strollers and the bus...

[drivencrazy]

Ok, I know another thread about strollers. We have 4 kids, 12, 9, 4 and 2. So for our Disney trip I had bought a double stroller... it was great till I put both kidos in there (40 pounds and 27 pounds) then it was a little harder to push than I would like.........so I sold it... no $$ lost there but now hunting for the right fit for the family.

So I bougth 2 strollers, one having a 40 pound weight limit the other 35 pound weight limit.

The 35 pound weight limit one is a Kolcraft Lite Sport ($40) and is pretty light, pushes pretty well, has a great storage basket under it, cup holders... but is a little short for my 4 year old but he would ride in it when needed. Also when you fold it, it will stand on it's own, but the handle is by the wheels, you have to carry it by the tray or side.

The 40 pound weight limit one is Saftey 1st Transtit stroller ($42 on clearence), pushes like a dream, even with both kids in it! But it is a bit harder to fold and it folds kind of funny, more into a square, not flat. Which isn't to bad, but it is pretty heavy and no real handle to carry it with.

So saying all of that, after checking out what is out there for the price I have decided to just keep one of the new strollers and take the other one back and use our old stroller (eddie bauer) as our other stroller while there (then hand it off or leave it there, it's getting old and we hardly ever use it...)

So I guess my real question here is... How far am I going to have to carry the strollers? Just getting on and off the bus and maybe upstairs to our room? We are staying at All star music (don't know what floor yet) and using Disney transportation.

I know that I could just get a cheap unbrilla stroller, but wanted something a little nicer that will hold up to the kids getting in and out of. And my first thought was to get 2 matching ones, but know that isn't really needed. Also since going from the bus to the room, wanted our own, not to rent so I figured what we would have spent on renting when deciding what to buy.

Just looking for ideas and suggestions of what to do!

Thanks

 

[mamacatnv]

Just looking for ideas and suggestions of what to do!

Thanks

Personally, I would buy a MacLaren - had one, used it for 7 years with DD up to about 60#'s, loved it! 2 trips to WDW, 1 trip to DL and a gazillion of other places.

The All Star resorts have elevators.

The strollers will need to be collapsed for entry onto the busses

Most of the TS restaurants will not let you bring the strollers in, you will leave them in stroller parking just like at other attractions.

IMO - go with whatever is the most comfortable for you and your kids. When you get on a bus with a stroller you either end up holding it standing on end between your legs or if your family is seated together on the sideways seats then you can place it on the floor under your feet.

I know this sounds really dumb, but since you have older kids also, hold "stroller drills" at home. Have the stroller loaded as you would after a day in the parks. Assign who is in charge of what ie: the 12 yr old is in charge of the backpack & 4 yr old, the 9 yr old is in charge of the sippy cups & 2 yr old, mom & dad are in charge of collapsing & loading with strollers etc...... Then practice getting everyone out of stroller, unpacked, folded up and ready to get on a bus.

Personally I would go with the easiest to push since you will be doing far more pushing than you will be collapsing.

 

[pl'smama]

I totally agree with the PP. We took a stroller that was very easy to collaspe and carry, but was a breeze to push and manouver with one hand. The biggest thing about the strollers and getting on the bus is timing. If your kids are asleep no one will stop to wait for you to get them out and get the strollers folded, they will just push on past you. I speak from experience unfortunately.

So, even if you get two just practice with them and have the two older kids learn how to fold and unfold them to. I think you will manage just fine with two and you will need them. Our DD was almost four when we went and by days end she was toast. Add to that the packback, water bottle, jackets and anything you may buy, you will be glad to have a place to lean at the end of the day!!

Have a wonderful time!!!

 

[Princess Roo]

I agree. As long as the older two children are responsible enough to get themselves and something else (sibling, stroller, or bags) onto the bus, you will be all set. A lot of parents are folding strollers to get on the bus. I like the stroller drill idea (hadn't thought of that - not that I would run one with just DH ), but if there is a "plan" that either the two older kids take the two youngers on to the bus while you and DH take the gear or 1 older and one of you get the little ones on while the remaining get the gear then there won't be any confusion/stress while boarding.

 

[drivencrazy]

Thanks!

That is funny that a drill is mentioned... today I actually put the backpack on the stroller, had the 2 yr old in and was pushing it around the house... told her to get out so I could fold it, and decided that the $42 one is way to hard to have to fold to get onto a bus, and to heavy.

I think I have decided to take our old eddie one, it has the one hand fold and stands on it's wheels when folded. It's not as heavy as the other one that I will be returning.

Now, I need to decide if I should just get a cheapie one or spend at least $100 on a "good one."

How much does a 4 year old use a stroller in Disney? My boy is pretty active and doesn't usually use a stroller, but I know towards the night he will probably get sleepy... but my thought has now turned to get something small that can fold and fit in the basket of the other stroller so when he wants to walk we don't have to push 2 strollers.......... although I know that I do always have the older girls that will help....... I know to much thought into something that will work it's self out!!

Thanks

 

[suzieqmomof4]

Here's what has worked for us:

I have 4 kids also: 12, 9, 6, 3. We always bring an inexpensive stroller for the youngest to use in the airport and on the way to the room, bus, parks, restaurant, etc.

We usually rent a double stroller at the park. They are wonderful. My 9 year old even sat in it while waiting for a parade. They are easy to use and you don't have to wrestle with a double stroller on the bus. When you rent the stroller, you can leave your umbrella stroller at the rental stand and they will keep it for you.

Hope that helps.
Susan