Strollers without kids?

[BuffaloJim]

We're presumably well past the age when our kids would need a stroller, (the youngest will be 8 when we visit in October) but I was thinking about still bringing an umbrella stroller with us into the parks. When we were using strollers, we certainly would use them for more than just hauling around the kids. I think we could fill the basket underneath with frozen water and other snack items that could be used throughout the day. Other items like raingear and hand sanitizer would also fit in there. It certainly would seem to be easier to toss everything in there than it would be to carry it all around. And if we just wanted to leave it somewhere in a stroller corral for a while, that would work too.

Has anyone else used one of these without kids and if so, how did it work out?

Thanks,

Jim

First post ever, by the way.

 

[Grandmatoniko]

I would have to agree that it is easier to take a stroller and have a place to put everything.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

So you're essentially bringing a rolling suitcase into the parks for a bunch of stuff? It just happens to be in the disguise of a stroller? How are you handling the buses with that...

 

[tyzzle]

So you're essentially bringing a rolling suitcase into the parks for a bunch of stuff? It just happens to be in the disguise of a stroller? How are you handling the buses with that...

I am guessing she would fold it up and carry it on the bus like all the other stroller toting people out there

 

[Epeyon]

Troll much?

 

[brymolmom]

I have to tell you - I have always been the one who wants to bring a lot of 'stuff' and I struggled a LOT when we went without the stroller the first time. But I have to tell you - DITCH THE STROLLER - IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!

We have way cut down on what we bring. Basically dh carries a small backpack with a bottle of water (that we refill when necessary), some small snacks, sanitizer, and a few other things. I bring a shoulder bag with camera, money and sunglasses, etc.

It is SO MUCH better to be able to come out of a ride and head to the right and go right toward your next attraction instead of having to go grab the stroller from the left (or even if you left it there - to have to head back to grab it later).

Even though I miss my 'stuff' - it is totally worth it to be minus the stroller.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

Not if he (Jim) is filling it with a bunch of stuff. Children can be removed from strollers and held. What about a bunch of loose little items?

I guess my biggest qualm with this is that you could just as easily throw the stuff in a backpack. Yes you have to carry a backpack with you, but if that is too much stuff, then maybe you need to downsize or rent a locker. Having a stroller with no child takes up space on the buses, among other things, and I feel like that is discourteous to other guests. If I saw someone get on a bus with a stroller that was being used as a rolling suitcase, I would be steamed.

Sorry to squabble with you on your first post, Jim, but IMO bringing a stroller to carry around stuff that could be carried in a more courteous, economical way is just silly.

 

[Love Tink]

I've done this (well, brought a stroller for my five-year-old, who didn't really need it, mostly so I could use it for toting things). I did it when we went in December and it was in the 20s and 30s and we all had coats, hats, mittens, etc.

It's sort of a catch-22 though. If, as you suggested, you bring an umbrella stroller, you'll find it really isn't that useful. There's no compartment underneath for storing things, the seat is tiny, no cup holders, and if you fill up the bag on the back and nobody is sitting in the seat, the thing keeps tipping over backward. It just isn't that useful.

But if you bring a bigger stroller - then you're dealing with the bigger hassle getting it on the buses and through the crowds. So the hassle starts to be more than the usefulness is worth.

If there's really no chance you'll ever need it for a child, I suggest just figuring out a small backpack that works for you and using that instead.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

Troll much?

I'm not trolling, I am expressing a legitimate opinion about how annoying strollers can be in a crowded theme park and how much more annoying I would find one that was being used for something other than carrying a child.

I have many controversial stroller opinions, like the fact that renting a stroller off site and not knowing how to fold it before you get on the bus is ridiculous. Or the fact that some people hang so many bags of the back of their strollers that they put their children in danger of being flipped backwards onto asphalt and concrete. I also think there is an age where stroller usage needs to stop for children who are not special needs.

So no, I'm not being a troll, I'm just being someone with an opinion. Sorry if that bothers you.

 

[disneybliss2]

I personally look forward to the day when I DON'T have to take a stroller. We carry a backpack that we stash w/ many of the items you were concerned about carrying. For me, it wouldn't be worth the hassle of moving the stroller around, lugging on/off buses, and parking it in the stroller corral at each attraction. However, what works for me doesn't work for everyone. If bringing a stroller will make your trip more enjoyable, go for it!

