Strollers in WDW

[GramPam]

My family is going down to WDW at the begginng of December. We will have my Grandson with us who will be 15 months old. He is very small for his age as well.

My question is whether we can find a good option for a storller down there, or if we should take our own? How comfortable are the ones that can be rented in WDW, do they have storage underneath for bags, cup holders, etc?

If we should take our own stroller with us, does anyone know the procedure for taking one onto an airline?

 

[bookmama]

you can rent one from www.abbf.com. we brought our own we had a 1 yr and 6mo. Next year we'll be bringing our own again. it depends though on how much walking you're going to do in the airport.

Strollers you rent from DW you have to leave at the park at the end of the day. And no one wants to carry a sleeping baby while you're tired from a whole day of walking.

 

[happymommy]

I'd bring your own! Get a "gate check" tag at the gate from the attendant. Put it on the stroller. Then the child can stay in it right up to the door of the plane, get them out and fold up the stroller and leave it there. They will take it and put it with checked bags - it will come off the plane right when you land and they will bring it right to the door for you - if it's not there when you deplane, just give them a minute or two.

For that age, I suggest strongly to have your own stroller with you! I can't imagine getting through an airport without it.

This won't count towards checked or carry on luggage.

 

[TravelinGal]

I also recommend taking your own. Make sure it has a canopy on top for shade from the brutal sun. (yes, even in the winter)
From what I recall when I saw the HARD PLASTIC strollers at WDW, they did not have storage anywhere on them. (maybe a very small pouch on the back?)

I recommend an umbrella style stroller as they are easier to fold up and get on/off the busses (if that is what you're using -- personally, we always rent a car and drive everywhere)

I would also recommend a stroller bag when you gate check it. There is plenty of time while waiting to board to get the stroller folded up and into the bag. Check out THIS THREAD for an inexpensive but very good stroller bag for umbrella style strollers.

 

[SueM in MN]

This is a picture of the WDW park rental strollers.

All the parks have the same type, just different colors. They are made of a firm plastic (not really hard, but very firm) and have a small pocket on the back.
They are best for older toddlers and up to young school aged children who can sit up well. They are easy for those kids to get in and out. If you've got a younger child who you will need to lift in and out, you will be spending a lot of time stooping down since they are low.

 

[tanyaandallie]

The Disney rental strollers are really not great for younger/smaller kids. I would definitely bring your own for a small child. A child that young needs a super comfy stroller that he can nap comfortably in.

 

[PrincessMama605]

I have flown with my dd (now 3) since she was a baby and I can't imagine flying without a stroller. It's a lot to carry your carry-on bag/purse/whatever AND a child especially if you have to change planes. Take your stroller and check it at the gate before you get on the plane like the pp said. You can take the stroller pretty much right up to the door of the plane and then you just wait for it when you get off the plane.

 

[Mrs D]

I concur that you will want a stroller in the airport if you are flying. A light stroller that folds umbrella style is best while at Disney. You may want one with more bells, whistles and comfort than a $20 umbrella allows. If you read through the Unofficial Stroller Thread you will find many recommendations and reviews on various strollers. Most of all, you want one that will be comfortable for your grandson, is light to push and carry, folds easily and compact yet gives you some storage and a place for cups.
I have a Chicco CT5 that I like and will use for my son. What I have learned is that if you have/find a stroller you like yet needs a few things to make it perfect, there are plenty of aftermarket products available to make it exactly what you need. I purchased a Rayshade to give DS extra shade/sun protection. I have also added cup & snack holders for DS and am using a messenger bag on the back of the stroller for extra storage/organization as well as drink holders for me! Not sure if you will need this in December, but I will be using a clip on fan in the stroller for the September heat! I need to take a pic of my pimped out stroller!

Best of luck and have a magical trip!

 

[ceemys]

We are taking our own. I have an Evenflo Aura. I love it! I just hope I don't run over people's ankles. I am SO careful with that because I hate it when it happens to me. lol

 

[Mrs D]

I just had another thought for you GramPam - now is the perfect time to check into one of the Stroller Swaps on the budget board.
If you decide you don't need a stroller in the airport, this is a way to get a stroller that will be more comfortable and less expensive than a Disney rental.

 

[debraW76]

Yes Yes, A stroller swap. See link below in my signature... $15 for a whole week! Disney's strollers are $31/day I think.

 

[faithhelen]

Mrs D: I also have a CT5. What rayshade did you get for yours? Can you post a link or PM me with it?

I'm taking my DS to WDW on my own in October and he will be 10 months then. So I'm trying to minimize my gear since my DH will not be with. What are the attachements that you got with yours??