Stroller at DL

[herrmannpt]

We'll be going to DL at the end of next week for 1 day before our cruise. We're planning on bringing what is considered a luxury stroller because it will be so nice to have on the cruise ship. After doing some reading about strollers getting stollen in the parks, I'm getting concerned about taking it into DL. I know I can rent a stroller, but how much of a pain is it going to be to get from DLH to DL with a 12 month old without a stroller?

 

[Lynzer Torte]

Not terrible, esp if it's only for 1 day.

We've never had anything stolen at DL. We have a nice Valco Buggster and leave it right outside the rides without a second thought.
We always put the brake on and unless you know how to unlock it, it's a bit tricky so that might deter would-be thieves.

 

[coaches24]

I just spent 3 days there and had my graco stroller there and had no problem. It was packed with stuff. The only thing we didn't leave with the stroller when we parked it (which was often) was our video camera and diaper back pack which also carried our valuables and keys. We even parked it when we rode the train around the park. Nothing was taken. I too was nervous at first but we had no issues. We did forget a few times to grab the camera and or diaper bag too. But still no issues.

 

[brookies_mommy]

I had mine there too and it was a really nice one, I plan on bringing it back too next month. I really wouldn't worry too much about it, but if its super nice maybe bring a lock? most of the stroller parking has a fence next to it. That might ease your mind.

 

[LavenderPeach]

I had mine there too and it was a really nice one, I plan on bringing it back too next month. I really wouldn't worry too much about it, but if its super nice maybe bring a lock? most of the stroller parking has a fence next to it. That might ease your mind.

I'm pretty sure you can't lock your stroller to anything because the CMs sometimes have to move them around. You can lock the wheels together to make it harder to roll away with. Other tricks are you can lock the wheels and turn the stroller backwards to make it more difficult to get to or you can bring a cheapie stroller to the parks (really cheap, like $10) then rent a stroller and park the cheapier stroller somewhere to be picked up before you leave. But actually, like a PP said, i don't think carrying a 12 mo to DLH for one day would be that difficult. You could also take the monorail which would cut down on some of the walking and would actually be easier with no stroller.

 

[DizNee Luver]

I had the same concern last summer.....we have twins & their strollers were $400 each......they were always in the same spot we parked them. I also marked them with our name in visible areas on the stroller & then some hidden areas as well. I wouldn't be concerned about taking your own stroller into the parks.

 

[naebear]

We have taken our graco stroller to the park every year and we have never had a problem. We leave stuff in the bottom (sweatshirts, snacks, etc.) and one year I even left my cell phone in the cup holder in plain site by mistake! It was still there when we got out of Muppets, so that pretty much squelched my fear of stolen items. We do take our camera and money with us all the time, just in case, but if you consider how many people are there with small children and also have strollers, I think it comes down to a respect issue and people pretty much leave them alone.

 

[brookies_mommy]

I'm pretty sure you can't lock your stroller to anything because the CMs sometimes have to move them around. You can lock the wheels together to make it harder to roll away with. Other tricks are you can lock the wheels and turn the stroller backwards to make it more difficult to get to or you can bring a cheapie stroller to the parks (really cheap, like $10) then rent a stroller and park the cheapier stroller somewhere to be picked up before you leave. But actually, like a PP said, i don't think carrying a 12 mo to DLH for one day would be that difficult. You could also take the monorail which would cut down on some of the walking and would actually be easier with no stroller.

She may easily be right about not being able to lock them.. although I think its stupid.

 

[alivingxerox]

I think your stroller will be fine, ours has never been stolen only moved/ organized by CMs

 

[DahliaRW]

I wouldn't worry. Though if you take the monorail from dlh to and from the park it's not much of a walk at all. I'd bring a sling or baby carrier of some kind.

That being said, I wouldn't worry about a stroller being stolen either. We left ours parked in NO (two of them) today (pretty much all day) and nothing was taken!

