Wagon recommendations needed (not for WDW use)

[reeanna]

Hey all,

I've purchased my last two strollers based on the advice and reviews that I've found here on the DIS (and been very happy with both). Now I'm looking for a wagon to use when I go to the park, the Fair, or other outdoor events in my area. I just started looking and I'm surprised by how many different types are out there. I'm looking for a wagon to accomodate 5 & 2 yr old. I'd like excellent maneuverability, and one that I can pull over grass, stones, etc. easily. It should also be light enough to be lifted easily into the back of a 4x4. I've seen the molded plastic type where the kids face each other as well as the more traditional red wagon types. Just wondering what everyone's experiences have been? Any suggestions?? Thanks!!!

 

[belle&beast]

We have the standard Radio Flyer. In fact it was my FIL's and DH refurbished it. I have seen the Fisher-Price Kid Utility Vehicle when I was shopping and it is really neat. I will try to find a good picture to post. The kids face each other in seats, they have sunshades and it is pulled behind you.

Here is a description form a baby gear website:
Hot Baby Products: Fisher Price Kid Utility Vehicle
Part wagon and part stroller, the Fisher Price Kid Utility Vehicle allows parents to tote two kids in style and comfort. The Kid Utility Vehicle is the standout product in Fisher Price's new "Active Gear" line, which also includes several family-friendly backpacks, a portable potty and a new DuoGlider stroller edition. The Kid Utility Vehicle has two washable, cushioned, built-in seats that face one another, each with its own removable sun shade, and the swiveling wheels and storage pockets help busy famlies ger where they need to be with all of their gear in tow. Best of all, the Kid Utility Vehicle folds nearly flat to fit in your trunk with room to spare. The weight limit of the Fisher Price Kid Utility Vehicle is 135 pounds, making it possible to carry two older toddlers or children easily.

 

[mng1310]

When we were shopping for a wagon, the salesperson said that they have a lot wagons out there, but kids (especially boys) still like the basic Radio Flyer Red Wagon, so that's the one they got. The "fancy" wagons definitely seem more comfortable, but I think the appeal of riding in a wagon for some kids is "roughing it",feeling all the bumps and rocking motion. I know we were one of the only ones on the block that had the basic one and all the kids wanted to crawl into ours because it was different.

My boys on the other hand, kept gawking at the fancier wagons and were always asking me why ours did not have a cup holder, shade, etc. The grass is always greener...

Another thing you may want to think about is what you want to do with the wagon after the kids get older. The basic one is not too "young" looking, so the boys still haul dirt and tools around in it.

 

[I Believe n Fairies]

We have a Radio Flyer wagon, but it is plastic, not metal. We LOVE it and the kids love to play in it too. We've had it about five years and it's held up well. We actually bought several wagons and returned them and bought the Radio Flyer. We love that the wheels are rubber, so they're not loud on the pavement. There are also two cupholders on the side and a little storage bin in the bottom. It was about $100, but we used it at parks, the zoo, and walks.

Here is a link: http://radioflyer.stores.yahoo.net/rafl2diwa.html

There are other stores that carry the wagon, but wanted to give you an idea.

 

[reeanna]

As usual, thanks for the great suggestions.

I checked out the FP Kid Utility Vehicle online and it looks like a neat thing. It seems like it will be pretty hard to find though- a lot of places said it was either discontinued or not in stock. I couldn't find one store in my area that carries it or even knew what I was talking about.

I also found one called the T3 Traveler from Step2 which is along the same lines as the FP Kid Util Vehicle only more of a "no frills" version. Again, no stores in my area carry it but its readily available online. You can see it at Step2.com under Wagons- T3 Traveler. Read the reviews- someone claims to have taken it to Disneyland???

The Radio Flyer seems to be a pretty safe bet. It looks sturdy and I'm sure its reliable. I'll head to the local Toys R Us for a test drive this weekend.

Interestingly, when I was reading reviews about the different wagons on some of the parenting websites, some of the people specifically mentioned taking wagons to Disney- (especially the T3 from Step2). I was under the impression that wagons were not allowed at Disney whatsoever. Have they started to allow them? I can't remember ever seeing one there. I can only imagine it adding to the traffic nightmares!