What stroller did you take on your cruise?

[kstelzner]

I was wondering what kind of strollers you all have brought on your cruise. Our DD will be 16 months at the time of our cruise. We have a Peg Perego/Martinelli Miliano stroller (I think it's too big, though nice to put her in and a lot of stuff).

So, should I go out and buy an umbrella stroller or perhaps a convertible stroller backpack (Kelty)? I've also seen those Combi Travel strollers that are pretty skinny to fit down an airplane isle (though who does that anymore?).

So, let me know what you think?

Thanks in advance.
Kristin

 

[hydster]

but we are taking our jogging stroller just for use on excursions and in WDW. I know it is big and will take up room but the inlaws said we could put it in their room since there are only 2 of them. It is just so much more comfortable and has storage space on it and under it and he can sleep in it comfortably where an umbrella type he cannot. Our youngest is almost 4 however so that means he can walk most places on the ship just not on excursions and stuff. I think the umbrella strollers are SO uncomfortable and yucky for kids but that is my own personal idea. You can gate check your stroller on the airplane and I would imagine the halls of the ship would be big enough for the stroller you are talking about! I havent been yet but hope that I will be able to get my jogging stroller down to my room! LOL
Heidi

 

[jellymoon]

We took an umbrella stroller and were glad. There wasn't a lot of space on excursions, and getting in cabs etc. This made it easy to quickly fold the stroller compactly and get in and out. We have one that has a bag on the back to hold "stuff".

Also, the umbrella strollers are much more handy at the parks. You do need to completely fold your stroller--- removing the child--- when you get on transportation, including the monorail. They don't always enforce this, but I've seen so many situations where a person in a wheelchair can't get on the monorail because the space is full of non-collapsed strollers. I understand the frustration of folding up the stroller (we have four kids, one with a disability and two under hte age of two) so we do lots of unloading/folding getting on and off transportation. Ugh. Good thing the kids are so cute to make it worth it!!!

 

[jel0511]

hydster - a bit of advice, there has been talk on the themepark boards that jogging strollers are now banned from WDW if they have the large front tire. If that's the type of stroller you're planning on bringing, I'd check since there have been reports of people being told they couldn't use it in the parks are were given a free rental for the day. We plan on bringing DS's usual stroller which is a Peg Perego Pliko. It folds up really small and it's really comfortable. I know what you're talking about with the Milano, I used one for DD, and I used to call it the Limo since it was SOO big and heavy!!! If you don't mind dragging it, I'd bring it, if you do mind, get a the cheap Combi stroller. I used to have the Combi double stroller and LOVED IT!!! The airlines have since broken it and I moved back to a single since DD is 4 and last time we were in WDW she walked MUCH more than rode. The Peg Perego Pliko has a small place for her to stand it she gets too tired, so we can just wheel her out!!!

 

[kstelzner]

jel0511, thanks! In fact, I've been doing some research on strollers and was really considering the Peg Perego Pliko instead of a cheezy umbrella stroller (which I hear falls apart fast). My DD just loves the bar on her Peg Perego Miliano so I think a Pliko would be the best of both worlds..... compacts like an umbrella stroller and has the bar she can play with and hang over. Is it pretty light to carry (say on a plane and excursions)?

 

[jellymoon]

We just got off the 9/28 Magic and noticed that they had strollers for loan. I'm not sure if it was everywhere, or just on Castaway Cay. However, we found that in both St. Thomas and San Juan (and I remember from a previous cruise it was even worse in Nassau) it was very difficult to push a stroller of any kind--- thick curbs, narrow streets, few ramps, few access points (if any) to the sidewalks. That said, at least for the cruise part maybe it would be most convenient if you borrowed the Cruise stroller as needed, and invested in the Kelty Kids backpack or backpack/stroller combo. Probably the pack/stroller combo would give you the most flexibility on unpredictable terrain.

 

[jel0511]

Well, in comparision to a cheap umbrella stroller, no it's heavy, but in comparison to the Milano MUCH lighter. It weights arout 14lbs I think, in comparision the Milano is 22lbs. It has a handle on the side to help carry it, so it is pretty convient to carry. I also like the front bar is removable so that as DS gets older, I can take it off so it's more comfortable for him. If you want to spend that much money, GET ONE, I love mine!!! I used to have a Maclaren for DD(what I traded my Milano for!), but I like this one MUCH more!!

 

[shmoogrrrl]

This is a great question! We have an Evenflow stroller and this thing is huge. It is like the Volvo of strollers (The kind with the car seat that fits on the top.) We also have a Maclearen Umbrella stroller that is really nice. Which would be better? We planned to take the Umbrella stroller because it is MUCH smaller and lightweight (It has a carry strap even!) But I'm wondering if Katie (who will be 10 months then) wouldn't be more comfortable in her massive stroller since it folds back for naps and things when we are at the parks after the cruise.

Any input? Can babies sleep in Umbrella strollers okay if they want to? She is too little for the umbrella stroller right now so I haven't used it.

Kathy

 

[jlima]

The best part about an umbrella stroller is that when folded you can hang it in a closet & it's out of the way. DS 16 mos never had a problem sleeping in it, and it was harder for him to stand up in, a new skill he excelled at in the Evenflow stroller. While he's still little, I'll never travel without the umbrella stroller ever again

 

[aprilgail2]

I brought a full size stroller, it is a fairly light one though. I did not regret that one bit. My daughter could never fall asleep in one of those umbrella strollers, they look so uncomfortable. With the full size one I was able to still be out on deck while she napped in her stroller.

