Strollers: Do I need one?
I will be honest, I do not understand stroller shame. I don’t understand why anyone looks at someone’s family and cares about why a kid of a certain size or presumed age is in a stroller. If you think a stroller would make your life easier when walking tens of thousands of steps through a crowded Disney Theme park…get your kid a stroller. For reference, I average about 24,000-27,000 steps on a full park day.
My 5 and 6 year olds don’t “need” a stroller in day-to-day life. We’re country mice. We drive almost everywhere. We walk, bike and roller skate recreationally, but walking is not a primary means of transportation in our lives. On a Disney Vacation, I am packing a stroller. My older daughter tends to use it less these days, my youngest loves Passenger Princess Status.
The stroller carries our stuff. It is a place to sit, find shade, and seek a sensory break from the stimulation of the day. They can eat a snack on the go, and rest their feet to reduce the risk of blisters. We move faster through crowded or rainy park days. My youngest used to take naps there.
In my opinion, the only downside is having to fold it up and lug it on the buses. Even folding it up for the Skyliner (if you have a side by side double stroller) isn’t terrible because you are guaranteed a seat. If you have a napping kiddo, having to fold it at all is definitely a bummer. Some also find stopping for stroller parking outside rides to be an annoyance, but I really don’t mind. As for other people’s judgments? Those aren’t impacting my vacation. A tired, hangry, hot, sore kiddo? That will have a very large impact on the mood of a trip. For my family, the benefits of a stroller far outweigh any inconveniences.
If a stroller isn’t something you think you want or need, that’s great too! You know your kids.
If you decide a stroller is right for your family, check Disney’s website for stroller dimensions that are allowed in the park. Of note, “buggy boards” aren’t allowed. You may have heard of someone getting one in, but there is always the risk it will be noticed and not allowed, as it is a trailer like attachment. Also, if you need to have your stroller tagged as a wheelchair you can do so at guest services. Strollers can’t go everywhere, like through line queues or in some restaurants, so if you need it for a medical reason know that that is an option. Wagons are not allowed into the Parks unless deemed medically necessary and, unfortunately, you can’t get confirmation ahead of time that your medical reason will be approved. You must see Guest Services before entering the park to get a tag/approval.
Double or Single Stroller?
If your family is like mine, non-stroller users outside the parks, where do you get one? What kind do you need? I have amassed quite the arsenal over the last six years. Single umbrella strollers, a double umbrella stroller, and a Joovy caboose. For a June trip, I finally caved and now own a City Mini Double. Thank you Facebook Marketplace. My OG home stroller, and the only one I bought new, was a Mockingbird (tandem.) While ideal at home, it has not been something I’ve wanted to travel with. I’ve since passed it onto my brother’s young family.
When deciding on the Stroller that is right for your family, ask yourself:
1.) How many kids need a stroller?
If it’s just one, no brainer, bring a single. Of note, my two and half year old absolutely refused to ride in the stroller. To keep the peace, and my sanity, I carried her through 3 and a half park days. I wish I had known about those hip carriers (Tush baby) so maybe consider that too.
More than one…consider a double or two singles.
2.) Will you be splitting up often? For example, one kid needs to leave midday for a nap while another stays and does the big kid rides. Maybe one kid doesn’t do big rides and will be going to other experiences while their big sibling hits Tower of Terror.
Consider multiple single strollers, if you have enough adults ready, willing and able to push said strollers and manage them on transportation. This provides flexibility for park touring if staying together isn’t always the plan.
3.) If You Want a Double, do you go Tandem or Side by Side?
What kinds of transportation will you be using?
Skyliner: have to fold side-by-side strollers but can roll tandem and single strollers on.
Bus: Must fold all strollers (come prepared with a bag to quickly unload your stroller prior to folding it.)
Monorail: Can roll on with your strollers.
Boats: In most circumstances you can roll on your strollers. I have heard of busy times when they request strollers be folded to accommodate more passengers.
Ride Shares or Minnie Vans: fold and stow your strollers.
4.) Who will have to manage the stroller on transportation?
Doubles tend to be heavier. (love that City Mini for the recline, weight limits, storage and shade canopy…but I have absolutely acquired leg bruises from schlepping it on buses.)
Multiple Single Strollers require more than one person to push and possibly more than one person to manage on transportation. You may need one person on stroller duty, one on the kids in these circumstances.
Tandem strollers (like my Joovy Caboose) can roll right onto the Skyliner and are easier to navigate through a big crowd, but can be more cumbersome/awkward to carry and hold. (One of my favorite strollers, until my eldest became too tall to really fit, but I’ll admit it was definitely more awkward to manage folded.Thanks to their Uncle Tim & Dada for doing that heavy lifting.)
Side-by-side doubles have to be folded on buses, Skyliners, and occasionally the boats. I do find them easier to carry and manage than a folded tandem stroller.
5.) Lastly, consider the size of your kids. Height and weight limits may help you determine the best stroller for your family situation.
Ways to get a Stroller
2. Rent direct from Disney on a first come, first serve basis. They have single and double stroller options with plastic seats, a sunshade, but no storage to speak of. Rental locations are at the front of the Parks after you go through security. You can rent daily or for Length of Stay. See Disney’s website for pricing.
You don’t need to (can’t) take them between parks, so navigating transportation with a stroller won’t be an issue. If you park hop, show your rental receipt to pick up your stroller at your next park.
3. Rent from a third party vendor. There are so very many options. I’ve listed a few below to get you started in your search.
I hope this helped. As always, reach out with questions/concerns about your family’s unique needs or situation.
Happy planning friends!
Jody
