Oct 2011:The Best Laid Plans of Mice & Kids: Itinerary 2.0 Updated 8/17

[Minnie_Mom]

The Great Stroller Struggle, Part 2- The Comparisons

So, here I am. Looking at double strollers. While the purchase of the new stroller was primarily motivated by our upcoming trip (thanks to a few PTRs which remain nameless), it will be used outside of WDW for short errands and other travel (we travel about 2-3 weekends a month).

So, I need your help, expertise, knowledge, opinions, and reviews. A very important feature of this stroller would be weight and fold. If it is going to be too bulky for WDW transportation, then it just won’t work. Also, important is the comfort of Porter and Audrey Anne. If they don’t want to ride in it, if they can’t sleep in it, then it also just won’t work. Porter is 3 and pushing 42 in. He weighs 32 LBS soaking wet. Audrey Anne is 20 months and was 32 inches in January. She weighs around 24 LBS.

I am purposely not going to write my thoughts on these strollers at this time because I want your unbiased opinions.

For comparison sake, here is our current double stroller.

Current Stroller
Bumbleride Twin Indie

Unfolded

Folded

*I have to say that my stroller has never looked this compact folded!*

Specifications
Handle Design: Adjustable bar handle
Unfolded Dimensions: 36L 29.5W 34.5H

Folded Dimensions: 32L 29.5W 15H

Total Weight: 34 LBS

Weight Capacity: 90 LBS

Choice #1
Maclaren Twin Techno

Unfolded

Folded

Specifications
Handle Design: 2 non-adjustable handles
Unfolded Dimensions: 29.5L 26.5W 43H
Folded Dimensions: 42L 16.5W 19H
Total Weight: 27.9 LBS
Weight Capacity: 110 LBS

Choice #2
Maclaren Twin Triumph

Unfolded

Folded

Specifications
Handle Design: 2 non-adjustable handles
Unfolded Dimensions: ? should be fairly close to Twin Techno
Folded Dimensions: ? should be fairly close to Twin Techno
Total Weight: 23.4LBS
Weight Capacity: 110 LBS
**Other than the lack of a leg rest, can anyone tell me the difference between the Techno and Triumph ?**

Choice #3
Baby Jogger City Mini

Unfolded

Folded

Specifications
Handle Design: non-adjustable bar handle
Unfolded Dimensions: 30.25L x 29W x 41.25H
Folded Dimensions: 29.5L x 29W x 11H
Total Weight: 26 LBS
Weight Capacity: 100 LBS

Choice #4
Graco Twin Ipo

Unfolded

Folded
**I could find no pictures of this stroller folded, nor could I find any dimensions of it folded.**

Specifications
Handle Design: 2 non-adjustable handles
Unfolded Dimensions: 42.5H 26.5L 30.8W
Folded Dimensions: N/A
Total Weight: 32.5 LBS
Weight Capacity: 100 LBS

Choice #5
Kinderwagon Hop
*I generally do not like the tandem seating, but I do like the “stadium seating” that this model offers.*

Unfolded

Folded

Specifications
Handle Design: 2 non-adjustable handles
Unfolded Dimensions: 30” x 20.5” x 42”
Folded Dimensions: 45.5” x 12” x 15.5”
Total Weight: 21.5 LBS
Weight Capacity: 80 LBS


Ok, Disboarders, what do you think? I want to know your thoughts. Whether or not you guys have used one of these models or not, whether you have kids or not, Please share your opinions with me! Can’t wait to hear what everyone thinks!

Coming up... Porter's thoughts on Aladdin and Disney Princesses on the Easter Clearance Aisle!

 

[PirateKate]

Well, I'm obviously a fan of the City Mini Double, since I just got one. It fits through doors, seats recline, has the best sunshade I've ever seen, easy to push, even one handed, plenty of storage, simple to fold and unfold and feels relatively light, for what it is.

The Kinderwagon one, with the stadium seating- My first thought on that is that the kid in the second seat would have great access to the one in front, to pull hair, drop things on her head and otherwise torment. Of course, Porter is quite a bit older than my boys, so perhaps he has the maturity to resist.

The Mclarens, I know very little about. I know there was something about them that made me rule it out when I was shopping, but I can't remember what that was. Do the seats maybe not recline all the way?

