Stroller Questions/Seeking Advice

[Tigger Trainer]

We have three children ages 4, 2(almost 3), and 1.5. We will be renting a stroller for Disneyland, but are trying to figure out the best option. Doubble or two singles? If double, tandem or jogging? Any recommendations on who to rent from? Any advice for strollers at Disneyland.

 

[goodeats]

I don't have three kids, and I've never rented a stroller, but depending on where you are staying I would rent the Double Bob. It's so easy to push and maneuver. Yes, it's wide, but not ridiculous. Also, you can easily fit a third kid on the "floor" if you are desperate. I have a 4 year old that generally does not use a stroller, but if we were at Disney from morning to fireworks she definitely would.

 

[crystal1313]

This is the place I see talked a lot about on the Dis:

http://www.citystrollerrentals.com/Disneyland-Stroller-Rentals.html

I myself have never used their service, but have heard good things!

I might consider a double and a single. Do you think your 4 year old will be able to walk a majority of the time? We still bring a stroller for DS4. We park it in a land and leave it there, only really use it when going from one side of the park to another, or park hopping, but it really comes in handy in the evenings. He always falls asleep and there's no way I would want to carry 50lbs of sleeping kid back to our hotel. Also, we walk an average of 12-15 miles a day in the parks. That's a lot to expect from a 4 year old. You could always try it with just a double and see if that works and then add on a single later. Have a great trip!

 

[YukonMommy]

Get a double! I do not know where to rent from as we always bring our stroller on the plane as with baggage, carry -ons and 4 kids I find it helpful in the airports!

I would go for the jogging stroller as then everyone can see. It also lessens the stress of the stroller "musical chairs" that happens in stroller parking! I would pick a lightweight one with a big basket that is easy to maneuver!

As for when you are in the park remember that the extra few minutes you can get by hurrying and pushing your way through a crowd with the stroller are never worth the run over toes (yours or anyone else's!)

Bring a bright colored/unique patterned large ribbon to wind around the handle to easily identify your stroller in the sea of stroller parking!

To pack in the stroller:
-an extra outfit in a large Ziploc bag for the younger 2.
1 diaper per 2 hours you will be there per child and then 2 spare
-wipes, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, sun screen, bandaids
-a few toys attached to the stroller you do not mind losing (great for in lines also)
-If you use, sippy cup and a spare tucked away in basket
-if you use a soother with clip and 2 tucked away
-blanket (great for shade during nap times and great for staking out spots for parades and Fantasmic.
-we never brought a diaper bag in, we just put everything in the bottom basket and away we went! Never had problems with theft. I carried a small cross body bag with tickets, $, camera, sucking candy and credit card. Hubby carried his wallet.

Have the most magical time!!

 

[crystal1313]

Great tips YukonMommy!

Also, check out the baby centers at Both parks. Padded changing tables and training toilets as well. So nice and quiet. Great break from the parks. They also sell baby items in case you forgot or lose something. At DL its on Main Street next to the photo supply store and near the corn dog wagon. At DCA its in Pacific Wharf behind Ghiradelli.

 

[GatorChris]

Here's info from someone who just got through this phase. You're from Martinez, so I'm guessing you're driving down. That makes it easier to haul strollers. But if you're flying, you can still haul what you need and check them at the gate.

4yo, 3yo, 1yo. You don't need a double or a single. You need both! You're 4yo will NOT be able handle all that walking. Especially if it's more than 2 days. We went to WDW in 2012 with a 6yo, 4yo, and 1 yo. We took a double side-by-side stroller (three bike wheels), and another stroller. It was a pain hauling those onto the bus system, but it was worth it at the parks. When all three kids are in strollers, you don't have to worry about where they're at or if they're lagging behind or whatever. You say "get in" and you go to the next attraction. So easy that way. This last trip, the two oldest got too big for the double and walked. We were wishing for the old days of having them contained and under control.

Just trust me on this one. Get two strollers and be a happy parent at Disney.

 

[Carolynleanne]

We don't rent strollers, but we brought our double jogger on our trip last month. Our kids were 1 and 2.5 at the time and it was a LIFE saver. We have a Phil & Teds, so the second seat is behind the first. Saves space in the park and makes it easy to walk through stores

 

[adykate]

I have two kids, 2 and 3.5, They have been to Disneyland twice. Our most recent trip (last month) our 3.5yo rode in the stroller off and on, and she is normally "anti stroller" most days. If you plan on being in the parks all day/into the evening, or even do an afternoon nap break, you will likely need seats for all 3 at some point. You could possibly get away with just a double, as the two oldest could take turns. Or you could possibly put all three in the Bob if one will sit on the front "triangle" area. Never had my kids try that, but have seen it done. We brought our City Select double the last two times, but we also have a double Bob at home that I love. They are ALL over the parks, and the width is not really a big deal. You won't be taking it into the shops, but come on, who can shop with 3 kids that young in tow anyway??? They are just so easy to turn. Another option, if your 1.5yo is use to a carrier, is to bring an Ergo/Beco or something similar, and wear him/her if you need the two seats for the older kids. Strollers sometimes get a bad rap, but I get run over by people more often than I get run over by a stroller . Have fun!

 

[Chrisfilm]

At the time of trip, we'll have a 9 month old and a 3 year old. We're thinking just a single stroller. My hope is that the 3 year old will want to walk and the 9 month old can do the stroller. Then when the 3 year old needs a break, the 9 month old goes into the baby carrier. (He's a small baby, under 15 lbs at 7 months.)

Am I being too optimistic? Should we get a double?

EDIT: I should add that afternoons will be spent in the hotel for naps and adult rest time, so we will not be going non-stop all day, every day.

 

[thatgrljme]

At the time of trip, we'll have a 9 month old and a 3 year old. We're thinking just a single stroller. My hope is that the 3 year old will want to walk and the 9 month old can do the stroller. Then when the 3 year old needs a break, the 9 month old goes into the baby carrier. (He's a small baby, under 15 lbs at 7 months.) Am I being too optimistic? Should we get a double? EDIT: I should add that afternoons will be spent in the hotel for naps and adult rest time, so we will not be going non-stop all day, every day.

I have an almost three year old and although he did walk a little he rode in the stroller the most. I could not imagine him walking all day there. I barely made it all day and felt I needed a stroller at times lol

 

[todzwife]

At the time of trip, we'll have a 9 month old and a 3 year old. We're thinking just a single stroller. My hope is that the 3 year old will want to walk and the 9 month old can do the stroller. Then when the 3 year old needs a break, the 9 month old goes into the baby carrier. (He's a small baby, under 15 lbs at 7 months.)

Am I being too optimistic? Should we get a double?

EDIT: I should add that afternoons will be spent in the hotel for naps and adult rest time, so we will not be going non-stop all day, every day.

If you can do a double I'd still do a double...unless your 3 year old is SUPER active and is used to walking 5-6 miles a day.