At home my kids are pretty much past the stroller age. That’s not the case when we visit Walt Disney World. Even though we’re fairly active at home, there’s a lot more walking and moving around while we’re on our Disney vacation. We still plan on using a stroller at Walt Disney World until our youngest outgrows them and you should plan on it too. Here’s why:
Lots. Of. Walking.
When I was planning our first Walt Disney World vacation I read it a million times – Walt Disney World is huge. I’d been to theme parks before and it was totally doable. Were people just trying to scare us? Nope! I’m thankful I went with my gut and bought a double stroller before our first visit. My boys were three and one at the time. The oldest was fine with walking at home and when we went on day trips. Everyone was right – Disney is huge and it’s a lot of walking for adults, let alone little people. Being able to take that break is huge for them.
Having a safe place.
One of the most appealing things about Disney is the variety of things happening all the time. This is one of the most overwhelming things as well. Having a stroller where they can hang out and shut out the craziness happening around them gives your kiddo some time to recharge hopefully avoiding a meltdown.
Security.
People are everywhere at Disney. Being able to put your kiddo into the stroller and have the piece of mind knowing they’re safe is worth everything in my book. If a storm kicks up while you’re out in the parks (afternoon rain showers are not uncommon), keeping the kids safe and dry in the stroller is a huge bonus.
Now that you know why you should bring a stroller, you’re probably thinking that you don’t have the room to bring one with you. No problem – you’ve got options!
Bring Your Own
Obviously the easiest option is to bring your own stroller. You know how it works, your kiddos are familiar with it and you’ve already paid for it. When you’re flying, consider checking it at the gate so it doesn’t count as a piece of luggage for you. You’ll also be able to use it in the airports which is nice. Some strollers can be big and bulky so if you’re driving you may want to use that valuable space in your car for something else. Try rearranging things to make room for that stroller.
Disney Rental
Disney does offer single and double strollers to rent. They are easy to use and pretty durable. Consider bringing something to tie to the handle of your rental stroller to help it stand out from all the other Disney rental strollers. Rented strollers do need to be returned when you leave the parks so you’ll have to carry or have the kiddos walk from the park entrance back to your resort room using your preferred method of transportation. You can also purchase small umbrella style strollers while in the theme parks if you didn’t bring your own. Purchased strollers can be taken from the parks. If you won’t be taking your stroller with you, consider passing it on to another guest as you’re leaving to save them from having to rent or buy a stroller to use during their trip.
Outside Rental Agencies
There are several different places you can rent strollers from during your Disney vacation. I personally prefer Kingdom Strollers for Walt Disney World vacation and City Stroller Rentals for Disneyland vacations. Not only are their strollers the cleanest you’ll find anywhere, they’re both featured stroller providers with Disney. Making things as easy as possible for you, your items are delivered to and picked up from your resort and you don’t even need to be there for that to happen! Both companies also have a variety of strollers available including strollers for special needs guests.
Regardless of if you bring your own stroller, rent or purchase a new one for your vacation, consider bringing something to keep your stroller dry during the rain storms that often pop up. Many stroller brands sell rain covers specific to their stroller but even a simple Disney poncho can work in a pinch. Also something to make your stroller stand out in the crowd can be helpful. Adding a bandanna or bow to the handle can help you save time when trying to find your stroller.
Do you still bring your stroller on Disney vacations? What tips do you have for traveling with a stroller at Disney?
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