Strollers: Rent or Bring for a 4 year old

[Smcgibeau]

Hi all. We're heading back to Disney in June. My DD is 4 and a half, she'll be almost five when we go. She's a peanut, 40 in but only 35 lbs or so. In the past we bring her stroller with her but she never uses a stroller at home any more so we don't have any around.

I'm wondering if I should buy an umbrella one or rent them at the parks. Her old one had a basket underneath and I'm worried I'll miss that luxury if we rent one. We're hoping for more children so if I buy one it won't go completely to waste.

Opinions are most welcome. Thanks.

 

[goofybabe2001]

We always rent one every year sometimes our daughter wants and sometimes she doesn't. Renting one may cost a few $$ more but you don't have to carry it back and forth across parking lots and you don't have to worry about trying to carry it on buses. the strollers at disney have plenty of room and storage.

 

[decker96]

TAKE YOUR OWN!!!

On our last trip we had DD5 and DS2. We brought our stroller for DS figuring DD would walk. She had not used a stroller for two years. Boy were we wrong! After an hour at EPCOT she was whining because she was tired of walking. The next three days we had to rent an additional stroller for her. They have no storage, except for a small mesh bag hanging off the back and they are big and bulky (think jogging stroller size). Had I known she would have needed one, I would have bought another $20 umbrella stroller and brought them both with us!

 

[carone0318]

We have repeatedly told our dd (7.5) that this upcoming trip in Aug/Sept, 3 weeks before her 8th b-day, she will be walking, no stroller. She hasn't used a stroller since the age of 3, but WDW is the exception. We are very lucky because she is very petite. Her height 44" with shoes and she weighs a whooping 47#. I am secretly considering bringing the extra stroller for her anyways. I would rather her have a place to sit, then to hear a whiny, complaining and tired child!!! That is not a vacation to me.

I would definitely bring my own, BUT it really depends on you and your wallet. Renting those strollers is not cheap and if you go for a week or more and end of renting everyday it adds up - adds up to more then I want to spend. Squeak -squeak, I'm cheap !

 

[daisylove]

Hi there
we just got back March 31 - april 3 and we have a just turned 5 yr old. She did not get out ofthe stroller. We had crowdsand it was actually pretty hot so she was VERY happy to stay put. I find especially with the crowds that the stroller gives me that extra security against her wandering off. We brought our own because I have a lightweigt that folds easily and evenings like when we went to Boardwalk directly after EPCOT on the friendship boats she needed it. If you are going anywhere after the parks remember you will have a very tired little girl and she will need the stroller. We have rented the parks. And as my DD is getting bigger (44inches and 42 pounds) her legs will require us to get the parks more elongated strollers again next time. The lack of storage is a problem but we ususally rent a double and just set our bags etc next to her. If we cover them with a soft towel it gives her something soft to lean on and nap . Only thing make sure you use sun lotion on every bit of her especially her legs as the MK stroller have them sitting with legs out straight in front. Also i you rent do the whole thing of tying a distinctive bandanna so you can find it in the crowds of strollers that all look alike. bring a hand fan and a small cooler and remember that all the restaurants food service areas will give you free ice. In june you will need it. Well thats my 2 cents good luck. Have lots of fun!!!

 

[cdpa4d]

I personally bring an umbrella stroller every year and rent at the theme parks. Remember, some locations like DTD do not rent strollers. You can use your umbrella stroller in situations like this. In the parks you can rent a stroller and store some of your things. Your DD can take an Afternoon nap in the stroller if she decides to do so. Just my suggestion.
ADP

 

[catnik]

Just my 2 cents.....my kids never found the rentable Disney strollers comfortable (and after a LONG day at the parks, turning in the stroller and having them walk to the car/monorail was not pleasant!). I bought cheap single and double strollers in consignment shops before our trips that met our basic needs and were more comfortable for the kids. Plus, being able to find "our" stroller among the zillion look alike rental strollers was easy. If you do rent a Disney stroller, absolutely decorate it as much as you can to make it "stand out" from the rest!

 

[melanie18]

My vote is to bring your own stroller. Like the others said, it comes in handy at places like DTD. The strollers you rent look so uncomfortable too! We found a fairly small stroller at Babies R Us for around $40 that we use specifically for WDW. Also, it's yellow and black which makes it really easy to find when you get off a ride!

Good luck!

 

[my3princes]

Bring yours and save $$ for something else.

 

[Chica650]

I only spent 20 bucks and that is already cheaper than renting for the 7 days we're going to be in parks. I have a 4 1/2 year old and whereas she walks everywhere we go around here, I KNOW for a fact she'll want to ride when we get there. Number one: I'll know where she is and Number two: no cranky, tired, sore footed baby-doll

I really think just buying one is much cheaper. I found one with a canopy, reclining seat, basket, and cup holder for parent at wal-mart and target for 20 bones. Definitely worth it to me!!!


Hope this helps!

 

[my3boys]

We are facing the same problem with our 4 year old on our upcoming trip. However, I told my husband I want the stroller for, well, myself! I love the cup holder and the basket underneath. Since our trip is in June, I'll store our rain ponchos and extra shoes in the basket rather than carrying them around. It is also nice to have the stroller if the walk from the bus stop/monorail/boat launch to your room isn't short after a day in the parks when pre-schoolers often fall asleep.

 

[lailah]

Just a little bit of information for you. Murray Hill transportation (from the airport to your hotel) offers an umbrella stroller for $5.00 for your entire trip (or a large one for a little bit more) which they will bring with them when they pick you up. I just found out about this (after paying almost 120.00 for stroller rental last Dec.) . I will be using them this June and will take advantage of this. They have quite a few thing they rent (microwaves, refridgerators, etc.) I've heard some good things about them so far.