to buy or not to buy

[PrincessBrideJo]

Ok let me start off by saying we are moving (hopefully) this year so we are trying to save money even while going to Disney.

So now lets get on the questions. I have a 4 year old that I am taking to Disney with hubby in May. None of our strollers will cut it (either bulky or that cheap way to short umbrella stroller) so we need to borrow or buy one. My best friend bought a Maclarean Volo (sorry, I am not real into brands or spelling so excuse me if I am totally wrong) last spring for her trip to Disney. she says we can borrow it.

The only problem I have with it is it doesn't recline. I really feel like my son will be falling asleep easily in the parks (on train rides, calm rides, etc). He can be quiet the narcoleptic sometimes!

Do you think it is worth it for us to buy our own or should we just borrow?

 

[naomi78155]

We just bought a Macleran Volo for DS 4 to use at Disney. He has never napped in a stroller, and doesn't use one at home, so the recline didn't matter for us. The next one up from the Volo is the Triumph. It does recline. We got our Volo new on ebay (last year's color) for $65. The Triumph is a little more.

 

[Colleen27]

Do you have Mom to Mom resales or baby-focused consignment/resale shops in your area?

I was looking for a reclining umbrella stroller for my DD8mo for our trip next month but didn't really want to spend the money for a new MacLaren Quest when I'm perfectly happy with the full-sized stroller we already have. I just don't want to hassle with the big one getting on/off Disney transportation, because even folded it is bulky. Last weekend I went to a Mom to Mom resale and found a like-new Peg Perego Pliko for $35!! It isn't a color I'd have bought for a little girl - grey & white - and it is the older, two-hand fold style but for that money I really don't care! It is so wonderful, light and easy to fold, and the harness is this nifty system of straps that lets Katie sit forward and look around and still be strapped in securely. The first time I used it I decided it was replacing the big stroller I had been perfectly happy with.

 

[MegaDisney]

Do you want one just for the parks and resort, or are you looking for one to bring from home? If you just want one to have while you're there, how about renting one from Orlando Stroller Rentals? I have heard good things about them from this board, and I plan on using one of their doubles for an upcoming trip. I know they will deliver right to where you are staying, and the prices (to me) are reasonable. Especially verses renting at the parks, and those strollers don't recline anyway. Like you, we need a stroller that reclines!

What I like also is that we will have the stroller not only at the parks, but at our resort too. Another bonus- no lugging of a stroller through the airport!

Anyway, that could be another option for you. Their website is:
http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com

Good luck!

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

We just bought a Macleran Volo for DS 4 to use at Disney. He has never napped in a stroller, and doesn't use one at home, so the recline didn't matter for us. The next one up from the Volo is the Triumph. It does recline. We got our Volo new on ebay (last year's color) for $65. The Triumph is a little more.

Well I am not looking for a Macleran necessarily (and actually wouldn't buy one, it would just be borrowing my friends). The one I LOVE is $149 and the one I am contemplating is $130 (and I have a 15% off of that for BRU). But I think I am gonna shop ebay now, thanks!

Do you have Mom to Mom resales or baby-focused consignment/resale shops in your area?

I was looking for a reclining umbrella stroller for my DD8mo for our trip next month but didn't really want to spend the money for a new MacLaren Quest when I'm perfectly happy with the full-sized stroller we already have. I just don't want to hassle with the big one getting on/off Disney transportation, because even folded it is bulky. Last weekend I went to a Mom to Mom resale and found a like-new Peg Perego Pliko for $35!! It isn't a color I'd have bought for a little girl - grey & white - and it is the older, two-hand fold style but for that money I really don't care! It is so wonderful, light and easy to fold, and the harness is this nifty system of straps that lets Katie sit forward and look around and still be strapped in securely. The first time I used it I decided it was replacing the big stroller I had been perfectly happy with.

this is a great idea but I didn't think you could buy baby/kid stuff at consignment anymore with the new law that was just pasted. I might check it out!

Do you want one just for the parks and resort, or are you looking for one to bring from home? If you just want one to have while you're there, how about renting one from Orlando Stroller Rentals? I have heard good things about them from this board, and I plan on using one of their doubles for an upcoming trip. I know they will deliver right to where you are staying, and the prices (to me) are reasonable. Especially verses renting at the parks, and those strollers don't recline anyway. Like you, we need a stroller that reclines!

What I like also is that we will have the stroller not only at the parks, but at our resort too. Another bonus- no lugging of a stroller through the airport!

Anyway, that could be another option for you. Their website is:
http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com

Good luck!

