Disney’s Great Stroller Debate: Solved!

There are three options when it comes to having a stroller available for your child while at Disney World. And with those three options, there are about 300 opinions about why you should, should not, could and never use any of the options listed below. Let’s break it down so you can decide what is best for your family.

Option 1 – Bring Your Own

Pros:

• It has all the germs your child is already immune to built right into the fabric.
• Plenty of storage and a cup holder for your morning Starbucks (now at Disney World!)
• You are very familiar with how it maneuvers. You can break it down oh-so-easily. And your child has broken it in just right.
• You can wheel it directly onto the monorail and never take your sleeping child out. (Only helpful if you’re staying at a monorail resort.)
• Because you’re such a pro at closing it up and opening it back up again, you can easily transfer your sleeping child back into said stroller as you make the long trek from bus stop to resort room.
• Cheaper than renting.

Cons:

• You have to break it down every single time you ride much of the transportation to and from the parks.
• Cumbersome and annoying to deal with on most of Disney transportation.
• Doesn’t travel as easily over the varied terrain at all of the parks as does the Disney-made strollers.
• Not built for your 4-year-old who suddenly decides she’s exhausted and wants to ride like little brother.

Option 2 – Renting A Stroller – From Disney

Pros:

• For the older child that can easily walk to and from resort to park transportation, renting is great because the strollers are easy to pick up and drop off right at the park entrance.
• The Disney strollers are a perfect fit for the child that is too old for a stroller at home.
• Eliminates the hassle at the airport or leaves more room for souvenirs if you are traveling by car.
• If you have one child that absolutely needs a stroller and another who has just grown out of one at home but might need a safety net, the Disney strollers accommodate all sizes of children.

Cons:

• Disney strollers can be pricey depending on the size and how long you need one.
• Not very comfortable for an infant.
• Because you leave them at the gate, parents must carry the sleeping child to the bus stop or other Disney transportation.
• Limited storage and no cup holders.

Option 3 – Renting a stroller from a local company

Pros:

• They drop the stroller right off at your resort so it’s ready for you when you arrive.
• Reasonably priced compared to Disney stroller rentals.
• Eliminates the hassle at the airport or leaves more room for souvenirs if you are traveling by car.
• Lots of styles to choose from so you can test drive a model that you’ve always had your eye on.
• You can wheel it from park to Disney transportation and never take your sleeping child out. (Well, that is, until you have to board the bus.)

Cons:

• While cheaper than renting from Disney, it’s more expensive if you already own one.
• Doesn’t travel as easily over the varied terrain at all of the parks as does the Disney-made strollers.
• Depending on the model you rent, it may not accommodate your young toddler and your 5 year old who is exhausted and wants to ride.

General Stroller Tips:

• Whatever option you choose, bring a brightly colored towel or scarf to tie to your stroller. This will make it easier to identify in the sea of strollers when you exit an attraction.
• If you’re concerned about rain showers (and in Florida, who isn’t?) bring a clear shower curtain for added protection.
• Disney strollers can be a little tough on the tushie. A non-slip bathmat is an inexpensive fix.
• For renting strollers in Orlando, I highly recommend Kingdom Strollers.
• Want to see what you’re getting into with a Disney Stroller so you can get a picture in your head before you leave? Click here.