 

[dptabrown]

I've been wondering what we're going to do about the stroller situation too. I am thinking both my dd and ds will need the stroller. We have an awesome double stroller, but I'm not sure I want to take it on the plane, etc etc. AND I would worry about it getting stolen as well. It is relieving to hear that people have had good experiences with strollers.
I am considering just buying 2 cheap umbrella strollers to take.
So what do you all think???
1. Take our big expensive double stroller
2. Take 2 cheap umbrella strollers

 

[Lynzer Torte]

I've been wondering what we're going to do about the stroller situation too. I am thinking both my dd and ds will need the stroller. We have an awesome double stroller, but I'm not sure I want to take it on the plane, etc etc. AND I would worry about it getting stolen as well. It is relieving to hear that people have had good experiences with strollers.
I am considering just buying 2 cheap umbrella strollers to take.
So what do you all think???
1. Take our big expensive double stroller
2. Take 2 cheap umbrella strollers

I'd say #1. For the relatively minor inconvenience of gate checking your stroller, you have reclined seats for sleeping kids, cup holders and lots more storage.

 

[brookies_mommy]

I'm pretty sure you can't lock your stroller to anything because the CMs sometimes have to move them around. You can lock the wheels together to make it harder to roll away with. Other tricks are you can lock the wheels and turn the stroller backwards to make it more difficult to get to or you can bring a cheapie stroller to the parks (really cheap, like $10) then rent a stroller and park the cheapier stroller somewhere to be picked up before you leave. But actually, like a PP said, i don't think carrying a 12 mo to DLH for one day would be that difficult. You could also take the monorail which would cut down on some of the walking and would actually be easier with no stroller.

I'd say #1. For the relatively minor inconvenience of gate checking your stroller, you have reclined seats for sleeping kids, cup holders and lots more storage.

I agree #1
My dd is 5 and I will be bringing her full stroller so she can relax too. Last year she fell asleep in it and so I found some shade and we just relaxed for a good hour.. it was nice

 

[lapdwife]

My Maclaren was "jacked" one day. We actually found it with kid inside. The woman gave us a nasty look but did remove her child and we took our stroller back. I've heard many CM stories about strollers being stolen and I now use DL strollers when the little guy is worn out.

 

[ironpig70]

I have taken strollers in DL before with out issue. I think people "steal" them is a misunderstanding. How many strollers look like ours? I found by attaching something as simple as a bandana or ballon on it may help it stand out as yours.


As for the other poster I don't like the cheap umbrella strollers at 6 foot tall I spend the day hunched over pushing them.

I have twins and loved the big stroller with one in fri=ont and 1 in back. Seats recline/lay flat feature and you just cannot beat the storage they have.

 

[Judy from Boise]

Honestly a stroller may not be needed for only one child and two adults. DL is very manageable.

 

[happiestever]

I would just bring an ergo type baby carrier. This way you have somewhere to hold the your little one close.

Or you could by a stroller lock like this
http://www.amazon.com/Buggyguard-Retractable-Stroller-Lock-Monkey/dp/B002QBDMDI

 

[starshine514]

You could also check craigslist for a used stroller for your trip. I've gotten some really good deals there, and I don't mind leaving the double stroller I paid $50 for sitting around in theme parks (though I'm not sure I would feel the same for a $400 one). I was a little hesitant before our trip to WDW last year, but now I realize that most people wouldn't even think of bothering someone else's stroller (even when I forgot valuables in it at Sea World, everything was still there when I got back).

 

[nsiordia]

I've seen a bugaboo stroller with a bike lock once near the carousel at DLand. I took a pic, I wish I could find it.

If your stroller is that expensive and you are worried, don't bring it.

But I do believe you will need a stroller for sure, so I would rent one. We bring a Maclaren umbrella stroller for my 5 year old because he still naps and does need it. If I were you, I'd just rent one. I really like the strollers at DLand, nice and roomy. I don't believe DLand is maneageable with 12 month without a stroller. JMHO.

 

[Cagirl767]

We have brought all of the above. First, an expensive stroller, then I worried (and probably for no reason since I see many many nice strollers there) so I bought a cheap stroller that we use specifically for amusement parks and dusty zoos. So I've felt much more at peace since then leaving my stoller unattended and sometimes for half a day.

We've also brought a Bjorn type carrier when our kids were smaller, for waiting in lines and on rides such as POTC and for when the baby got antsy in the stroller.