Sorry --- Another stroller question. Please help!?!

[ms.ojo]

OK, we are leaving in 2wks and I just can't figure this one out.

The players:
DS 5.5 hasn't used a stroller in yrs but will DEFINITELY need to be pushed in one at WDW or would be too tired to do these big parks. Weighs 49lbs Often asks to ride in the "back" of the carriage at a large store like Wal*M.
DD 2.5 on the other hand is constantly wanting out of a carriage at the supermarket, etc and prefers to walk!! But no way she can do Disney w/out a stroller.

Our Equipment:

1. Umbrella stroller (no basket) but does have a nice reclining feature & canopy
2. "umbrella" stroller in that it's easily collapsable for the buses but has a good size basket underneath that really comes in handy. Also a canopy. We have used this 2x before at Disney and LOVE it.

DD prefers stroller #1 (even w/out the reclining option) just the height of the seat, etc. But I prefer to have her in Stroller #2 w/ the basket if we are only bringing 1 stroller. Don't get me wrong, she likes it, but if both are available, she'll choose #1 every time.

DS actually fits better in Stroller #2, but I'm afraid he might be too heavy for it and if it were to break, I'd be crushed as we really find the basket comes in handy. He's sat in it for me to push him around the driveway and test it out, and it doesn't appear it's going to break...but I'm sure he's over the weight limit for both of these home strollers. Anyone have any positive experiences of a larger child in a stroller that's only "guaranteed" to 35 or 40lbs?????

Obviously my other options are to bring 1 stroller for dd and rent 1 for ds. But I hate the idea of being slowed down in the morning renting (does it take much time?) and will he be comfortable in it??? Do they have baskets or a hanging mesh thing in the back I could place dd's diaper bag??? Not to mention will dd suddenly want a "dishney" stroller too!

I suppose a 3rd option is rent the double, but I really think we'll need a stroller for dd coming out of the parks at night, and back at the hotel. Not to mention when napping. (When ds was 2.5 we went back to the room and he easily napped each day. When dd was 1 and ds 4 she refused to nap when we returned to the hotel. After 2 days we just stayed in the parks and she would sleep in the stroller (either 1 of the 2 listed above as at that point, they both could fit in either one)).

Sorry for the rambling. Too much planning I fear...and this one is just eluding me as to an obvious answer.

Thanks for the help!

 

[G8RFAN]

You can rent their "stroller carts" for multiple days. The first time it takes a little while to wait if there is a line and purchase your vouchers, but subsequent days you just bypass the line and give the attendant your voucher and if you saved your name placard, you just grab a stroller and go. The last time we did it we even got a couple of disney dollars when you are done with your vouchers.

Our DS is 3.5 and weighs in at 42 lbs. We use a McLaren stroller that easily handles his weight and size and is about as portable as most umbrella strollers. It too has a basket, however, you can't fold it with any bulky items in the basket. In order to get that quick take down time, we tend to only keep the ponchos in the basket while keeping most of the stuff we need in a backpack. The one time we forgot to pack his stroller, we rented the carts and decided that it was definitely worth any hassle to bring our stroller for future visits. In your case, you could get away with bringing one to handle the tired child syndrome leaving the parks and have the option to rent one if both are fighting over it. You can rent a double and leave the umbrella back in the room, see if it works, or bring it and hang it from the handle of the cart in case you need it later or if you need to separate the two.

 

[BamaGirl]

Last October we went with our ds(4 1/2) and ds 9mo. We only took one stroller; our full size Graco Metrolite. We would change them out constantly so that they both could take breaks. One needed in the stroller the other needed out. My oldest ds weighs about 44 pounds and rode in the stroller fine. In fact he has rode in many strollers,been over weight for them and I have not had any problems. In June we took them to Six Flags over Georgia and the stroller held up fine there too. This is important because Six Flags is very hilly whereas Disney is rather flat, so if the stroller can hold up to going all over Six Flags I knew that we would be fine at Disney.

