Yes Another Stroller Post

[Figment1990]

I just spent hours reading various posts about the strollers everyone takes to WDW and decided I would risk it and post my own question....

DH & I are debating what stroller to bring with us this April to WDW for our just-turned-2 year old son. We have a Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe that we have taken the past 2 times and we also have a nice umbrella stroller that we could take (I can't remember the name... bellisima, maybe?). DH doesn't want to take the umbrella stroller b/c the sunshade is too small. I agree that the sunshade is too small. In addition, DS doesn't sit as upright in the umbrella stroller, there is no locking mechanism to make carrying it that easy, and the storage under isn't that spacious. It does recline though and has nice height handles.... I don't want to take the big Graco stroller b/c it's SO big and bulky and often I end up pushing it, closing it, carrying it, etc. Even if I said DH had to do it, I would still end up with it. I also know my DS likes to pull the sunshade down, so it's basically useless in my opinion (I make him wear a sunhat & sunscreen & we're not really out at mid-day), and he really only will ride in the stroller when we are walking far in the parks, like around epcot, or to the monorail/bus/boat. He does NOT nap in strollers.... I don't mind buying a new stroller for this and future WDW trips mostly b/c I want to preserve the condition of my current Graco (I'm sure there will be many during stroller years since this is our first child)

Can you all tell me about the strollers that you've taken to WDW and what you liked or didin't like about them? I haven't decided yet what my priorities are for this stroller. I'm interested to hear about the following features:

Sunshade size & function (does it move?)
Comfort of seating (does he/she sit upright enough, what sort of material, seat buckle/harness comments)
Accessories (snack tray, cupholders for mom & dad)
Storage (under basket)
Portability (does it fold easy, carry easy, lightweight or not)
Weight & height limit considerations
Price range
Anything else I may have forgotten

 

[carolinagirl121]

We took our BOB with us and loved it. My son does sleep in the stroller so we were sure to bring the one that he is used to. It's a jogger with a great sun shade, you can basically cover the whole upper half of the child, there is really no way for sun to get in the face when sitting up. You can buy both cupholders for the handle and an attachable bar for cup holder and tray for the child. The under storage area is pretty average, not giant, but not tiny either.

The one huge downside to the BOB is the foldup. It folds in half, but it is still cumbersome. My husband hated wrangling it on the bus, but we were grateful for it in the parks. The BOB is a big upfront cost, but to me, worth the distance that you can get out of it. Ours has gone several hundred miles (I run 20+ miles a week) and shows no signs of wear and tear. It is very manueverable and if I could do it over again, it would be the only stroller that I got. Hope this helps.

 

[mamaLori05]

I second the BOB! We have a BOB revolution Duo (double). We LOVE IT!!! We had a Graco Quatro Tour single and double before we bought this one, and I hated those. They were horrible to push!!!! Wish I would have bought this one from day one!!

 

[Figment1990]

Thank you both for your feedback! What is a BOB? i've not heard of that one....

 

[Disneychix]

Hi!
We took our big evenflo the first year when DS was 20 months. The next trip we took an Peg Perego Aria. I liked it, but at 26 months DS was just getting to the limit where pushing was going to be a problem. It does fold up so nice and slim and is so light.

For our last trip, DS was amost 3, I purchased a Peg Perego Pliko P3. I think this is a winner!
It has a sunshade that is attached at the back. We can put it down for DS (he does sleep in the stroller) and it stays connected.
He does sit pretty upright in this stroller. Moreso than in our Evenflo. It does have a 5pt harness, with buckles. The seat looked comfy to me. It is coushined.
I LOVE that it has a snack tray. The is my one must have for a toddler.
It has decent storage. Not huge but not as small as an umbrella stroller. Hard to get to when in the recline position.
This model does fold easily and is easy to carry. Not so small as the Aria and it is s bit bulky but not as HUGE as the evenflo.
I bought mine used off ebay for $100 but I think new they are in the $220 range.

Also, the P3 does have this little (I mean little) step in the back that a child can suppsedly 'ride' standing up on. I was unsuccessful in trying to get DS to try this out but in the future if I needed to get him somewhere fast this would be an easy option instead of trying to get him into the seat.

 

[naomi78155]

I just spent hours reading various posts about the strollers everyone takes to WDW and decided I would risk it and post my own question....


