STROLLER QUESTION--Help

[*DisMom*]

I know I can probably search for awhile and find some helpful info, but I thought, what the heck, I'll just post my own question and hopefully get some great advice...here goes....

My girls are 5 and 3. We are going to WDW over Thanksgiving and I am having trouble over what type of stroller to use. My 5 year old never uses a stroller and hasn't in years except for Disney. I know my 3 year old will need one. I am debating on whether or not my 5 year old will be ok without one...I think she will do fine, but it is Disney! In this case, I can just bring my own umbrella stroller. Or should i plan on renting a double and allowing my 5 year old to take any needed breaks...or since the rental prices are sooo expensive, do I just go and buy a double stroller....maybe a sit and stand???

Anyone been through this situation????? Please help me decide....Thanks!!

 

[poohteacher]

I've been on the fence about this too. Mine will be a few months from 6 and 3 when we go. Though the older one doesn't need it usually, I can't see her doing a day at Epcot and not struggling at the end of it. I've been thinking about renting one from off-site. I would be curious to hear what others have to say.

 

[LWatson]

Dont buy new if you do buy. Look on craigslist or yardsales this summer if you plan on buying because if you dont usually use one there is no point in spending tons on one (maybe look in the paper too). If you rent go with an offsite rental because onsite its super expensive. OR you could bring your umbrella with you and if you need a 2nd one I saw a lot of places at the park that you could BUY a 2nd one (i think it was red) for like $40 which is cheaper than buying a double.

 

[squirrel]

If you like the umbrella stroller you own, bring that. The kids can trade off using it if your older one needs a break.

I found my 4.5 yr old niece used the stroller I bought last year a lot. We went in September and it was hot.

If you think you will need another stroller then definately look for one on craigslist, paper or garage sales.

Maclaren's have been recommended quite a lot as they hold up to 55lbs. I looked at them but went with a Perego P3.

 

[kristenrice]

I'm in the same situation here. My oldest DD will be 6 by the end of June. Our youngest is 3 1/2. We have a MacLaren Triumph and a MacLaren Volo. In January 2008, we took both strolllers since the girls were 4 and barely 2. Then, in October, I only took one, thinking that maybe DD5 would be OK without one. Nope...they fought like cats and dogs for that stroller! So, I ended up breaking down and renting a single stroller and it cost more than $60.

Now, we are preparing to leave in 22 days (but who's counting!) and I am again wondering what to do. The kids and I have been going to the zoo 2-3 times a week and walking the hills and such. We usually spend about 2-3 hours walking and the rule is "NO STROLLER". They've both been doing remarkably well so I have high hopes. Now, it is a financial/convenience thing. In order to get the strollers to WDW for free, we have to gate check them at the airport. That just adds another thing that we have to finagle through security...an idea I do not like. If we want to check them as baggage, they are considered oversize and will cost $39 each way. Right now, I am planning on shipping the Volo via UPS at a cost of about $12. Then, if I need the Triumph, I can gate check just the one stroller which will be a little easier.

Yesterday, DD5 proudly announced that she does not want a stroller at Disney World. She wants to walk! I was so excited to hear that...until she said, "Yeah, but if I start to get tired, you can just get me a rental stroller."

This trip is meant to be a relaxing, resort-based trip so I do not know how much time we will be spending in the parks. The girls and I just went in October and we are all going back next April so we do not have that drive to "do everything". I'm thinking that if the kids poop out, we'll head back to the resort. I know that they have been able to handle our zoo for 2-4 hours at a time so I think they may do just fine in short bursts at WDW too. Only time will tell...

 

[DyanaMark]

I couldn't have done Disney without my sit and stand (got at a yard sale) for my 6 and 3 year old. Easily folds, but is heavy. Gives the freedom to the older one to sit, stand, get off with out any assistance. The front seat I usually kept the front tray off so my three year old could easily get out. Yet I could strap him in if I needed to. I am bringing it back for my 7 and 4 year old.

 

[*DisMom*]

how hard is it to get a sit n stand on and off the buses???