The Graco Ipo Double- I have the single one and found the sunshade to be inefficient. It basically only provides shade when the sun is behind us. Walking into the sun, it does absolutely nothing. It also will pop off when I fold it up, which is kind of annoying, after awhile.

It sure is fun picking out a new stroller, isn't it?

 

[TeresaG]

Well, you know I'm partial to my Maclaren. I love the easy maneuverability, weight distribution (there's a 25lb difference between my kids), reclining seats (both seats recline separately and to 3 settings -not fully flat, but pretty darn close). I also like that the stroller came with a rain guard. My cons with my Twin Techno is the cup holders. There are two, but they only fit water bottles and thin ones at that (think Poland Springs). The stroller folds up pretty nicely, but the wheels stick out a little which is a pain. But it can be nice because it balances standing up so all DH would have to do is sit on the seat, place the folded stroller on the handle bars and wheels while folded, and hold it in place. It wasn't too bad. No one ever looked at us funny or gave us exasperated looks when seeing the stroller. So many people had strollers the worst we did was look at each other with empathetic smiles.

To be totally honest with you, I think folding up any stroller and getting on Disney transportation is going to be a huge PITA. It really is. Even if it's the most compact folding stroller it's going to suck to fold up and lug on the buses. It's just one of those things you have to deal with if you don't rent a car. But it's only for the 15min drive, then it's worth it for the whole day KWIM? I mean, the moment the kids both fall asleep while you're in the park, the bus drive seems trivial for that peace of mind (at least it does for us).

Is there a way to go to a store and check out your choices? The best way to know what you'd like is to try them out.

What is it you're most looking for? Maybe we start there.

 

[cgerdon02]

I actually just bought (ordered) the Baby Jogger City Mini today!! I had one reserved from Magic Strollers, but decided to put that money toward my own. I have done a lot of research and it seems to consistently get great reviews! Can't wait to get it! Good luck with your stroller search

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Well, I'm obviously a fan of the City Mini Double, since I just got one. It fits through doors, seats recline, has the best sunshade I've ever seen, easy to push, even one handed, plenty of storage, simple to fold and unfold and feels relatively light, for what it is.

Yes, yes, I know that you are TEAM CITY MINI!

I really like this stroller and if I did not already have the Indie, this would probably be the frontrunner. I would not be able to fit both the Indie and City Mini is my SUV, and I (and by I, I mean my husband) am a little concerned about the thickness of the fold on the buses. But, I do really like that both seats fully recline, the great foot/leg rests, quick fold, the awesome sunshade, and the ease of maneuverability. My Indie is a one-hand push, too. Love that! The fold on the City Mini is what most concerns me. What are your thoughts on how bulky it is?

The Kinderwagon one, with the stadium seating- My first thought on that is that the kid in the second seat would have great access to the one in front, to pull hair, drop things on her head and otherwise torment. Of course, Porter is quite a bit older than my boys, so perhaps he has the maturity to resist.

Thankfully, Porter and Audrey Anne don't really "bother" each other. I would not call Porter mature by any means, but he has always seen himself as Audrey Anne's "little protector" and will not hurt her, even if she strikes first. Audrey Anne idolizes Porter and really only bothers him if she is wanting his attention. They would probably be more mad that they could not hug each other and play together, than torment each other. That being said, long days at Disney might bring out the worst in them.

I love that this stroller only weighs 21 LBS and folds like a single umbrella. I also like that it is totally different that the Indie. It would be great everyday to take places where the width if the Indie might be an issue.

I am a little concerned about the weight limit. Porter is within 6 LBS and I am not sure how long he would be able to use it. I also don't love that the front seat only reclines about an inch. And because it is so new, I probably would be able to find it on sale. I never pay full price for my big ticket items!

The Mclarens, I know very little about. I know there was something about them that made me rule it out when I was shopping, but I can't remember what that was. Do the seats maybe not recline all the way?

You are right. The seats are not a full recline, but they do recline fairly well. We like our single Mac. I wish I could see this one in person.

The Graco Ipo Double- I have the single one and found the sunshade to be inefficient. It basically only provides shade when the sun is behind us. Walking into the sun, it does absolutely nothing. It also will pop off when I fold it up, which is kind of annoying, after awhile.

