renting or bring own stroller and carseat?

[Misty89]

we are trying to get plan in order for packing etc....( we are way excited LOL) and just dawned on us that we need to bring the carseat and the stroller ( dd5 need s booster)
how many of you check both the stroller and carseat, or do you rent both?
we got a freebie stroller that we planned on bringing along( dd loves it) and we did traveled with the carseat last year to WDW, -( was rather tricky, plus the seat got wet- fort lauderdale in june LOL) i did find a tip to put the seat in a big bag to protect, ( and i am guessing it makes it easier to carry?)
but.....the bottom line....if we dont bring our own, i think we will add 75$ more to travel $$
so should we rent and not have as much to carry at airport or should we bring our own and save the $$?
PS...how are the strollers at WDW? the free stroller we got is very nice and comfy for DD, and she can lay down


thanks

 

[InstImpres]

I always preferred my own stroller and was upset with myself the time I opted not to bring it (thought DD was too old). Though the stroller is obviously yours to use in the park, I found DD to be heavier at the end of the night when I was tired. Carrying her to the bus line and holding her, than carrying her to our room was hard on me. The stroller also comes in handy in the airport.

JMHO
Sandy

 

[PattiPB]

I know a lot of people like to rent the strollers, but I always bring my own, as I do with booster seats.

If you bought both of these items (cheap ones, granted), you could get BOTH for about $40 and leave them/donate them when you leave Orlando. That is still way less than renting them.

 

[Auntmeme]

Last October we forgot the car seat, our ride dropped us off at the airport. The transportation company charged $5 for one. We brought a small stroller that ds could lay down in, just incase. It was great. He took a nap 1 day out of 6, but no x-tra $$ & convenient for outside of the park, ie: downtown disney, around your hotel, airport. Be sure to bring a bright colored bandana to tie to your stroller so it is easy to spot.

 

[ceecee]

I say bring your own stroller if it's light and easy to fold (if you're doing Disney transportation). We bought a $12.99 umbrella from Walmart to use in the airport and the parks, we were going to toss it fiquring it would be a mess when we got home, but it was still in great shape and I actually old it the next year for $7.00 at my garage sale. We really hate getting in line behind people who bring these huge strollers and then can't get them folded up right. Several times the driver has had to get up and store them where they aren't in the way.
I assume you are renting a car since you need a booster..........not good for Disney buses. National added one to our car rental and it was too old and soiled! Next time we brought our own, they make special bags for them and you can just check them with the luggage. The towncars also have them for nominal charge (or free-Murphy??? I think it is).

 

[disneysteve]

We always brought both (DD is past that stage now). You need a stroller more places than just in the parks. What about around the hotel property or DTD or anywhere you go off property? It is simple to check your stroller because you can wheel it right up to the door of the plane and the flight crew takes it from there. When you reach your destination, it is right there waiting for you when you step off the plane.

As for the car seat, we felt much more comfortable having our own and knowing that it is the right type and size for DD. We're very picky about safety stuff and would have been really uncomfortable using a rented carseat. We checked it along with our luggage and had no problem. We packed it in the box it came in and even padded it with some of our clothing - t-shirts, socks, underwear etc. so our suitcases weren't as full.

 

[Tracy M]

Last year I bought for my DS5 a booster from Target, made by Costco & Graco makes one too, I'm not sure what they are called but they are just the seat portion of the booster (no back). They have 2 arm rests & cup holders, and just the seat. Super convenient & manageable. I think it costs between $15-20. We use it specifically for travel.

I also NEVER go w/out my own stroller. We use just an umbrella stroller but like everyone has said, it's great for the airport, walking around the resort, etc. Of course, unlike some children, my DS has no problem being "strolled" as opposed to walking.

 

[KLAIT]

Just a word of caution....there have been 2 times that we have been to Orlando and in line to rent a car when we have seen 2 families be told that the rental agency was out of car seats or boosters. Both families (2 separate trips) were very upset by this. They both stated that they had reserved them when making the reservation and both were told that it is not guaranteed.

The first family had 2 little kids and the father had to leave the mom and kids at the airport and run to buy 2 seats and the second family had a son maybe aobut 5 and they just buckled him in and were going to stop and get a booster on the way.

I was very grateful that we had just brought our seat booster from home.....I cannot imagine starting my vacation that way..