Which stroller should I rent? Maclaren major or Liberty?

[mysevendwarfs]

I have decided to rent a special needs stroller for dd who is 9 and on chemo for our June trip to DW. She is about 50 lbs and is small for her age. She has just outgrown a regular stroller. I don't want to use a wheelchair because I want her to be able to recline if she is tired. I have owned Maclaren strollers for many years and like them. Thoughts?

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I understand what you mean about the wheelchair though that is what we use now for Joshua.

We used to have a MacLaren Major so I would go with that, providing it is comfortable for your child and you have a cover to give some protection from the sun.

 

[kellyw8863]

I don't know anything about the MacLaren Major, but the Liberty is HUGE. We almost rented it, and I'm so glad we didn't.

 

[blessedmom4]

I have decided to rent a special needs stroller for dd who is 9 and on chemo for our June trip to DW. She is about 50 lbs and is small for her age. She has just outgrown a regular stroller. I don't want to use a wheelchair because I want her to be able to recline if she is tired. I have owned Maclaren strollers for many years and like them. Thoughts?

My recommendation is to try and find a local company where you live that carries them both and go in to let your daughter try them out to see what works best for HER comfort. Then you will know what you want when you rent on vacation.

Blessings,
Judy

 

[ireland_nicole]

The McClaren major is lighter and folds smaller

The liberty is more comfortable and has an awesome sun shade, is much larger, but still fits through lines and is easy to maneuver.


You could probably go with the City Classic, too based on your child's size.

If you're DD might fall asleep in it, or is at all photosensitive, I would definitely go with the liberty or City Classic.

I can also very highly recommend OSR to rent from as we have used them in the past and absolutely loved them.

Either way, I think you're making a great decision.

 

[mumto2]

We have a Maclaren special needs stroller and love it, but it does not recline. Our DD is now 11, so the stroller is about 8 years old (and still operates/looks as good as ever) and it could be that they have changed designs. If reclining is a key feature for you, you'll want to confirm the Maclaren will work for your needs.

If you go with the Maclaren, a couple of options that we love are the shopping basket for underneath and the padded insert for extra comfort.

While it is still bulky, the Maclaren does fold up nicely, and has alwayws worked well for us at WDW. Do make sure to get the red tape that designates it as a stroller being used as a wheelchair - many CMs can't tell that it is a special needs stroller.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[kknpj]

We have a the Liberty Stroller for our daughter. We LOVE it! Yes, it is BIG - no doubt about that. But it has swivel front wheels which make it so easy to push. My daughter is 10 years old and 55 pounds, and fits it it perfectly. We purchased it for outdoor use, and because it does recline. It also has a super shade on the top to keep her out of the sun.

We tried the Maclaren several years ago and she couldn't sit very well in it for long periods of time. She is much more comfortable in the Liberty. But if you are mostly using it to limit her walking, I'm sure the Maclaren is smaller and folds much easier.

But I agree, if you could go somewhere and see them in person and try them out, it would totally be worth it!

 

[mysevendwarfs]

Thanks for all the helpful information. I started to respond to various pieces of helpful stuff and realized I was quoting the whole thread. You are all great!!!

I am hesitant to get the Liberty b/c as Kelly8863 says it is HUGE,( btw Kelly I have loved hearing about your wish trip in your report. So glad you had some Disney magic at the Cinderella dinner) I think based on the other responses she may be most comfortable in the Liberty.

Thanks mum2two for giving me the heads up on the Maclaren not reclining. That would have been a big oops!

I am looking into the citi classic in a double as she seems to be right at the max size for it. I am not sure she would be comfortable though as Orlando strollers e-mailed me a pic of a girl her size and she looked a little tight on room. I am trying to find any of these strollers Liberty or Citi to try locally.

I am starting to stress out a little though as I may end up using an ECV myself I have been having a recurring knee problem that started bothering me after the baby was born in Dec. I started PT this week and the therapist was honest with me today and said she thinks I should be ready to use a wheelchair as my knees are not great right now. My stress is that I was going to be one of the "pushers" as we have 2 in a stroller still, dd on chemo needing wheelchair or stroller and a 6 year old who might need a ride by the end of the day!

Does anyone know if they will let you tag a double stroller as a wheelchair? If I use the citi, I could put the baby in one and dd in the other if it will work for her.

Thanks again to all for your input. This board is awesome!

 

[peemagg]

Yes they will tag a double as a wheelchair. Be sure to also get a GAC for your daughter. Just let them know what accommodations other than the stroller as a wheelchair she might need.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I bought a Liberty for DS who is just under 48" and about 45 lbs. He outgrew his Maclaren techno and we must have a stroller for WDW.

It is huge, really. But he fit so very well in the stroller. He was comfortable, the sun shade is huge and hard to see over if you are under 5'5" but I just did my best.

DH insisted on carrying it on the bus but if I had been alone we would have rear loaded.

Our stroller has the cooler and it was perfect, I also loved the big mesh bag on the back. It maneuvers well and we got a few comments that it is stroller on steroids. Most people didn't know it was a SN stroller and like that.

Good luck and have a magical trip.

 

[SueM in MN]

Yes they will tag a double as a wheelchair. Be sure to also get a GAC for your daughter. Just let them know what accommodations other than the stroller as a wheelchair she might need.

Click on the link in my signature to get to the disABILITIES FAQs thread (or you can find it near the top of this board).
Post #6 of that thread is about Guest Assistance Cards.

Most of the attraction queues and pathways are 36 inches wide in order to be accessible for wheelchairs. Most double strollers should fit where ever a wheelchair can pass thru.

 

[KPeveler]

Be aware that if you rent an ECV, you will NOT be allowed to carry a child on your lap, as it is a huge safety risk.

Also, you will have to remove children from the stroller on the bus no matter what, and fold the stroller, unless you have a special needs stroller that is rated for travel (has special tie down points, etc). I do not think any double stroller would be rated for travel.

Just a couple things to consider when planning for multiple strollers and possible ECVs.