To bring strollers or rent?

[TiggerFamily]

We are staying at the POP with DS's 4 and 6, DS 4 has a few phyical issues so he can't walk for a long period. So the question is do we bring a umbrella stroller for him or rent one? We are on a budget. And does 6yo need a stroller too? I'm just trying to think 4 of us and luggage, carry ons, DH's laptop and stroller? I know ME will take our bags to our hotel but it's getting them there.
Nancy

 

[mmmears]

We always took our stroller because it was more comfortable for our daughter. Also, we needed it because she couldn't do the walks between our hotel and the entrance to the parks.

IMHO the most important thing to consider is this -- will you want your stroller with you outside the parks, like in the airport, at the hotel on the way to your transporation, from the bus to the park entrance, at Downtown Disney, etc. If so, then renting one wont help with that. If your need for a stroller is in-park only, then it makes sense to rent one.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I would bring one umbrella for DS - to make it easier on him in the airport and around the resorts, then I would rent a double for the parks - you'll be glad that you did - I agree that lugging 2 strollers is alot of work.

 

[bookmama]

please bring stroller it costs twice as much to rent than to buy. You can buy a umbrella stroller for $20 bucks and most likely resell it on ebay or half.com. maybe here. why spend extra money at the parks for a stroller that can be used for souvenoirs.

also you can't take the rented stollers out of the park. so your boy still has to walk to and from the bus stop at the hotel and parks.

 

[tjmw2727]

I would definately bring a stroller for your 4yo to use and then rent if necessary for the 6yo. You can use the stroller throughout the airport right to the gate, when you get to the gate ask the agent for a gate check tag. You can then fold your stroller and leave it at the door of the aircraft. It will be waiting for you when you get off the plane. It will be nice to save your 4yo all the walking in the aiport and if he wants to walk you can use it for your stuff. The stroller dosen't count against your allowance of checked bags or carry ons. POP is a big resort as well and you may find he needs the stroller after a long day at the parks just to get back to the room.

I would hit the local target or bru and look for a lightweight easy to fold stroller that holds his/her weight but dosen't cost too much. The single strolers are $10 a day or $8 a day if you commit to a lenght of stay rental. Here is a great faq you may find helpful:

http://allearsnet.com/pl/strol_faq.htm

On another note and forgive me if this is NOMB but if your son has difficulties that require him to use a stroller or other issues consider getting a Guest Assistance Card for him. Go to guest relations at the first themepark you visit, explain to the CM what you need and they will issue you a card, good for the entire stay to accomodate whatever needs you think are appropriate. The reason I mentioned this is that srollers aren't allowed in the queues and if your son is needing one you can get the GAC that allows the stroller to be used in line. I must also point out that the GAC isn't a head of the line pass or a fast pass but will make accomodations specific to the individual that will help with the vacaition. My SIL has MS and she can't regulate her body temp (thank GOD that's the worst of it right now). Her GAC allows her to wait in a shady or AC's place whenever possible. Sometimes the wait is a bit longer but being out of the sun makes it worth any extra wait.

By using FP we can usually avoid having to use the GAC but its nice to have it if needed.

Have a great trip.
TJ