That would be annoying. It is hard enough juggling 2 kids and a stroller, much less 2 kids, 1 stroller, and 2 stroller shades. This is also the most heavy... weighing 4 LBS more than the Mini and a whopping 11 LBS more than the HOP. I am also unsure of the fold on this one. I never did find any photos.

It sure is fun picking out a new stroller, isn't it?

Ummmm, sure, but only if I can find the perfect WDW stroller and get 50% off!

Well, you know I'm partial to my Maclaren. I love the easy maneuverability, weight distribution (there's a 25lb difference between my kids), reclining seats (both seats recline separately and to 3 settings -not fully flat, but pretty darn close). I also like that the stroller came with a rain guard. My cons with my Twin Techno is the cup holders. There are two, but they only fit water bottles and thin ones at that (think Poland Springs). The stroller folds up pretty nicely, but the wheels stick out a little which is a pain. But it can be nice because it balances standing up so all DH would have to do is sit on the seat, place the folded stroller on the handle bars and wheels while folded, and hold it in place. It wasn't too bad. No one ever looked at us funny or gave us exasperated looks when seeing the stroller. So many people had strollers the worst we did was look at each other with empathetic smiles.

And, yes, yes, I know you are die hard TEAM MACLAREN!

Hahahah, if the lack of cup holder is the worst thing you can say, then it must be a great stroller. Glad to know that most people seem understanding about the strollers! I love that the Macs are so lightweight and fold so compactly. I can see Jonathan being able to easily travel with these on the bus system. I really like that both these strollers would fit into my car, so I would not need to swap them out! Although they don't fully recline, they do recline enough for both Porter and Audrey Anne. Neither of them have any other have any problem sleeping in our single Mac.

To be totally honest with you, I think folding up any stroller and getting on Disney transportation is going to be a huge PITA. It really is. Even if it's the most compact folding stroller it's going to suck to fold up and lug on the buses. It's just one of those things you have to deal with if you don't rent a car. But it's only for the 15min drive, then it's worth it for the whole day KWIM? I mean, the moment the kids both fall asleep while you're in the park, the bus drive seems trivial for that peace of mind (at least it does for us).

I completely agree that 15 min drive is totally worth the pay-off of both kiddos being able to rest in the parks. But then again, I am not the one carrying it. I just have 2 kids, 2-3 bags, cups, camera, etc

Is there a way to go to a store and check out your choices? The best way to know what you'd like is to try them out.

What is it you're most looking for? Maybe we start there.

I wish there was somewhere close to use to look. We live in a rather large city, so one would think that the stores would have a few models to try, but the only double stroller I can find in any stores is a Graco, that looks pretty bulky.

I did hunt down a friend who has a City Mini. We went over and tried it out on Sat. afternoon, but we have been unable to find anyone we know with a Mac Twin.

It seems unlikely that we will find someone with a HOP, but that is okay. There is a pretty good video review on a website that was pretty helpful.

The Ipo may be ruled out anyway because of the weight.

Do you know what the main difference between the Mac Twin Triumph and Twin Techno?

I think most of all, we want something that is going to be lightweight and fold compactly. In addition to that, we Porter and Audrey Anne will be comfortable in and be able to sleep in when we are in the parks. Additional perks, would be if I could fit it + Indie in the back of my SUV and if it could provide with with different features than my Indie.

I actually just bought (ordered) the Baby Jogger City Mini today!! I had one reserved from Magic Strollers, but decided to put that money toward my own. I have done a lot of research and it seems to consistently get great reviews! Can't wait to get it! Good luck with your stroller search

One more member for TEAM CITY MINI!

I think that is a great idea. Renting is fine and fills a need, but if you can purchase, then that is probably money better spent. You are right, the City Mini get wonderful reviews. I have not heard very many people say anything negative about it. It just seems really similar to what I already have, it is so hard trying to make the best choice!

Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and opinions. Maybe a few more people will weigh-in before I make my final decisions. If not, you all have given me lots to think about and I really think I can't make a wrong choice. It is just about making the best choice for us!

