To stroll or not to stroll...that is the question!

[MagicPrincess]

OK- my husband and I are in a big debate on whether or not to take our own umbrella stroller (which we'll have to purchase) or rent one in the parks. I for one would rather take our own on the plane (that way we can stroll dd throught the airport- which would be so much easier!) and then we would have it with us to take to Downtown Disney and so forth. I haven't heard too many good reports about the strollers at the parks.
Anyone have any good advice or tips. She's still pretty yound to walk all day (turning 2 next week!!!), but would be pretty heavy to carry at long lengths of time!
Thanks!

 

[Pembo]

If your 2 yo will ride in a stroller, buy one and take it with you! The Orlando airport is spread out and carrying her along with any "stuff" will make you tired pretty quick. Also Downtown Disney is spread out as well.

We used the strollers in the parks. My ds is 5. They were fine except at MGM. The strollers there are smaller and it's harder to load them up with your stuff.

However the walk from the bus stop to the entrance of the park can be a long one especially with a tired child. We went to MVMCP and stayed until midnight. DH had to carry our 5 yo to the bus stop from MK. Then while waiting for the bus, ds had to go to the bathroom. Since he had been sleeping in the stroller since 9 pm I knew he couldnt' wait. Poor dh was running/carrying him to the bathroom~another long walk with an extra 40 lbs in your arms.

So~long answer to your short question~bring your own stroller for a 2 yo. I don't think you'll regret it.

 

[MagicPrincess]

thanks!

 

[disneymama73]

I always vote for bringing your own stroller! You will not be sorry. It will be helpful to you in the airport, walking from the park to the bus, on the walk from the bus to the hotel room at the end of the night, at Downtown Disney, etc. I can't imagine going without our stroller.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[megan2346]

I would bring a stroller. It is great to have in the airport and like others said for Downtown Disney. I would even say go one up from the umbrella stroller. I know we had a umbrella stroller and had to bend over to push it and the wheel wlways got stuck. We now have the Chicco Caddy and it is great. We took it to Italy and Busch Gardens and will be taking it to Disney. My DH even likes to push it, he picked it out. I would suggest buying a mesh bag for the back. When we went to Busch Gardens we could fit a couple of bottles of water, soda, and snacks in the bag. I was 7 months pregnant and it was June so we needed alot of water. The seat reclines a little in the stroller asnd it has a 5 point harness so the little one can't sneak out. I hope it helped.
Megan

 

[MagicPrincess]

I have a Graco stroller, but I think it's kinda big to take on the plane (it's the kind that also has the infant seat- reclines-and so forth). I'm going to check out some smaller(lighter) ones that would be easier to travel with.
thanks for all your advice!

 

[CEDmom]

Another vote for bringing your own stroller. I can't tell you the number of times DD has fallen asleep in her stroller after we'd left a park and were on our way back to our resort. It was heaven not to have to carry her and to know she had a comfortable and safe place to take a nap.

 

[castlegazer]

In my opinion as a mother of an almost two year old, 2 is definately too young to trek through the airport and too young to do the trek out of the parks. And, the biggest of problems for me, 2 is waaaay too heavy to carry for long periods of time since my monster guy doesn't fit in slings or backpacks anymore. Plus leaving them to their own devices of walking in the parks will lengthen your day to such an extraordinary amount I can't even imagine. Bring your own stroller - they have cushes for young tushes rather than the plastic ones at the parks that are no help out of the parks.

Keep your eyes out for floor model sales at stores like Baby Depot and the like. That is where we got our stroller for Disney World and it was a Combi that folded down to almost nothing and weighs so little without being as flimsy as an umbrella stroller. Also if you have a Zany Brainy store near you they are at 50% off and our here still has a stroller in the store - this is probably their last week of operation though. E-bay was pretty good when we were searching for the same thing. Good luck.

 

[MagicPrincess]

great idea on the floor model sales Castlegazer!
I agree- suhy for the tushy! LOL
those Disney strollers look so uncomfortable!
thanks!

 

[MagicPrincess]

I mean "cushy" !
(typing problems today )

 

[gary4jenn]

I am bringing a double umbrella stroller (Kolcraft) for my 3 kids (17mo, 3-1/2 and 6 yrs). I decided that if it was too cumbersom on the buses, we would leave it behind in the hotel and just rent one at the parks.

I doubt we will go without it. Be sure to put your name on it and something that will allow you to quickly identify it among a sea of other strollers.

Remember that CMs often move the strollers outside of the attractions so don't be surprised if it's not quite where you left it.

I'm sure that you will be glad that you brought your own stroller. Just be sure it reclines, has a canopy and a mesh bag/basket for "stuff"

 

[MagicPrincess]

ok- thanks!