We are driving so the airport doesn't matter for us! And at $70 to rent one I think I would rather buy one! But seriously thanks for the advise, I wouldn't have thought of that (and it is cheaper than the Disney ones!).

 

[jmrdavis99]

Ok let me start off by saying we are moving (hopefully) this year so we are trying to save money even while going to Disney.

So now lets get on the questions. I have a 4 year old that I am taking to Disney with hubby in May. None of our strollers will cut it (either bulky or that cheap way to short umbrella stroller) so we need to borrow or buy one. My best friend bought a Maclarean Volo (sorry, I am not real into brands or spelling so excuse me if I am totally wrong) last spring for her trip to Disney. she says we can borrow it.

The only problem I have with it is it doesn't recline. I really feel like my son will be falling asleep easily in the parks (on train rides, calm rides, etc). He can be quiet the narcoleptic sometimes!

Do you think it is worth it for us to buy our own or should we just borrow?

I found Mia Moda brand stroller at Sears.com that reclines. It weighs a little more than the Maclarens, but was under $60 delivered. We took it to the parks last October with our 6 week old. It quickly became my favorite stroller & I use it instead of the big one that the car seat hooks on. It will be going with us to Disney again this year.

 

[MegaDisney]

We are driving so the airport doesn't matter for us! And at $70 to rent one I think I would rather buy one! But seriously thanks for the advise, I wouldn't have thought of that (and it is cheaper than the Disney ones!).[/QUOTE]

I know what you mean- you definitely could buy one for that price! I wasn't sure if you wanted/needed one for him after the trip is over. I know my husband would scream if he can home and found out I had bought yet ANOTHER stroller! (I have 3 kids, 6,4, and 2 and have become somewhat stroller obsessed- I'm actually getting a bit sad at the the thought that our stroller days are almost over!!)

 

[MegaDisney]

Oh- meant to add. I have a Maclaren Quest that I love, love, love! They can be a bit pricey (definitely over $100) but I got a deal on mine a couple of years ago because it was a 2006 model. It holds 55lbs, reclines nicely, and pushes like a dream. It also folds up easily and does not weigh a ton at all. If you can find a deal on one of these I would go for it! You could probably sell it after the trip if you don't need it anymore and make some of your money back.

Good luck, and have a great trip. I think 4 is such a wonderful age for Disney

 

[DISNEYNV]

Oh- meant to add. I have a Maclaren Quest that I love, love, love! They can be a bit pricey (definitely over $100) but I got a deal on mine a couple of years ago because it was a 2006 model. It holds 55lbs, reclines nicely, and pushes like a dream. It also folds up easily and does not weigh a ton at all. If you can find a deal on one of these I would go for it! You could probably sell it after the trip if you don't need it anymore and make some of your money back.

Good luck, and have a great trip. I think 4 is such a wonderful age for Disney

We have the Quest also and it is worth the extra bucks if you are going for the Volvo. The Quest is a bit nicer and reclines! I reccommend it

 

[Colleen27]

this is a great idea but I didn't think you could buy baby/kid stuff at consignment anymore with the new law that was just pasted. I might check it out!

They can still sell most things, but they do have to be more careful about checking for recalls. The interpretation and enforcement of that law are ever-changing right now, because when it was passed no one was thinking about how it would effect secondary markets, small businesses, crafters, etc., so there have been several amendments and changes in enforcement policy and will probably be more coming before it is settled.

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

They can still sell most things, but they do have to be more careful about checking for recalls. The interpretation and enforcement of that law are ever-changing right now, because when it was passed no one was thinking about how it would effect secondary markets, small businesses, crafters, etc., so there have been several amendments and changes in enforcement policy and will probably be more coming before it is settled.

Well I understand it was like the dumbest law passed but it says you are not allowed to sell anything intended for a child unless you have tested it for lead. So fisher price and authorized dealers are allowed to sell it but no one else. Under this law garage sales are even illegal. My friend (who happens to own the Maclearan) is consignment shopper to a fault and she says in our stores that you can no longer find anything but children's clothing (I asked her this morning after this conversation)

NOW in saying all this *I* have not read the law specifically so I only say what I have understood from others. I don't know if our consignment shops are just being lazy? But I do also know our mother to mother store closed all together, just a coincidence? I dunno!