A new update is coming soon!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Tonight's update is put on hold due to me sitting and watching the rain. Yes, I know that sounds completely boring, but it is not completely boring to me, it is completely stressful.

I has been raining here for days, at least a week straight, In fact, I don't remember the last day we did not have rain. I am not talking light drizzles here. I am talking raining floods, literally! The county next to mine is on evacuation notice. They are predicting that in this county and in my county the storm drains may back-up and cause flooding to the houses around them. Well, guess what, we have a strom drain in our backyard! One would think that this would be a good thing. Something that would prevent flooding, but I guess when it rains enough, a positive become a negative. So, far our drain is looking fine. We have a lot of water in our yard, but the drain is handing well.

Anyway, I am sitting here watching the rain, watching the drain, and watching my backyard. Praying that all this water stays far, far away from my house and that our drain continues to do its job.

Please pray with me. Pray that the rains would cease. Pray for those families who have experienced devastation beyond repair in these never-ending storms, pray those families who have lost much more than their home in losing a loved one, pray for those families already have to evacuate due to flooding, and pray for those families, like mine, who are watching their back yards tonight and waiting.

 

[Millie12591]

Ms. Em! I'm here and ready to be blown over by all yours and your mothers planning. I love seeing people doing what they love to do.

Just read your last post....how is eveyrthing? I'm praying for you Ms. Em.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Emily, why didn't you tell me you had a PTR! I need to be notified of these things! I'm subbing now! LOVE your planning, you may just have it all planned out already, whatever will you do for the next 5 months! And NEVER apologize for posting too many pictures...there's no such thing! The more, the better!

and I hope everything in your area stays safe! We have flooding here as well (Missouri) and it looks like the rivers are going to rise even more before receding!

 

[TeresaG]

Praying for you. It's been so awful. Please keep us posted.

 

[cgerdon02]

I know the feeling with the rain. In the past 2 1/2 weeks the rain stopped for two days and then started back up again yesterday. I live near the Ohio River, but far enough away that I don't have to worry about my house flooding, but our roads have been closed and we have to make lots of detours...Praying!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Ms. Em! I'm here and ready to be blown over by all yours and your mothers planning. I love seeing people doing what they love to do.

Just read your last post....how is eveyrthing? I'm praying for you Ms. Em.

Thanks for joining in! I definitely love planning. I tell people that my job is very scientific and that I need planning to give me a creative outlet! If I could choose two careers, my second one would definitely be an Event Planning!

Weather Update coming next and thanks for the prayers!

Emily, why didn't you tell me you had a PTR! I need to be notified of these things! I'm subbing now! LOVE your planning, you may just have it all planned out already, whatever will you do for the next 5 months! And NEVER apologize for posting too many pictures...there's no such thing! The more, the better!

and I hope everything in your area stays safe! We have flooding here as well (Missouri) and it looks like the rivers are going to rise even more before receding!

LOL... no worries there is still plenty of planning left to do! Shirts, autograph books, pillows/blankets to be made, movies nights, specifics of each day, stroller to purchase, planes tickets to buy, countdowns to make... I am beginning to think 5 months is not going to be enough time!

Thank you for joining in over here... It took about a year of reading your PTR before I actually posted...

Are you close to Cairo, IL? I heard least night the blew a nearby levee to try to save the town. Hopefully, it worked. I grew up on the river so flooding is not a new concept to me. But currently, we are at least 30 miles from the closest river AND our house is on a hill with a drain in the yard... I really thought flooding would never be an issue for us!

Is your area in any danger of flooding? They are expecting the river near us to rise at least 5 more feet reaching almost 50 ft before cresting...

Praying for you. It's been so awful. Please keep us posted.

Thanks for the prayers. Weather update in the next post!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

WEATHER UPDATE

Our yard looks great this morning... even better than yesterday despite all the rain we got overnight!

THe drain is still draining properly and does not show any signs of backing up thus far! We just need to make it through one more day of rain and then it looks like at least 5 days of sunshine!

Things are looking better than they did last night, but so much of our problem depends on the drain and if is backs up.

