Stroller Dilemma! Buy or Rent!

[taximomfor4]

We have 4 kids, 11,7,5,almost-3. After our spring WDW trip (first family one EVERY)... I sold our lightweight single stroller at my garage sale. Youngest barely ever rides in it anymore, and the other 2 are over its weight limit. I should add that youngest DID ride in it at WDW a lot of the time(we did not foresee going back so soon though). Really, it was my 7 yr old (just turned) that fell asleep on the sidewalk on Main Street the ONE evening we went to a park in the afternoon, lol. It was about 8pm.

I have been seriously considering either buying a BabyTrend (at Babies R Us for $39, holds up to 45 lbs which is right about what 7 yr old weighs), buying the whatever-brand one at bRU for like $99?? which holds up to 55 lbs??? Or forking over the $ to rent a stroller at WDW. We will be there for 8 days, so like $56 for a single or $112 for a double. If we rent, the double seems like a no-brainer (could buy a single for cheaper than renting one, lol). I looked everywhere, but can find no more sit-stand strollers (maybe they don't make them anymore??)

Help! Any advice/experience? I am thinking that younger dd could ride most of the day, and put 7yr old in it for a ride in the evening when she hits her evening-fatigue. That is if I buy one. If I rent, the 3 younger kids can all take turns riding. BUT then we won't have a stroller at the resort or going to the bus stops (staying ASsp for 4 nights, WL for 4 nights).

HELP!!!!

 

[frannn]

This would cost less than renting, and you would have use of the stroller at the airport and all over WDW. This way, you would not have to entertain the idea of carrying your 3 year old to the bus stop at the end of the park day, when you are exhausted. Your youngest would also have a saved seat for the parades! We have always bought our own stroller, and it has proven to be a lifesaver for naps, etc (we bring a midweight reclining one). You could always rent a second one at WDW if the need arrises.

 

[SnowBound]

I doubt you will really need a stroller in the airport. It's a short walk from the plane to the 'monorail' and another short walk to the baggage claim, then the shuttle to the rental cars (if not on property one flight down) is right outside that door.

With three children, I would say rent a double stroller, but not from the parks. We rent from A Baby's Best Friend www.abbf.com and the savings and convenience is considerable. Additionally, ABBF's strollers are MUCH more comfortable, and everything we have ever had from them is very clean. They deliver to your resort before you arrive so it is waiting in the luggage room for you. Really a great service and nice people to work with.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

I am for buying one. I say..less hassle when you get to the parks when the kids just want to see things, instead of waiting in a storller line. Plus, if you invest in one that will hold heavier kids, you can have it for other family trips, or for your next trip to WDW. This is what we plan on doing.

But if you really want to rent..i would say like another poster has and do it outside of WDW, this way it is a one shot rent, over and done with for the week.

About the airport..i guess that depends on how long you have to wait for your plane. I know i would much rather have dd sitting in the stroller in front of me, eating a snack or playing a game on her tray than jumping around,and making me nervous..while we were waiting. But thats just me.


Have a fun trip.

 

[WhoLetTheMouseOut]

I agree with renting, as that is what we do. The less we have to schlep around getting to WDW the better. We also have three, and OIA was not a problem. I was glad we did not take it or check it.

have fun!

 

[HitchhikingGhost]

I heartily agree with SnowBound and say definitely, definitely, definitely rent form A Baby's Best Friend. It's the best money we spend on our trips. Not only is the rental cost from them (vs. the parks) less expensive, I was skipping with joy as I passed by the 20+ deep line of people at the stroller rental booth just inside the gate!

Oh Yeah!

 

[taximomfor4]

I guess I left out REALLY pertinent info, lol. We are driving down from Ohio.

Loving the advice.
So if we rent, the offsite place looks promising. If we buy, definitely need one with higher weight limit (would seem silly to get another one like the one I foolishly sold, lol).

Any suggestions on higher weight-limit strollers? I have been browsing online and in stores, but it is sometimes hard to find the weight limits on them!

Beth

 

[poohfriend]

the 2004 and 2005 Maclaren strollers hold 55 lbs.

If you're more of an "investment" type than a "rent" type, this would work for you. But, I'd want to decide if I wanted a stroller taking precious packing space in the car!

I just bought a maclaren for our 18 mo old. (This is our 3rd, so forking over the big cash just about killed me.) I LOVE IT.

The steering is incredible. One handed, easy. The Techno Classic we bought has extendable handles -- DH who is over 6 foot even steers this one.

It's lightweight, folds like an umbrella (good for packing in the car), and has a small storage basket. RESALE VALUE IS HIGH!!!

There are lots of options, but here are the places I'd look for a good price:

TARGET has a Maclaren (?) Volo I think for about $70. My memory says it doesn't recline, but still has the best Maclaren features.

I bought a 2004 clearnece model from albeebaby.com (Awesome prices, great service too)

I've seen babydealz.com has a lot of clearance priced 2004 models too.

If you're interested, you can go to Babies R Us to test drive. They didn't have the exact model I bought online, but the steering is the same. (Have I mentioned how awesome it steers!) This is our 6th stroller. Why oh why didn'[t I get one to begin with?? (I didn't know about Maclarens until the DISBOARDS!)

REALLY worth the money, especially since if you buy a clearance model at 50% off retail you might get all your money back through consignment.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

You can always buy a cheap one while down there & then donate it to the Give the Kids the World Village (make a wish foundation)!

 

[taximomfor4]

the 2004 and 2005 Maclaren strollers hold 55 lbs.

If you're more of an "investment" type than a "rent" type, this would work for you. But, I'd want to decide if I wanted a stroller taking precious packing space in the car!

I just bought a maclaren for our 18 mo old. (This is our 3rd, so forking over the big cash just about killed me.) I LOVE IT.

The steering is incredible. One handed, easy. The Techno Classic we bought has extendable handles -- DH who is over 6 foot even steers this one.

It's lightweight, folds like an umbrella (good for packing in the car), and has a small storage basket. RESALE VALUE IS HIGH!!!

There are lots of options, but here are the places I'd look for a good price:

TARGET has a Maclaren (?) Volo I think for about $70. My memory says it doesn't recline, but still has the best Maclaren features.

I bought a 2004 clearnece model from albeebaby.com (Awesome prices, great service too)

I've seen babydealz.com has a lot of clearance priced 2004 models too.

If you're interested, you can go to Babies R Us to test drive. They didn't have the exact model I bought online, but the steering is the same. (Have I mentioned how awesome it steers!) This is our 6th stroller. Why oh why didn'[t I get one to begin with?? (I didn't know about Maclarens until the DISBOARDS!)

REALLY worth the money, especially since if you buy a clearance model at 50% off retail you might get all your money back through consignment.

I looked, and found Maclaren Quest. But doesn't show the weight limit. are they 55 lb weight limit too?