To bring or not to bring (double stroller). That is the question...

[Melb]

I'm bringing a 4 year old and a 1 year old (and a 13 year old - the 13 year old doesn't need a stroller)

I have a beast of a double stroller. I really dont want to bring that. I have a small folding stroller that sits one. I brought that last time - which was OK most of the time except when the 4 year old got tired.

Choice 3 is a beat to heck sit and stand. That would be my first choice but there are no hooks for bags - the basket is near impossible to get to and the canopy is broken...

Which stroller should we bring - we are going to DL in the morning and then MToT at night...

I wish DL rented double strollers....

 

[bumbershoot]

Sit and Stand, assuming it works right.

We had something stolen out from our stroller, so I am an extreme proponent of leaving NOTHING in your stroller. Nothing at all. Even though we were compensated by a kind CM, and therefore were out nothing, just the feeling of having had something taken, knowing that someone rooted around in our stroller to take something, makes me ill even a year later. So I tell people to leave nothing (others who haven't had anything taken say "leave nothing you can't replace", but I'm telling you, leave nothing).

Since you won't be leaving anything, there's no point in hooking anything on the stroller, or putting anything below-decks, so the stroller will work perfectly.



Alternatively, if you have the Disney Visa card, at DLR just flashing that card gives you two FREE single stroller rentals each day. You do have to wait in the rental line every day, so get to the gates early and bring your nametag back each day (saves time when you pick up the stroller after doing the "paperwork" at the cashier).

However, that doesn't help you with the walk/carry to and from the parks each day, and I can tell you that the walk back to the hotel with a heavy toddler hurts! Though you have the 13 year old, LOL, s/he is probably strong and definitely young, and could probably be bribed into carrying his/her sister/brother.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

So you just flas the card?? Hmmm I have one but it is completely paid off and I never use it any longer.

I am with bumbershoot...I will not leave anything in the stroller except maybe a park map lol But take whichever you think will do you best. I have a baby trend sit and stand lx so it converts, right now it's the double stoller and I take that. I like it. But again...your preference may be different. Kids are heavy to carry after you leave the park and have to return a rented stroller...just keep that in mind

 

[bumbershoot]

So you just flas the card?? Hmmm I have one but it is completely paid off and I never use it any longer.

It's what people keep saying!

 

[Melb]

I don't have the disney visa. I really don't want to be getting one either LOL

If I don't leave stuff in the stroller it means I have to haul it with me... I am bringing the kids costumes, diapers and snacks. Maybe I need a locker for the costumes but that will slow us down on our dash to the haunted mansion LOL

 

[Krissy Marissy]

It's what people keep saying!

Sweet! Good to know, Thanks!!

 

[mommyof2boys1girl]

FWIW, my DL philosophy is: Bring transportation for everyone under 9! We went last year with my 5 yr old, 3 yr old and almost 2 yr old. We brought a double side by side (borrowed from a friend - I have since bought one of my own for future trips!) as well as an Ergo carrier for the toddler. For the trips to/from the hotel, the older kids rode in the stroller and the baby rode Mom or Dad in the carrier. Most days, even with naps in the PM, the 5 yr old was way too exhausted to make the walk on his own, and boy is he heavy after a day of walking the parks!

DL is mentally and physically exhausting, and you may find that even the 13 yr old wishes she had a way to get around other than walking! I know I did!!

I left stuff in the stroller that we didn't really care about, therefore it never went missing! Snacks, water, maps, coats, etc. Most stuff I have heard of being taken seems to be merchandise purchased at the parks, so you may be ok leaving stuff in the stroller as long as nothing looks like it might be worth stealing!

Have a fabulous time!!

 

[Brady's Mom]

Bring the double. I know it can be a pain to schlep it from one place to another, but your kids will be so much more comfortable. Especially if it reclines, nothing like a little nap as you go from one land to another!

 

[cedarparkgirl]

I have been staying up pretty late after the kiddos go to bed to plan and research our trip to DL in March. I am so tired.. literally. I can't remember where I saw the thread or even if it was on this board.. but wasn't there someone here who was renting a double instep jogger stroller for like $15 for the length of your stay?

 

[grizbuzz]

In your situation, I'd bring the double stroller. When my kids were 4 and 2, this is what we did. And I put all their stuff in a backpack that I would grab when we went on rides. Really, I wouldn't leave anything in the stroller that you aren't prepared to lose. It would probably ruin the evening if someone stole the costumes, but maybe you could part with a few extra diapers and snacks should someone nab a bag out of your stroller.

I think getting a Disney stroller or two is also a great option. My DH and I both have a Disney VISA cards and get one stroller free each (one per card). Super cheap (FREE!) and easy. Now that my little one is a bit older, this option works great, but when he was 2 and under I preferred the double stroller.

Strollers seem to be such a personal thing, eg, which one works best, what's most convenient. Only thing everyone seems to agree is do NOT leave anything in a stroller that you don't want stolen.

Good luck!

 

[Crazy4Disney72]

I would definitely bring the double. Being there all day, your 4yr old is going to need it. My DD was 7 last fall when we went to DL and we pretty much did 14-16 hour days 4 days in a row and the only reason we could do it was because we had a stroller for her when she needed it, she even slept in it at night. Her older brothers could handle going all day, she couldn't. Your 4yr old will enjoy the experience a whole lot more if s/he is not exhausted from walking all day.

 

[21yankees]

I highly recommend bringing the double. We went just before Christmas last year. At the time our kids were 6, 3, and 1. At one point we let our 3 yo out of the stroller so that our 6 yo could sit for a bit. Trust me you'll be thankful you have the double.

steph

 

[DahliaRW]

You can get 2 strollers per one disney visa, fyi. And it's easy, just need the visa and your id.

As for leaving thing, nothing valuable. I left a bag with changes of clothes (nothing nicer than shirts and pants you get at Target) and diapers and wipes and some water bottles. All of it was replaceable and not expensive, no issues there.