 

[Mrs K]

The first trip to WDW without a stroller is so liberating! Honestly a backpack is much easier. It's amazing how much we used to bring that we didn't need.

 

[Love Tink]

If I saw someone get on a bus with a stroller that was being used as a rolling suitcase, I would be steamed.

A) A folded up umbrella stroller goes right between your feet and up your body on the bus and doesn't take an inch of space from anyone.

B) You really need to get a grip.

 

[Que_Sarah_Sarah]

I guess I was not thinking small umbrella stroller but more the type of strollers that I see most people renting while they are at WDW (The city mini comes to mind)

As far as getting a grip, I don't feel that I've said anything hostile or out of line on this thread apart from responding to someone who thought I had nothing better to do with my evening than stir the pot. I apologize if my opinion seems offensive or extreme, but that's the beauty of an opinion. I am allowed to have it an express it on a public forum.

 

[BuffaloJim]

I appear to have hit a nerve (or three) with some people. I'm certainly not attempting to make anyone else's life more difficult. I'm simply trying to make ours easier.

We're talking about a relatively small umbrella stroller with a basket under it, and not some gargantuan rolling nursery. I know strollers have made our lives easier, even when the kids could walk and didn't need diapers anymore. I realize backpacks are an option, but I generally haven't liked them in other amusement parks and I doubt I'd want one at Disney.

The real bonus is that we wouldn't have to push it everywhere because the kids won't need it. (the parents on the other hand, after a long day...) I certainly don't expect to be pushing it constantly and apparently ruining other peoples enjoyment of the parks, but it sure SEEMED like a good idea when I thought of it.

Jim

 

[jpeka65844]

The first trip to WDW without a stroller is so liberating! Honestly a backpack is much easier. It's amazing how much we used to bring that we didn't need.

Amen to this! MIL needed an ECV on our December trip and I wish she hadn't felt that it gave her carte blanche to bring everything but the kitchen sink to the parks.

"Put it in my bag!" should've been written across the back of her trip t-shirt!!!

I hit DL one time with nothing but my ticket in one pocket and my cell phone in the other. The. Best. Time. Ever.

Remember, you're not going to the wilds of Africa. Look into a good, comfy backpack or a messenger bag. That's what we take and we manage to get water, snacks, and ponchos in it!

 

[mom2rtk]

You have to understand there are some folks here on the DIS who would even appreciate it if you would leave your KIDS at home.

Que sera sera........ what will be will be. Do what makes YOUR life easier and within Disney rules.

 

[pixieprincessmom]

When they need strollers they also need more other things. Once ours were out of the stroller they each got a small backpack. Anything you have to have you carry. Water , electronics, camera, etc. The 2 girls always carry a bag now but DS only takes what fits in his pockets. I can get by with a bag now instead of a backpack.

 

[kadesha]

I guess I don't really understand this, but each to their own.

I was so happy when we were able to hit the parks without a stroller. I can't imaging lugging around so much stuff that I would need a stroller to push it around in. I can easily fit everything I need into my backpack. I freeze water bottles over night and they feel so good against my back (in the backpack) on a hot day. Other than that, I ship my packages to the resort. No need for anything more than a backpack.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

The stroller doesn't bother me, but I can't help but wonder if there's a better way. I mean- it's only an umbrella stroller you're proposing and maybe it would be easier to wheel that around vs. dealing with a back pack. I guess I'm just longing for the day when I feel confident enough about my kids making it through the parks on their own little legs (they're pretty petite) that I can ditch all forms of strollers. I like a pp's idea of a smaller pack and a locker, but you have to do what you think will make the day most enjoyable for you and your fam.

 

[tndisneyfan]

I'm not sure it's something I would want to do. WE had a stroller for DS when we went to DL but he didn't want to be in it so we had to push it around empty. I can see it being useful for putting stuff in/on, but I don't think I would like having to worry about the stroller. I would think that no more than you could put in/on an umbrella stroller, it would probably just be easier to tote it around in a backpack. Maybe one for you and one for your spouse so no one gets stuck caryying around a big, heavy backpack.

Also it will probably be easier to maneuver through crowds without the stroll.