 

[Colleen27]

Well I understand it was like the dumbest law passed but it says you are not allowed to sell anything intended for a child unless you have tested it for lead. So fisher price and authorized dealers are allowed to sell it but no one else. Under this law garage sales are even illegal. My friend (who happens to own the Maclearan) is consignment shopper to a fault and she says in our stores that you can no longer find anything but children's clothing (I asked her this morning after this conversation)

NOW in saying all this *I* have not read the law specifically so I only say what I have understood from others. I don't know if our consignment shops are just being lazy? But I do also know our mother to mother store closed all together, just a coincidence? I dunno!

They probably haven't been keeping up with the changes that were made to the law since its passage, or already made plans to close before the changes came along. Right now, consignment shops are exempted as long as they aren't selling products with an "obvious risk", which is currently being interpreted to mean recalled products. But the law passed in August and the changes that made it more friendly to second-hand sellers didn't come along until January. Since the law went into effect in Feb as originally scheduled, a lot of stores had probably already cut inventory and prepared to close.

The law still sucks for folks who make baby/kids products, though. My mom sews, crochets, and knits baby clothes & blankets, and even though she only uses materials that have already passed safety standards for sale in the US (yarn, fabric, threads, etc), she would be required to have the finished product tested. They've written in another exception for natural materials, so if she makes a cotton sundress she can sell it but if she makes the same dress from a poly-cotton blend and sells it, she'd be in violation of the law.

It is absolutely the dumbest law ever passed, since its effect - to shut down the small businesses producing American-made toys/clothes and leave only the major producers and their mostly Chinese-made imports left standing - is so directly contradictory to its intent. Congress had a shining opportunity to encourage the manufacture, sale, and purchase of American made products and instead they undermined small business and strengthened the companies that caused the problem in the first place.

 

[delmar411]

have you checked into a stroller swap? I know there are some that have the single strollers on the budget board. I don't know the brands though so I can't speak to what's available. They are normally less than $20 each person for your whole trip.

 

[vallamen]

Just a thought, but if you think you will use it only for the trip. then you may want to consider buying a maclaren off ebay for a good price....use it for the trip...and then sell it on craigslist or ebay. Maclarens seem to hold their value very well. Slight used models go from almost as much as the new ones. Still be cheaper then renting and you would be getting a comfy spot for your kiddo and an easy push for you! There are some really good $$$ on previous year(s) models right now on volos, triumphs, and quests.

Good Luck!

Val.

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

It is absolutely the dumbest law ever passed, since its effect - to shut down the small businesses producing American-made toys/clothes and leave only the major producers and their mostly Chinese-made imports left standing - is so directly contradictory to its intent.

I know I cloth diaper and I know A LOT of diapers that are higher quality made by work at home mom's and they will have to shut down because of it. My friend informing me of the law says they have till sometime later this year to comply? So they are still selling them now though!

 

[sabrecmc]

I just gave in and bought a new stroller for my daughter, who will be 3.5 at the time we go in July. It is a Graco IPO. Its essentially a nice umbrella stroller that will recline and goes up to a 50 pound weight limit, which was the big deal for me. Finding an umbrella stroller with a high weight limit was tough. It was expensive for an umbrella stroller ($80), but when compared to renting a stroller at Disney for a week, not too bad of a deal!

 

[omegsmom]

I'm just bringing a $20 kolkraft umbrella stroller for each of my kids.

 

[natenapril]

We just bought a Macleran Volo for DS 4 to use at Disney. He has never napped in a stroller, and doesn't use one at home, so the recline didn't matter for us. The next one up from the Volo is the Triumph. It does recline. We got our Volo new on ebay (last year's color) for $65. The Triumph is a little more.

Not to be pushy or or discredit what you are saying but we went when my son was 3 and he NEVER napped. Until we went to DisneyLand. All the walking wore him out. We had a VOLO and he napped in it but it didn't look to comfy.

 

[PrincessBrideJo]

Just to let you all know I think I have decided to go with my friend's Volo. I decided he could nap in it (thanks for the picture) as it is REALLY deep and he really can sleep just about anywhere. He doesn't usually nap but when he does he NAPS and I think at Disney he will be very tired from the walking, line waiting and general stimulation. And that is $100 I can spend IN Disney!

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

Just to let you all know I think I have decided to go with my friend's Volo. I decided he could nap in it (thanks for the picture) as it is REALLY deep and he really can sleep just about anywhere. He doesn't usually nap but when he does he NAPS and I think at Disney he will be very tired from the walking, line waiting and general stimulation. And that is $100 I can spend IN Disney!

I think he'll be fine with that. We have a Volo and my DS5 can nap just fine it. It is fairly "deep", for a non reclining stroller. And, like you said, then you can spend the money at Disney!