Can you all tell me about the strollers that you've taken to WDW and what you liked or didin't like about them? I haven't decided yet what my priorities are for this stroller. I'm interested to hear about the following features:

Sunshade size & function (does it move)
Nice big sunshade, not really adjustable

Comfort of seating (does he/she sit upright enough, what sort of material, seat buckle/harness comments)
Seat is comfy, sits upright, no recline, mesh seat for air circulation

Accessories (snack tray, cupholders for mom & dad)
No accessories, but can purchase seperately

Storage (under basket)
Decent storage basket


Portability (does it fold easy, carry easy, lightweight or not)
Super easy fold, lightweight, carrying strap built in

Weight & height limit considerations
to 55 pounds

Price range
around 65-70 new on Ebay
Anything else I may have forgotten

We got a Macleran Volo from Ebay last year, brand new in box for around $65. I love it. We used it for DS then 4 at Disney and it was a dream.

 

[laughinplace199]

I'm interested to hear about the following features:

Sunshade size & function (does it move?)
Comfort of seating (does he/she sit upright enough, what sort of material, seat buckle/harness comments)
Accessories (snack tray, cupholders for mom & dad)
Storage (under basket)
Portability (does it fold easy, carry easy, lightweight or not)
Weight & height limit considerations
Price range
Anything else I may have forgotten

We have a Peg Perego Aria. I love it and think it's pefect for WDW.

*It has a good sized sunshade, which does move, so you can adjust the amount of coverage baby gets.
*Comfortable seat with 5 point harness. Seat also reclines.
*Has a snack tray with a cup holder built in for baby. Has a clip-on adult cup holder, but it kept falling off so we tossed it.
*Decent sized basket underneath
*Very lightweight and folds easily with one hand. Also has a handle for carrying folded stroller, which is nice when getting on and off the tram or bus.
*I don't know the weight or height limit, but DS is almost 3.5 yrs old and he fits fine.
*I got the previous year's model for $110 or $120 at albeebaby.com.

 

[growinupdisney]

we have a maclarean triumph...does recline some, very light weight 11bs, basket underneath, nice canopy...very easy to manuever. Has carry strap for when getting on the buses, folds quickly

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

We have used a Combi Savvy (bought in 2003, used until 2008, did 3 Disney trips; I'm sure there's a new model name now, though) and a Maclaren Volo. Both are nice lightweight strollers, fold easily and compactly. The Combi reclined some and were OK for naps. The Volo does not recline, so napping is less likely, but does happen. I think they both had pretty good sunshades. Neither one had a large storage basket, but that's not a big issue for us, as I am not one to carry everything and the kitchen sink to the parks. The handles on the Volo are higher and more comfortable to push. The Volo does not have any frills: no cupholder or snack tray. The Combi did have a snack tray but no cupholder. Again, not a deal-breaker for us. Lightweight and easy to fold is much more important to us and both of them weighed in at around 12 lbs. They also have carry straps so that you can sling it on your back if you want. The Combi had an OK weight limit of about 43 lbs, but the Volo's is 55 lbs, which is great for kids 4+.

 

[squirrel]

I went with the Perego Plinko P3! I tried out the Maclaren's at a Stroller store with my 4 yr old niece (at the time). She seemed swished in it and her feet touched the ground if she didn't place them on the foot rest.

The P3 has a higher seat, a huge canopy, cup holder for parents and a tray with cup holder for child (Niece didn't use it) extendable handles, arm rests for the child, reclines and a storage basket. I found it easy to fold. It holds up to 45lbs. I think my niece was over the weight limit a bit this last year (almost 6 yrs). They don't tip over if you put a bag on the handles either. I put a backpack over the handles while pushing it around WDW.

I bought mine at www.albeebaby.com and had it shipped to the resort as it was so much cheaper than buying up here.

My neighbours bought a second hand Perego Aria for their son (5.5yrs) last year and they liked it better than the full sized stroller they used the year before.

The City Mini is another brand lots of Disers recommend. I haven't seen one to try out, but they look great.

