Stroller advice

[Lfive]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but since the search function on this site is unreliable, here goes.

What is a good double stroller scenario for WDW? I've seen many people recommend Maclaren and Peg and some others. I'm looking for something for my DD4 and DS1. She will ride some as she gets tired, and he will ride most of the time (much to his dismay I'm sure). I've debated just going with a single and letting them share but I know at some point they will both need to ride, maybe, and I'm getting too old to carry one of them through the entire park. I also want something that will be comfortable for him to nap in (ie multi-position). My DD4 does not nap anymore and she won't want to be slowed down by her little brother, so we're hoping he will nap on the go for us. For what we would pay to rent strollers at WDW (and napping in those strollers is not an option) we can just buy one. We have strollers we use at home, but they are big and heavy and bulky.

I realize that all kids are different and that I need to evaluate how my own kids will react/respond and what their needs are. I'm really just looking for people with similar experiences so I can compare and evaluate other solutions that might work for my kids.

 

[Happydog]

I'm sure this has been asked before, but since the search function on this site is unreliable, here goes.

What is a good double stroller scenario for WDW? I've seen many people recommend Maclaren and Peg and some others. I'm looking for something for my DD4 and DS1. She will ride some as she gets tired, and he will ride most of the time (much to his dismay I'm sure). I've debated just going with a single and letting them share but I know at some point they will both need to ride, maybe, and I'm getting too old to carry one of them through the entire park. I also want something that will be comfortable for him to nap in (ie multi-position). My DD4 does not nap anymore and she won't want to be slowed down by her little brother, so we're hoping he will nap on the go for us. For what we would pay to rent strollers at WDW (and napping in those strollers is not an option) we can just buy one. We have strollers we use at home, but they are big and heavy and bulky.

I realize that all kids are different and that I need to evaluate how my own kids will react/respond and what their needs are. I'm really just looking for people with similar experiences so I can compare and evaluate other solutions that might work for my kids.

We bought a Maclaren Twin Techno Duo (or something like that!) when DS (now 3) was born. DS (now 6) was only 3 at the time, so it was needed -- we went to Scotland when DS3 was 3 mos old, and the 3 yr old would not have made it with the time zone, etc. But, we have never doubted its value for the $$ since. It is a side by side and goes through regular doorways, is not at all bulky, easy to handle and collapse, and has worn very well. Since then it has been to Italy twice, several cross country flights to CA and OR (from MD)and to WDW, twice -- most recently in Nov, when my two were 3 and 6. They were comfortable and I had peace of mind. It got crowded in the parks at times, and I didn't worry about negotiating crowds, or trying to get out of the fray after fireworks or parades. Both dozed or napped during this trip and it could recline as needed, and it comes with a rain guard, so I could use it for this when it was parked, and it did rain one day while we were on a ride, so it stayed dry. I realize my older son is 6, he is healthy and active, but WDW is a big place and requires a lot of walking no matter how long your legs are. And standing. So I think he appreciated having a spot to sit. I never strapped them in, but at 1 you might have to! We are going again in June. I think I will have to sacrifice it this time, and just have the single Quest I own. We'll see... Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[brockash]

I bought a sit n stand last Sept. for my DD (17 months at the time) and DS (6 at the time) My DS didn't use it very much obviously, but it was great for crowds and at closing. I'd just make him get in and I could navigate through the crowds without having to worry about him wandering anywhere. I'd say with a 4 year old and baby to definetly have something that the 2 of them could both be sitting at the same time. I really thought the sit n stand worked very well for us, but I was very worried about the front seat not reclining enough, however she ended up taking many many naps in it without a problem, but it really doens't recline that much. I also thought it was pretty compactable, and really wasn't any worse on the buses than a full size regular stroller. Another thing to possible consider are 2 umbrella strollers, if you have 2 adults to push. I personally am not a fan of them, so I'm not sure if they make any that recline, but most ppl. on the boards seem to really like some of them, so that may be an option as well. I've also heard that they make snaps so you can make 2 single strollers 1 double. Good luck!

