Will I totally regret bringing a double stroller?

[Runnergal]

So here's my dilemma. We are spending 3 days in WDW prior to our cruise with our 4 dc, ages 8, 6, 2 and 7 mos. I would prefer to have a double while we are there so we would be able to split up if we want, like if the little ones need to go back to the resort for a nap for example, the big kids can stay at the park. I have never been on a cruise but from what I understand the elevators are tiny and crowded, and once we are on the ship I know the 2yo will be able to walk a lot of the time. Also, we are sailing thanksgiving and i know the ship will be full. So what do I do? Bring 3 different strollers?(kidding-sort of.) Help! Our cruise is getting closer and I can't seem to come up with a solution to this one.

 

[RunningWithScissors]

Instead of bringing them, why don't you rent them for the specific situations in which you need them? Maybe get a double for WDW and then whatever you think you will need for the cruise.

 

[cheesemouse]

We were in your same situation in March. What we ended up doing was taking the double stroller (a sit and stand) to WDW and then once on the cruise we simply kept it folded up in one of the closets and just checked out a single stroller from guest services on the cruise. They are free to use for the duration of the cruise, you just have to pay a refundable deposit in case you don't return it. I will be completely honest in that even the single stroller was a huge hassle onboard. The elevators are not only TINY but are often full, causing you to wait a long time to get where you need to go. And, it was very hard to get through the stateroom door - we'd take it out into the hallway and then unfold it and start using it. That said, we had a non-walking 13 month old that weighed a TON and I wasn't about to carry him all over the ship. There is no way a double stroller would work well onboard. Spaces are just too tight. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions!

 

[UK mum of 4]

I'd be tempted to use a double in WDW (even my 6 year old needed a ride sometimes) then fold it under the bed on the ship and use a carrier like an ergo or beco whilst on the ship. You can then use the double stroller if you get off the ship in any ports.
That is what we shall be doing on our split cruise and WDW trip next August

 

[lbgraves]

I wouldn't rent a stroller in WDW for the 6 mo old, so take the double for there. You can use it in the terminal as well, then I would suggest getting a single stroller [or 2] onboard the ship to use. I know many people say to just wear the baby, but if yours is like both of mine were, they were too heavy by that point and had outgrown the infant car seat as well. You just have the deposit put on your room account and it is removed when you return it. You don't say if you are flying or driving to FL from NY. If you are flying, the double is a must IMO to get through the airport. The kids were 3 & 5 on our first cruise and both of them used our stroller at some point during the cruise, most often when one of them fell asleep right before dinner.

 

[Lauriejl2]

What about bringing a small umbrella single stroller for use on the cruise and either renting a WDW double while in parks or renting from a outside stroller rental company like kingdom strollers or apple .... They bring them right to the resort if u are staying on property and then you will have it the whole time for parks and resort . Plus they are nicer strollers then the hard plastic ones in the parks.

 

[twopeasonepod]

I have plenty of experience with double strollers (having twins), but frankly, unless I was by myself, I loved having two umbrellas. Especially at the parks and in crowds. You will be super bummed trying to navigate even a nice double jogger that can swivel 360 degrees through the ship. Just too tight and too many people.

We used this one at first, then moved to this one when the boys were too long and heavy. A super good investment since you can use it until 70 lbs.

 

[Bree]

How big is your double stroller? When my kids were little I had a Joovy Caboose Ultralight. It is a sit and stand type stroller, but it's very compact and only weighed 20lbs. I went all over WDW and the airport by myself with it. It was awesome getting on and off the monorail (tight space). Here's how small it is. This pic below are not my kids LOL!! Also, they have the optional back rest thingy installed on it.

 

[cheesemouse]

How big is your double stroller? When my kids were little I had a Joovy Caboose Ultralight. It is a sit and stand type stroller, but it's very compact and only weighed 20lbs. I went all over WDW and the airport by myself with it. It was awesome getting on and off the monorail (tight space). Here's how small it is. This pic below are not my kids LOL!! Also, they have the optional back rest thingy installed on it.

This is the exact stroller we have and took with us last trip. It worked great for the airport and at WDW. But, it was not at all good for the cruise. Couldn't make the turn from the narrow hall into the room. Was way too big for the elevators.

 

[pigletforever]

Use one of the stroller rental companies that will drop it off at the resort and pick it up when you are finished. Much cheaper than renting at Disney. I doubt you will need it on board

 

[lbgraves]

Use one of the stroller rental companies that will drop it off at the resort and pick it up when you are finished. Much cheaper than renting at Disney. I doubt you will need it on board

There is no way I would go anywhere with a 2 yo & 6 mo without a stroller.

 

[TeamH5]

There is no way I would go anywhere with a 2 yo & 6 mo without a stroller.

I don't agree. When my twins were 2 and my son was 8 months we traveled from VA to CA without a stroller. Picked up an umbrella in CA for my son and my twins walked everywhere, including through the entire San Diego zoo.

Our first cruise the kids were 3.5(son) and 5(twins) stroller never even made it on the plane. They walked all day at Sea World the day before and after the cruise, and all over the ship and on our shore excursions.

Personally I'd carry the baby on the ship and let the others walk. We'll be taking our 4 month old on our next cruise and I have no intentions of bringing the stroller. Of course mine will still be small enough to utilize the infant car seat for dinner so he/she can sleep, but yours is big enough to sit in a high chair. If he falls asleep, hold him in your lap. That's what we did with our 3 yr old that fell asleep at dinner on Pirate night.. Lol it was cute poor thing was so worn out and we had early seating too!

 

[Runnergal]

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I had no idea there were strollers to rent on the ship. Does anyone know what brand they are, and if they recline? We have 2 rooms - the double is a city mini gt side by side- I could fold it up and leave it under one of the beds.

 

[Doodledogs]

We have brought our double City mini and it fit right under the bed along with our empty suitcases. I would bring it.

 

[I❤MICKEY]

We are using Disney transportation from AKL to DCL. Does anyone know if we can tag it and send it on the bus when they take our other luggage that morning? I want ours for WDW too but won't need it on the ship. Might make embarkment easier if they just deliver to our cabin.

 

[cruisingtwins]

Strollers on hte ship are pg perego they do recline I'll try to find a pic.

 

[3Adevas]

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I had no idea there were strollers to rent on the ship. Does anyone know what brand they are, and if they recline? We have 2 rooms - the double is a city mini gt side by side- I could fold it up and leave it under one of the beds.

The ship strollers are Peg Perego and they do recline. And they are free (u have to sign a deposit form)

also they have free wagons and City Elite jogging strollers to use on Castaway Cay!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We are using Disney transportation from AKL to DCL. Does anyone know if we can tag it and send it on the bus when they take our other luggage that morning? I want ours for WDW too but won't need it on the ship. Might make embarkment easier if they just deliver to our cabin.

You probably could just have it picked up with your checked bags, BUT, they aren't especially gentle in their handling of such baggage, as they tend to, basically, just throw the stuff in a big pile before delivering it to the rooms: