Yes, another Stroller Dilemma!

[goofygal531]

I swear after each trip I have yet another stroller dilemma!!

Well, this past June I brought my Joovy Caboose Ultralight (a sit and stand-type double stroller) and a wonderful Dis member left me their WDW umbrella stroller at my resort. This was a godsent! Because we were staying at the GF and it was hot crowded June, I used the WDW umbrella stroller for my DS1 more than I thought I would. We went to the park early am then took afternoon pool breaks. My DS4 prefers to walk. So he rarely sat in the Joovy, only for nights at Epcot. I guess I should mention here that I have two sons ages 4 and 1. My 1 yo needs a stroller while my DS4 prefers to walk.

So here's my dilemma: We're going back in Nov for Tgiving and staying at the YC this time. I was planning on bringing both the WDW umbrella stroller and the Joovy since it worked out so well for us. But now I'm looking over our plans, there will be days when we'll be in the parks from morning to night (which we've never done before). I know DS4 is a walker (we live in the city and he walks more than your average 4 year old) but I know at times he'll be tired or even nap mid day. I'm now debating if I should bring two Umbrella strollers or even rent him a single stroller should he want to nap.

He's very unpredictible in WDW, the excitement throws him off schedule. I know he will not be in a stroller often so I'm hesitant to bring two umbrella strollers. (on our 10 day trip in June he napped once in the stroller!) He could certainly nap in the WDW umbrella and I could hold the baby but he can't nap in the Joovy since it's only a seat for him in the back and the front seat has a tray on it and he would never fit (he's a tall 4yo at 45").

So my question is: Should I just bring my two strollers since I had such a great experience with them and if he really does need an afternoon nap, rent him a single stroller? Can a 4 yo nap in a single? I really don't want to spend a small fortune on a double stroller rental!

Thanks for your help. I know this topic gets old, but the right stroller can really make or break your trip - I know this from past experience with a horrible side by side in WDW!!

Mare

 

[cel_disney]

I would probably bring both strollers OR try to get in on a stroller share for a double (there are some nice ones that would be great for both your boys!). It would be less than 1 day of a disney double stroller rental. Then just bring the Joovy (or the disney one!) with you on the plane (or are you driving?) for the times you only need/want a single!!

~Celeste

 

[goofygal531]

I would probably bring both strollers OR try to get in on a stroller share for a double (there are some nice ones that would be great for both your boys!). It would be less than 1 day of a disney double stroller rental. Then just bring the Joovy (or the disney one!) with you on the plane (or are you driving?) for the times you only need/want a single!!

~Celeste

I could never be bothered with a share situation. We need to come and go as we please. I had a side-by-side double stroller on our last Nov trip and it was nightmare! It's easy for those who use the bus, but when staying at a monorail resort, it's just a PITA. You can only use the handicap cars and during a holiday week, they were always full. It was just not a fun trip with a double stroller, that's why I was thrilled when the airline broke the stroller on our flight home! I bought the Joovy and it's much more convenient than a traditional double.

I'm just confused what to do should he want to nap In June we took afternoon breaks, this time we're not going to as often.

There has to be parents out there with almost 5 yos at the parks all day, What do you do??

 

[bauerchic]

I'm having a similar dilemma, and here's what I think I'm going to do:
We have a small stroller (w/ basket underneath - yeah, baby!) that we're definitely bringing for our 3yo, and I'm bringing a cheapy umbrella stroller for our 5 yo for EVENINGS ONLY. We'll go back to the resort for naps/break, and THEN we'll break out the second stroller. I figure that way, should he get tired, I don't have a 45lb child who wants to be held. Hopefully, the best of both worlds...
Good luck on your decision, we'll find out if it works in Sept!!

 

[tanyaandallie]

If you are going hard core with no breaks with 2 small children, they both need stroller imo. I'd take 2 strollers, one for each child or get a double. If your 4 year old was fine the last trip with no stroller and you were napping or taking breaks again I'd say do what you did last time. But, 4 is still very young and with no break mid day your 4 year old is going to be exhausted by the end of the day.

 

[3girls4me05]

I would bring one decent umbrella style stroller with a basket. Then I would bring a cheapo umbrella stroller that can easily be thrown in (standing up) to the basket of the nicer stroller. A little bungy cord to keep that cheap stroller in place in the basket might come in handy. That way you can start out with your older one walking but you have the stroller with you as a back up for when he gets tired. We took a Sit n Stand when our kids were the same age. It worked okay but the last full day we rented a single stroller as a special treat for the four yr old. Wow...what a difference. She was so happy and we were too. The other days were fine but as you noted..you can't really rest in the back of the Joovy. With a single stroller she was able to really relax and therefore she enjoyed the parks more.
Look on craigslist and see if you can score a good deal on the nicer stroller there. Or buy new and you can always resell.
HTH