Will I need a stroller for the airport for my triplets?

[triplefigs]

Our triplets will be 5.5 when we go, and they weigh between 38-40 pounds each. My DD has a foot injury that can cause chronic pain and mild CP in her legs, my son has mild CP which affects his arms more than his legs, and all 3 tire after walking long distances (like all kids!). We were thinking of just renting strollers at the parks, but then remembered we'll be fighting the crowds in the Atlanta Airport and at MCO with lots of walking.

Currently, we have a cheap single umbrella and a double umbrella stroller (which they are close to outgrowing). I hate to have to buy new strollers for this trip! In day to day life, we rarely use the double anymore, and use the single occasionally. I wouldn't mind having a good single (like the Volvo) as I could see me using it with my DD. My problem is how expensive the Double Maclerans are! I need a double that will go to a higher weight.

Any suggestions? I can see us getting delayed at the airport, etc and not having a stroller with us. That could potentially be a nightmare. Do you think we'd be OK without strollers in the airport, or should I bite the bullet and buy a new single and double? I can't tell you how many strollers we've been through with them since they were babies!

Thanks for any help and advice!

 

[NotUrsula]

Since they are that old, perhaps just a single and a buggy board? Then DD can ride if she needs to, and the other two could take turns.

Do use an extra tie-down strap to securely batten down the Buggy board if you gate-check it, however; normally I would say that you should remove all attachments to prevent breakage, but it would be very awkward to have to take it off completely at the gate after having used it at the airport.

 

[mommykds]

Hi Triplefigs! ,

My middle & youngest children are 6 & 4. We do not use strollers anymore for day to day operations but for WDW & the airport I decided this past week it was a good idea. My guys are 44 & 42 lbs & I didn't want to invest in a nice Maclaren at this stage of the game (as we assume our 3rd is our last )
I could not see them walking through the airport with all the security & just the basic "busy-ness" of an airport. The thought of them (especially my ds) loose is too much to bear!

I picked up 2 umbrella strollers from Babies R Us for $19.99 each. They are from Kolkraft, they have a canopy, & a little mesh basket in back good for a couple of water bottles & some snacks. They had blue, green, & pink. The weight max is 40 lbs but as we are only using them for WDW & not before they just have to get through the week. But honestly I have an older Kolkraft cheap umbrella stroller & that is 6 years old & still going strong.

Good luck!

 

[Holly]

How about borrowing one of the airports wheelchairs? I'll bet two of them could sit side by side in an adult wheelchair and if all three are tired maybe you and your dh can take turns carrying the third?

 

[LoveWDW]

I wonder if considering that the strollers are essentially in the place of wheel chairs- two of the children have physical problems- if the stroller (s) could be checked at the entrance to the plane instead of being checked with the luggage. It would be much more convenient and accessible for you. It sounds to me as if you need strollers at least, and if you don't think those you have now would be adequate, you may want to get bigger strollers. Maybe they would see use in the future at other events or outings. The airport wheelchair idea is great. You would need to arrange for one at the other end also.

 

[robinb]

The walk from the gate to/from the gate to the entrace at MCO is pretty long. It sounds like your DD will need a stroller and your DS might need one too. I guess you could ask for wheelchairs, at least one and maybe a second if you think your DS will need it that day. If you have a connecting flight they can ferry the kids between planes by wheelchair or the whole family by the indoor shuttles.

You say that you plan to rent strollers when you're down at WDW. Just 1 double or a double and a single? Either way, it can really add up. You may want to look on eBay for a used double stroller (if you have time) and buy another cheap umbrella for your 2nd DS. A new umbrella stroller will handle better than an old, loved stroller and it will cost less than renting.

ETA: If you gate-check your strollers they will be waiting for you on the jetway outside the plane door when you exit the plane. This happens at your destination and at any connections.

 

[flminivanmama]

honestly I think you should take your single and double umbrella and use those at disney too - renting can add up!

or you coul go ahead and buy used macs - the amount you'd pay for renting can go towards the purchase - but the umbrellas you already own are probably "good enough"

 

[della]

You may also want to ask about a Guest Assistance Pass when you get to Disney. You can ask for one at any Guest Services and it will be good for all parks for the length of your stay. Explain that your children have CP/Chronic pain and you would like a pass to use your stroller as a wheel chair. It might be helpful especially for the child with chronic pain.

 

[triplefigs]

Thanks to ALL for the great tips and advice. I think we may invest in a new Macleran single as we will use it for a long time. We have the Kolcraft double umbrella and will take it for the airport. It is a little hard to push (as the kids are approaching the weight limit), so we may end up renting a double in the parks. But, we'd still have our double for DTD, walking around the resort, the airport, etc.

And, yes, we are planning on getting a GAC on our first day.

Thanks again for the excellent advice and taking the time to help. The DIS is such a great place!!!

 

[SqueakyMouse]

I have a double Mac and I wouldn't recommend purchasing one at this point. My younger children were 2.5 and 4 during our last trip to WDW. We hadn't used the Mac in quite a while, so I fortunately got it out for a trial before our trip. We ended up using 2 cheap umbrella strollers. It was perfect for us, but I think you're going to need seating for all 3 of your children. The heat just wipes out kids!! Sadly, I don't have an easy answer for you.

 

[isla bonita]

I would most def use a stroller in the airport it is one of the things I recomend to all of my guests and friends when traveling with little ones. They will be safe from rolling luggage and adults who are transporting the rolling luggsge.

 

[krismom]

I actually wanted my kids to run around at the airport! I figured it would tire them out and they'd sleep on the plane! We brought one umbrella stroller (volo) for my twin 4 yo boys and they kind of shared it at the airport. Mostly, we used it to hold my backpack full of toys, food and the DVD player!
Good Luck!

 

[susykt4]

I know NOTHING about double strollers, but we used cheap ($15 or less) umbrella strollers for DD 42 lbs and DS 35 lbs our last trip. We totally abused the things, hanging bags on them and even using them as baggage carts hauling WAY over 50 pounds, probably over 100 pounds. They held up just fine for our weeklong trip and we plan to use them again next time. It was no problem to gate check them and they folded easily on the buses. It was soooo worth the extra hassle of bringing strollers just to have them for the long walks around the resort!