So as soon as I booked. I felt like a load was lifted from my shoulders. But a new set of worries quickly set in. Do I need a stroller? Can I rent one? Should I buy one? Can I load it on the plane, the bus, where does it go??? How will I travel between theme parks? How far are the parks from my resort? At this moment, I will address the stroller. As I was not able to rest easy til I had answers.
Ok, so having a 3 and a 6 year old, I no longer have a nice sturdy stroller. But this is Disney, endless fun as far as the eye could see, would my kids be able to handle it? Should I buy 2 strollers? My kids are so big, will they be comfortable in an umbrella stroller? I quickly dismissed the idea of renting a stroller as it was sort of pricey and I knew I would need a stroller for non Disney Park ventures, like the airport, Downtown Disney, walking around the resorts (they are pretty big). I also threw out the idea of a cheap umbrella stroller, because my kids are way too big for them. So I invested in a Chicco Echo Umbrella Stroller that would hold up to 40 lbs. It was comfier, and reclined and swiveled pretty easily. It made pushing my daughter a breeze. She is such a slow walker, that I knew I would need one for her. On the other hand, my son is so hyper, I felt that if he ever got tired, we could carry Macy, and Luke could rest in the stroller a bit. (On the trip, Luke did get tired, but Macy was a little territorial with her new stroller) Luke was able to just sit and rest here or there at the parks, and it worked out fine!
Now, for details about how we got along with the stroller. Tip number 1: practice, setting up and closing the stroller with ease. Everyone in your party should learn how to operate the stroller as while you are traveling, you will have to break it down and set it up as quickly as possible.
First place and worry of mine was the airport.
Q: What was I going to do with the stroller? Would I put it with luggage? Wait, I need it to tote Macy all over the airport?
A: Not to worry my friend, I quickly found that the airport deals with strollers all day everyday. I flew with Soutwest Airlines where my stroller and bags flew free as well. (Some airlines charge for bags) I found that I could use my stroller all the way til I got on the plane, literally. I did have to stop at the gate desk (where you sit and wait to load your plane, for my non frequent flyers) and they "checked" my stroller (tagged it with my name and flight info). As I boarded the plane I just broke it down, and placed it right at the door. When we got off the plane, we waited maybe less than a minute and they placed our stroller right where we left it. We set it up, and off we went. Simple!
Q: What about when we get to Disney, where will I put the stroller on the bus?
A: We got picked up from the airport by Disney's Magical Express, it was super cool. The driver helped my husband break the stroller down and place it on the belly of this beautiful big charter bus. We were on our way!
Q: What about the Resort?
A: As we unloaded our stroller, Macy had already learned to wait and hop in and yes the resort is large enough that pushing her in the stroller was essential.
Q: What about riding the busses to and from the parks?
A: This is why everyone must practice opening and closing the stroller as fast as possible. You will be required at times to RUN to a bus and break down the stroller in no time flat and hop on the bus. (The stroller came in handy at moments like this becaise we were able to use the stroller as if it were a jogging stroller.) At other times you can wait up to 20 minutes for a bus. Macy liked to chill in her stroller til the bus came.
Q: Where do I leave my stroller while I'm on rides and at shows?
A: There are so many designated areas for your stroller, the Disney workers are always around to show you where to place the stroller. I'd suggest a scarf or rag of some sort to tag your stroller with to prevent a mix up and make the stroller easier to find.
These were my worries. As you can see, I had plenty of concerns. I know its sort of a long post, but Im glad I shared. I'd love to put your mind at ease! ; )
