Strollers in the Parks. Would You...

[palmtreegirl]

900.00 stroller? I think you should leave it at home and buy a cheapy umbrella for the parks.

 

[Karnak]

Spill root beer, or a chocolate drink like Yoo-hoo, on a couple of diapers, tie one to the handle of the stroller, and toss one on the seat. I bet no one touches your stroller.

Enjoy.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We just have an inexpensive stroller that I don't have to worry about anyone stealing or damage from the airplane cargo hold. I think I paid about $75 new for it. It's begining to show signs of wear (and numerous trips to WDW) The stroller is great for carrying everything into the parks and even though my DD is now 7 she is still small enough to catch a ride when she's tired and I'm not looking forward to the time when I have to carry everything once we stop with the stroller. I don't have to worry about getting it on a bus as we always rent a vehicle while there. On this last trip I didn't even fold it up for the trams as we parked close enough to walk in at all parks.

On our trip home I was glad we had the cheap, old stroller with us because I had to consider leaving it when we changed planes in Atlanta. Due to flying around a storm between FL and GA, our flight took longer than expected. Instead of having almost an hour between flights, we had less than 30 min. I decided I would wait a few minutes for the stroller to come up while my mom (and DD) went to check on our gate and if it wasn't up quickly, we decided to just leave it behind. Luckily, it came up very quickly and we made it to our plane with 5 min. to spare. My DM had time to use the restroom, I had to wait until we were at altitude. FYI, our flight was late leaving the gate and we were backed up waiting for a runway. Our flight actually left 45 min. after scheduled departure.

Anyway, my point is, for us, having a cheaper stroller works fine and if it's left behind, stolen, or damaged, I won't really care.

 

[DisneyMim]

We haven't had to use a stroller for many moons, but I always like to comment on these threads, not to annoy anyone, but for a reality check. My brother and sister-in-law had their stroller stolen from the MK about 7-8 years ago. I know we all like to think that Disney is a very "sheltered" place and nobody is going to steal anything, but the sad reality is that people do. Not a lot and the odds are that you won't have it happen, but I would never leave anything expensive unattended in WDW. Just my little ole 2 cents.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Sleeping Becca]

The decision to bring it should hinge on the acceptance of the realization that you could lose it. Would it be a big deal if you lost it? If it will not be significantly difficult for you to replace it, and don't have a problem shelling out another $900, bring it.

Anytime you leave something anywhere unattended you should be prepared to lose it.

 

[kupperman]

I personally wouldn't risk bringing it. $900 is a lot of money. The other stroller would be just as adequate.

 

[writersblock42]

Ouch $900 for a stroller? My first car didn't cost that much!

 

[AmyBWV99]

I would think the risk is pretty low. How are you getting to WDW? I would worry more about damage if flying than it being stollen at WDW.

I love my pliko and have been very happy with that. Does the bugaboo fold nicely?

It doesn't fold up as nice as the Pliko. It's tough to explain, but it kind of 'double folds'. We like it because it's easy to maneuver, roll and our son seems more comfortable in it as the whole seat reclines (like a lazy boy) instead of just the back reclining. We had a Peg Perego Venencia that got trashed on United the first time we flew, so we replaced that with the Pliko. Since then, we've put the Pliko in its original box and checked it (as opposed to gate checking it) and it's come through flights unscathed. We were planning to do the same thing this time, hopefully arriving with no damage.

 

[lovesdumbo]

It doesn't fold up as nice as the Pliko. It's tough to explain, but it kind of 'double folds'. We like it because it's easy to maneuver, roll and our son seems more comfortable in it as the whole seat reclines (like a lazy boy) instead of just the back reclining. We had a Peg Perego Venencia that got trashed on United the first time we flew, so we replaced that with the Pliko. Since then, we've put the Pliko in its original box and checked it (as opposed to gate checking it) and it's come through flights unscathed. We were planning to do the same thing this time, hopefully arriving with no damage.

