Stroller help for big family!

[zookeeper]

In 3 weeks we're going to WDW for our first family trip. I've pretty much got a handle on what it will be like in the parks, Disney Transportation, our resort (Pop Century), restaurants, ADR's,etc., etc,.etc. Most of my info was gathered on the DISboards so thanks to everyone for putting your tips on here. Here's my final dilemma. I have searched and read through numerous threads (too many to count) trying to figure out the best scenario for strollers for us and I'm still confused. Hopefully, I can get some advice from those who have "been there, done that". Here's our info:

adults: me,DH, my mom and dad (in connecting rooms)
kidsS8,DS7,DD5,DSalmost4,DS9months

available strollers/carriers we could bring:
2 full size strollers
2 umbrella strollers
baby sling
backpack carrier (can convert to stroller)

We're flying, but my mom/dad are driving so we can bring whatever we need. I'm hoping not to rent a stroller everyday, but I'm assuming some days we'll need to because it's so much walking from what I've read, especially at Epcot. We will be taking buses to and from the parks. What's your advice???

 

[NJDisneymom]

well, if I could choose any stroller I wanted I would bring a Peg P3 (I have this and love it!!!). I would use it for the baby and the 4 or 5 year old could stand on the back and I would bring a good umbrella for the 4 year old when they are really going to need to sit.

But based on what it looks like you have I would consider either 1 full size and 1 umbrella or 2 umbrellas. For me it really depends on the models of the strollers. Fortunately you have enough adults to handle the strollers and the kids.

 

[Laura22]

If I were you I'd buy a double stroller for the 4 year old and the baby, and bring a single stroller for your 5, 7, and 8 year olds to take turns riding in.

 

[staci]

Ok, here is my answer using what you have got.

I would probably bring whichever bigger stroller is the most lightweight, but also COMFORTABLE for your youngest to sleep in. Then, just to save space, I would bring the two umbrella strollers for the older kids to take turns in. I have seen clips somewhere that can clip two umbrellas together to make one stroller? This may be worth the investment because then only one person needs to push?

As long as packing is not an issue, I would bring the backpack carrier so that you have it as an option.

Last but not least, when in EPCOT at least (due to size), I would consider forgetting about the two umbrella strollers and just renting a double (or two!). They are much more sturdy for the older kids, and all your children will need breaks from walking.

 

[kizmac]

Your group sound just like mine except add one more kid!LOL It will be me, DH, my mom and dad, dd 14,ds 11,ds 7, ds 5, ds 3, dd 18mths.
We've done the double at Disney many times, and it can be a pain. We decided this time to take two singles. I would do as the one poster said and take a full size for the baby and 1 umbrella. I would also take the baby sling. I used mine a lot at Disney when my little ones were younger.

Our strollers will be just like the one Diser said would be the ideal setup...we will have the Peg P3 for the baby and the older ones can take turns riding in the Mac Volo or standing on the back of the Peg on the little running boards. Worked great for us at the zoo the other day using this combo!

Now, if you don't have a stroller with a running board, I think they still will be fine taking turns in the umbrella, but I would definitely take a nice comfy stroller for the baby.

 

[Colinsmom]

Definitely bring that baby sling!! It will give you another seat should someone need one. Two singles sound about right for your crowd; you can always rent if someone else gets too tired. Even though it costs money to rent, it's also a pain to be pushing too many empty strollers all day long!

 

[bartleby1]

I would bring a comfy, reclining stroller for the baby and rent a double for the almost 4 and 5 year olds. Your older two can rotate in and out of the double when the younger two want to walk a little. Also, you may want to bring a baby sling to give more options.

We just got back with our 5-1/2 yr old, 3 yr old, and 9 month old. I have always brought strollers before because I hated wasting money on the rentals but this time I rented a double for my older two. It was WONDERFUL and worth every penny! They steer and push like a dream. I hardly knew that I was pushing two kids. I would definitely rent again next time. We did bring a full size stroller for my 9 month old since we needed the large basket for storage, the tray for her to snack, a large sun shade, and the full recline. The rentals are definitely not good for babies, but for older ones they work great.

The only problem we had with renting, was that after a long day in the park, my 3 year old was exhausted and we had to turn the stroller in. I ended up putting him in our stroller and carrying the baby out of the park. I suppose a front carrier or sling would have made it easier at that point.

I also brought my single maclaren umbrella stroller to when we weren't in the parks for my 3 and 5 year old to share (like at downtown disney).

 

[dijid]

I would sell the strollers you've got and use the money to buy the Pliko P3! That and a sling should be all you need. We went with a P3 and sling when taking our 10mo, almost3yo and 4yo. The 10mo rode in the stroller and the 3yo on the Pliko's steps. When the 4yo got tired, the 10mo went in the sling and the 3yo rode in the stroller while the 4yo was on the steps. My DD was able to sleep in the sling for up to 1.5 hours and it was nice to be able to just keep riding while she slept - rather than sitting outside watching her sleep in the stroller.

Take your kids out walking a lot before your trip and they might surprise you with how much walking they can do. I know there are a few others here who have had kids younger than 5 not use a stroller during their trips - it can be done! And if worse comes to worse, you can rent a stroller for one day. I found that AK is the one most worthy of a stroller as there isn't as much shade or as much interest for the kids and they tire of walking there easily.

 

[zookeeper]

My DD was able to sleep in the sling for up to 1.5 hours and it was nice to be able to just keep riding while she slept - rather than sitting outside watching her sleep in the stroller.

I was just wondering which carry you used with your 10 month old in the sling so that she slept. I've had a little trouble getting used to it and it will probably still be hot when we go (Sept.19-24) so I'm not sure how to put the baby in it so he'll be comfortable. I have a ring sling and the only carry I seem to be able to get him in is the hip carry, which is great too, but if I could figure out a way to get him to sleep in a sling it would be fantastic. Thanks for any advice.

 

[rt2dz]

I almost guarantee that your 4 probably 5 year olds will need strollers at some point through out the day every day. Heck, from time to time the 7 and 8 might want one. WDW is NOT normal stroller use (or napping) as at home. I'd rent if needed for the older two, because that would be hit or miss and only on occassion.

Other than that, I'd personally bring a double that would hold the 4 & 5 year olds and the baby sling. I was thinking the 4 & 5 year old could switch off when needed and share with the 9 month old and if both needed a stroller at the same time, put the baby in the sling.

However, you don't have a double listed in your options. So, out of your choices, I'd bring one full size stroller, one umbrella stroller, and the sling. You can bungee cord the umbrella stroller to the side of the full size stroller, breaking it out only when needed and you have the sling for the baby when the 4 & 5 yo need a stroller at the same time.