This Is A Poncho-Free Zone!--May 22-29, 2010 PTR (New PTR!!!! 5/31)

[ladybugmom]

Happy 4 Months



​

Happy 4 months to you as well, Mary!!

where did you find Tinkerbell ponchos? Esecially one for Claire? I need to get something for Lily.Happy 4 month mark!

Believe it or not I found them at Big Lots down where my in-laws live in Alabama!!

Hi Becky! I've been following your previous TR and PTRs. I thought I should introduce myself! I love how detailed you are so I have found your reports to be very helpful! We went on our first trip last Sept, and hope to go again sometime this year. I really want to stay at the Poly this next time, especially since we were lucky enough to get a 40% off code. You love it there, right?

I have twin boys that are 5, and a 3 year old little girl. I am in love with Disney, and hope to convince my DH to go back once a year from now on! Hopefully mine will be "on board" like yours is eventually!

Anyway, happy planning! 4 more months! -Kelly

Hi Kelly and to my PTR!!! I'm so glad that you have enjoyed my previous PTRs/TRs and have found them helpful!! Yes!! We absolutely fell in love with the Poly when we stayed there last May!! I'm not sure if I'll ever want to stay anywhere else! I hope your DH will want to go back yearly--how did he like your Sept. trip? Thanks for introducing yourself and joining in!!

 

[Sunset Cliffs]

So jealous (yet totally happy for you!) of your 4 months. Happy dance.

 

[ladybugmom]

So jealous (yet totally happy for you!) of your 4 months. Happy dance.

Thanks Alison!!!!

 

[pmama]

Yeah for 4 months!! I'm jealous. We will probably not be going back to Florida until March 2011. So, it looks like you'll get two visits in before I get another.

 

[ladybugmom]

Yeah for 4 months!! I'm jealous. We will probably not be going back to Florida until March 2011. So, it looks like you'll get two visits in before I get another.

Thanks Brooke!! I'm so sorry you have to wait until 2011 for your next trip! But that's what the DIS is for, right?! To get us through the times we're not at WDW!! BTW--I've started listening to the DIS Podcasts thanks to you!! And I'm REALLY enjoying them!!!

 

[BippityBoo]

HEY!! Got your post about the strollers. I really am torn as to what to suggest you do. Here is the breakdown:

Positives:

*Easy to board transportation without having to fold a stroller.
*Very easy to push. My arms were NEVER tired.
*Easy brake system on the back.
*Cup holders and pockets.
*Can just leave them wherever you want and the CMs will take them to the front for you at the end of the day.
*And my BIGGEST positive (and the one I am conflicted with in your situation) is that it saved us LOTS of time having Abby ride. She tends to look around and does not pay attention when walking too well We frequently trip over her when walking as a family. hehe Also, she is still young (and I know Ally is one year younger) so walking all of the parks for 5 days straight is really hard on their legs and feet. I am curious how Ally did with that on your last trip. With that being said, we feel that Abby can handle it when we go back in December and will have to walk. She will be 7. Honestly, I totally think she could have handled it this trip, but it would have made her tired easier. Make sense?
*You wont have to check your stroller on the plane.
*Seat belts.
*REALLY easy for the kids to jump out quickly to see a character, ride a ride, etc. Also, you dont have to "tell" your kids where to go. For example, when I saw a character spot, I would just wheel them over instead of having to get Abby's attention and then let her know who was there and where they were. I was in control, so it saved time.

Negatives:

* Too short for our older kids.
* Tight fit with both kids in the double.
* Expensive (verses bringing your own).
* BIGGEST FOR ME: No stroller to use to and from the park, on the boat docks, through the lobbys, up the elevators...you get the idea We had to chase after Aiden on the boat docks and hold him while walking into the parks. Phew! It can be tiring.
* DOES NOT RECLINE! So, no naps in them at all! I thought maybe the seat would be wide enough to lay him down...nope.
* If you get on the train, there is no guarantee to get one on your next stop. You must leave them before boarding the train.

I am going to get a new Maclaren stroller for my birthday I think. I really need a new stroller and I have heard good things about the Triumph. We will bring it with us in December. I also like those strollers that let the older kids ride on the back...but I think Abby is too heavy. She is 53 pounds and the limit is 40 or something

Sorry this post is so long! Just want to help you make the right decision!

 

[cdotla]

Ahhh...the stroller dilemma.

I struggled with this as well. As much as I did not want the hassle of lugging my stroller on the airplane (and only having room for one kid as there was no way I was lugging my double jogger down), there was no way I was going to pay the ridiculous prices Disney charges for a double stroller rental.

