Strollers on Busses????

[jmkst58]

Hey guys.......got a question......We took my then 18 month old dd in April for our first trip to WDW with children. I hope to go again this fall. Here was my biggest gripe about now touring the world with kids.........

We have a Travel system stroller (Big wheels, big basket underneath) and it is heavy. Well we drove down and we stayed offsite....MISTAKE.......I know.

Anyway....the first day we drove to the TTC, unfolded the stroller, wheeled it to the tram, then folded the stroller and all got on the tram successfully.......EXCEPT MY HUSBAND....he couldn't fit the stroller on the tram and had to hang it over the edge and it is HEAVY.........ruined his day......then you know once we got to the monorail...we had to unfold......etc.......etc

We parked fairly far away at MGM and had to do the same. Epcot and AK, thankfully we were kind of close, so we just skipped the tram and walked to the entrance.

OK....so here's my question......For our next trip, I still want to use our travel system stroller. I like the big backet for belongings and I feel that it is easier to drive with the bigger wheels.......

Anyway.....I wanted to split my next stay between a monorail resort (to visit MK) and a BW resort (to visit Epcot and MGM). It would be GREAT if I could cut one of those deluxes out though and stay in a moderate. I am just SO AFRAID that getting that stroller on and off the busses will be the same nightmare that we had with the trams. How bad are the strollers on the busses?

Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated.......THANKS SO MUCH!!

 

[MosMom]

Well, it is a nightmare depending on how you handle the busses. We wouldn't even attempt to get on crowded busses because the stroller was too difficult to get past people. When we would get on a nearly empty bus, we would just walk all the way to the back so nobody had to try to hurdle the stroller sitting in the aisle. The busses definitely aren't big stroller friendly but I'm exactly like you and like the big strollers for storage space and because they are more comfortable for our daughter. She can nap easily in one and since she is sitting in one quite a bit, I want her to be comfy.

That is a *really* good idea though about splitting your stay between a monorail resort and epcot resort. Hmmmmm, now you've got me thinking. I would be even happier if I could avoid busses for everything except Animal Kingdom & Downtown Disney.

We had stayed at the All Star Movies last trip and we hated the busses. We were planning on the Poly for our next trip so we could use the Monorail. I was figuring that the Poly busses wouldn't be as crowded as the ASMo busses though so I didn't think it would be a huge issue. We stayed at the Poly in May 2001 and I honestly can't remember what the busses were like there. I don't remember anything exceptionally negative about them so maybe they were fine.

 

[lisaost]

If you're willing to invest that much money in a hotel stay then I'd invest in a new stroller. The 18 month old is now too big for the infant car seat part of the travel system, but you will still be using a stroller for at least another 18 months if not more. For under $100 you can get a lightweight umbrella type stroller, maybe with a recline, probably with a sun shade and many of them have nice large baskets underneath.

I have twins. Their double stroller runs about 40 pounds and they are 20 pounds each so that's 80 POUNDS I push around all day. I sympathise with your husband. It's not fun to have an aching back all the time!! And given our load, even if we were staying onsite, which we are not this trip, I would not use busses. We simply would not fit. Obviously your cargo is a little more compact than mine but I still would have a hard time believing that a sleeping baby, a big stroller and a crowded and noisy bus are a good combination! LOL! But better to hear if from those who have already done it....not me - I'm too chicken for that scene!

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[jwfla422]

I agree, I would also go with the new stroller concept. We brought our big stroller for our dd's first trip and used it once and then used our umbrella stroller the rest of that trip, luckily it was Nov so it wasn't too too hot (no canopy, basket etc). DD was 2 then.

Since then I bought a $30 Kolcraft stroller I love, very lightweight with a one hand collapsable mechanism to open it. A huge basket and a nice canopy, dd is almost 4 now and still fits comfortably although she's getting close to the weight limit.

They also make one for $40 with a cup holder and it reclines in addition to the above. It is a little heavier but certainly not as bulky or heavy as a travel system stroller.

 

[tjmw2727]

Personally there is no way I would even attempt to bring a full size stroller on a WDW bus or even a tram. Have you looked into some of the great lightweight strollers? Many have snack tray for kiddo and a drink holder for mom with a basket but fold flat and are very lightweight. Much nicer than the typical umbrella type but still fold flat and are lightweight. If your interestd try a web search or take your child to your local baby store and try some out, you may find something as a compromise. Be warned that during busy times your often asked to fold a stroller on the monorail if the child isn't sleeping. You can leave your stroller open on the boat to MGM and Epcot but you must take the child out. Have a great time -
TJ

 

[sha_lyn]

check out the combi SUBV at www.combistrollerstore.com
I lover ours. I even had several comments on it while at WDW this yr.

 

[cgajdzisz]

I used the COmbi and was very happy with it. It folded up very compact and had a decent size basket and a sunshade. It also recline. My DD last trip and she's 5. We had no trouble on the bus with it.

 

[jmkst58]

Thanks so much.......all great advice.......as usual........thanks!

 

[Ratpack]

OK I am a little confused. I thought the advantage of an umbrella stroller was that it folded up to an almost umbrella size. Now I am hearing that as long as it folds flat, you are fine. I have a Century 4n1 and it folds flat, maybe not quite as flat as the above mentioned but shouldn't it be fine to take? DD is 4 and doesn't use a stroller anywhere lelse, but we feel we may need one in WDW for her to rest as well as be able to get around quickly, her legs are a lot shorter. I really hate to spend even $30 on something that I will not use again and really do not like. I am tall and all umbrella strollers that I have dealt with keep me hunched over somewhat and after awhile, it is very uncomfortable. Handle extentions are an option but that is another $15. I think I will use ours and just deal with it, but I would like your opinions. I may change my mind by July.

