stroller. This year we are taking the 8 year old (she turns 9 right before our trip) , her 4 year old brother , my 5 year old niece and my almost 3 year old nephew . The stroller debate is on again.

The 5 year old does not ride in a stroller anymore but will have to for safety reasons this trip. She doesn't like the idea however I know by the end of the day we will all be glad for it. The 4 year old prefers a stroller anytime he can get one. We are hoping for the best on the almost 3 year old . He likes to run. Hopefully with the others in the strollers he will stay in one too. We are taking 2 strollers with us and then renting either a single or a double in the park depending on which works best to keep the almost 3 year old in a stroller.

Luckily we have enough adults to make this all possible. We like to keep the adult kid ratio pretty even in WDW.

So basically I'm saying use the strollers for your kids. Its lots easier. I wish we could put the 8 year old in one as it makes keeping up with the kids so much easier in the crowds.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Cast members constantly rearrange the strollers to make sure there's room for everyone's stroller. So don't panic, just look around!

One thing that really helps with this is to tie a bright colored ribbon to your stroller so you can spot it easily. It really helped us find our navy stroller in the great big sea of strollers that suddenly all look the same. It would also help keep someone from inadvertently taking your stroller by mistake.