Right stroller choice?

[star77kc]

Hi friends . I'm taking my 2 year old twins for their first trip in December, and now I'm wondering if I made the right choice in stroller. We usually push them around in a big, clunky side by side jogging stroller, but I didn't want to be burdened by it on our trip due to its size and weight. I bought 2 separate $20 umbrella type strollers which are designed like Mickey & Minnie. I just thought they were so cute for the trip and are lightweight enough to carry on trams & the monorail. Does anybody think they will be too uncomfortable in these flimsy strollers at the parks? Maybe it just feels weird to me since I'm used to a Buick lol. Anybody have any experience with which is a better choice? Thanks!

 

[jkl2000]

I can't speak about strollers at WDW, but as someone who's pushed strollers around NYC for years, I think the two umbrella strollers are probably a better choice than the side-by-side stroller. I've never pushed one of those, but I think it'd be a monster to get through WDW - better to split the pushing between two people and be able to go in single file. Also, for any kind of travelling, as well as going indoors, the umbrella strollers will be easier. Also, IMO they can nap fine in the umbrella strollers, even though they look less comfortable. Also, when you don't need them you can probably sling them over a shoulder, which is handy.

 

[docdebbi]

a lot depends on whether you think they will be getting tired and falling asleep in them. umbrella strollers are do not lie back and help them settle into a nap like a regular stroller does. they also rarely have a sunshade, even though it is december, the sun can do some damage. they also don't have a lot of storage space for carrying diaper bags etc.
i do agree with the decision not to try to navigate the crowded walkways and stores in a side by side. very difficult to do.
i'm not against the umbrella strollers, they should work just fine for you, but if you really are considering changing your mind and can return them, i recommend renting two city mini or city elite jogging strollers.
we rented one for the first time in december for our trip, and loved them so that we have now purchased two of our own. the rental fee is up there, but not outlandish. and cheaper than disney strollers.
they are comfortable, carry heavy kids and still are EASY to push, have decent (although not great) storage space, great sun protection, they lend you a rain cover for free, lay all the way back, can be darkened with all the sun shades for naps, or totally open for awake times.

 

[star77kc]

Thanks so much guys. I am leaning towards keeping the 2 seperate umbrella strollers. We do plan on taking naps at the hotel mid day, so I don't foresee them napping a lot in the strollers, and they actually do have small sunshades. I will definitely be using sunblock as well. Also, we will have a backpack and no diaper bag, so storage isnt an issue. I think the double side by side jogging stroller would have been a disaster! Lol

 

[Figaro928]

Call me crazy, but I'm doing both... I'm bringing a 3yo & 15month old. We are planning on bringing 2 flimsy umbrella strollers and then renting the big side by side from Kingdom Strollers. We are going to use the umbrella strollers in the airports and the big guy in the resorts. while i like the umbrella stollers, they are not great for pack mule mommy. The double will be much better for carrying the diaper bag; cooler; gifts; drinks; etc etc... Plus they recline much better and have better shade and just look more comfortable for the kiddies. Good luck in your decision!

 

[HouCuseChickie]

A lot of it depends on you and your kids. I am not very comfy pushing an umbrella stroller...i.e. I find the bigger strollers are better designed for more comfortable longer term use. I also found that the more comfortable the stroller...the happier the kids. I have never taken an umbrella stroller to WDW, but I knew it wouldn't be wise for us b/c I didn't even like them for an afternoon at the mall- but that's just me. We took our sit n stand on the girls' first trip (ages 2 and 4 at time) and I regretted it. While it was a good basic day trip stroller, I found it a pain to handle in the parks and my girls were just not comfortable in it. On their next two trips, we rented a City Mini Double and it made a world of difference. It was so easy to handle and the kids were so comfortable, they actually fell asleep a couple of times in it...which is pretty rare with them. Of course, the storage on the larger stroller is also nice.

This is just us...you may be fine with two umbrella strollers. It's all kind of an individual preference sort of thing.

 

[LizC]

I also have twins. We brought them for their first trip in October (15 mo. old), and we went for two single strollers. It was easy to get around the crowds, and the kids seemed plenty comfortable. I find that our double stroller is much too bulky for the busses and the kids are quick to get hot in it.

We also brought fans to attach to the stroller, which worked great. Although, this may not be as necessary in December but you never know. I will be bringing ours for our Jan trip.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[journ116]

Hi friends . I'm taking my 2 year old twins for their first trip in December, and now I'm wondering if I made the right choice in stroller. We usually push them around in a big, clunky side by side jogging stroller, but I didn't want to be burdened by it on our trip due to its size and weight. I bought 2 separate $20 umbrella type strollers which are designed like Mickey & Minnie. I just thought they were so cute for the trip and are lightweight enough to carry on trams & the monorail. Does anybody think they will be too uncomfortable in these flimsy strollers at the parks? Maybe it just feels weird to me since I'm used to a Buick lol. Anybody have any experience with which is a better choice? Thanks!

