Stroller lock?

[05ChristmasSurprise]

I've seen several stroller locks (sans pictures) and I've heard that you can use a bicycle lock to deter thieves. But, can someone show me how?

I have two macs that I'm bringing, and I'm not risking not only theft (and, yes, it DOES happen at Disneyworld) or someone "borrowing" it.

 

[cheyennemama]

Just take a long bike lock and stick it through the wheels. I'm personally chaining my 2 strollers together.

 

[2dogmom]

I have heard recommendations that you shouldn't lock your strollers. Periodically, through the day, the CMs will move strollers around, and if they are locked, they probably won't be able to. I know I have found my strollers moved many times.

 

[BettyCv]

2dogmom,

I think the concern was more that you don't chain your stroller to something else, like a pole, etc.. I think even if you locked up the back wheels, the CMs would still be able to move it around by lifting it up in the back. Just my thoughts...

Betty

 

[robinb]

{shrug} I think you're worrying needlessly. I had a Mac and it was fine.

 

[05ChristmasSurprise]

While I appreciate the anecdotal evidence, there are multiple threads on here alone where people have recounted the frustration of having a stroller stolen - regardless of price.

Not only would I be frustrated and devastated if someone took the strollers, our two small children would have to ride in rentals, we'd have to carry them to the car from park to the tram and the tram to the car, and we'd have to come up with another $300 to buy two more.

Not worth it to just assume nothing will happen, IMO. Especially when a bike lock (to either lock the wheels together so it cannot be folded or lock the two together) is only about $10.

I've also heard you can lock the back wheels together so that it can be lifted, but not pushed (because CMs *do* rearrange strollers so they're more concise).

 

[robinb]

While I appreciate the anecdotal evidence, there are multiple threads on here alone where people have recounted the frustration of having a stroller stolen - regardless of price.

And what makes those posts any less "anecdotal"?

I have logged close to 100 days in Disney parks (WDW, DL, DLP and DLT) with a stroller (half of those days with my $250 Maclaren) and I have never had a problem. It could be because mine in a butt-ugly UK lime green plaid . There are thousands of personal strollers at WDW on any given day and Maclarens are a dime a dozen. Does one occationally get taken, "borrowed" or misplaced? Sure. But I gotta tell you that the chances of someone "stroller shopping" at WDW and taking yours is very, very small.

FWIW, those people who lock their Maclarens lock them open so they cannot be folded. This means you don't have to lock/unlock constantly, it allows the CMs to move the strollers easily, and deters the casual theif.

 

[tlbwriter]

When it's *your* stroller that's stolen, you don't care how rarely it happens.

I like the idea of using bicycle locks to lock the front and back wheels together so the stroller can't roll, but a CM can still easily pick it up and move it if necessary.

 

[welovedis]

I just posted to the other thread about preventing stroller theft.

Our was stolen in 2000 during our first trip to WDW, so it does happen, but according the to the CMs it is rare. We had a nice MacLaren and replaced with a much less expensive Combi the following year (in bright orange and black) so we wouldn't be too scared to leave it and it was fine.

You can invest in a lock that prevents the stroller from being folded, I'd probably recommend that instead of the wheel lock as it would be pretty dirty work to thread something thru the wheels & take it off every time you want to push the strollers. The CMs did say that they will come across an unfolded stroller every now and then in the parking lot, they bring it Lost & Found and someone claims it as their lost stroller-one with a lock preventing folding.

A friend of mine made a laminated sign stating that the stroller didn't belong to that person and left in on the hood or the seat to dissaude someone from taking hers, it was a Peg ($$$model) and I also remember someone at WDW in Jan 04 had a Mountain Buggy and but a bicycle cable lock over the seat portion so no one could easily put a child down in the seat without a bit of work.

Good luck whatever you decide to do!

 

[mmb]

We took a bike lock and did lock our stroller in WDW after hearing about stroller theft from friends of ours. We never had an issue nor was it a hassle to lock/unlock when we needed it. We just made sure wherever we locked it was out of the way.

