Stroller questions

[javaj]

Just read someone's post that their stroller got taken. Is this a common occurence? Is it safe to take our "nice" jeep stroller? I'd hate to lose it. Should we bring our not-so-comfortable cheap umbrella stroller instead? Also, how big of a stroller is "too big" for the theme parks? I don't think our stroller is extremely big but TGM had some tips against bringing strollers that were too big.

Thanks for any info!
Josette

 

[WDSearcher]

"Stroller-napping" is definitely not a common occurance at the parks. In fact, it most often happens because someone is in a hurry and grabs a stroller that looks like theirs, only to discover later that it's not. But strollers are very safe at Disney.

Be sure, though, to mark your stroller with something specific. Bright colored ribbons or bright-patterned material tied or tie-wrapped on help identify it in a crowd of strollers. Strollers are often moved while you're in a ride, as well, since CMs will relocate strollers to the exit of a ride while you're on it to save time and space.

As for "too big" ... think about wheeling it through gift shops and crowds. If that makes you cringe, then it's probably too big.

 

[Golter]

I think it depends on the age of children. On our last trip we took umbrella strollers and that is all we needed. My two youngest were 4 & 6. If you have to lug around diapers and bottles and the like, take the bigger one. It wont get stolen.

 

[Poohbear Fan]

The only thing I've seen others post about strollers is the bigger they are, the harder they are to fit on the trams and buses.

I've only traveled to WDW with kids once (been there many times without). I recently went with a friend and her 2 kids, ages 2 and 6. We used umbrella strollers for both of them. They were easy to fold, easy to maneuver...basically just easy. I was a little concerned about trying to get through crowds and stuff with a stroller, not being used to having it, but it really wasn't too much of a problem.

I would generally say that if you can get away with it, use the umbrella stroller. I've seen many a parent struggling with those big, huge strollers on the trams and it doesn't look fun.

I'm sure there are more experienced stroller-pushers who can give you their advice as well!

Poohbear

 

[jl3614]

We've taken both umbrella and slightly larger. For storage the slightly large one is better. Convience on the buses - for sure the umbrella is easier. Most umbrellas have small wheels - we had some troubles pushing ours over uneven surfaces, MK mainstreet and several areas in AK. We leave in 5 days - this trip we will take an umbrella for DD - 3y9m, and will rent one as necessary (maybe only at EP) for DS 6y0m.

 

[Nebsky]

I was the guy who posted my stroller got taken.
It had the ribbons and stuff on it but like a previous poster said, it was probably taken in error.
The bigger ones are tough to negotiate through crowds. We have a big stroller but thought no way in the world would that go with us. An umbrella stroller worked just fine for us.

 

[dmf208]

one trip we purchased a cheap umbrella stroller while down in Florida. Big mistake for us, since we are both tall (5 ' 9" anfd 6' 4") we did not realize how much shorter the handles were and therefore tough on the back. On subsequent trips we just brought our own umbrella stroller and did much better!

 

[cheerdaddy]

we used the umbrella stroller when dd was little and it did just fine...she was almost 5 and didn't really use it too much though...which was great...didn't even take it the second time down...as far as size goes, the bigger they are, the bigger the trouble...i guess it's just up to you....I've seen little ones and I've seen some folks driving ones around the size of a Hummer...

 

[100%Disney]

If you worry you can use a cable bike lock through the front wheels, the CMs will still be able to move it, but no one will want to take it. Don't lock it to a post or anything, just put the lock through the wheels. I have an umbrella stroller that has the extendable handles so that you can adjust it for tall or short people. It was about $60, but well worth it. It also holds up to 45lbs.

 

[javaj]

Thank you for all the replies! I think it might be time to look for an umbrella stroller with extended handles!

Thanks,
Josette

 

[wwithers]

Peg Perego makes a fabulous deluxe travel stroller that folds like a big umbrella stroller. It holds 65+ lbs and has a area on the back for a larger child to stand on. It is also big/sturdy enough that you can put your bags on the bars and it won't tip. It also has extendable handles but unless you're really tall you won't need them.

As to your bigger stroller-- you can't get on the trams and buses unless your stroller will fold. If it doesn't fold easily and they're waiting, they'll oftentimes tell you to go ahead and get situated and that the next tram will be along in a few minutes.