Travelling with Phil&Teds Sport/Classic w/Double Stroller-Help??

[CanMomCan]

I have questions about how to travel with my specific stroller:

Okay, we are flying (international) to Orlando, and are staying at a Disney Resort. (Two adults, 4 yr old, 22-mth old.)

I am planning on taking my Phil&Teds Sport (2010 model-but very similar to the classic) with the double attachment.

I plan to check my stroller at the gate (I called WJ, they said no size restrictions). We will not be renting a car; thus, will be relying on Disney transportation (bus-to resort & parks).

Okay, anyone who has used one of these strollers knows the following:
-You can not fold the stroller down without removing the double seat.
-There is not place to store/secure the double attachment (by default), so example: in the car trunk the double just sits on top.
-You can not pull/roll around the stroller when clasped using the handle & wheels (unlike an umbrella stroller).
-You have to carry the clasped stroller with two hands. I think it is like 20lbs (could be 25-30lbs). Thus, I can't carry anything else.
-When a child is the the back/rear seat, their feet sit in the storage basket = no storage (unless you want the small thing you put in there stepped on & kicked).
-Due to weight requirements, my 4 yr old is to sit in the front. So, my 4 yr old has almost grown out of the stroller (head almost hitting top & knees around chest)
-Sun visor, doesn't really protect from the sun (&no sunshade on the double attachment).
-When the double is not in use, it can be used as extra storage (like for diaper bag, or sm cooler, or coats)

Questions:
1. How have others travelled on & off the bus with the stroller /double attachment in tow? -tie cord, travel bag/sack? There is no way I could get me & my two kids on a bus if I didn't have another adult to help (either to carry the stroller or kids).
2. When gate checking, how did you avoid losing the double attachment? Travel bag/sack, plastic garbage bag, special phil & teds bag?
3. Has anyone used the Up&Travel bag with it? Did it work without removing the wheels(I like the wheels on the outside)? Stroller fit with double? Too much trouble? Where store bag when not using it? (Seems like I'd have another bag to look after=no room).
4. What about the red travel sacks from Target/Toyrus? Useful?
5. Other tips?

I'm also considering to buy the double sun cover; though, up until now I've just clothes pinned on blankets. But again, my 4yr old has almost grown out of it; Thus, not sure about buying it.

Thanks for any tips/advise from people who have travelled with the double.

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

Questions:
1. How have others travelled on & off the bus with the stroller /double attachment in tow? -tie cord, travel bag/sack? There is no way I could get me & my two kids on a bus if I didn't have another adult to help (either to carry the stroller or kids).

I bought a Mommy Hook and put it on the belly bar. The top of the doubles seat can click into it.


2. When gate checking, how did you avoid losing the double attachment? Travel bag/sack, plastic garbage bag, special phil & teds bag?

SEE ABOVE. Note, the airline busted my stroller. The foam in the belly bar was all torn up And they cracked one of the plastic wheel guards.

3. Has anyone used the Up&Travel bag with it? Did it work without removing the wheels(I like the wheels on the outside)? Stroller fit with double? Too much trouble? Where store bag when not using it? (Seems like I'd have another bag to look after=no room).

Didn't use it. Not sure it would have protected my from the damage though.


4. What about the red travel sacks from Target/Toyrus? Useful
N/A

5. Other tips?
Get the sun cover for the baby. I also purchased the saddle bags for extra storage since the basket is useless with the doubles seat in use. I got a great deal on both online since the stroller was older. I don't know if you'll be as lucky though.

when getting on & off the bus I carried the stroller on my shoulder by the padded belly bar like a purse. It was heavy but totally doable.

We have since purchased a used Maclaren twin for $50 & only use it for Disney trips. It's much much easier to get around with & I don't care what the airline does to it.


Thanks for any tips/advise from people who have travelled with the double.

I answered in the box.
Hope that helps!