Should I buy a stroller bag,organizer,rain shield for new Maclaren, or save the $

[frannn]

I just ordered a new Maclaren Volo Carbon (not at 75% off 'cause TRU messed up, but thats a whole other story). Anyway, I got it for DD4 for our WDW trip this Sept (and occasionally at home, because DD is delayed and in physical therapy). Having already had one stroller damaged at WDW (we went into a ride/show, and came out to find the hood broken), and one brand new one damaged by the airline (gate checked, ripped & bent), I am nervous about having this new one damaged and/or stollen. Should I gate check, or might I be able to carry this umbrella stroller on? I've never owned or used a stroller bag, but should I get one now? I will probably use permanent marker or nail polish to put our name on the stroller, but is there something else I can do to deter from it being stollen (and before anyone suggests it, yes, I have heard of the fake dirty diaper trick!). Guess I'm extra nervous, because I've never owned the Corvette of strollers before!
Is it worth getting a cupholder or organizer or rain sheild? By the time I buy the bag, organizer, cupholder, I'll be spending a mint for a stroller that is only for vacations & an occasional mall trip. Any alternate budget minded solutions?

 

[WDWorBUST]

Honestly I think you have just had absolutely awful stroller luck. We bought a Maclaren Quest for our Disney trips 3 years ago and I have taken it on 4 Disney trips in that time for at least 30 days total and 8 flight segments and it's doing great. We did buy a stroller bag because I was nervous about the airline but we checked it no problems. At the parks I've never had anyone touch it that I have been aware of except CM's who moved. I would buy the raincover - I think I have used it at least once each trip. Also...if you have a raincover from a bulky stroller take that. We always did and we would cover it before we went into any attractions of any length. There has been more than one time we have went in while it's sunny - came out with it sunny - but with a lot of we strollers. Got to love those Florida rainshowers. OH and I have intended to mark it before - but have never gotten around to it. I might this trip though.

 

[fakereadhed]

No, yes, and yes. I wouldn't bother with the stroller bag. I have had great luck with gate checking. (I would not check my stroller-no way!) The organizer bag is great because it fold with the stroller, holds juice boxes and wipes and a ton of stuff. I would buy the raincover, because I bought a cheaper one and it didn't cover well and the stroller got wet anyway. That's my vote. BTW, my DS is also delayed and it is a great stroller and easy to push with a larger kid. Worth the $$ You'll love it!

 

[fakereadhed]

Forgot to add- don't worry about stroller theft. Maclarens are really a dime a dozen at WDW. I wouldn't permanently mark it. You could leave your luggage tag on it, or just tie something around the handle to mark it. The biggest problem you would have is someone walking off with it because it was the same as their model.

 

[englishteacha]

Do you have a large duffle bag the stroller would fit in? If so, there's no need to buy a special bag for the stroller. My sister put her stroller in a large duffle she already had and it worked fine.

 

[MickeyMamma]

I got a $10 stroller bag (to cover the stroller when I gate check it)
I have the $15 Stroller organizer that has a cup holder and a few sections where I mostly keep diapers and wipes.

And instead of a stroller cover, I use a clear, colorless rain poncho. Cost me $1. It works just fine as a stroller cover and when it gets too wet and icky, I just throw it out. Plus since most people use a regular cover, it is easy to pick it out from the masses.

 

[frannn]

I got a $10 stroller bag (to cover the stroller when I gate check it)
I have the $15 Stroller organizer that has a cup holder and a few sections where I mostly keep diapers and wipes.

And instead of a stroller cover, I use a clear, colorless rain poncho. Cost me $1. It works just fine as a stroller cover and when it gets too wet and icky, I just throw it out. Plus since most people use a regular cover, it is easy to pick it out from the masses.

Where do I find the 10. bag and 15. organizor? I wanted to use a drawstring laundry bag from the $1 store as a stroller bag, but DH thinks that would look really trashy...since when does he care about what looks trashy???

 

[WDWorBUST]

Just throwing another thought out here for you depending on how you "stroll"....the Maclarens can be kind of "tippy" if you have too much stuff in your organizer or the bag on back. I don't think we really drag all that much with us but our Maclaren tips. I went and got cheap ankle weights and attached them to the front legs. I can fold it with them on there and it doesn't add much weight at all - but enough it keeps it from tipping.

 

[disneyfan551]

Just throwing another thought out here for you depending on how you "stroll"....the Maclarens can be kind of "tippy" if you have too much stuff in your organizer or the bag on back. I don't think we really drag all that much with us but our Maclaren tips. I went and got cheap ankle weights and attached them to the front legs. I can fold it with them on there and it doesn't add much weight at all - but enough it keeps it from tipping.

Great idea!! I just ordered the Mac Quest Mod Sport ('06 model) yesterday, and can't wait to get it! Keep up the great ideas!