Second-guessing stroller...

[mamahas5]

Until yesterday I was planning on bringing our double side by side jogger (can't think of the brand at the moment, but I like it!) on our July trip. Then I realized it may not fit in the minivan we're renting, along with our luggage and our 5 kids. I drive an Expedition normally so I didn't think of this before. We will definitely need a double as our youngest are 5,3, and 1.5. Should I just rent from a company down there? Since there will be room in the car once the luggage is out... but what about getting through the airport? Would I be able to gate-check our stroller if I bring it? Advice please!

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

I would say only you can decide whether you'll need it in the airport. Even when our kids were very small, we didn't use the stroller in the airport. That said, we knew we wouldn't have a ton of walking to do at our airport and that the oh-my-gosh-we're-here adrenaline would drive us through Orlando's airport! That said, I only had two kids to manage. Can your older kids help with the little ones? If I was traveling with as many people and bags as you will be, I'd certainly take the help of not having to lug a stroller around too. Oh, and to answer your other question, yes, you can gate check it with the airline. Just be prepared to wait for it in the jetway when you get off the plane.

Personally, I'd just rent one. We rented one last trip from Magic Strollers since we'd already sold our double stroller and only wanted a single one to give our youngest a break once in a while. We were very happy with the service! We're renting one for my DNephew for our upcoming trip from Apple Rentals....really great deal!!

Good luck with your trip!!

 

[GaBelle]

Worst case scenario, you can always rent one at the parks. We did when my girls were younger.
Its a hard plastic type stroller, but it does the job. I liked the convenience of being able to pick it up and drop it off at the parks daily. No lugging it around with me everywhere else.

 

[letsgoreds]

Do the wheels come off easily? The joggers take up so much less space (when packing) when they are removed.

How flat does it fold (without wheels)? Could your kids fit it between their legs and a chair ahead of them?

If you need it to carry your children and/or carseats onto the plane, go for it, and gatecheck it. You might be uncomfortable riding to/from the airport, but it isn't for that long.

Other option, is to rent a double ($5/day insurance) from apple scooter rental.

 

[ttintagel]

I've seen lots of people gate-checking strollers.

If you do decide to use it at the airport, it might be worth looking into the umbrella strollers that snap together into a double. They're easier to maneuver and fold than the big ones, and it's less bulk to deal with at the airport.

 

[Gracie09]

Do you have a baby carrier? I would put the baby in an ergo type carrier. Put a small backpack on the oldest and maybe the middle. Utilize curbside check in so you only deal with carry on luggage. Then rent done tere