Two Singles or a Double - the neverending debate???!!!

[staci]

I am kind of rusty on my WDW expertise, since it has been a year or so since I was real active on the boards... We are now in the beginning stages of planning a trip for December 2008. My ds will be turning 5 in October (he is pretty small yet - about 35 lbs). My dd will be almost 2 1/2 in December.

We know we want to take our own stroller to save cash, and we know that my ds will need a stroller for at least some of the time.

We have a small graco umbroller stroller that we used in WDW when ds was 23 months and it worked great for us - small, lightweight, basket, sunshade, popholder, slight recline, etc. Its a well worn stroller, but I would be comfortable taking it, and wouldnt mind buying a new maclaren to use for the other child.

We also have a kidco double side-by-side. Two reclining seats, a sunshade, raincover, small basket. This is heavier than the graco since it is a double, but folds up pretty compact. It does, however, push somewhat uneven when both kids are not riding in it, and it is pretty wide (although I know the doubles you rent in the parks are wider).

If you have read this far into my stroller delimma thank you so much! My question for all of you experienced moms of 2 or more is do we take:

-The kidco double.
- the graco, and buy a Maclaren for the other child (we could use a new lightweight stroller anyway)
- any other suggestions. SitnStand?? Bring Graco, rent a single as necessary for ds??

Thanks for any input! It feels great to be back on the boards!

Staci

 

[brightvalleyjrts]

Your kids sound very similar to mine. My almost 5 year old doesn't want to ride in the stroller all the time, so we bought a Phil & Ted E3. It is a jog stroller, but has a second seat that attaches on the bottom for my older son. It is super easy to push (even with both kids in it) and we have enjoyed ours for the last 18 mths or so. I highly recommend it.

 

[brightvalleyjrts]

And if you don't want to buy another stroller, I would use the double stroller. You can always set your bags and such in the other side while your older child is walking. That might help even it out.

 

[TJA]

We swear by double strollers; however, we have twins so I realize our situations are slightly different.

I think the important thing is that you realize your 5 year old will still need a stroller from time to time. Our twins are 4-1/2 and still needed our jogger last trip, especially at night when they were tired out. We do a TON of non-park walking, so it's vital that we have our own stroller. So consider your own non-park plans during your thoughts about renting versus bringing your own. And also consider the resort you stay at -- we tend to stay at Epcot resorts the most often, so we walk to both Epcot and MGM almost every single day -- bringing a stroller/jogger from home is extremely necessary for this situation.

I don't know what I'd do in your case with a 5 yr old and 2 yr old. I may buy a new single, like a Maclaren that holds more weight. That way, you can use that stroller for your 2 year old as your 5 year old grows out of it. Just a thought.

 

[barnaby1]

I don't have 2 children (only 1) so I'm not speaking from experience but I have seen lots of people using "buggy boards" for the older child who may only want to ride when pooped. It saves trying to manouver a double through crowds. I've always thought they look like a great solution.

 

[twinmom2]

I had a double and used it with my girls for a long time and you are right about the steering, especially when they are different weights(my DDs have a 9lb difference). We used the double for 3 Disney trips and finally broke down abd bought two single maclarens....best thing I did!! I know that you will always need two people pushing, but very rarely do we split up and if we do, I have the clips in the bag to hook them together(havent yet)
My sister is here visiting us and we just did an outlet mall today(4 hours) and she was like "wow, what a difference with two strollers" lighter, easier to steer, easier getting through crowds, can split up, one doesnt wake the other, etc. the maclaren also has the shoulder strap which I love!
oh ya, easier getting on the monorail with two singles and they can stay sleeping.

 

[SharpMomOfTwo]

My girls wil be 2 and 3 when we go - we are bringing our MacLaren double as well as a little single umbrella stroller. It will be my family of 4, plus two grandparents, so if they want to take one of the kids seperatly, everyone with a child will have a stroller at all times.

 

[capecoddisneyfamily]

We just got back after 12 nights. We brought a Mac double and and umbrella (DS4-DD2). I wish we had two singles, the crowds were busy and the single was easier. Also not that the double was to heavy but the single is very light. We are going back in Sept. and it will be two singles for us.

 

[DebRMN]

I have 3 kids, & ask this question every year (well, this is the 3rd year)
I know I need the strollers, jsut contemplating the arrangement.

I have a Graco DuoGlider which I haven't used in 2 years.....other than trips to Disney ONLY.......last year I added a chicco umbrella also

I'm watching this for more opinions (trying to decide whether to just bring the Chicco & rent a double if needed for my 5y/o twins)

 

[Princess Roo]

Two singles let you split up if you want...

How much do you think the older child will ride? My oldest prefers to walk most of the time, so we're going to bring two strollers on our first visit with his little sister. We'll have one of the strollers parked most of the time (in one of the less-popular parking spots, so it's easy to find later) while DS is walking and mostly use it to get into/out of the park, around the resort, around World Showcase, and at the end of the day if he's tired.

We recently got a deal at albeebaby.com on a Mac Quest for $130 (from someone's tip here - thanks!)...so you might want to check there.

 

[staci]

Thank you everyone for your input! You all bring very valid points up for consideration and i really appreciate you taking the time to answer my question! There are so many different things to consider so it helps to have multiple opinions. If anyone else has input please feel free to leave it!