I would suggest if your oldest is going to walk a good bit and there are only 2 adults to do like we did and let them alternate and take the stroller with the basket. That way you are not trying to keep up with a child and an empty stroller. If you have more than two adults go ahead with the 2 strollers. One last idea is if you have room take both strollers with you try one day with only one and if you see that does not work for you either go back for a break and get it or just wait and take it with you the next day.

How long are you staying? Have fun on your trip.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

ms. ojo,

Bring both. If one breaks during the trip, the $$ saved from not having to rent from Disney can go towards a better umbrella with all the features you want for your future Disney trips.

I'm hoping my umbrella strollers break so that I can get new ones. Lol!

 

[beth_cam]

we are taking 3 strollers since we are driving and have room then figure out what worksfor us although hubbs may kill me if i still end up renting. I am going to try to go with one stroller in the mornings and 2 in the evengings. The kids are 4 and 6 so pretty big for the strollers but still dont want to try to make them walk so much. i have 2 small strollers with baskets and canopy's as well as a classic umbrella stroller. the only reason for including the umbrella stroller at all is because i'm thinking that it may (gotta test this) be able to hang on the handle of the first stroller when not in use. so we dont have to be pushing 2 if the kids arent both in them. I really dont want want to be out in the dark with out the kids in them because they tend to wander a bit and scared i'd lose them. thinking about pulling out the leash/harnesses. i know my kids if i have the strollers they will be walking if i dont they will be crying their feet hurt.

 

[NJDisneymom]

I am in the exact same boat!!!! My dd is 5.5 and ds is 2. I am pretty sure we are bringing the Peg Perego P3 that I just bought. Its comfy for the 2 year old, and has a small step on the back for the 5 year old. It has a great hood and nice basket yet folds up pretty easily. Not as compact as an umbrella, but I'm sacrificing that for the step feature. BUT now I'm trying to decide if that little step is enough for dd or if she will need to sit in a regular stroller. So, I'm contemplating also buying a Maclaren Volo to use for her.

My 5.5 year old is only 34 lbs. though so I can't really help with the weight limits, but I remember pushing my nephew in a cheapy umbrella thru disney years ago and it was a pain to push and by the end of the week the wheels were bent!!!

 

[beth_cam]

by the way my 4year old weighs 40 lbs, my 6 yo 48lbs and we took them on a very brisk 30 min walk in thosestrollers last nightand all went fine. the strollers are both small cheap strollerswith a 35-40lb limit.

 

[ms.ojo]

by the way my 4year old weighs 40 lbs, my 6 yo 48lbs and we took them on a very brisk 30 min walk in thosestrollers last nightand all went fine. the strollers are both small cheap strollerswith a 35-40lb limit.

That's a good idea. I had ds sit in the stroller when he was watching some tv this morning to see if it was truly comfortable for sitting. We'll go for a family walk tonight and try it out to see how the frame/seat does. I think we'll be ok....but it is a few yrs old and I just hope the seat doesn't tear. It's an Old graco and my FAV stroller. Compact...but w/ a basket. DD is being a classic 2 and wants whatever stroller ds wants at the time!!!

Oh the other stroller we have that reclines, but looks like an umbrella, is Kolcraft.