Then I found the solution. My last 2 trips I have rented the double jogger stroller, which fits both our 6yr old and 4yr old. They drop it off at the resort, and pick it up there when you are finished with it.

And best of all, if the kids fall asleep in the stroller, you don't have to wake them to leave the Parks. They can stay in the stroller til you get back to the room.

I have used both of the companies listed below, and highly recommend them. Much cheaper and much more convenient than Disney rentals, and they are better strollers too. And it will also save you the hassle and fees of transporting the stroller down with you.

http://www.abbf.com/

http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/

 

[ladybugmom]

HEY!! Got your post about the strollers. I really am torn as to what to suggest you do. Here is the breakdown:

Positives:

*Easy to board transportation without having to fold a stroller.
*Very easy to push. My arms were NEVER tired.
*Easy brake system on the back.
*Cup holders and pockets.
*Can just leave them wherever you want and the CMs will take them to the front for you at the end of the day.
*And my BIGGEST positive (and the one I am conflicted with in your situation) is that it saved us LOTS of time having Abby ride. She tends to look around and does not pay attention when walking too well We frequently trip over her when walking as a family. hehe Also, she is still young (and I know Ally is one year younger) so walking all of the parks for 5 days straight is really hard on their legs and feet. I am curious how Ally did with that on your last trip. With that being said, we feel that Abby can handle it when we go back in December and will have to walk. She will be 7. Honestly, I totally think she could have handled it this trip, but it would have made her tired easier. Make sense?
*You wont have to check your stroller on the plane.
*Seat belts.
*REALLY easy for the kids to jump out quickly to see a character, ride a ride, etc. Also, you dont have to "tell" your kids where to go. For example, when I saw a character spot, I would just wheel them over instead of having to get Abby's attention and then let her know who was there and where they were. I was in control, so it saved time.

Negatives:

* Too short for our older kids.
* Tight fit with both kids in the double.
* Expensive (verses bringing your own).
* BIGGEST FOR ME: No stroller to use to and from the park, on the boat docks, through the lobbys, up the elevators...you get the idea We had to chase after Aiden on the boat docks and hold him while walking into the parks. Phew! It can be tiring.
* DOES NOT RECLINE! So, no naps in them at all! I thought maybe the seat would be wide enough to lay him down...nope.
* If you get on the train, there is no guarantee to get one on your next stop. You must leave them before boarding the train.

I am going to get a new Maclaren stroller for my birthday I think. I really need a new stroller and I have heard good things about the Triumph. We will bring it with us in December. I also like those strollers that let the older kids ride on the back...but I think Abby is too heavy. She is 53 pounds and the limit is 40 or something

Sorry this post is so long! Just want to help you make the right decision!

THANK YOU sooo much for taking the time to post all of this, Katie!!! I really appreciate it!! It's definitely a lot to think about!! I have a friend who was there the same week as us last year and they rented a stroller. I can't remember where from but I asked her on FB and I'll let you know what she says when she responds. She was raving about it on the trip. I was impressed b/c it held both of her daughters--her oldest is 2 years older than Ally and her youngest is a year and a half older than Claire. The seats reclined and it was easy to push. And I believe the company delivers it to your resort. I'll share the details when I get them!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Ahhh...the stroller dilemma.

I struggled with this as well. As much as I did not want the hassle of lugging my stroller on the airplane (and only having room for one kid as there was no way I was lugging my double jogger down), there was no way I was going to pay the ridiculous prices Disney charges for a double stroller rental.

Then I found the solution. My last 2 trips I have rented the double jogger stroller, which fits both our 6yr old and 4yr old. They drop it off at the resort, and pick it up there when you are finished with it.

And best of all, if the kids fall asleep in the stroller, you don't have to wake them to leave the Parks. They can stay in the stroller til you get back to the room.

I have used both of the companies listed below, and highly recommend them. Much cheaper and much more convenient that Disney rentals, and they are better strollers too. And it will also save you the hassle and fees of transporting the stroller down with you.

http://www.abbf.com/

http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/

Ahhh!! How funny that you were posting this as I was typing my response to Katie!!! THANK YOU sooo much for the links and for all of the info!! This is probably what my friend Julie did!!! It sounds like it's the way to go!!!

 

[cdotla]

Ahhh!! How funny that you were posting this as I was typing my response to Katie!!! THANK YOU sooo much for the links and for all of the info!! This is probably what my friend Julie did!!! It sounds like it's the way to go!!!

It definitely is the way to go!

I would never bother with the hassle of bringing my stroller again, or paying crazy Disney prices to rent.