 

[Happy_Mom]

I've had both the Maclaren Twin Triumph and the Peg Perego Twin Aria and I highly recommend the Maclaren.
The Perego is hard to push, especially with heavier children and I can easily manuever my Maclaren one handed with two toddlers.

The Maclaren also folds up nicer than the Perego.

 

[Mom2MyGirls]

We have a combi twin savvy that was purchased when my 2 year old was born for her and our then 3 year old (now 5) We use it for the zoo and our local amusement park. We will be bringing it to Disney, as it is much more comfortable than the ones there. I wouldn't not have a seat for the 5 year old, she will complain and be unhappy if she's tired and doesn't have a place to sit.

 

[DISNEYNV]

We have a MacClaren Volvo and a Triumph for our DS (1) and DD(4) and they work great at the parks! The strollers manuver in crowds well, fold easily and are lightweight. They are perfect for the buses as well. I actually wanted the double but it is bulkier than the singles are and it is easier to split up the kids between us with two seperate strollers. DDs volvo is not as comfortable or nice as the Triumph nor does it recline. I wish we had two of the Tri's.

I also recently checked out the website for the Quinny strollers and they fold up in a near compact fashion and can even be placed in overhead cabinet on the plane!!! Awesome stroller at same price line as the Mac but still does not recline at all.

Good luck with your choice and have a fun trip.

 

[AmyBWV99]

I've had both the Maclaren Twin Triumph and the Peg Perego Twin Aria and I highly recommend the Maclaren.
The Perego is hard to push, especially with heavier children and I can easily manuever my Maclaren one handed with two toddlers.

The Maclaren also folds up nicer than the Perego.

I totally agree we have a Peg double Aria and both times we took it we wanted to chuck the thing in the lake. Its wheels lock up and won't turn or wont' go back forward. Hate it!

This trip we're taking a Phil & Teds Sport so far the test drivs at home have gone well. The other issue for us was in SBS strollers our baby won't leave the toddler alone. He's tryiing to steal his cups, snacks, toys, etc. it's not like he doesn't have his own but I guess everything is more appealing on the other side of the stroller. They are 3 & 1.

 

[teachermom]

I bought a used joovy caboose sit/stand stroller on ebay just for our WDW trip. I have three kids 7, 5 and 3. They all used it at one point. Late nights on the to the bus the 5 yr old was in the front, the 7 yr old in the back and I carried the 3 yr old. It was great during the day for stashing all of our stuff, bags, sweatshirts, etc. I highly recommend it!

 

[MJAJmom]

As an alternative to buying a new stroller, you can rent a double stroller from OrlandoStrollerRentals.com. It's an awesome stroller, much better than the WDW strollers and much cheaper. They'll deliver it straight to your hotel. I used it for my oct trip with DS3 and DS6 and absolutely loved it. I wrote up a review including pictures:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1995724

 

[michael's mom]

As an even cheaper alternative to orlandostrollerrentals.com, you could join a stroller swap. I am in a swap now (link in my signature). It's a double jogger (I don't have 2 kids, but it's cheaper than a single rental so I'll use the other side for storage). This particular swap is $10/trip. If your 4 yo doesn't use a stroller on a regular basis at home you definitely should not buy one. The doubles at WDW are $31/day. But, if the swap that I am in doesn't have your dates available, there's a sticky on the budget boards with other strollers. All the swap fees ar different, but I haven't seen one for more than $20/trip.

 

[Lfive]

As an even cheaper alternative to orlandostrollerrentals.com, you could join a stroller swap. I am in a swap now (link in my signature). It's a double jogger (I don't have 2 kids, but it's cheaper than a single rental so I'll use the other side for storage). This particular swap is $10/trip. If your 4 yo doesn't use a stroller on a regular basis at home you definitely should not buy one. The doubles at WDW are $31/day. But, if the swap that I am in doesn't have your dates available, there's a sticky on the budget boards with other strollers. All the swap fees ar different, but I haven't seen one for more than $20/trip.

