Busses and Strollers Question

[Beccone]

I have read plenty of comments about how carrying strollers on busses can be a pain in the butt not just for the person carrying it but for everyone else who has to wait for the thing to be loaded. That was one reason why we drove our car to the parks everyday last year. We had planned on driving down this year and using our car to get to the parks again but now I am thinking of flying us all down. Which would mean we would need to ride the busses. The stroller we have is not a huge stroller, one of the sit and stand ones and before anyone asks, yes we need it. My 6 yr old son is disabled and just started walking on his own, there is no way he can walk the parks. And we have the double because we also have a 2 yr old daughter who will be needing to ride. I know umbrella strollers are suggested to people who ride the busses because they fold easily and are pretty compact but my son's feet drag big time in an umbrella stroller so we cannot use one of those. So my question is, and please be honest, how much of a pain will it be taking the stroller on a bus? Will everyone riding hate us for bringing it on? This may be a big decision factor in whether we drive or fly. Thanks in advance!


Also, I am not one of those pushy people who expect everyone to move out of my way and use my stroller as a battering ram. In fact if there seemed to be alot of people on the bus I would be more than happy to wait for the next bus.

 

[DisneyChik17]

I have read plenty of comments about how carrying strollers on busses can be a pain in the butt not just for the person carrying it but for everyone else who has to wait for the thing to be loaded. That was one reason why we drove our car to the parks everyday last year. We had planned on driving down this year and using our car to get to the parks again but now I am thinking of flying us all down. Which would mean we would need to ride the busses. The stroller we have is not a huge stroller, one of the sit and stand ones and before anyone asks, yes we need it. My 6 yr old son is disabled and just started walking on his own, there is no way he can walk the parks. And we have the double because we also have a 2 yr old daughter who will be needing to ride. I know umbrella strollers are suggested to people who ride the busses because they fold easily and are pretty compact but my son's feet drag big time in an umbrella stroller so we cannot use one of those. So my question is, and please be honest, how much of a pain will it be taking the stroller on a bus? Will everyone riding hate us for bringing it on? This may be a big decision factor in whether we drive or fly. Thanks in advance!


Also, I am not one of those pushy people who expect everyone to move out of my way and use my stroller as a battering ram. In fact if there seemed to be alot of people on the bus I would be more than happy to wait for the next bus.

As far as waiting and stricktly time-wise, I would much rather wait for a stroller to load than a wheelchair, though I am bothered by neither. I would offer this bit, try to catch the first or second bus out or get one after rope drop. The crowds will be lighter and you will hear less grumbles. That will reduce your stress from having 2 kids and a stroller. At the same time, ignor grumbles. The busses run very regular and they can get one later.

 

[kangaand2roos]

Fly down, bring the stroller and don't worry about it! I've never thought twice about bringing a stroller (either a double and single) with us on the bus, but then again I could care less what others think. No one is going to say anything to you about it nor are they going to roll their eyes or anything else. There are alot of people that bring strollers with them, especially since the price increase of stroller rentals and it really isn't that big of deal, contrary to what many would like to make you think on this board. I would just bring your stroller and enjoy your trip.

 

[kadesha]

I used a sit and stand last year with my kids and we always rode the buses. Sure it's a pain having to fold it up and lug it on the bus. Go ahead and do it in the bus line though so you don't hold anyone up when you're boarding the bus. We didn't have a terrible time with it on the bus. It's just aggravating having to hold it up. It wouldn't be appropriate to lay it down on the ground, obviously. It wasn't a terrible experience though, you will be fine! I used to always rent from Disney but since they jacked the prices up I will happily bring my own and lug it on the bus. Lots of people do! I didn't notice any rude looks about it.

 

[kstella]

I have never had to use a stroller at WDW since we didn't start gong until my kids were older, however I do have a few comments about them. I have no probelm with people taking their strollers on the buses. If that's what you need, then that's what you need and I would rather see your kids riding comfortably in a stroller than having to be dragged around and if they are able to rest in them, all the better. What does annoy me about people with strollers on the buses is when they are inconsiderate about it. Try to keep it out of the way as much as possible and hang on to it. My mother was just on a bus where the woman accross from her had her stroller folded up, blocking an open seat on a fairly full bus. At one point in the ride, the stroller got away from her and hit my mother's foot, which the woman was well aware of and she acted like it was my mother's fault. I will point out that to me this seemed like an isolated incident. Most people are very good with their strollers.

 

[Southern_Tink]

I wouldn't worry about it. Ignore the grumblers-they are at the "happiest place on earth" and should mind their manners!

