Stroller ?'s

[michellelars]

We are headed to DL next month to celebrate my son's first birthday! He has never really loved being in a stroller, but he will tolerate it occasionally. Pretty much as long as you're constantly moving. We typically just use an Ergo. I just read something saying to definitely bring a stroller AND baby carrier, even if your baby might not use it, because it can be used for storage, etc. We will be driving there and it's just a 3.5 hour drive.

Question #1: Should we bring our jogging stroller (which is sometimes annoying to steer), purchase an umbrella stroller, or rent one at DL?

Question #2: When going on rides and parking the stroller, do you leave your bags in the stroller? Where do you put them? I think I will use a backpack instead of the diaper bag and probably a cross-body purse for essentials. Plus, my MIL is coming and she might have a bag or purse.

I have heard of people getting their strollers stolen or misplaced, is it common to use a bike lock or something?

I am not new to Disney, but it's my first time going with my own baby! Any other advice on what to bring for a 1yo?

 

[jcarwash]

I'd say don't bring the jogging stroller. Starting at age 1, for a trip to Disneyland, we bought a Chicco Capri stroller, which is a sturdier version of an umbrella stroller, but just as practical. That thing has been to Disney parks more than some humans. We kept using it up through age 8. We'll miss that thing.

The Chicco Capris are pervasive at Disney parks.

We don't leave backpacks in the stroller. We've left less valuable bags with the stroller, like a flimsy pull-string bag, but not containing anything you'd be sad to lose. Or that people would actually want. Bag included.

I've never noticed people using locks, so it's not common. It takes too much time, plus Disney CMs will move strollers around if they are mis-parked, or to consolidate parking areas.

I'm not a Disney stroller renter, so I can't comment on that. Certainly there's fans of that approach.

 

[crystal1313]

1. If you rent from DL, you can only use the stroller in the two parks, not in Downtown Disney or back to your hotel. I would bring your own stroller that you already have, or buy a nicer umbrella stroller (with taller handles).

2. I leave a backpack full of snacks and a cooler on our stroller and have never had an issue. I don't leave anything of value on the stroller. I carry my purse with me at all times and my camera too.

I bring a cable lock and sometimes we will cable the wheels together. This last trip we never did. You CANNOT lock the stroller to anything that is Disney property. They may cut the lock off. And don't be alarmed if your stroller is in a different spot than you left it. Sometimes the CM's reorganize the strollers. Look around and tie something bright to the handles so you can find in the mass of strollers.

As for other things when traveling with a little one, check out the baby care centers on Main street in DL and Pacific Wharf in DCA They have super nice padded changing tables, private nursing area, high chairs and a microwave for use. They also sell baby items in case you lose or forget something. They are SO nice and a great place for a quiet break from the hustle and bustle of the parks.


Have fun and remember that you won't get as much done as you are used to before kids, but it will be such an AMAZING experience to see everything through your sons eyes!

 

[jina]

We've brought our Bob Revolution to DL (6 park days) and WDW (6 park days) (DD was 3 for the first trip, now nearly 5). It's been a lifesaver each time. I agree with the other posters- I don't leave anything in there that I would be heartbroken if it were taken - just clothes, food/drink, ponchos (when we went in cold weather and wanted to do water rides) and sometimes a toy.

I have only used a stroller lock at non-Disney parks like Six Flags. Knock on wood I've felt fairly comfortable that it won't get stolen, but if it did it would be annoying but not super horrible in the grand scheme of things. I always pack 3 colored bandanas and tie them to the handlebars so I can find the stroller later. Often cast members will move the strollers a little to organize them as folks come and go so it may not be exactly where you left it. We choose to bring our Bob instead of renting because it's super comfortable for DD and its' super easy for us to navigate. Umbrella strollers don't fit either bill for us but the Disney rentals look OK but a little under par on both counts- and we can check the stroller for free on the plane (we bought a bag for it).

I just love having it because while DD can walk just fine, she sometimes slows down and I get frustrated when we are trying to cover a large distance (like hotel to park, or tomorrow land to splash mountain, etc.) and she is almost always fine getting in the stroller as long as she knows we're on a mission to get somewhere. We give her the park map and show her what our route will be and she's as happy as a clam. We definitely would have brought it when she was 1 so she could fall asleep in it. (even though she was not much of a stroller sleeper she did conk out it in when we went to DL the first time).

If you do get a rental, definitely try to bring some bandanas or streamers or something to decorate it as they all look the same, even with the sign they give you w. your last name to put on the back of the stroller.

 

[YukonMommy]

I would say just bring your jogger stroller. But If your going to buy a umbrella stroller make sure its a good quality one as some steer like crap and have really short handles and not a lot of storage space.

Decorate your stroller with some funky ribbon around the handle as people have already said 1 stroller in the masses is hard to find, especially because they get moved a lot!

We never had a diaper bag, we just put what we needed in the bottom. I carried a crossbody purse with camera in it on me at all times. We never had anything stolen from us in our 3 trips.

Extra's:
-an attachable toy for stroller and 1 for waiting in line (there is only so many times you can play peek a boo )
-diapers (I do 1 for every 2 hours and then 3 spare)
-wipes
-extra soother and clip if used
-a few snacks
-bottle or sippy cup if used
-2 changes of clothes in big Ziploc bags (bags can then be used for dirty/wet clothes)
-small blanket
-hoodies for everyone as evenings can get chilly
-Kleenex, bandaids and hand sanitizer

Have a most magical time!!

 

[michellelars]

Thanks for all of the advice! We are going to buy a lightweight, but sturdy, stroller for the trip.

So if you don't leave the backpack/bags in the stroller, you just carry them during the rides? I ask because our backpack is probably going to be large, as it'll be packed with diaper bag stuff and possibly souvenirs and things for the rest of our group. Most of the times that I've gone, I haven't needed a big bag and just had a little purse.

 

[crystal1313]

I got this stroller on craigslist:

http://www.target.com/p/the-first-y...pid=12711055&gclid=CNa9g77KgcACFfA-Mgod-TIAww

For an umbrella stroller, I really like it. It's sturdy. It reclines a tiny bit. It has a storage basket under it. And I really like the drinkholder/storage on the handles too. Plus, the handles are taller then most umbrella strollers. I'm 5'9 and it's comfortable for me without being hunched over. It folds up tiny and most of all, the price! When I bought used I pain $40 and new it was much more then the price listed above at Target. Sure, I bet some MacLaren umbrella strollers are nicer, but also much more expensive! Just a suggestion

 

[jcarwash]

Thanks for all of the advice! We are going to buy a lightweight, but sturdy, stroller for the trip.

So if you don't leave the backpack/bags in the stroller, you just carry them during the rides? I ask because our backpack is probably going to be large, as it'll be packed with diaper bag stuff and possibly souvenirs and things for the rest of our group. Most of the times that I've gone, I haven't needed a big bag and just had a little purse.

Yes, we bring the backpack with us into the rides. The one we've been using recently is a larger Camelbak (Daystar model) and it's been able to fit into underseat compartments when necessary, say like on Star Tours or Soarin'. That type of Camelbak is large enough to be used as a regular backpack, whether you're using the water bladder or not.

 

[lovebug33]

We take the backpack on rides. Two reasons. Number one we don't want it stolen. Number two we got stuck on iasw for one and a half hours and our dd pooed. Thank goodness we had the diaper backpack!