I had read here on the Dis of possible damage to the Pliko on the plane-especially to the sun canopy so before I took my Pliko to WDW for the first time I purchased the bag that Peg Perego makes to carry the Pliko. I've taken the Pliko to Disney 3 times without damage. The bag is nice because I can usually stick a few jackets or ponchos in it too. I do gate check it in the bag and have never had a problem-although it does seem it is usually the very last stroller out.

Now that I've been using Magic Express I like being able to skip baggage claim.

 

[pezheadmeg]

This is probably going to sound pathetic , but I don't have kids and I recognize these strollers. Yes, Bugaboos are the "cadillacs" of strollers...they are used by most celebrities for their children. I know about these strollers from reading celebrity gossip magazines!

Scarily enough there's another one of me. I was explaining to several different friends how my college roommates' McLaren was a good stroller, they were in shock that I knew my stroller plans. And yes, I pay attention to strollers, you wouldn't believe how many of them are around on a Tuesday morning in the typical mall.

 

[MyZoeJane]

Wow $900 for a stroller. Does it push itself?

HAHA! I've used one before and it's basically like carrying an expensive purse. Sure, you could get a purse that had all the bells and whistles and the "right" comartments... yada yada yada... but you wouldn't have the label or design. It all depends on how conscious of those things you are. Some people just like the "look" of the Bugaboo and it DOES have nice features, but they are not any better than those on strollers that cost 1/3 as much, IMHO.

However, I gotta say... the Pliko is worth the money for everyday use... walks... malls... etc. I took it last trip, but I still found it cumbersome on the busses so this time I picked up the Maclaren Quest and will be taking that instead.

Utoh, did I just reveal myself as another stroller junky?

Anyway, back to the original topic! If you want to stroll your kid in style and wont be "bugged" if the stroller gets stolen, then take it! But if I were you, I'd just pick up the Maclaren. It's sooooo much better to travel with!

 

[Gradar1]

If you feel comfortable bringing the more expensive stroller, bring it! But in my family's experience, it made more sense for us to bring a lighterweight stroller--it made it easier to get on/off the buses, monorails, etc. We weren't really worried about it being stolen, however, but definitely bring something to identify it with!

 

[AmyBWV99]

I think we're leaning at this point at taking the Pliko and gate checking it (hoping it'll survive in one peice) and using it thru the airport; then checking the Bugaboo thru and using that primarily once we arrive. Otherwise we'll take our Maclaren in place of the Pliko and still use the Bugaboo thru the World. I really appreciate everyone's help, I doubt we'll park outside of many rides b/c I think it's be more irritating than anything to have it "walk away". We could replace it but the fact that then we have to get to another stroller during that day would put a cramp on our joy for a few hours at least.

We have more strollers than I care to confess to (a bit of an addiction here)but my husband commonly refers to the storage side of the garage as the 'stroller lot'. Without going into too much detail our son was born with some complications that caused some weakness in his right side's muscles so he's not walking yet and since he has to spend alot of time traveling via stroller it's really important to us that he be as comfortable as possible.

 

[lulu71]

HAHA! I've used one before and it's basically like carrying an expensive purse. Sure, you could get a purse that had all the bells and whistles and the "right" comartments... yada yada yada... but you wouldn't have the label or design. It all depends on how conscious of those things you are. Some people just like the "look" of the Bugaboo and it DOES have nice features, but they are not any better than those on strollers that cost 1/3 as much, IMHO.

I completely disagree. The "nice" features when you add them up replace a lot of things I would have bought separately.

1. The Bugaboo has a bassinet, so I didn't have to buy one of those. It worked just as well when my DD was a newborn. Saved $$$ not having to buy a bassinet.

2. Just to walk on my city's sidewalks require everyone I know to use a jogging stroller. No need with the Bugaboo. The shocks on the thing make it easy to maneuver all the cracks and uneven pavement so I saved money there.