 

[blessedby3]

We have taken a Volo for our dd when she was 5, 6 and 7. It is a great stroller for older kids, but I dont take it for our now 2 yr old.
On our past trips for her we took our travel system stroller, but I was so happy to finally get rid of that heavy bulky thing after our last trip a year ago.
I also have a Mac Quest that I love for around here and will probably love in a couple of years at Disney, but right now we have too much stuff to take into the parks and I wanted a stroller with a bit more features.
I purchased a Baby Jogger City Mini a couple of months ago and it is a wonderful stroller. We are going to be using it in May. It has a HUGE canopy and will keep our dd shaded in from the FL sun. It also has a very tall handle (good for 6' 2" dh) and pushes so easy. The basket is a good size, although not too easy to access. It has a practically full recline. Our dd never sleeps in the stroller either (who am I kidding- she pretty much NEVER naps anymore!!) but I have a feeling in the FL heat and long days she will be napping in this stroller some. I also bought the snack tray for her and have a sunshine kids buggy buddy for parents drinks, etc. The fold is SUPER easy and it is fairly lightweight- I think about 17 pounds.
Good luck to you- stroller searching is practically a full time job!!

You can also rent a City Mini from a couple of different stroller companies if you dont want to buy another stroller. There is a llink at the top of these boards for Orlando Stroller Rentals. Not sure what the cost is, though.

 

[Figment1990]

Wow! Thank you all for your thorough replies! So helpful!

I started lookin more closely again at the Perego Pliko P3, the Perego Aria, the Maclaren Volo, and I'm having a very hard time keeping them straight! But I have them all up on my screen so I can compare....

I like the mesh seat feature of the Volo for the Florida heat.... (and I don't mind that it doesn't recline).

• I have seen reviews on the BRU site that people thought the sunshade was too high to shade their child - anyone experience that?
• Also, the handles look pretty tall. I'm only around 5"5' at Disney (i.e. in my WDW shoes!), will I have a problem? Perhaps its a photo distortion because one of the reviews also said the seat was too low to the ground and her DD's feet dragged.
• How is the seat position when upright in each of these? DS hates how reclined the "upright" position is on his current umbrella stroller.
• Suggestions on where I can get a snack tray to add to this?

I also like the sounds of the Aria and the Pliko P3...
The Aria looks really nice, lightweight, easy to close and I like the bar vs. two handles for pushing....
On the other hand, DH is much taller that I am and would probably love the adjustable handles on the P3.
And the P3 seems to have a bigger canopy...

• I've read that the P3 is easier to manuever than the Aria and particularly as children get older. Is that just because the P3 is the "full-sized" stroller and the Aria is the lightweight version? Those of you who have these, can you comment on this issue?
• Would one or the other of these be better for my two year old vs. an older child (and vice versa - which
  would last me longer)?
• Is the sunshade/canopy moveable on both of these or is it fixed to the back on one of them?
• Honestly I'm having a hard time seeing much of a difference between these two just from looking online so i will go see them in person. What do you think of the seat position when upright in each of these. Does one of them sit more upright than the other? DS hates how reclined the "upright" position is on his current umbrella stroller.

Thanks again SO much! blessedby3 - you're right - stroller shopping IS a full-time job!

 

[Jenny-momof3]

Let me throw another stroller out there to compare.....Joovy Kooper. LOVE this stroller.

I have 4 kids and have had well over 10 strollers with them. My favorite hands down the Joovy!

I use a Graco Quattro right now with my newborn because we're using it as a travel system. I've also used it at the parks. It's perfect for touring the parks but getting it on and off the busses is a major PITA!

I bought a Maclaren Triumph to use for the parks and hate it! Basically it's just an expensive umbrella stroller to me. The canopy is terrible for the florida sun, the stroller is so tippy that you can't put anything on the handles without the whole darn thing tipping and it's just not a smooth ride. Kinda makes me sick that I paid $150 for this stroller and I hate it!

I also have a combi that I don't care for either. Really narrow seat and it's so darn hard to turn it. Just not east to steer at all. Thought that maybe it was just my stroller but I've seen multiple complaints on this!

My sister has Perego Plinko 3. She likes it okay but likes my Joovy better. She said it's a pain to fold up.