I will keep everyone updated! Thanks so much for your prayer!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

No, we aren't very close to them, I think over 200 miles! We are in the middle of MO and we have a lot of rivers in this area, but none that are threatening our house or anything. I heard about the levee as well, scary stuff for people that live so close to the water! The rain has finally stopped here, so I'm glad about that!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

No, we aren't very close to them, I think over 200 miles! We are in the middle of MO and we have a lot of rivers in this area, but none that are threatening our house or anything. I heard about the levee as well, scary stuff for people that live so close to the water! The rain has finally stopped here, so I'm glad about that!

That is great... so glad you are not having any trouble and so glad that the rain is gone for you!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Family Movie Night: Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Part 1


I know that I promised the next update would be Porter’s thoughts on Aladdin and the Disney items I got on clearance. However, I don’t have any of the photos uploaded yet, so that will have to wait. Sorry. I know all of were sitting on the edge of your seat!

I am going to venture slightly off trip plans for this update and show one of the ways get enjoy Disney at home! Today’s update is going to be all about our Family Movie Night... Jake and the Neverland Pirate style. I mentioned in my very first post that I love planning. Besides vacations, my favorite things to plan are our family movie nights. I try to find a craft(s), activity, and a meal/snack to coordinate with what the movie we will be watching. Almost always, they movies are Disney so that Porter and Audrey Anne will recognize that characters when we are at WDW and also because we just love them! The kids and I will spend the afternoon/early evening doing our craft and activity. When Jonathan gets home, we will eat our themed meal, have bath time, and then pile into the bed to watch the movie.

The first movie night I am going to share is not an actually movie , but rather a TV show. As most any Disney-loving parent of a pre-school boy knows, Disney premiered their new Disney Jr show, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, on Valentine’s Day. Since I wanted to do something special for Porter and Audrey Anne on Valentine’s Day, what is better than I pirate-themed premier party! I mean, nothing says love like pirates!


We kicked things off with a Jake and the Neverland Pirate color sheet.

Thanks to the millions of commercials the Disney channel had been running since December, Porter was already familiar with the primary characters, and he was so excited to FINALLY get to watch the show. Try explaining to a 3 year-old that even though there are commercials for a show, it is not actually on TV yet. : He was telling everyone, “Happy Valentine’s Day. Did you know that Jake and the Neverland Pirates is for Valentine’s Day?” Bless his heart. He is going to be very confused next year.


Here is Porter showing Jake, Izzy, and Cubby his coloring sheet. You don’t see them? Well, I am pretty sure they were there. In fact, they have been living with us since January. They really invite trouble, too. Captain Hook is constantly coming into my house and making messes!

Audrey Anne coloring

and Porter coloring

All done and so proud!

After coloring the pirate gang, we made parrots.


Audrey Anne coloring her parrot... this little girl loves to “tolor”

Porter gluing on the feathers. He loves to glue... Can you tell?

Parrots completed. I never got a picture, but the parrots were designed where they could be perched on the shoulder. It was really cute.

What does every pirate need? A spy glass, of course! So, we had to make a couple of these, too!


Ahoy, Matey!

“I don’t think this thing works!”

Continued in next post...

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Family Movie Night: Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Part 2


After coloring, gluing, and spying. It was finally time for a little hunting... Treasure hunting to be exact!


The first clue was hidden inside Porter’s box of chocolate.

He didn’t notice it because he was too interested in the candy!

Finally (read: after eating all his candy), he noticed the clue. I told him that it looked like a note from a pirate, so he ran to get his pirate hat and looked over the note, before asking me to read it for him.

The first clue lead him upstairs to the playroom

where his 2nd clue awaited him.

In addition to his next clue, his “pirate friends” left him some gear. You know, just the basic items that every pirate needs.

And, boy, was he excited to get his pirate gear!

“Look, mommy, now I’m Captain Hook. You’d better watch out!”

The second clue lead them into Audrey Anne’s room.

“Where is the clue?”

“Found it!”

The third and final clue, sent him back upstairs to find where “X” marks the spot. Now, I have to admit that Porter is a very smart little treasure hunter and is evidently more intelligent than his mommy. After I read him the clue, he took off running. Straight back up to the playroom... Guess what is in the playroom? An alphabet mat. And what is on the alphabet mat? The letter X.

He was very confused when the treasure was not here...