ADDED: Got to love this...ds wants us to take him for a walk in the stroller someplace NOT in our neighborhood as he doesn't want to be seen testing out the stroller as he's "too old" for it outside of Disney. Geeze Mom!!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Don't have much advice just wanted to say good luck as I'm struggling with what to do also. My kids will be 6, 4 3/4, and 2 3/4 on our next trip in October. 1st trip when they were 4 1/2, 3, and 1 we brought a double umbrella and rented a full size stroller for baby from ABBF. That worked OK but the double was a pain on the parking lot tram and my baby HATES that stroller. Last year we brought our new Peg Perego Pliko P3 ( LOVE that stroller) and rented a double in the parks. That worked great. The youngest wanted to ride in the rental if she wasn't napping! Only 1 night were all 3 kids wiped out and the 2 oldest rode on the P3 and we carried the baby. This next trip I'm taking 6 year old by myself for 2 days before DH, friend and other 2 kids join us. I'm thinking of taking my MacLaren single for the oldest but my friend & DH think I'm crazy. A friend of mine from FL will probably join us for those 2 days and her 6 year old will have a stroller. My friend who comes along to help with the kids doesn't think the older 2 will need a stroller at all but I think(KNOW) they will at least occasionally. I was thinking if I had my own 2nd stroller they could switch off between riding in a stroller and riding on the running board on the P3 and I won't have to rent.

 

[ms.ojo]

First, thank you all for sharing your stories....it's comforting to know others are struggling w/ this too!

We are going to bring both our small strollers. DD in the reclining one, ds in the Graco w/ the basket. If the Graco gives out on this trip, (or we find it's just too difficult to push him in it) we will toss it (or leave it at the hotel) and start renting a stroller for him. I was hesitant to do this as I didn't want to take the chance of it breaking as I know we're going back in Dec this yr and would DEF. be renting for ds by then...and wanted to have 1 w/ a basket...but then I thought, this is crazy. If he likes the basket, and she likes the other, go w/ it. Wear a backpack if needed and forget about the basket! Life suddenly became simpler.

I feel silly typing this, I hope you can relate....sometimes a simple detail can just get you all wound up...and then you realize, hey, I'll just do xxx and you laugh about it and move on. So...moving on! 13 days to go!!!

 

[Jess]

Totally had the same agonizing decisions over strollers-wanted to share what we did in the end as we just got home from a week there.

DS is 5.5 and likes to ride sometimes--we knew he'd get tired. DD2.5 is a maverick and always wants out out out. We took 2 strollers in the end and decided not to rent- BEST decision for our needs. We took 2 Maclaren volos and it worked like a charm--worth the price (check EBay). I got this advice from lots of moms on the strollerswap message boards on yahoo. I already owned one and bought another just for WDW-no regrets, let me tell ya.

Both kids rode a lot more than we anticipated, at the resort and in the parks. We rented a car and sometimes drove, sometimes took WDW buses. In either case, the strollers were essential in and out of the parks-from getting to and from the parking lot to traveling from the bus stops. And at the airports if you have enough adults to push.

The volo is a lightweight umbrella that holds up to 55 lbs. Folds up in a flash and stands out from the gagillion rentals at all the stroller parking areas. We tied bright inexpensive bandannas to ours and never had trouble spotting them.

Also a good bet is the Peg Perego Pliko or P3, which I also own but did not bring because ours is on its last legs and DS needed a seat for this trip (not to mention he exceeds the wt limit for standing on the footboard of the Peg). I saw tons of Maclarens and Pegs on this trip at all the parks.

 

[sjams]

Okay guys I need some more help here. I was reading the posts and am too contimplating strollers for my 7 year old dd and 4 year old ds . I was going to rent one, but then I got on Ebay and saw those MacLaren Volo ones for great deals. SO here's my deal..are the Volo ones different from the umbrella Volo's that they have? It is all so confusing...going in 50 days and need to get on this.
Was going to do 1 double, but if the kids are separated since grandparents are going, went with the idea of 2 smaller ones...Good idea? or Not?

Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks

 

[LIGrumpyGirl]

You can rent their "stroller carts" for multiple days. The first time it takes a little while to wait if there is a line and purchase your vouchers, but subsequent days you just bypass the line and give the attendant your voucher and if you saved your name placard, you just grab a stroller and go. The last time we did it we even got a couple of disney dollars when you are done with your vouchers.


I am planning on renting for my DD4 when we go next week. Our first day is a "down" day so I am going to go to DTD and get my voucher then. I asked around and was told it could be done. That way at MK the next day, I grab the stroller and go!