 

[gwhb75]

You could also rent a stroller from the park if you wanted. I know it's not cheap, but if it would ease your concerns then it may be the best answer. However, I agree with the general consensus in this thread which is don't worry about it. Bring a stroller if you need one and ignore the odd person who feels they should complain about everything that doesn't go exactly their way.

 

[Rob562]

As kstella said, as long as you're considerate with your stroller and are aware of it and how it might be "interacting" with other Guests, I don't think you'll have a problem.

But a few notes/personal observations:

One of the most exasperating things are the parents who can wait through a very full bus queue, but not take their kids and belongings *out* of the stroller to fold it up until they get to the bus door. (And more often than not, these are the parents who don't know how to fold/unfold their strollers quickly) If you're a ways back in line, start to unload your kids as the bus pulls up and you're shuffling forward slowly in the queue. Then by the time you get to the front of the line, you can be right on the bus with no trouble.

Also, I can't tell you how many times I've seen huge behemoths of strollers being hauled into a bus and plopped down onto two empty seats. If possible, try putting the stroller on the floor and sliding it *under* the seats. There's a lot of open room under there, especially if you're willing lift your knees up to put your feet on top of your stroller.
Or, I'd rather see it take up the space of *one* standing person than the space of *two* seated people...

Lastly, when exiting the bus, walk away from the bus before unfolding the stroller and putting your children in it. Too many times I've had to climb over or scoot around parents who stopped dead in their tracks as soon as they hit the pavement to put little Jimmy into the stroller, forgetting that there are still 50 people trying to get off the bus behind them.

So, just be considerate and observant, and everything will be fine.

-Rob

 

[toystorymaniacs]

You need the stroller, obviously if you are posting this you are a considerate person who will think of others (unload the stroller before hand, move out of the walkway,etc. ) Don't worry what other people think. Do what you need to do for your family and have fun.

My sister used a sit and stand with her two a couple of years ago and had no problem on the buses.

 

[EnchantedRose]

I have read plenty of comments about how carrying strollers on busses can be a pain in the butt not just for the person carrying it but for everyone else who has to wait for the thing to be loaded. That was one reason why we drove our car to the parks everyday last year. We had planned on driving down this year and using our car to get to the parks again but now I am thinking of flying us all down. Which would mean we would need to ride the busses. The stroller we have is not a huge stroller, one of the sit and stand ones and before anyone asks, yes we need it. My 6 yr old son is disabled and just started walking on his own, there is no way he can walk the parks. And we have the double because we also have a 2 yr old daughter who will be needing to ride. I know umbrella strollers are suggested to people who ride the busses because they fold easily and are pretty compact but my son's feet drag big time in an umbrella stroller so we cannot use one of those. So my question is, and please be honest, how much of a pain will it be taking the stroller on a bus? Will everyone riding hate us for bringing it on? This may be a big decision factor in whether we drive or fly. Thanks in advance!


Also, I am not one of those pushy people who expect everyone to move out of my way and use my stroller as a battering ram. In fact if there seemed to be alot of people on the bus I would be more than happy to wait for the next bus.

Hi! We went back in March when my son was 15 months and we took our big stroller due to it being more comfortable for him than our Maclaren. I will say it was a bit of a pain to get it onto the bus, but we had no issues. I would let my husband take our son and I would worry about the stroller, needless to say I had plenty of people offer to help and almost no one huffing and puffing! If it's going to be just you, hubby and two kids, just remember it will be a bit hard getting everyone on board, & the stroller but by our 3rd day there we were pros! The worst was at the end of the day at the park when you have bags, and cups and stuff you didn't originally start off with. Hope you have fun!

 

[SAV]

Fly down, bring the stroller and don't worry about it! I've never thought twice about bringing a stroller (either a double and single) with us on the bus, but then again I could care less what others think. No one is going to say anything to you about it nor are they going to roll their eyes or anything else. There are alot of people that bring strollers with them, especially since the price increase of stroller rentals and it really isn't that big of deal, contrary to what many would like to make you think on this board. I would just bring your stroller and enjoy your trip.

Ding...Ding...Ding...We have a winner. Bring it and enjoy. It is a kids place after all. You paid your money and they aren't illegal, so nothing to worry about. But like others have said, also be considerate of others by having it ready to go on the bus and wait until you are out of the way before opening it up. That way nobody will have a "reason" to be upset.

 

[Phonedave]

As kstella said, as long as you're considerate with your stroller and are aware of it and how it might be "interacting" with other Guests, I don't think you'll have a problem.

