Oh No... another stroller question!

[happymom2one]

I am having trouble making a decision. I am wondering should I take a jeep umbrella stroller or should I rent one through a stroller service down at Disney? I see positives and negatives to both. My husband really doesn't want to bring a big one and said he only wants to have the umbrella stroller. Our daughter is 3.5 and normally likes to walk but I know she will get tired and need to get in the stroller after a bit... I like the thought of just bringing one and not paying the money but I know she will not use it at the airport so it is an extra thing to bother with at the airport. I "think" my daughter will sleep in the stroller so for comfort I would think the rental ones are better...but of course they are bigger than an umbrella stroller when you collapse it which is what he is complaining about. He doesn't want it to take much room on the shuttles....Your thoughts?

 

[TiggerTrigger]

Everyone's preferences are different. I know some people swear by umbrella strollers because they are light and easier on buses. For me, they just weren't nearly as comfortable to push all day and didn't maneuver as well as the City Mini models we used to rent. We always rented the bigger one after making that determination b/c I was spending more hours pushing than I was dealing with it on a bus, etc....and back arm pain from pushing the lesser stroller could have more of a negative impact on the trip over the inconvenience on buses, boats, monorails, etc. That's us, but I know others feel differently. We've been stroller free for several years, but I'd still opt for renting the bigger ones if I had to do it all over again.

 

[Tucker24]

It was very nice to have at the airport especially trying to get through security with less stress. Umbrella strollers are prett lightweight and not very cumbersome. Plus my kids did fall asleep on the way out of the park and slept on monorail. Makes the trip easier with the little ones and it helps to lug all your stuff to and from the parks

 

[maxiesmom]

My problem with umbrella strollers is they are uncomfortable to push for any length of time. The handles are typically too short, and they don't maneuver very well. I would either bring along a larger one you know is easy and comfortable to push for long distances, or rent one. This is not a place to be cheap and end up sore or with an unhappy child.

 

[Valstew]

We are renting. Hubby hates the umbrella stroller because he is so tall 6'2 it makes it to had on his back to push. The plus with renting is DS will fall asleep and be comfortable in the rental than he would in the umbrella stroller. we rented a city mini gt from kingdom strollers and the price wasn't that bad and they are super easy to fold. Last trip we had our carriage from home and they really aren't that bad on the buses and don't take up that much room.

 

[Mickeycrocs]

I believe the Disney ones aren't very comfortable. We rented from kingdom strollers last year as a last minute mistake of getting to the air port and realizing we forgot the stroller. It was like 60$ and it was at the hotel by the 3 hours later we landed.

 

[maciec]

I can't justify the expense of renting a stroller when we have a perfectly good City Mini at home that we can bring. Going through security is easy with them and then we gate check. Keeps my little one where I can see him too.

As far as "taking up too much room" on the buses you won't be alone. At all. Ever.

 

[heath92681]

We used our Jeep double umbrella stroller the past two years and plan to bring it again. We used our Britax double the first time we visited, but we had a car that time. It is much easier to manage the umbrella on the bus. Our Jeep still reclines, so the boys were able to nap as needed.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I personally prefer having the stroller at the airport. It's just too crowded and crazy for a free range toddler.

Plus we have a City Mini GT with all the accessories that I love and I wouldn't want to be without it.

 

[Alexis Gallati]

With three kids under 4 we rented last year and used a baby carrier. This year with three walkers, we are bringing our joovy which can fit the kids on it. It all depends j your needs

 

[MissMet]

We bring a good quality umbrella stroller so we have it at the airport & its easier on buses. Our umbrella stroller reclines flat, has a big canopy, closes with one hand, and handles better than our normal stroller. I would absolutely recommend an umbrella stroller, but not a cheap one. We love our Graco Breaze! We're bringing two rather than a double so we can separate if we want. Our kids will be 2 & 7 months.

 

[happymom2one]

Thanks so much for all the replies.. I think we will go ahead and rent. My umbrella stroller is the cheaper version with no recline for naps.

 

[TWK]

I would bring the umbrella, and tell her she has to use it in the airport... I think it is just easier to keep track of everything to keep the little kids contained... plus you can move faster if needed in a stroller.

 

[Baklava]

My problem with umbrella strollers is they are uncomfortable to push for any length of time. The handles are typically too short, and they don't maneuver very well. I would either bring along a larger one you know is easy and comfortable to push for long distances, or rent one. This is not a place to be cheap and end up sore or with an unhappy child.

This. Unless everyone pushing is short, an umbrella stroller will get miserable pretty fast. I'm 5'2 but the other adults in our family are 6'2" and 6'4". I got stuck pushing the umbrella most of the time (which was hard on me) because it was so painful for them. The rental was a real lifesaver since it had an adjustable handle.

 

[TWK]

Yeah, I would never bring one of those cheapy umbrella strollers, they are always way too small, and you kick the back when you walk! It would have to be a "good" one that is comfortable to push. We bought a used Maclaren double specifically for Disney (otherwise my kids don't really use a stroller) If you have an uncomfortable umbrella, I would look into something else.

 

[Andreas Mom]

How much of a pain is it on the buses or other transportation to fold and maneuver the stroller? We went almost 9 years ago and I remember it being a big pain having to unload and fold and squeeze in. I know lots families do it but then we were newer parents with one child, this time we will have three kids but are going with family so lots of adults to help hold hands and carry things. I plan on a back pack with snacks and such then a smaller backpack with camera and wallets and such. We will be getting a stroller but i'm going back and forth on renting at the parks and avoiding having to use them on the transportation or bringing one with us. We do not need one for the airport and even though my kids don't use a stroller here I know we will need one down there. Thanks!

 

[jo-jo]

If I can add a side question.....sit and stand strollers, how well do they fold? We are going next spring with a 5 and 1 yr old. I'm thinking the 5 yr old will walk 75% of the time.

As far as not using one at airport. It's always handy to use for the carryons.

 

[TWK]

I think umbrella strollers are the easiest to manage on buses. Sit and stands are pretty bulky... We have no problem quickly folding our double umbrella quicklyfor the bus.

 

[BobaScott]

As much as I hate to bother with such bulk when travelling, we are planning on bringing our Bob SE stroller. It's BIG, and I know it will be a pain to deal with, but it is a dream to push and maneuver and reclines pretty far. It's the only one our daughter (3) will nap in.

I have brought it on shuttle buses before and since the bus rides aren't that long it's not such a big deal. Anything is better than those umbrella strollers. About a year and a half ago we had one of those in DL and I'm 5'4"... it was miserable to push around.

At the moment I'm planning on just checking it as baggage and letting Magical Express deal with it for the ride in.

 

[happymom2one]

well, after everybody's suggestions. Call me crazy but I am thinking maybe to bring the umbrella stroller for the airport and plane and then renting one for when we are there... What are your guys thoughts on this? Am I am crazy? I found rental for 38 dollars?