You see... Forgetting that there was an “X” in our play mat, mommy, I mean the pirates, had hidden his treasure under a different “X.”

Eventually, he found the “X,” but it took him a little while.

“Digging” up his treasure

Discovering their treasure

A close-up of what was inside

While they played with their loot, I made a supper fit for any little pirate!

Cannonballs (meatballs), Shark's Teeth (corn), Seaweed (french cut greenbeans), Sailboat (roll), Fruit Swords (grapes, watermelon, and apples on a skewer).


They both ate really well... I guess, treasure hunting really does make you hungry!


With Jonathan still over an hour from home, I needed to fill a little more time. So we decided to make treasure maps. It was really neat to watch Porter drawing the “landmarks” in our house and trying to step off distances. After he made his map, Porter hide his treasure for Jonathan to find when he got home! FYI, for his “X” he went upstairs borrow the “real X” from the play mat.


After getting baths and jammies, it was finally time! Porter and Audrey Anne nabbed their snacks of goldfish and water, then headed into our room to watch the long awaited premier of Jack and the Neverland Pirates.

Porter loved the show and watched it at least 3 times that evening. Audrey Anne really enjoyed it, too, even more than I expected! We have every episode on DVR. With the exception of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, this is one of the only regular shows they watch!


So that is a recap of our Family Movie Night: Jake and the Neverland Pirates. I hope you found it interesting and maybe even helpful! We had lots of fun and still play treasure hunt on a daily basis!


I will leave you with this recent conversation between Porter and me...

Porter: “Mommy, do you know what Captain Hook was called before he had his hook?”
Me: Well, no, Port. I guess I never really thought about it. Do you know what he was called?”
Porter: “Mommy, I think you know. He was called Captain Two Hands. You are so silly, Mommy!”



Coming up (really, this time)... Porter's thoughts on Aladdin and Disney Princesses on the Easter Clearance Aisle!

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Captain two hands! Love your movie night! Such cute ideas, it looks like they both had lots of fun!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

I know the feeling with the rain. In the past 2 1/2 weeks the rain stopped for two days and then started back up again yesterday. I live near the Ohio River, but far enough away that I don't have to worry about my house flooding, but our roads have been closed and we have to make lots of detours...Praying!

Not sure how I missed your comment earlier... Sorry!

I know exactly what you mean. Before I leave our house, I have to call all the local police departments to find out which roads are closed and which ones are opened.

Thanks for your prayers!

 

[Minnie_Mom]

Captain two hands! Love your movie night! Such cute ideas, it looks like they both had lots of fun!

Where he comes up with these things, I do not know! He is always coming up with something. In his eyes it makes perfect sense, but to us it is hilarious! We call it, "The World According to Porter" or "Porter's Logic." I love seeing the World through his eyes and can't wait until Audrey Anne can chime in, too!

 

[exwdwcm]

Hi Emily- consider me subscribed!

Your plans look so great and what an absolutely gorgeous family you have!

I am one of the others having the same issue on the P&P cruise, i am still being told they won't offer it on the night i want (Friday, 10/21), so we are stuck with Monday, 10/17 for now. I plan to keep calling every week or so and see if that changes or not. I love your plans for Porter's bday! We are also celebrating my son, William's 4th bday on our trip, although his bday is Oct 30th (we are there 10/14-10/22). We are doing PL too, but on a different day than the cruise. I think he is going to be Peter Pan for the party, we have a costume my mom got on clearance last year TDS. And he was Capt Hook already 2 years ago. He is totally into Capt Hook and also the Neverland pirates show too! We are definitely checking them out at Playhouse Disney/Disney Jr. show at DHS (whatever they are calling it now?)

on the stroller issue- sorry not much help there. I am not a stroller expert by any means- we just buy the basic stuff. We had a chicco cortina travel system when i loved, but for our last two trips we used a combi stroller that we really like. just picked it up at Babies r Us. it folds so easy and has the long strap so that I can actually put it over my shoulder to carry it. It reclines some, but doesn't have good storage (I use a supplemental storage system on the handles instead). it has no tray, but works well for our little guy for WDW. i would have to say out of the ones you show, i would say #1 or #2 look like the best option to me, but again, take my opinion with a grain of salt since i am a pretty standard stroller person.