Hmmm...it may be worth your wild to check out some of the stroller rental sites: Kingdom Strollers, Magic Strollers, and Orlando Strollers. Here's my two cents with strollers (my DD's are now 7 and 3 y.o.):

-After our first DD was born, and for her first WDW trip, we bought a pink Jeep umbrella stroller: MISTAKE! She couldn't get comfortable (at 11 mos. old), it had no cup holders, we were forced to carry all of our purchases in our diaper bag/backpack, and even at 5'4", I was still hunched over pushing the thing (my DH is 6'1" and gave up pushing it). We still have it and only use it for local amusement parks and parades for our youngest DD.
On our most recent trip, I saw many umbrella strollers...the poor kids were slumped over and the parents were hunched over...and back at the resort, I saw a few abandoned umbrella strollers. Just sayin'...

-For her 2nd trip, we invested in a Combi single stroller, a bit bigger than an umbrella-style: kinda nice! It had a built-in carrying strap and folded up quite nicely. We could fit some of our purchases underneath and the seat reclined to a very comfortable position for her. We still use this stroller today, but only if the youngest DD is passing out (i.e. trips to the grocery store, mall, etc.).

-After our 2nd DD was born, we bought the Cadillac of double tandem strollers by Gracco: nice for when our youngest was under the age of 18 mos.. We used the back seat as a changing table and the canopies were amazing at keeping the hot FL sun off our girls. But once our oldest DD hit 40 lbs., that stroller became a beast to push around and navigate the parks. It was sold last summer to say the least.

-For the rest of our trips down (and there have plenty), we rented a City Mini Double and the City Mini GT double: SUCCESS! Yes, they're a side-by-side stroller, but we were able to navigate the crowds, stores, and busses just fine (although my DH will tell you that carrying any stroller on the bus is a pain). If a store looked busy and the girls were awake, out they went and we simply parked the stroller...or, either my DH or myself would hang back outside. Our most recent trip, we went with Kingdom Strollers and rented a GT double, with rain cover and insurance, for a full week at only $104!! I'm thinking that by our next trip (Feb. 2014 to DLR), we will only take a single stroller due to the proximity of our resort and size of the parks...and by our next WDW trip (Nov. 2014), our oldest DD will be completely stroller free because she will hopefully be able to keep up with her parents' "go, go, go" mind-set, thus we will only need to rent a single.

In conclusion, with all the great rental site companies out there, and given the fact that my daughters can navigate the airport (finally), we will not be taking a stroller to WDW ever again...we will rent one if necessary! The rentals were nice and gave us a taste of luxury without forking over the $400-500 to have one just sit at home and be our "Disney stroller."

Even with all that said, it sounds like you've got your mind made up...you know yourselves best, but know that there are plenty of options out there in case you would change your mind! Have fun and enjoy Disney's take on the holidays!

 

[star77kc]

I also have twins. We brought them for their first trip in October (15 mo. old), and we went for two single strollers. It was easy to get around the crowds, and the kids seemed plenty comfortable. I find that our double stroller is much too bulky for the busses and the kids are quick to get hot in it.

We also brought fans to attach to the stroller, which worked great. Although, this may not be as necessary in December but you never know. I will be bringing ours for our Jan trip.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you so much to everyone for their replies. This reply was especially helpful since you have twins too!!! It's reassuring to hear that yours did just fine in seperate umbrella strollers. It is our first trip with them, so I guess I'll know after if we will continue with the seperate ones for the next trip or use our big stroller!!!!

 

[SAV]

First trip I used an umbrella stroller and it sucked. No tray for the adults to use, no basket and no recline feature. And this particular one, the hot florida sun caused the rubbery part of the wheel to expand and actually fall off the wheel. Threw that in the garbage at the resort. Next trip I bought a Baby Trend - Trendsport from Babies 'r Us and that became our go to stroller for the parks and it actually replaced our big monster travel system for most things. It had a tray for us, tray for the kids, a footrest for the kids(A HUGE deal that isn't thought of when their feet are dragging making it difficult to push), a basket underneath for "stuff", and easily foldable. It made it through 2 kids, numerous trips to WDW, Six Flags and general usage all over the place.

I would definitely not go with the big Double stroller and get 2 of these mid-sized strollers.

 

[Hot Lava]

You could also get a pad to put in the seat, to give more comfort. I do not know what will fit in your stroller, but something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Memory-Stroller-Liner/dp/B007UZ0HOC/ref=pd_cp_ba_0

Expensive versions:

http://www.amazon.com/Itzy-Ritzy-Stroller-Liner-Rodeo/dp/B0046A9STO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1372690656&sr=8-5&keywords=stroller pad

http://www.amazon.com/Tivoli-Coutur...TF8&colid=2KQSWIDA1UPB5&coliid=I218L3W2LV28E9

Don't know how these do with the heat, though.