Their strollers are top-notch. Very comfortable and allow for reclines. My preferred company (both in terms of stroller quality and price) was the 1st listed company.

You definitely won't regret renting! One less thing to lug and worry about at the airport!

 

[BippityBoo]

Ahhh!! How funny that you were posting this as I was typing my response to Katie!!! THANK YOU sooo much for the links and for all of the info!! This is probably what my friend Julie did!!! It sounds like it's the way to go!!!

YES YES! Orlando strollers is what a lot of people use. Let me know what the weight requirement is for their doubles!

 

[ladybugmom]

It definitely is the way to go!

I would never bother with the hassle of bringing my stroller again, or paying crazy Disney prices to rent.

Their strollers are top-notch. Very comfortable and allow for reclines. My preferred company (both in terms of stroller quality and price) was the 1st listed company.

You definitely won't regret renting! One less thing to lug and worry about at the airport!

And guess what?! My friend replied to my post on FB as we were posting here!! I'm about to post what she wrote!! Too funny!!!

 

[ladybugmom]

This is sooo funny!! My friend posted on FB as we were discussing here!! She had a lot of great info to share!! Check it out:

Orlando Stroller Rentals
www.orlandostrollerrentals.com

You must get one from them! We've rented from them three times and will continue to do so. The owner, Shannon, is very nice and helpful. She answers emails quickly and I've even talked to her on the phone when I had questions. You will love these strollers so much. The seats recline almost flat. The sunshade comes down very far, but you can also only extend it partway if you don't need as much coverage. There is a little flap you can roll down when the seat is reclined to cover behind their head (where there is otherwise mesh). On her site, this feature is called a rain guard or something like that. But don't mistake it for a large plastic thing that covers the entire stroller because it's not that. There is a basket underneath the seats (easier to access from the side), and there are pouches on the seat backs. The strollers push easily and fold up easily. I truly love their strollers. They've fit through every door on property that we've tried.

OSR will deliver and pick up the stroller directly from your resort. There is a set time that the deliveries and pick-ups are scheduled for, but each time I've needed different times and I just email and ask. My request has always been granted. They do also offer the option of adding insurance to your rental. We've done that the last two times. To me it's worth the extra expense to not have to worry about what we would do in case of theft or damage.

One important thing to note is that these strollers do not have a parent tray or organizer, so I recommend you buy one and take it with you. The one I have I got from BRU online. It is a generic double stroller organizer and attaches easily to the handle bar. It is a fabric one and folds up easily for packing in your suitcase. It has two drink holders and a few pouches/pockets. I use it for sippies, extra sunglasses, travel-size first aid kit, tissues, sunscreen, extra bibs, and snacks. Then I put our bigger stuff under the stroller or in the pockets on the seat backs. I also bought a generic double stroller rain cover that we have used a lot. Totally worth the price!

One other reason that I think you will like these strollers is because the seats are side-by-side. That means both girls can sit and be comfortable but still see out. It's great to have at parades. If you get a spot early enough and get the front row, they have an awesome seat and can see everything so well. Plus, the stroller being wide helps hold your space. We park ours right on the rope and then there's room for both of us to stand behind the girls. We all get a great view.

I have read on the DIS that the Owner's Locker people are now renting strollers, too. (I think they're called Magic Strollers?) I'm pretty positive that they rent the same brand as OSR (which is City Mini joggers). The last time I looked, the OL rental site says they include a complimentary rain cover and parent tray of some sort. So you may want to check them out, too. From what I remember, the prices are almost identical.

One more thing...I still bring a nice umbrella stroller to use with Bailey in the airport. Then once we check in to our hotel and pick up our rental one, the umbrella stroller just gets folded and stored in our room until it's time to go home. I would think you would want to do the same for Claire. Macy walks at the airport and does fine, like I'm sure Ally would. But the little ones, IMO, still need to be restrained/pushed in those environments.

 

[disney<333]

Wow, Becky!! Lots of updates going on here!
First off, congrats on booking your flight! It just makes it that more real!! How great that you will be getting in so early! That's awesome that you were able to get 3 tickets free! I'm looking into one of those airline reward programs.
You just made me so excited for the MK expansion! I loved that first blog; it really explains it. I didn't know that each princess was getting its own little area. Your girls are going to love that! The beauty and the beast restaurant sounds so cool! I can't wait to eat there. Looks like it's going to either be a character or maybe even a dinner show! That would be cool.
Two dumbos is what MK needs! I will miss having a castle view while one of the kids is trying to make Dumbo into a TOT!
Have a good weekend!
Barbara

 

[ladybugmom]

YES YES! Orlando strollers is what a lot of people use. Let me know what the weight requirement is for their doubles!