Hope this helps -

 

[disneygirl1977k]

I agree on this thread, NO WAY am I going to pay $300 for a stroller, to just take a chance that it will be ok and I am not going to take a cheap stroller to WDW because I feel like my DS should be able to be in a nice stroller not just a cheap umbrella stroller.....I want him to be comfortable. I like the idea of locking the strollers so it cannot be folded, also good idea about threading a lock over the seat so they cannot put there child in it.
Kristy

 

[2BoysMom]

I just returned from Disneyworld yesterday with my Mtn. Buggy Urban. I never locked it and I never worried. It was the only MBU that I saw in the parks, maybe that had something to do with it. Before I left for the trip, I did worry and contemplate, but in the end, I never used a lock.

 

[weregoingtodw]

Just curious - those of you who think nothing of leaving a $100+ stroller unlocked, would you leave your $100+ video camera sitting in the storage basket underneath?

 

[Harmony]

Last summer, we bought our son another stroller so that we wouldn't have to worry about it being stolen...however, my son wasn't very comfortable in it and only used it that one week. (what a waste of $) So this summer we are taking the one he enjoys and is comfortable with...but yes, I am worried about it being stolen...regardless of how "rare" it may be, it's still a possibility.

Locking the stroller to keep it from being stolen seems reasonable. Why are some people objecting to this? Am I missing something?

 

[2BoysMom]

I wasn't objecting, just mentioning what I did with my stroller. My feelings on the matter (once I was there) was that it was such a "family place" I just couldn't believe anyone would steal a stroller....and they didn't. By all means, if it makes you feel better, than I think you should do it. Going to WDW should be as fun and as stress free as possible.

Regarding the videocamera question, we took the camera with us on rides, we did not leave small valuables with the stroller. The camera held more value to us based on the memories it held, rather than the price of the machinery.

My comments were only to share what I had done personally, not to argue against locking of strollers.

 

[robinb]

Just curious - those of you who think nothing of leaving a $100+ stroller unlocked, would you leave your $100+ video camera sitting in the storage basket underneath?

Absolutely not. Camcorders are often taken at WDW and strollers are not. Its all a matter of odds.

 

[weregoingtodw]

Absolutely not. Camcorders are often taken at WDW and strollers are not. Its all a matter of odds.

Well, I guess it's your choice! Personally, I don't leave anything not locked if I want to see it again.

If I knew that something had been stolen even one time, and I had that same item and deliberately neglected to lock it up, I'd feel like a true idiot if mine was then stolen. But hey, to each his own!

I'd love to know where you get your stolen camcorders vs. strollers statistics, though!

 

[cstraub]

This is a great stroller for WDW. It has a large area for storage, reclines, has a removable snack/drink tray, sun shade, cup holder up top for parents drinks, easy to manuvere and folds with one hand. Very comfortable for child. We have used this for 9 trips to WDW and DL over a two year period. We go, go, go and it has held up very well. It's getting ready to go for it's 11th trip in June. It's very easy to fold up even with stuff still stowed inside (great for getting on and off of the busses). My daughter weighs 40 pounds and is 5. It still fits her great.
#1 reason to buy this stroller
NO BIGGIE IF IT GETS STOLLEN!
#2 reason
Cheaper than renting one for a week at WDW ($49.00)
#3 reason
no one will want your cheap Target stroller
#4 reason
only $30.oo more than a lock

Safety 1st Avila LiteRider Resort Stroller - 01900RSO
Target $39.99

 

[robinb]

Well, I guess it's your choice! Personally, I don't leave anything not locked if I want to see it again.

If I knew that something had been stolen even one time, and I had that same item and deliberately neglected to lock it up, I'd feel like a true idiot if mine was then stolen. But hey, to each his own!

I guess it's your choice if you want to let paranoia and fear rule your trip to WDW. {{shrug}} I still think that locking a stroller ... one of thousands at WDW at a given day ... is over the top. I have far more important things to worry about than if someone wants my butt-ugly lime green plaid Maclaren Techno.

Somewhere in life we should find a place to have faith in basic humanity. What place better than the Mouse House? My unlocked stroller is a testament to that faith .

 

[t.craig]

I have been worried about the whole stolen stroller issue and my husband told me not to worry....now I am worried again. We have a nice stroller and I don't worry about the money part as much as I worry about my toddler having her comfy stroller all week long. Where can I get one of those stroller locks...Babies-R-Us???