 

[ms.ojo]

am planning on renting for my DD4 when we go next week. Our first day is a "down" day so I am going to go to DTD and get my voucher then. I asked around and was told it could be done. That way at MK the next day, I grab the stroller and go!

We are going over to DD on our 1st day too to get our AP and we could take care of the stroller thing then too. Thank you for the tip!

 

[Jess]

I'm not sure what you are seeing on Ebay, but there is just one Volo stroller Maclaren makes, and it is an umbrella-type stroller, if that is what you are asking. I think models as late as 2003 did not come with an accessory pack (rain cover, sunshade, ie and that had to be bought separately for around $30-40) but in 2004 they started selling them with the sun and rain shades. You should be able to find the Volo on Ebay for starting bid prices of around $50-60--a litle more for 2004 models. They come in all colors--marigold, denim, red (I forgot what they call the red--I think it was posy but don't quote me), and then they came out with even cooler shades.

By the way, I went to WDW with just one accessory pack and never ever used it. My kids wore hats and I didn't find I needed the hassle of attaching the sunshade (I have the older 2003 models). Good luck-PM me if you need more info.

Okay guys I need some more help here. I was reading the posts and am too contimplating strollers for my 7 year old dd and 4 year old ds . I was going to rent one, but then I got on Ebay and saw those MacLaren Volo ones for great deals. SO here's my deal..are the Volo ones different from the umbrella Volo's that they have? It is all so confusing...going in 50 days and need to get on this.
Was going to do 1 double, but if the kids are separated since grandparents are going, went with the idea of 2 smaller ones...Good idea? or Not?

Any help would be appreciated!!! Thanks

 

[Amom2five]

My 6 & 7 year old are going to WALK. DH said if they're big enough for Disney they're big enough to walk! But I guess that's because we have 3 other kids still small enough to actually need a stroller (1,2 & 3), otherwise I might rethink my position. There's NO WAY we can take 5 strollers & I just can't imagine putting a 6 & 7 yr old in a stroller. We'll have one "umbrella" (easily collapsible w/ small basket & canopy) and one double (side by side). I'm already terrified at the thought of pushing our strollers with all I've read about people getting so mad & the crowds etc. I thought WDW would be great for kids, but I'm starting to wish we were going somewhere else (well, not really!)

 

[SleepyatDVC]

My 6 & 7 year old are going to WALK. DH said if they're big enough for Disney they're big enough to walk! But I guess that's because we have 3 other kids still small enough to actually need a stroller (1,2 & 3), otherwise I might rethink my position. There's NO WAY we can take 5 strollers & I just can't imagine putting a 6 & 7 yr old in a stroller. We'll have one "umbrella" (easily collapsible w/ small basket & canopy) and one double (side by side). I'm already terrified at the thought of pushing our strollers with all I've read about people getting so mad & the crowds etc. I thought WDW would be great for kids, but I'm starting to wish we were going somewhere else (well, not really!)

With that many kids, I would make the older ones walk too! Actually, you should get the older 2 to push the strollers (at a nice leisurely pace), they get a kick out of that.

Good luck!

 

[dreamalittledream]

in Feb we took a lightweight stoller, Costco with a basket and canopy for DD#2 (9mths) and an umbrella stroller (a $16 special) for DD#1 (3)

we brought a bungee cord and strapped the umbrella to the other stoller with the wheels in the basket. It was so easy to merge the two together and gave alot of flexability.

we did this when DD#1 would walk or was on a ride with someone.

I feel your pain for I also agonized over what to bring and how to manuver it too. The only trouble I ran into was getting on the end of the night bus with 2 strollers, 2 kids and Mom. But, A wonderful man held the one stoller for me the entire ride and a young (4 yr old) southern gentleman gave up his seat for my DD#1 (he sat on his mama's lap). That was some Disney Magic.