Add extra sunshade:
http://www.amazon.com/RayShade®-Pro...2691143&sr=1-4&keywords=umbrella+for+stroller

Also you can add cupholders, umbrellas, whatever:

http://www.amazon.com/Diono-Buggy-Buddy-Stroller-Organizer/dp/B005PK1G76/ref=wl_mb_wl_huc_mrai_5_dp

http://www.amazon.com/ShadyBaby-Monkey-Stroller-Parasol-Umbrella/dp/B002LUNC2A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1372691047&sr=8-4&keywords=umbrella for stroller

http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-U...TF8&colid=2KQSWIDA1UPB5&coliid=I34EC81HM4UM9M

 

[MaryJaneP]

Not twins, but two youngsters in a rental stroller at each park. We rented from the park we arrived at each morning, and took the nametag if we park hopped to get a stroller at each park we visited. Kids were comfortable enough to take periodic naps. We didn't have to travel with a stroller on the airlines, bus, monorail, or boat, which we viewed as a huge hassle for not only the stroller owners, but all the other passengers inconvenienced as well. Given all the others who support outside rental agencies, maybe you would be more wise to take their counsel. Just sharing our experience.

 

[Maelstrom Troll]

We have used a Maclaren Globetrotter for our last three trips and will continue to do so until our daughter outgrows it. It's very lightweight, stable, brightly colored (great in a crowded corral), and reclines so Amelia can nap. When my daughter won't sit in it, it holds our backpacks or purchases. It wasn't cheap, but it has proven itself worth every penny and then some.

 

[Clowd Nyne]

Hi friends . I'm taking my 2 year old twins for their first trip in December, and now I'm wondering if I made the right choice in stroller. We usually push them around in a big, clunky side by side jogging stroller, but I didn't want to be burdened by it on our trip due to its size and weight. I bought 2 separate $20 umbrella type strollers which are designed like Mickey & Minnie. I just thought they were so cute for the trip and are lightweight enough to carry on trams & the monorail. Does anybody think they will be too uncomfortable in these flimsy strollers at the parks? Maybe it just feels weird to me since I'm used to a Buick lol. Anybody have any experience with which is a better choice? Thanks!

The umbrella strollers work great. They collapse do fast and easy! They are easy to get on the bus. They are light. And they are small so you can cut through crowds. We have three DC four and under and we only use these cheap easy tools at WDW

 

[star77kc]

The umbrella strollers work great. They collapse do fast and easy! They are easy to get on the bus. They are light. And they are small so you can cut through crowds. We have three DC four and under and we only use these cheap easy tools at WDW

Great to hear!! Thanks!

 

[figmentfan22]

We used our jeep umbrella type stroller for my DS and it worked great. One of the great advise I got off this board was to park the stroller in a central place (I.e. fantasyland) and then hit up all the rides around it on foot. This way you aren't constantly getting the kiddy in and out. My son is 2 1/2 and we just got back from our trip about 3 weeks ago. He never once slept in his stroller. I think it totally depends on each child how much they are in their stroller.

 

[SAV]

We used our jeep umbrella type stroller for my DS

Funny thing is it was the Jeep umbrella stroller I had the first trip that the rubber came off of the wheels.

Glad yours worked, but I'll still always recommend the ones that are above an umbrella and below the travel systems.

 

[olinecoach61]

We rented from kingdom strollers, it was awesome and we will do it again. I would not go with the umbrella strollers, just for the comfort of the kids.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

My parents had this old Gracco stroller for me that transformed into a bassinet. It was great for napping whereas I could never nap in an umbrella stroller. I later pushed my brother around in that stroller until it self destructed (what? Ran it into a curb? Me?). It was a great stroller with a basket and it wasn't too heavy. I have no idea what they sell now since my brother has been out of a stroller for years, but lightweight, can hold a bag, and leans back are the three bigs. Actually, those red umbrella strollers that they used to sell in Disney (don't know if they still do) were the best. We had one after the death of the blue Gracco stroller.

Just a perspective from someone who was pushed around in one not too long ago and remembers it and someone who actually dealt with it when her parents were otherwise occupied.

 

[smurphy28]

My vote is to go ahead with the umbrella strollers. We brought our 12 month old son at the end of May and it worked great. Like you, we went back to the hotel for a nap every afternoon, so he didn't have to sleep in the stroller. Plus, we got him in and out of the stroller so often that comfort wasn't a huge concern for us.

He hadn't really used the umbrella stroller before the trip and adjusted to it very well. It was easy to get him in and out off, and easy to carry on the buses. We had no issues with with using an umbrella stroller.