Stroller Question

[Princessmommymouse]

I won a free travel rental from Babies "R" Us from a Disney Blog and need to set up my reservation. We are spoiled, and have an awesome stroller at home, a Valco baby tri-mode indie twin, which I LOVE, but would be a pain to deal with bringing on our flight, plus Disney Transportation, so rental it is.

My kids will be just barely 4 and just shy of six when we go. We do a lot of walking, but I know days on end of Disney parks is going to wear them out and we will want some sort of stroller by the end of the day. I am torn between a few different choices and would love an opinion.

Option 1: Baby Trend Sit & Stand Ultra
Pros: Only slightly larger than a single, both kids are able to sit, has, snack trays and cupholders
Cons: Sun shade only covers one kid, doesn't recline for naps, not at cushy as what they are used to

Option 2: Baby Jogger City Mini Double
Pros: Both kids have full seats, reclines, both have sun shades
Cons: Large, More than prize covers, oldest may not sit in often, Does not have snack trays or cupholders

Option 3: Baby Jogger City Mini Single w/ borrowed boogie board
Pros: Single size, Reclines, nicer stroller but in budget, boogie board is novel
Cons: No seat for older child has to stand, No snack trays or cup holders, no sun shade for older child

Option 4: Schwinn Arrow Double Jogging Stroller
Pros: Seats for both kids, cushier than the sit and stand, sun shades for both kids, reclining seats, parent tray with cupholders
Cons: Larger, Over the prize amount (but less than the city mini double), Oldest might not use often, Has fixed Front wheel so could be hard to maneuver.

Ideally we were planning on renting a Phil & Ted with a doubles kit, but since we won this prize, and that is not an option with Babies "R" Us we have to figure something else out.
If it helps, our oldest is a little guy, only weighs 35 lbs soaking wet. The younger one is a beefy kid, two years younger and already weighs 41 lbs. I kept this is mind when making these selections, as they all will accommodate two kids up to 50 lbs, allowing my kids a bit of room to grow before we go.

Opinions? Suggestions? Should I skip a stroller altogether? Should I pass the prize on to someone else and bring our tri-mode (would certainly be more expensive with baggage fees)?

Thanks in advance for any opinions and help!

 

[mamaburrito]

I've heard that the basket is hard to get things out of when a child is sitting in the city mini. Im not sure if this is something they've corrected in newer models.

Are these your only options? I would consider a lightweight maclearn or britax stroller with a boogie board.

Congrats on your prize!

 

[Princessmommymouse]

They don't rent the boogie boards, I would be borrowing it from a friend for our stay, so unless I buy a boogie board that is not an option.

Looking at the rental page I guess there is one other option. I'll add it to the list above.

 

[mamaburrito]

I think I would go with option 4. I can look in my baby item review book and see if there are any glaring cons to that model, if you'd like.

 

[TheYellowDart]

We have the city mini double for a 3 and 6 in the 99th percentile and we LOVE it for Disney, it folds up with one tug and fits past normal doors. The kids can also sleep there no problem. We would never use something else!

 

[Princessmommymouse]

My oldest is the cranky one in the family, so I decided it's best if we get a full-fledged double, that way he has his own space that is comfy and shaded if he is nearing meltdown for whatever reason. Our latest Doctor has decided he may be on the Autism spectrum and is doing testing, but suffice it to say if that kid ain't happy the whole family suffers!

We are leaning to the City Mini Double. Turns out the Schwinn weighs over 40 lbs! Not lugging that around for ten days on Disney Transportation! And mind you, we don't own a car, so we are used to lugging strollers on buses!

Anyone have any advice on the City Mini Double? I know someone mentioned it is hard to get into the bottom when kids are in it. Anything else I should be aware of?

 

[mamaburrito]

It got very good reviews in the baby bargains book. If I were to buy a double it would be the one I buy. I think I would lean towards that one.

 

[bookwormmommie]

The 2012 models fixed the basket problem. I have one and can get in and out of the basket easily with my child in it. I say go for the City Mini. The fold is awesome.

 

[twinboysmom]

I would completely rule out option 1 and option 4. Joggers with fixed wheels are a pain and not that it matters to me but I think fixed wheel strollers are again WDW rules (I know they do not enforce this). It would also be a pain on WDW buses. I would pick a stroller with two real seats anyway over the sit and stand and I think baby trend sit and stands push like a hot dog cart.

So, I would pick the citi mini, I think the double would suit your needs better. It folds quickly (quicker than my double maclaren), has great sunshades, and pushes well. It's relatively easy on the buses (considering it is a double stroller). When we purchased our maclaren, it was $100 more for the citi mini. I wish we had bought the citi mini. Who'd have been $100 well spent.

 

[hgeisler]

The 2012 models fixed the basket problem. I have one and can get in and out of the basket easily with my child in it. I say go for the City Mini. The fold is awesome.

This. I also find it's easier to get in the basket from the sides. It only weighs 26 lbs, and has an easy fold and a full recline. My 4 year old,2 year old,and 7 month old all love it

 

[GoldieLocks5]

i'm a bit of a stroller addict- i have owned about 12 over the past 5 years, lol.

I had the Valco Trimode indie twin (plus toddler seat) and loved it- but yeah, NOT good to bring to Disney at all.

We rented a BJ City Mini double at disney - and wouldn't use anything else there - IMO, it's the perfect disney stroller!

My 5yo son who is 50lbs fell asleep in it eveery single day - with enough room to be comfortable.

we're buying a used Mini double from a friend to bring on our next trip - so it will be cheaper than renting, but still have a Mini. We loved it!


I owned a Phil & TEds - don't think it would be good for your kids at their age at all. I also think having a snack tray would be a waste for kids that big- they will feel like babies... and not be able to get in/out easily, which you want in Disney for sure.

A sit and stand is nice- but at that size might not ride well... better getting a ride on board with a good quality stroller like the mini single.

 

[djp0630]

We love our City Mini double. We use it all the time for my 1 year old twins, but we are renting another one for my 6 & (almost) 4 year old while we are there. It is so easy to fold up, easy to push! Love it!

 

[hgeisler]

Agree about the Phil n Teds being a waste for your kids. The back seat is way too confining!

 

[michael's mom]

My sister has the city mini double and LOVES it. It's incredibly easy to fold and carry. She often has her diaper bag in the basket underneath, but she also has a mommy hook. How much will you be carrying? If you don't think the kids will be in it much, and that they are 4 and 6, I wouldn't worry too much. You'll definitely be able to put some necessities underneath like some ponchos or sweatshirts (if necessary). There is also a storage compartment on the back of the seats.

Go with the city mini. I had my almost 5 year old there last year (he's a small one too) and he got tired fairly quickly. He sat in it alot. Didn't nap often, but did rest.