Phil & Teds E3 (classic) vs Maclaren at WDW?

[MommyBryn]

So we splurged and bought a used but like new Mac Twin on Craigslist last year (otherwise we wouldn't have been able to afford one). I figured it'd be a great double stroller and it'd work out nicely since we're going back to WDW in January. BUT, I also have a single jogger since we live in the country and a Mac just isn't practical for use out here (and my babies are too hot blooded to be worn for walks and stuff, otherwise I use slings/wraps).

Anyway, I just purchased a Phil & Teds E3 w/ double seat from Craigslist (again, praise God for CL otherwise I'd never even been allowed to consider it! LOL) and it should be arriving soon. I plan on selling my single jogger and my Mac to fund it. I've never seen one IRL though. But if it's fairly compact (especially when folded) I may consider taking it to WDW instead of the Mac...otherwise I'll wait until after we go to sell the Mac.

Does anyone have experience with the P&T's in WDW? How was it for on/off busses, trains, etc? And what about security/gate checking at the airport? Are there a fair number of P&T's in the parks? I know Macs are all over so I wouldn't fear ours getting stolen, but don't know about teh P&T's and that's too much money for me to risk.

 

[Jade+3]

I am in Australia an nearly every 2nd person has a P&T. They are a great pram. I took ours to Disneyland last year (and will take it to WDW next year). I only saw one other P&T in the park in the week we were there. I did take a bike lock, but didn't use it. We hoped that because it was such a distinct pram no one would take it.

When folded the pram is fairly light, but you have to remove the toddler seat to fold it. It is a narrow pram so is easy to manouvre through crowds and stores. There is not much storage in the basket (as that is where your toddlers feet will go). We brought the pannier bags for extra storage.

We had no problems getting through security at the airport, or gate checking it. There are a couple of straps on the pram (that you really have to search for) that you can use to secure the front wheel so it is easier to carry when folded. We actually brought the travel bag to keep it safe when flying.

 

[MommyBryn]

I am in Australia an nearly every 2nd person has a P&T. They are a great pram. I took ours to Disneyland last year (and will take it to WDW next year). I only saw one other P&T in the park in the week we were there. I did take a bike lock, but didn't use it. We hoped that because it was such a distinct pram no one would take it.

When folded the pram is fairly light, but you have to remove the toddler seat to fold it. It is a narrow pram so is easy to manouvre through crowds and stores. There is not much storage in the basket (as that is where your toddlers feet will go). We brought the pannier bags for extra storage.

We had no problems getting through security at the airport, or gate checking it. There are a couple of straps on the pram (that you really have to search for) that you can use to secure the front wheel so it is easier to carry when folded. We actually brought the travel bag to keep it safe when flying.

Thanks so much! I'd definitely want a bag to keep it in for gate checking and stuff...dont' want anyone messing up my pretty stroller! LOL

The storage thing is actually one reason I would almost prefer the P&T's to the Mac. Our Mac has 2 little storage baskets underneath but I can barely even get to them when the seats are reclined and we'd have to unload them all each time we got on a bus and stuff (not a big deal, did it last time, but...)

However, with teh P&T I'm getting, it also gomes with the pannier bag (just one) and the P&T backpack that goes on the handle, so all of our stuff could just be in there and that'd make it super simple.

The only real disadvantage to the P&T, I'm thinking, is that the lower seat doesn't recline, which would make naptime somewhat difficult (because we just let them snooze int he stroller if we're out and about...they're "anywhere" nappers so we dno't necessarily have to go back). And there's no sunshade for the lower kid but I'd just make one up.

Anyway, I'm anxious to get my stroller and see what I think. It actually weighs LESS than my Mac twin so that may be an advantage, too.

 

[AgassiFan]

Is there really a big problem with people stealing personal strollers?

 

[gemanda]

We took our P&T on our last 2 trips. Absolutely no problems at all - it actually fit on the x-ray belt in airport security without a blink. It's a little bulky on the buses, but all double strollers are.

We have the Sport, so our rear seat does have a slight recline (very slight). But we found the rear baby really didn't need much sunprotection, there was enough natural shade 90+% of the time.

 

[strmtroopr96]

And there's no sunshade for the lower kid but I'd just make one up.

I have seen a sunshade on Ebay for the doubles seat. I think it was from Protect a Bub. There may be others available too. HTH

 

[MommyBryn]

Is there really a big problem with people stealing personal strollers?

Probably not- I've only read a few stories on the boards about it happening. But for us a stroller like this is a big investment (we're not in a high income bracket, for example LOL) so it's something that always crosses my mind (not just with strollers, but with anything that we'd have to replace, really).

 

[MommyBryn]

Thanks for the replies! I'll have to keep a lookout for the sunshade. I do figure it'll naturally be partially shaded lot sof the time jsut from being below.