3. The way the entire seat tilts upright and is on the taller side, we also used it as a highchair for a long time and still do on occasion. Saved $$$ there.

By the time I added it all up, the Bugaboo ended up being not much more had I bought a Maclaren and the other items. It wasn't a status thing at all for us, it just made the most sense.

 

[DestinationDisney]

Scarily enough there's another one of me. I was explaining to several different friends how my college roommates' McLaren was a good stroller, they were in shock that I knew my stroller plans. And yes, I pay attention to strollers, you wouldn't believe how many of them are around on a Tuesday morning in the typical mall.

Glad to hear there is another one of me too! Haha! I have no children (I'm not even married yet!) but I know the deal with the strollers. I was watching "million dollar listings" last night and I saw a woman on the show pushing a McLaren stroller and I noticed it right away. Its kinda embarassing to admit...but its like purses, I just take notice to them.

Oh, and I would definitely leave the Bugaboo home and take the less expensive stroller. Just my 2 cents!

 

[StanH]

$900 for a stroller?????????
$300 for a stroller?????????

YIKES!

I'm glad my kids where young when strollers didn't cost more than my first car!

 

[Katems]

Wait...you're going to take TWO strollers now? And you're NOT going to 'park' the Bugaboo outside the rides? I'm confused then...why not just take the one stroller and use it thru the 'worlds'?

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I parked my Bugaboo all over WDW last week and didn't even think twice about it, even though I was a little apprehensive before the trip about it.

I will tell you this though - while that stroller is awesome to tour the parks with (so smooth to push and turn, easy to reposition child out of the sun and tilt to recline, very comfy to nap in, etc.), it was a bear on the busses. Even one of the bus drivers came over to mention how difficult these strollers are whenever someone rides the bus with them because you have to take the seat off and then fold the chassis and carry two stroller pieces on board. You have to get your child out of the stroller way before the bus comes to be able to get it all apart in time to board. Our new rule - unless we are staying at an Epcot resort where we can roll the stroller on the boat and only have to deal with it to go to MK (we usually don't do AK) we will take another stroller. It wasn't worth the trouble.

ETA: The other downside of this stroller is at the security tables. Because the underneath storage is a drawstring bag, the guards had us open it and move everything around to be able to see what was in it. One even asked
that we take DD out to get to the bottom!

This would be my thinking too. At WDW, the lightest stroller is probably the best. Something that can take the miles, but lightweight, easy to fold, and compact when folded. Even if you tend to take your car over the buses - loading and unleading it repeatedly can be a real hassle. I would opt for one witha basket, a hood, and a recline (if the child is younger).
My sister enjoyed her Jeep stroller, but I don't know what she spent on it.

 

[DreaminDisney]

$900 for a stroller?????????
$300 for a stroller?????????

YIKES!

I'm glad my kids where young when strollers didn't cost more than my first car!

No. I would NOT bring a $900.00 stroller to WDW.

 

[AmyBWV99]

We are taking 2 strollers; we always have b/c the first flight we took ever after Colin was born and gate checked the stroller it was destroyed to say the least, it ended up needing an entirely new frame they had broken so many pieces that it was cheaper to replace the frame over each piece. Basically 2 of the 8 wheels rolled straight and other things were broken off entirely. That was gate checked. In a stroller travel bag. Don't get me started on the infant carrier, still raises my blood pressure.

Colin's 26lbs he's not the most easy kid to lug across an airport. He does not walk. We have every trip since taken a stroller thru the airport and rebox in the orginal box the stroller we plan to use upon our arrival thru the parks. We are thinking that we'll go ahead and take our Maclaren and use it thru the airport and then use the Bugaboo once we get there. Our Maclaren is black so if it's hot he'll burn up. We are planning on spending alot of our time at Epcot taking in the 'festivus' so we are thinking that we want him to be comfortable.