But a few notes/personal observations:

One of the most exasperating things are the parents who can wait through a very full bus queue, but not take their kids and belongings *out* of the stroller to fold it up until they get to the bus door. (And more often than not, these are the parents who don't know how to fold/unfold their strollers quickly) If you're a ways back in line, start to unload your kids as the bus pulls up and you're shuffling forward slowly in the queue. Then by the time you get to the front of the line, you can be right on the bus with no trouble.

Also, I can't tell you how many times I've seen huge behemoths of strollers being hauled into a bus and plopped down onto two empty seats. If possible, try putting the stroller on the floor and sliding it *under* the seats. There's a lot of open room under there, especially if you're willing lift your knees up to put your feet on top of your stroller.
Or, I'd rather see it take up the space of *one* standing person than the space of *two* seated people...

Lastly, when exiting the bus, walk away from the bus before unfolding the stroller and putting your children in it. Too many times I've had to climb over or scoot around parents who stopped dead in their tracks as soon as they hit the pavement to put little Jimmy into the stroller, forgetting that there are still 50 people trying to get off the bus behind them.

So, just be considerate and observant, and everything will be fine.

-Rob

Took the words out of my mouth.

Be considerate

Likewise, others should be considerate of you as well.


As others have said, you have a right to be there with your stroller, however others have just as much of a right as well. If everybody tried to take each other into consideration, then everyone would be happier.

It's when people have the attitude of "I have the right to do this, and my right trumps your right, so I am going to being unpacking all the stuff from my stroller just before I board the bus, depsite the fact I have been waiting for 15 minutes in line with nothing to do" that dirty looks and nasty comments start.

-dave

 

[daliseurat]

As kstella said, as long as you're considerate with your stroller and are aware of it and how it might be "interacting" with other Guests, I don't think you'll have a problem.

But a few notes/personal observations:

One of the most exasperating things are the parents who can wait through a very full bus queue, but not take their kids and belongings *out* of the stroller to fold it up until they get to the bus door. (And more often than not, these are the parents who don't know how to fold/unfold their strollers quickly) If you're a ways back in line, start to unload your kids as the bus pulls up and you're shuffling forward slowly in the queue. Then by the time you get to the front of the line, you can be right on the bus with no trouble.

Also, I can't tell you how many times I've seen huge behemoths of strollers being hauled into a bus and plopped down onto two empty seats. If possible, try putting the stroller on the floor and sliding it *under* the seats. There's a lot of open room under there, especially if you're willing lift your knees up to put your feet on top of your stroller.
Or, I'd rather see it take up the space of *one* standing person than the space of *two* seated people...

Lastly, when exiting the bus, walk away from the bus before unfolding the stroller and putting your children in it. Too many times I've had to climb over or scoot around parents who stopped dead in their tracks as soon as they hit the pavement to put little Jimmy into the stroller, forgetting that there are still 50 people trying to get off the bus behind them.

So, just be considerate and observant, and everything will be fine.

-Rob

Perfect. If everyone did this, there'd be a lot less stress for everyone.

OP: You'll be fine. You sound like a considerate person. The advice here is great. Especially, trying to get those early busses. They are frequently pretty empty and make the start of your day much more pleasant. Will it be a pain lugging that double stroller? Yes, it will. Will you swear at it when you are folding it up and trying to get on a bus? Yes you will. Will some people be annoyed no matter how courteous you are and how quickly you move. Yes they will. But as long as you follow the advice quoted, you'll be fine. And really, I don't see how you'd get along without it. Have a great trip!

 

[L2DAVI]

Hello, it sounds like you have no choice to use a stroller and so be it. I to will be bring down a stroller and I to pass my son off to my DH and I take the stroller and unpack and fold it up before we get on the bus. If someone has something to say they probably don't have children of their own and have no clue what it is like to have to lug a 40-60 pound child around when they don't want to walk. Just ignore them. Take your stroller and use it. Enjoy and a little tip if you fly down definitely use it at the airports and check it at the plane door. As soon as you land and start unloading they hand it to you and you can use it outside the gate. Hope this helps. :wave:

 

[Master Yoda]

What Rob562 said is 110% correct and IMHO should be posted on every bus and at every bus stop at WDW. Follow it and you will be golden.

A couple points I will add to make your life a bit easier. If you are using one of the larger strollers with storage underneath it put all the items in this storage area in a back pack or some type of zippered bag. Before you fold up it up take the bag out of the bottom. It will make the stroller much lighter and prevent any spillage. The second point....teamwork. If you have others with you it will make it much easier if you divide up tasks. One person gets the rug rat, one person gets the back pack and one person gets the stroller.