I've been looking at the stroller swaps and can't find one that coincides with my trip timing. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[michael's mom]

That stinks...then, I guess renting from orlandostrollerrentals would be the next best choice...a bit more money but probably still cheaper than renting a double everyday in the parks.

 

[TwoRoos]

I just want to second the suggestion about renting from Orlando Stroller Rentals. We rented from them in November and are doing so again in May. I LOVE their double jogger stroller. It was awesome for my two girls. We had no complaints about it at all. It reclines practically flat and has an awesome sunshade. The price is much better than Disney rental prices, too.

 

[Lfive]

I just want to second the suggestion about renting from Orlando Stroller Rentals. We rented from them in November and are doing so again in May. I LOVE their double jogger stroller. It was awesome for my two girls. We had no complaints about it at all. It reclines practically flat and has an awesome sunshade. The price is much better than Disney rental prices, too.

I know I'm being paranoid, but I'd be concerned about getting a rental stolen. Don't know why. The last thing I need is to end up having to pay for replacing a rental stroller.

 

[Ariel on Land]

I just got a Joovy Groove 2- I racked my brain on this for SOOO long. It's a double umbrella stroller, and it's quite nice. Decent storage, the sun shades CAN NOT BE BEAT!!! The seats recline almost all the way, and it has a infant head support plus good padding for the little one. I almost got the Maclaren twin, but the sunshades and the lower cost is what sold me. I could have gotten a used Maclaren for $30 more than what I paid for my Joovy new. It's a double stroller, so no, it's not the easiest thing to lug around, but that's the nature of double strollers.

 

[TwoRoos]

I know I'm being paranoid, but I'd be concerned about getting a rental stolen. Don't know why. The last thing I need is to end up having to pay for replacing a rental stroller.

Oh, I know. The thought has crossed my mind. The strollers have rather large name plates attached on the back and the strollers are orange. They are pretty easy to pick out in a crowd. So maybe if someone walked off with it, the CMs or you would be able to spot it kinda easily.

It seems like I read on the DIS that someone asked Shannon (the owner) if any of her rentals had ever been stolen and she said no. Of course, there's a first time for everything.

One way to reduce the chances of the stroller being stollen is to lock the wheels together. Don't lock the stroller TO something...the CMs need to be able to move them around to straighten up. But you could lock the two front wheels to each other with a bicycle chain. I've read reports here of people doing that.

Wonder if travel insurance would cover a stolen rental stroller? Anyone know?

 

[Momtotwogirls]

We also have the Joovy Groove 2 and it is an awsome stroller. Lightweight, reclines, fits through doorways, has cupholders, storage on the back of the stroller (two decent pockets), two baskets, has lining for cold weather and hot weather, and like the PP said, the shades are fabulous. We are taking this on our trip next month to Disney and the kicker, is I have the lime green color so we should be able to find our stroller quickly in the sea of black and grey strollers.

 

[aidtrismommy]

I have the maclaren twin techno. The techno reclines ALL the way. I bought it for my almost 2 year old and newborn. Awesome stroller. Drives so nicely and is very sturdy. I've brought it to Disney twice and love it. Worth every penny, folds up nicely too. I needed something that reclines fully, that was my main concern for my kids. It also comes with a rain cover and foot muffs (they attatch to the stroller and act like built in blankets) It was great for Disney because I didn't have to lug around blankets (we went in Jan so it gets cold) It is expensive but I promise that you will use it for everything and your kids will be comfortable. I bought mine at albeebaby.com. Free shipping with orders over $100, I bought a few things from them and they have a great selection and are a great company.

 

[Lfive]

I ended up going with orlandostrollerrentals.com. I couldn't justify buying a double stroller for this trip. My DD4 never rides in a stroller at home, and while I'm sure she'll use it some at WDW she is not far off from outgrowing stroller use period. I hope all the good things I've heard about OSR are true!!!

 

[michael's mom]

Good luck! I wish there was a swap available to help you out, but at least you're still saving $$$$ by renting one offsite and not using the disney strollers. Have a great time! I leave in less than 7 weeks and I am soo excited!