Just checked the website and this is what it said: Recommended total weight capacity is 100 pounds. Designed to be one of the most lightweight and easy-to-fold strollers on the market, the City Mini All Terrain Double Stroller maintains all the high safety standards you expect from Baby Jogger. This twin travel stroller incorporates features like patented Quick-Fold Technology which allows for quick folding when loading children onto Disney buses. They also have a ventilated near flat reclining seat with weather cover, multiple storage compartments and a suspension system to ensure comfortable rides.

 

[BippityBoo]

Just check the website and this is what it said: Recommended total weight capacity is 100 pounds. Designed to be one of the most lightweight and easy-to-fold strollers on the market, the City Mini All Terrain Double Stroller maintains all the high safety standards you expect from Baby Jogger. This twin travel stroller incorporates features like patented Quick-Fold Technology which allows for quick folding when loading children onto Disney buses. They also have a ventilated near flat reclining seat with weather cover, multiple storage compartments and a suspension system to ensure comfortable rides.

Sounds like we have a winner I love the idea!!!

 

[disney<333]

I almost forgot... happy 4 month dance!
The orlando stroller rental sounds like a great company! I've heard good things from fellow Disers who have rented from them!! Sounds so much better then renting park strollers! Not fun playing the "Find your stroller after CM re-arranged them" game. The themepark strollers also are wide for doors and then you have to give them back before you leave the park and carry sleepy kids plus your loot. Never fun! Are you going to use a double, a single, or 2 singles? I always found using 2 singles rather then using a double easier for various reasons.

 

[ladybugmom]

Sounds like we have a winner I love the idea!!!

I think you're right!!! YAY!!!!

 

[ladybugmom]

Wow, Becky!! Lots of updates going on here!
First off, congrats on booking your flight! It just makes it that more real!! How great that you will be getting in so early! That's awesome that you were able to get 3 tickets free! I'm looking into one of those airline reward programs.
You just made me so excited for the MK expansion! I loved that first blog; it really explains it. I didn't know that each princess was getting its own little area. Your girls are going to love that! The beauty and the beast restaurant sounds so cool! I can't wait to eat there. Looks like it's going to either be a character or maybe even a dinner show! That would be cool.
Two dumbos is what MK needs! I will miss having a castle view while one of the kids is trying to make Dumbo into a TOT!
Have a good weekend!
Barbara

Thank you!! Booking the flights DOES make it seem that much more real!!!

I am sooo excited about the expansion!! And I've shown my girls all of the pictures of the Fantasyland plans--they got sooo excited!! Ally is especially excited about Ariel's bigger area and her ride!! I agree about the Dumbo ride--we'll miss not seeing the castle from the ride.

I almost forgot... happy 4 month dance!
The orlando stroller rental sounds like a great company! I've heard good things from fellow Disers who have rented from them!! Sounds so much better then renting park strollers! Not fun playing the "Find your stroller after CM re-arranged them" game. The themepark strollers also are wide for doors and then you have to give them back before you leave the park and carry sleepy kids plus your loot. Never fun! Are you going to use a double, a single, or 2 singles? I always found using 2 singles rather then using a double easier for various reasons.

Thank you! It does sound like a GREAT company!! We will definitely be getting the double stroller--that's what we're used to anyway!!

 

[disney<333]

Thank you!! Booking the flights DOES make it seem that much more real!!!

I am sooo excited about the expansion!! And I've shown my girls all of the pictures of the Fantasyland plans--they got sooo excited!! Ally is especially excited about Ariel's bigger area and her ride!! I agree about the Dumbo ride--we'll miss not seeing the castle from the ride.

Thank you! It does sound like a GREAT company!! We will definitely be getting the double stroller--that's what we're used to anyway!!

I haven't showed my kids yet. I opened my mouth too soon about the monster's inc. coaster at DHS and they got all excited for nothing. Do you know if everything at MK is opening at the same time or when each thing is done it will open? I've heard end of 2012/early 2013! I'll show it to them soon. I wonder if they'll be jumping up and down like me or think they have a crazy mother.

We used a double when Amy was first born around the parks. Then after a few months we started using 2 singles and I just thought it was easier with folding and it was easier if we split up 2 and 2. Our double was garbage however. Now they have some fancy small doubles. Did Ally use a stroller in May? Like someone else said it's easier because you're in charge and they don't get worn out. Does the company bring it to your resort or you pick it up at the airport?