own stroller vs. rental

[Fargoman2]

Just wondering--

Do you advise bringing your own stroller to DW or renting one?

We can pack lots of stuff into our stroller and it reclines for those impromptu naps.

What do you know about the rental strollers? If we can't pack them, or they don't recline, I don't think we'll go that route.

 

[lorik]

Definitely take yours. Your child will be far more comfortable in a familiar stroller. It sounds like yours has the most important features.Just make sure yours has a canopy. Protection from the sun is most important this time of year. Also, the rentals are only for use in the parks, which means no stroller availability around the resorts, or from the park to the bus stop or parking lot!

 

[jwfla422]

I agree with Lorik, take your own. I would recommend one of the cheapee Kolcraft lightweight strollers if you have something like that. A canopy is also a very good thing, but lightweight with a basket is certainly advised.

The park strollers are these big plastic things which I personally wouldn't think my DD would be comfortable in. We brought our regular stroller which isn't real heavy but found it would be very difficult to maneover at MK because it gets so crowded. We ended up using our umbrella stroller which has no canopy but it wasn't too bad in November (wouldn't recommend this type of stroller for warmer months, you need a canopy). It worked out ok but I sure needed a basket on the bottom. My poor DH had to lug around a huge backpack.

I'm looking to purchase a Kolcraft Lite Sport. They have them a Target but I saw a nice "cushy" one on the Sears website.

And, as Lorik also mentioned you'll need a stroller to get to the buses, etc. If you are staying on property you will definitely need one to get around the resort areas. (and you won't have to stand in the "stroller rental" line at the parks).

27 more days, WDW here we come!

 

[Betsyfun]

Have done Disney with a stroller often and we always take our own. I suggest one with a canopy, and a basket on the bottom. The one I have also has cup holders for the child and adult. This stroller was about $40 at Wal-Mart and well worth the money! Good Luck!

 

[jesse]

I also vote for bringing your own stroller. No waiting in line to rent, have it for resorts etc., AND it can be very handy to have at the airport. you can push it right down the jetway and they will gate check it for you, and have it waiting in the gateway when you get off.

 

[dcedwards]

Take your own. We've been 4 times and have taken our own each time. We were very glad. The park ones don't recline and once you leave the parks you are without a stroller.

The only place that it was a little awkward was when riding the buses. We found out if you sit in the very back seat in the middle where the aisle and seat intersect that you can put the stroller in front of you and rest it on your legs. There is enough room. We've been in June and never found it to be that bad.

Take your own. Also, find a couple of the small battery operated fans. They can be attached to the sides of the stroller and keep a breeze going all the time. It helps.

 

[KangaT]

We've been really happy taking our own stroller. This will probably be our last trip with it (mixed feelings there! ). Ours is an umbrella stroller with canopy and basket underneath. Not a fancy one - getting pretty rickety now after surviving 3 little boys. But our DS is comfortable in it, we're used to it and, as others have pointed out, having it in non-park areas comes in very handy sometimes.

For the bus, we finally worked out a system: DH or I take the kid as the bus is pulling up. Other one flips the stroller closed and gets it on bus and tucked away as quickly as possible. When you're not responsible for both the child and the stroller on the bus, it's a lot easier to handle.

Have fun! 9 days and counting! Going bonkers!!!inkbounc inkbounc

 

[Lorix2]

hi everyone...

I haven't been to WDW yet with a stroller, but have some info for you...I found a clip on umbrella for umbrella strollers last year at WalMart I believe, for less than $10. It folds up easily and once it's on, it's not in you're way either.

You attach it toward the top handle before it loops over by turning the attachment counterclockwise to open, then clip it on and turn clockwise to tighten, it's a breeze. This is the greatest when I'm at the beach, an amusement park, so it wouldn't definitely come in handy for WDW for sure! Look for them now in you're dept stores either WalMart or KMart right by the baby bottles, diapers, etc...that's where I found mine, NOT by the rain umbrellas....hope this info will save alot of kids from sunburn and give moms & dads tons of relief!

have a good trip everbody

 

[Lorix2]

oops! make that WOULD come in handy...3 yr old distracting me....sorry..