I stumbled upon the Joovy Kooper one day at Babies R Us. I had my 60 pound 10 yr. old with me and had her sit in it. Yes her legs are too long for it...but wow! What an easy smooth ride it is. So easy to push. The canopy is even bigger than my Quattro! Super easy to fold. Nice deep comfy seat with mesh side pockets where the child can put a snack, cup, toy, etc. Also mesh pockets in the back for parents. And decent sized basket. It's a much sturdier stroller than the Maclaren and doesn't tip...yet it only weighs a couple more pounds than the Mac.

I just can't say enough about this awesome stroller! It's $199 at BRU and you can use a coupon with it . Several online sites have it cheaper including amazon from time to time.

We head to WDW again in 2 weeks. My baby will be 10 weeks then and I can't wait to use this stroller with him.

 

[Figment1990]

Okay I just stumbled upon a video review on Amazon of the City Mini and that stroller looks amazing! I was staying a little away from the jogger style strollers because I'm pretty certain my son would hate not being able to sit completely upright, but the way this stroller folds is just awesome! Sounds like the Joovy Kooper is similar.

Edited to add: I just found a review on the BRU site for the city mini that said that Baby Jogger makes some sort of board that goes in the back of the seat that will allow your baby to sit more upright. I'm going to go search for that now!

 

[Jenny-momof3]

Yes the Joovy is very similar. Except that it folds like an umbrella stroller. But a really great sturdy stroller just like the City Mini.

 

[glk2009]

Last year we took our Maclaren Quest and this year it's coming back with us again. It was great in the parks and easy to collapse for the buses.

We added the universal organizer to it and an extra baby shade (Kiddopotomas Baby Shade) that I would place over the stroller after our daughter fell asleep.

Really like how compact it is and that it has a good recline for napping.

Good luck!

 

[2binak]

We bought the P3 for DD when she was 6 months old. It's gone to WDW with us twice now and we LOVE it!!! DH is a foot taller than me so the adjustable handles are great for us. The large canopy is a big plus for our fair-skinned DD. It snaps to the back of the seat and can be unsnapped to be lowered. We just added a Rayshade to our canopy so that DD can be completely covered while napping. We even use it for trips to our local mall or around the neighborhood. DD has always been comfortable in the P3. It's easy to fold and unfold & very lightweight.

We went to our local BRU and tried out a bunch of strollers before settling on the P3. Then we bought it online at albeebaby.com and got it for 50% off what BRU was charging.

 

[blessedby3]

Okay I just stumbled upon a video review on Amazon of the City Mini and that stroller looks amazing! I was staying a little away from the jogger style strollers because I'm pretty certain my son would hate not being able to sit completely upright, but the way this stroller folds is just awesome! Sounds like the Joovy Kooper is similar.

Edited to add: I just found a review on the BRU site for the city mini that said that Baby Jogger makes some sort of board that goes in the back of the seat that will allow your baby to sit more upright. I'm going to go search for that now!

That was my concern for my dd too- about not being able to sit completely upright. It really has not been a problem. If I notice her wanting to sit up, then I just fold up the blanket we always have with us and put it behind her back. She doesnt mind the seat, thank goodness, as that is what I was worried about too. That is also why I ordered mine for diapers.com. They have a money back guarentee and they will pay for return shipping if you dont like it. Also they price match if you find it cheaper somewhere else and you get 10% off of your first order. Thankfully we love it and didnt send it back. I never thought I would like a jogger type stroller either. Dh wanted one, but I didnt think I would like it. I was trying to decide between the P3 and the BJCM. Im happy with my choice although I may have liked the P3 just as much.

 

[Figment1990]

OP here.... I just wanted to update to let you know that we are now the proud and VERY happy owners of a Baby Jogger City Mini stroller. We LOVE it! It hasn't been to WDW yet, that's next week! But so far, everyone, me, DH, DS, even my mom LOVE this stroller. It's got a great sunshade, steers and pushes so easy, DS is comfortable in it and it folds up like a dream and is so compact.

We're very very pleased. Thank you all for your replies and help and suggestions. I never would have selected this great stroller if not for your help.

 

[jennk1425]

Hey Lisa, so happy you got your stroller! We are renting one when we go. A friend of mine lent me her P3 and I took it to the Air Show last week. It was a dream to push around and DS was confortable, but it was really hard for me to collapse and open. Maybe with practice I would be better, but I was too worried about it getting stolen at the park when it was only borrowed.

So, I'm renting a City Mini for $58 for the week. What color did you get?