stroller rental, a few questions

[thumpersfriend]

Hi, we will be renting a stroller every day when we go to the parks for my dgd who will be 4 and has autism. I read that renting the stroller is a good thing. One question is, if we only go to say the MK for the morning and go back to the Poly for a rest and want to go back to the MK later that afternoon do you pay twice or is there something else you do? Also, for those of you who rent strollers and go on the rides, do you have a special place to put them and do you leave some things in the stroller while you are on the rides? Also, sorry for so many questions but do you worry about your stroller being taken and do you put something on it to distinguish it from other strollers. Thanks a whole lot for any info.

 

[tw1nsmom]

You don't need to pay twice. Keep your receipt and you can get another stroller when you come back. I believe you can also get another stroller at a different park if you park hop on that same day.

There will be a place to put your stroller at the beginning of each ride. It should be pretty apparent, but different for each attraction. You can always ask a CM if you can't find it.

As to leaving stuff in your stroller...I wouldn't leave anything there that you weren't perfectly willing to lose. I've been known to leave a bag with a change of clothes, poncho...., but nothing I would be upset about if lost. There are dishonest people even at Disney, as well as people who are tired and can mistakenly take the wrong stroller.

I also just wanted to ask if you've considered buying an umbrella stroller to use on your trip. You would then be able to use it outside of the parks and would most likely be much cheaper than renting. Also, depending on your DGD's needs, you can use the stroller as a wheelchair in line (if you get a GAC with that on there). I know some people have had success cutting down on the stimuation by keeping their child who is on the autistic spectrum in a stroller while in line. It also helps keep track of the children who have a tendency to run.

 

[thumpersfriend]

I have read that the rental strollers are alot bigger than the umbrella strollers so I thought that might be better. I am hoping she will walk alot and just use the stroller to relax for a while. Thanks for the info, I really appreciate it. That would be good if we go to 2 parks in a day and don't have to rent a stroller twice.

 

[SueM in MN]

Here is a link to a page about strollers on Allearsnet.com. It has pictures of the strollers at each park (although people have reported on this board that the strollers at MGM Studio are the same as all the other parks, not jogging strollers like on the pictures).

A lot of people have reported that their children with autism like those strollers because they are a firm plastic and the solid sides and canopy cut down on stimulation.

If you haven't checked out the disABILITIES FAQs thread, you might find the information about GACs (Guest Assistance Cards) helpful.

 

[SueM in MN]

You don't need to pay twice. Keep your receipt and you can get another stroller when you come back. I believe you can also get another stroller at a different park if you park hop on that same day.

You can get another stroller without paying again if you park hop. Just keep the receipt the same as if you came back to the same park.

 

[AngelicButterfly]

 

[SueM in MN]

The strollers will hold a lot of weight. CMs have posted before that the strollers will hold up to a small 12 yr old.

 

[AngelicButterfly]

 

[SueM in MN]

PS
If you need a larger stroller or are worried about the weight, some people rent a double for one older child.

 

[AngelicButterfly]

That's a good idea to rent a double. I have one daughter that needs a wheelchair, which we rent for her. My 6 year old has asthma so he needs to take frequent breaks, I know he's really not allowed to sit on her lap. We usually do let him for short breaks, but he really is getting to heavy for her. This year, we'll get the wheelchair for her and a stroller for him.

 

[thumpersfriend]

If the rental strollers are a hard plastic, is there anything you do to make it more comfortable or do they sell something there?

 

[SueM in MN]

If the rental strollers are a hard plastic, is there anything you do to make it more comfortable or do they sell something there?

Some people take towels to put in, but I've seen lots of kids who look very comfortable (many sleeping).
It's a firm plastic (like Little Tikes stuff is made of) not really hard.