 

[dis4me]

Were you able to fring the umbrella strooler out on the decks;Like during the mexifragilistic party and other events. Was there enough room. I plan on bringing our front carrier cut ds is huge(20lbs) and only 5 mos I am sure we would both be more comfortable with the stroller

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by dis4me
I plan on bringing our front carrier cut ds is huge(20lbs) and only 5 mos I am sure we would both be more comfortable with the stroller

Oh my! I am sure you could find room for the stroller..I would just be sure to get there a little early and save my spot! I brought the stroller because I hate carrying my daughter everywhere, even at 3 years old she wants to be carried around, she only weighs 25 pounds but its still a load to carry any distance.

 

[mom2grace]

JMO, we cruised on the Magic when DD was 8 mos old (she could sit in a high chair and ate "regular food"). We took our Evenflo car seat/stroller combo, had a category 7 (only sleeps 3) and had NO TROUBLE at ALL! Took it everywhere, even to our table in the restaurants some evenings. Much to our surprise and delight, DD slept on the pool deck while we sunbathed instead of having to spend that time in our cabin. I am CERTAIN this would not have been the case if we had a smaller stroller. This alone was worth it. We stored it in our cabin, but our steward offered to stash it for us.

We put her in the car seat, clicked it on, and covered her with the shade that is attached as well as towels (using those invaluable Sassy clips/links) and she slept on the sundeck.

We did not do any parks at WDW that trip, so I don't know how it does at the parks!

Also, I believe she did well because this was the car seat & stoller that she was used to and she was comfortable amid so many new stimuli.

Susan

 

[akasleepingbeauty]

On our Magic cruise last year when dd was 13 months, we took our Pliko along with an Evenflo backpack. We used the stroller on the ship for walks along the promenade etc. and used the backpack during excursions. We were able to store the stroller and backpack easily in our cat 5 even with 4 people and a pack n play.

For our trip to WDW this spring, we bought a Kelty convertible (backpack/stroller) and also brought our stroller. We loved the Kelty and would probably consider bringing that on the cruise next time as our only means of "transportation."

I think it would work well for us for several reasons. Our dd does not nap well in any stroller regardless of how tired so we did not use our stroller for napping etc. Since we used it for walks around deck, the Kelty would have been more than sufficient. And for excursions, the Kelty would have been better than the Evenflo since we would have had the option of using it as a stroller if needed.

Therefore, I would take the Pliko if you expect that your child will nap in the stroller or that you will be using it for longer walks during excursions etc. If, like us, the napping is not much of an issue, the Kelty may be a good option as well.

 

[debbiebones]

When I was pregnant with my 4 year old daughter, I received from my brother...the best present (which I didn't even have on my registry) It was a Combi stroller. I believe it cost about $199 but I know that they now make some of their models even cheaper. I can't tell you what a great travel stroller it's been. We took it on an airplane and it was so easy to maneuver. Plus, it weighs a total of 7 pounds!

As far as travel strollers go, this has to be the best. Very well-made too.

In fact, now that I'm thinking about it, we still have it and I don't think my 2 and 4 year old will be using it anymore : )

Guess I better try to sell it on eBay!

Deb

 

[Daynab]

What is this Kelty backpack/stroller everyone is talking about? I ahve never seen one. My dd will turn 2 on the cruise and I was wondering what it is and what is the weight limit.? We used a Graco lightweight stroller on out last cruise (it's like the combii). It has a hood and a large basket. I really liked it. It also reclined slightly so she could nap, but I would love to find out more about the backpack for excursions.

 

[kstelzner]

debbiebones - Is it a Combi Travel Savvy? I was looking at those too after a salesman in a baby store showed me how those fold up... so compact and reseasonable at $79. I'd be interested in a pic of it and possibly buying it. I do frequent ebay so maybe I'll check out the latest postings for Combi's.

daynab - The Kelty backpack stroller combo can be seen here: http://www.kelty.com/Kelty/index.cfm?fuseaction=Kids.Home
and scroll down to "convertable" under carriers.

 

[debbiebones]

Hi Kristin,

The one we have is the Combi Savvy Z model (leopard print) which is (I believe) is the lightest one that they make.

If you think you'd be interested, I could send you a photo of it. It's definitely used but not in bad condition.

Let me know if you're interested...here's my email address:

debbiebones@comcast.net

 

[My~Rumbly~Tumbly]

I also have the Peg Perego Milano stroller and really love it, but feel it's too bulky to carry. I am a self-proclaimed stroller queen . I actually have had two Emmaljunga's and a a double Inglesina and by far the Milana is my favorite. I also own a single Kolkraft umbrella stroller, which I liked for short mall trips, etc. It reclines (for sleeping) and has a canopy to shade from the sun. Folds up very easy. I took it to Disney in 2001, with my toddler daughter and it was a life savor. While there, I noticed they had the very same stroller in a DOUBLE! I purchased that soon after my son was born. I purchased it at Target for $50. It is not a high-end stroller by any means, but it has saved my butt many times over and was well worth the money. I would look for that inexpensive single Kolkraft, unless you plan on using it for a whole lot more. It has a cover to shield from sun, reclines, folds up easy and if you hang one of those netted bags from the back, you can store LOTS of stuff. Also, it's taller than most umbrella's.