To the pp who had 5yo twins and a 2yo I will offer my 2 cents (although take them with a grain of salt as I am here asking stroller questions too!). I would take the single for your dd and rent a double if you dont mind the expense. I would hate to wrestle with a duoglider on the buses and even in the hotel room, they are just SO big! If the twins were younger, I could totally see the advantages of having a duoglider for all of its features, but at 51/2 I would imagine they are really outgrowing it and it would be a hastle. The other thing you could do was take another cheaper umbrellaish stroller for them to share, but IDK if that would create problems with who 'gets' to ride. I just know I wouldnt want to mess with the duoglider.

You all rock! I am getting so giddy about the trip and I still have 11 months to go!

Staci

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Last year we had this very problem and knew from the year before that we HATED absolutely hated the double stroller. It is just too big and clunky and such a pain to get on and off the bus and even our car when we drove to the parks.

So we decided to bite the bullet last year and took our cheap-o umbrella strollers that we got free at Toys R Us for some reason, just to get through the airport and once we got checked in to the POP, we gifted them to someone from the DIS Then we went to the gift shop and picked up the 2 RECLINING umbrella strollers that they sold in their gift shops and I ordered the week before.

It was AWESOME! They are so slim, have a carrying pouch and a shade.

 

[GoinToDisney]

Personally, I feel the very best option is to have 2 singles (Macs if you can swing it) and the clips to hook them together when needed. I only have one child, so I don't know how well those clips work, but that is what I would do if they actually work.

 

[kileybeth]

just returned from Disney with our 4.5 year old and 2.5 year old. This trip I took 2 single Mac's (volo's and yes, both slept in them fine even without a recline every single day at some point for both!) Also took our connectors. Only used a couple times but what a life saver. And yes, the Macs connect and stroll well together. Problem we had when we looked at MAC double was seats are narrower then 2 seperates.

We had previuosly been to Disney with a Graco duo glide carrying a 2.5 year old and a 6month old on a heart monitor that had to be carted around as well. While I found the duoglide helpful for 2 so young, I couldn't wait to ditch it this trip for my older toddlers. I will say I found if you practice and have it down to a science most folks are very patient and understanding getting on/off transport when you have a double. We never really had to much of an issue except the bulk of it all in our room.

The Mac's are so lightweight and do have plenty of storage. Just remember to add a cup holder or two (we use valco ones and highly recommend them) and you are all set. I am not strong at all and could sling the Mac over my shoulder even when tired to hop on a bus after a long day, even while holding onto a little hand and bag!

I have heard Mac's are on clearance at BRUs right now for around $50 (half price!)
Ebay usually has some for $60 but then there is shipping.

I came home after out last trip and sold my last two "full size" strollers as I could never go back to anything less then the MAC.

do I sound like a MAC groupie? I certainly feel like one!

last 2 cents. so easy to push no matter how much they are loaded down (55 weight limit is official but add to that all the junk and well. .. ) and that speaks to the durability as well. and last but not least? my kiddos are the biggest fans and that says a lot from an almost 5 year old who thinks he is to big for baby stuff. they ask to ride all the time at the mall now! and they get tossed in and out of the mini van somewhat roughly and have held up to the test.

 

[staci]

Thanks everyone. Target has the grey volo for about 50 right now too..... I will probably go grab one tonight and then have it here while I make up my mind - can always take it back if I decide I want the double!

Where all are you finding your stroller connectors. I know i have seen them on ebay but didnt know if they sold them in any brick and mortar stores.

Thanks!
STaci

 

[#1 Pocahontas]

I didn't read all of the replies so I apologize if I am repeating something...

If you are planning to ride the busses I would suggest not taking a double stroller. Too big and bulky to get on and off the bus. I have a hard enough time getting the regular stroller on and off without hitting a dozen people. Last year we went with our 4 year old and 1 year old. We took our regular stroller for the 1 year old and an umbrella stroller for the 4 year old. We just put the umbrella in the basket under the regular one while not in use. It worked really well for us. Our 4 year old rode a lot more than I expected. Day after day of walking really wore on her.

This year we are driving so we are taking our double.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Where all are you finding your stroller connectors. I know i have seen them on ebay but didnt know if they sold them in any brick and mortar stores.

Toys R us in the car seat aisles for 9.99 by Lion Heart

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Where all are you finding your stroller connectors. I know i have seen them on ebay but didnt know if they sold them in any brick and mortar stores.

Toys R us in the car seat aisles for 9.99 by Lion Heart

 

[twinmom2]

I had a double and used it with my girls for a long time and you are right about the steering, especially when they are different weights(my DDs have a 9lb difference). We used the double for 3 Disney trips and finally broke down abd bought two single maclarens....best thing I did!! I know that you will always need two people pushing, but very rarely do we split up and if we do, I have the clips in the bag to hook them together(havent yet)
My sister is here visiting us and we just did an outlet mall today(4 hours) and she was like "wow, what a difference with two strollers" lighter, easier to steer, easier getting through crowds, can split up, one doesnt wake the other, etc. the maclaren also has the shoulder strap which I love!
oh ya, easier getting on the monorail with two singles and they can stay sleeping.

just wanted to add that both my daughters slept fine in the Volvo. Buy the connectors at toyrus/babierus.

 

[staci]

Toys R us in the car seat aisles for 9.99 by Lion Heart

Thanks everyone! Now I need to try to talk DH into ANOTHER stroller LOL. Not sure how that is going to go over.