Stroller Question - when do you know you have to park it?

[las3888]

We have not been with DS yet, but are planning our upcoming trip. My question is, how do you know what rides you can take a stroller in line with you, and how do you know when you have to park it? I have never really noticed any signs previously and just don't know when to park and when you can keep it with you???

Lisa

 

[Stimpy]

There is actually very few attractions that you can keep your stroller with you. Almost all the attractions and shows you need to leave the stroller outside. Quite honestly, I can't think of any off hand that allow strollers in the line. There are usually CM's stationed outside the lines and they can tell you where to park it.

 

[lillygator]

there will be plenty of CM's around to tell you if you can't bring it in!!!

 

[las3888]

There has been another post about this, but can you take strollers in restaurants with you? This includes counter service, and sit-down restaurants? I would assume that you could, but are there any instances when you cannot?

Thanks!

 

[BevS97]

most counter service places you can although it depends on the restaurant as to how easy it is to manourve - unless I have a sleeping child or a tiny baby I generally park it outside, but we have definitely taken them in before without being questioned

in the sitdown places generally no, again if a tiny baby or sleeping they may make an exception but it's not normally allowed. You would need to speak to a CM if you wanted to bring it in

 

[Stimpy]

Just to add on to what Bevs97 said, it depends on the crowd levels too. If you are going at a real crowded time they probably won't let you bring it in to the sit-down restaraunts. But if you go when the place is pretty empty, they usually will let you in. Sometimes it also depends on the CM's working. We personally were never turned down when we asked if we could bring our stroller in when DD was 8 months but I know others here said they couldn't bring the stroller in at all at the same places we went to. Now that DD is 14 months, it's easier to take her out of the stroller and use the high chair.

 

[alloyd1170]

You will see areas where there will be a ton of strollers parked. Usually it is right outside the entrance to a line for one attraction, or in some cases, a general area for many attractions. Be sure to somehow mark yours so that you can find it easily. I took a bright yellow bandana, ironed on some bright blue letters spelling out our last name and pinned it to the sunshade. When I parked the stroller, I flipped the sunshade open and when I came out to find it, I was able to spot it immediately. Others have used balloons, yarn, etc. Be sure to remove any valuables from it as well. Ive left wipes, diapers, jackets, and snacks in ours with no problems. I wear a large waist pack to carry all my cameras, wallet, autograph book, pen, small souvenirs (I usually save the shopping until the end of the day, or have it sent back to our room when staying onsite). Another tip-if you know the exit to the attraction is far from the entrance, park your stroller at the exit to save yourself from backtracking. Spaceship Earth is like that, and then there are two exits-one on each side. I always end up going out the wrong one!

As for restaurants, as the others have mentioned, if its crowded, forget it. Other times, if my son was sleeping, they would let me bring it in (nothing worse than waking up a kid while you eat). If you have an infant, try using a carrier (I have a Hotsling) to cradle your baby while you eat. Theyre also good for standing in lines when you cant have your stroller (dont think Ive come across a ride that you can use your stroller in line).

alison