 

[sha_lyn]

we used our standard full sized one 2 yrs ok. It work ok except on crowded busses. The combi SUBV is great however. It fit between my knees and the seat in front on me. I saw some full size strollers that took up 2 seats and the mothers often pearched on the end, facing the isle while holding the baby.

 

[tjmw2727]

I think it depends on your situation what you can manage. When I am alone with a stroller age dd then I want an umbrella and very little stuff in a backpack so I can manage by myself on and off the bus. On a family trip when we need more stuff and have another adult to help I bring a slightly bigger stroller but never a fullsize. We did use the stroller part of the old Century 4 in 1 and it was a good option, IMHO it was very manageble on a bus. I wouldn't attempt to use a full size stroller at wdw except maybe with an infant in which case I would probably rent rather than use wdw buses. They have some great umbrella strollers with slightly larger wheels and adjustable handles that are great. I must admit that last trip was our first without a stroller and it was GREAT!!
TJ

 

[merryRwe]

Hello same stroller dilemma here.....headed to AKL 9/02 w\dd 2 and ds4 (turning 5 while there) Friends have said definitely DO NOT take own stroller and just rent (less hassle at airport and on buses). But I think we will need it at times when rental is not available, I am in agreement that bringing our double graco onto the buses isn't a good idea. What's the concensus out there: rent or purchase a small new stroller...but then not enough room for both kids!!??? What to do?????

 

[lisaost]

wow you know I had not considered the tram problem....

my double stroller folds flat but there's no way I'm hanging a 40 pound stroller over the side of a tram.

I guess I'm hoofing it across the parking lot. Oh well!!

 

[lisaost]

MerryRwe.....I think you are in for a problem at the airport if you go without a stroller. Airports are alot more complicated than they used to be...especially with small children.

I am travelling by car but there's still the monorail and the tram to deal with. I guess we'll just have to be patient. And pray that they have mercy on me when they see the twins and NOT make me fold the stroller and hold them on the monorail. I just could not do that.

 

[merryRwe]

Yes I know, the airport is another dilemma! My hope is that only one child at at a time will want\need to be in the stroller at a time, but don't know what to do. That Combi stroller looks like a great option...but still nervous about not having enough room for both kids to rest\ride at the park....ANY SUGGESTIONS from others who have flown and have a couple of small children?

 

[TerriBelle]

We have 3 kids - (DD-9, DS-4, DS-4) We have traveled with all of them to Disney twice. Both times we flew and stayed on site. The first trip the boys were 2 and daughter 6, last trip the boys were 3 and DD 8. Both trips we brought two cheap umbrella strollers. This works best for use. Yes, we had the front-back double stroller and the side-by-side strollers but I always choose the 2 umbrella strollers!

Everyone has their own opinions but here are my reasons for the umbrellas....

1) Light and easy to push through crowds! I hate being stuck in a crowd with the big double strollers. The small ones allow you to move around people that have stopped in the middle of main street!
2) They are easy to fold on the busses.
3) They fit inside the stores!
4) You can separate the kids if you need to. Sometimes one of the boys would go with me the other my husband.
5) Easy to use at the airport.
6) Cheap! I don't care if they get stolen, broken, or messed up.

 

[TINKTWINS]

I agree with terribelle.

We visisted in April with 2yo twins. The cheap umbrella strollers work best for the airport. We pushed them in it right up to boarding then boarded it on the plane when we did. It was a great idea. Also getting on and off the trams, you need a quick open/close stroller for that. More than likely your carrying extra stuff too, so you dont want a heavy stroller. Just purchase the mesh bags that hang on the back they do hold alot of extra stuff.

 

[disneykiddos]

Last year we went with my 3 1/2 year old. We used the Combi Travel Stroller and it was great because it folded compact.. The only thing I didn't like was there was no basket, just a bag on the back.

This year we are going in December. My DD will be 5, and we will also have a 1 year old. I am going to order the new Comnbi SUbv stroller. It is only $40.00 This one folds compactly again, but it has a big basket. We will use this for the 1 year old.

Last year, my 3 1/2 year old wanted to walk most of the time. We figure if she gets tired this year, we will just rent a stroller for her. Hopefully we will not have to do this everyday.

I like the Combi because it folds really compact which is great for the busses. Hope this helps.

 

[merryRwe]

Disneykiddos hello and thanks for the input! We are transplanted Buckeyes and still consider Columbus our home! I think the Combi Stroller is the way to go as well I have never actually seen one, but checked out a web page reccomended here. Do you know if Toys r Us carries them?

 

[carone0318]

I always bring my big stroller and never really had any problems. This year we will have 2 strollers, twice the fun....

I also suggest that if you have a stroller dilemma and want to stay at a deluxe that you stay at an Epcot resort. Hear me out.... I am a DVCer and stay at BWVs and I like how we approach things. At BWV, I literally only need to fold my stroller to go to 1 of the big 4 parks and that is AK. I can take a boat or walk to MGM and Epcot. What we like to do for MK is walk through Epcot and take the monorail to MK. DD thinks that the monorail is a ride in itself. Granted if you want to get an early start you may have to take a bus to MK, but I think that BW is the first pick up and the bus is empty when you get on it. We go to MK everyday when we visit the world and the monorail approach works great.

Good luck