Which Stroller Should I take to the parks?

[Mommy2Abby]

We will be taking 18 month old DD to Disney in September and I need advice on which stroller to take to the parks with us.

We went last December, when DD was 8 months old and took our Graco Quatro Tour with us, which I loved having in the parks because it reclined flat and for the storage basket. BUT...the thing was a PAIN on the buses. It took up a huge amount of room and DH was so sick of apologizing to the people he ran into while trying to get it loaded on and off.

So...now we're headed back with a slightly older DD in September and we have since purchased a Maclaren Quest, which I also really like because it pushes really easily and is much more compact.

At first, I had planned to take the Maclaren, but now I'm having second thoughts. It doesn't fully recline, so I'm worried DD will be less likely to sleep in it. I've also noticed that the canopy isn't as long on the Maclaren, so her legs tend to be exposed to the sun more.

We will have a car onsite this time, so we could take the Graco and plan to drive to the parks, thus avoiding the bus issue. I'm just not sure what to do

Does anyone have any experience/advice with either of these strollers for an 18 month old? Also forgot to mention, DD is not walking yet, so she either has to be in the stroller or we have to carry her. Not sure if that makes a difference...

Thanks!

Mommy2Abby

 

[Wendybird55]

My son will be 23 months when we go and I am planning on taking my Maclaren Sports Quest.

The seat does recline enough I think to allow for some napping - the only problem is if you have something big in the bottom carrier it obstructs the recline. My son sleeps well in his car seat so I think this will be fine plus there are pull out bars int he seat to extend it for his legs.

I know what you mean about the hood coverage. It will be hot when we go and I plan on lots of sunscreen and cold water and damp cloths to keep all of us cool - I will have a hat for my son, but not sure how good it will be as he hates wearing hats.

I also have a Graco Quattro - it does offer more room for sleep and storage. Plus it has the top cup holders - it's great, But we are staying onsite and will noto have a car and tend to park hop so I am taking the Maclaren for ease going on and off buses and monorails and boats.

It's really up to you. If you have the car and will be using it to get from part to park, etc. you may prefer the Graco as it has more storage and a better recline for sleeping - you only have to deal with lugging it around if you use the trams.

The Macclaren is more compact and easier for traveling, but I miss all the storage space the Graco offers. A big part of my trip planning is figuring how to pack all the things my son will need in the park (diapers, wipes, snack) compactly to easily fit into the MacClaren and still allow space for recline. This wouldn't be a worry with the Graco, but as you said, it's not that easy to tale on the buses.

 

[MommyBryn]

We took our big stroller last time and I agree- great for everything but busses. However, if it were between that and a stroller that didn't recline enough for naps, I'd do the big stroller again in a HB. That, and the storage room, is enough to make the decision for me. (we had a Mac Twin for a short time and there was no way I could get stuff in and out of the basket when it was reclined!)