Stroller Dilemma

[aimb]

We have a Graco Citi Lite that we are considering taking to WDW in December. Although this stroller is very light and compact, I'm having doubts about taking it. It doesn't seem terribly comfortable, at least compared to our our huge (heavy) stroller. DS is only 2 and will probably be in the stroller quite a bit, so I want to make sure he is comfortable. I'm also not crazy about it not having a snack tray. I think it would be so much easier to have a place for his sippy cup and snacks. Also, the model we have is about 2 years old and doesn't come with a parent tray/drink holder either. Would I be better off taking our big stroller? We're staying off-site so we won't be using busses for transportation. Not having a snack tray/sippy cup holder is a big issue for me. Ideally, I'd like to just get another light-weight stroller that has a snack tray (like the Graco Metro Lite), but DH thinks it's insane to spend $99 on a snack tray...LOL. So, which one should I take - the Citi Lite or the big, heavy (but comfy) one?

 

[catherines_mama]

It all depends on your situation. Are you staying onsite, and taking Disney Transport? I travel a lot with my 2yo, and we are doing our 1st WDW in 2/04. But I am very familiar with WDW itself. I can tell you taht the lighter and more compact the better when traveling.

If you are flying, the more compact the better. On disney transpo, the more compact the better.

Having no tray for the 2yo. You can work around this. When I travel with my lightweight, I put snacks in the little snack bags. My DD just sets the bag next to her in the stroller and the same with her sippy cup. This works fine. No drink tray for you. There is an attachable cup holder that fits on most strollers, it is insulated and is really great. I love mine, but the name of it is not coming to me.... Stroller Hold'R $8.95 on One Step Ahead's website. It works great.

I recommend doing what you are most comfortable with, but lighter is much easier on many occasions. I am looking forward to hearing how your trip goes. I am very excited about our upcoming one.

Good luck!

Deedee

 

[madscrapper]

Hi,

We have taken a full sized double stroller to WDW for years and have never regretted our decision...we'll be taking it again in 3 weeks for DD 4 and 7...yes, it's heavy but we never had to really carry the thing and our kids are much happier in a stroller that's comfortable... you can bring the stroller to the gate at the airport and then check it there and it's waiting for you as soon as you get off the plane, so we never found the airport to be an issue...yes, you have to fold the stroller to get on the trams, monorail and WDW railroad, but you'd have to do that for all strollers...plus the larger strollers are more sturdy and we always have ours loaded with drinks, purchases and a backpack...I've never found the weight or size of our double stroller to be an issue.

Hope this helps,

Jeannine

 

[beattyfamily]

I've gone to WDW 4 times now with our 2 DD's (4 & 7) with strollers (ages 1, 2 twice, 3, 4, 5, and 6 year olds) and I like something in between an umbrella stroller and a heavy duty stroller. I actually have the one you mention and mine doesn't have a snack tray either.

One step ahead sells a snack tray you can attach to your stroller! It's $16.95. You can see it here: Collapsible Stroller Tray

The worst part about bringing a stroller to WDW for me is folding it up for various transportation all the time and sometimes having to carry it folded etc...so I vote for lightweight, non-bulky...IMHO of course!

 

[frannn]

I bought a Citisport, which I believe is the older version of yours, from ebay, for this trip. I didn't realize that it doesn't fully recline, and the seatbelt is not one to brag about. It has not gone to waste, as I grab it when we go for a quick walk or to the mall. Yes, it is very light & easy to fold & carry, but has no trays. I also found that the canopy bent when it was folded the wrong way. I put DD (will be 1 right before the trip) in her full size Graco stroller for a walk recently, and I could tell that she could tell the difference between the 2 strollers. She was smiling from ear to ear & bopping around, because she had more padding and space. I decided to compromise and bought a cheaper Babytrend stroller that is an in between size (17.5 lbs), fully reclines, snack trays & drink holders, and decent canopy. It was on clearance on Babies R Us, and I had a coupon, so I pd about 25. I will put it together this week and see how she likes it. The floor model in the store seemed a little more difficult to fold (like a spring lock on either side of the handle) & carry than the Citisport, but DD will be spending so much time in it during the trip, that I want her to be comfy. I will be cursing when we have to do a quick fold & carry it onto thebus, but I figure it will be pretty crowded, so I'll fold as I'm waiting on line. Also, I always buy stuff in the parks, and I don't want the stroller to fall over due to the weight of the bags. Hey, I think I'm starting to convince myself! BIL thinks we should take the smallest possible stroller to fit in with all the luggage, but I don't think DD sees it that way.