The average walking distance traveled per day by each Walt Disney World guest hovers above the 10 mile mark. If that sounds rough to you, imagine how daunting that will be for little ones who more easily tire (and yet, have boundless energy at other times!). I was skeptical about having a stroller available for our middle children who will be four- and five-years-old during our trip. We have a single stroller these days and I wasn't looking forward to renting or buying a double for this vacation. After doing my research, I realized that I will not only want strollers for my three youngest children, but there is a good chance that our seven-year-old will need the occasional break. However, we are but two parents with two hands, our oldest will have to tough it out and walk for the majority of the trip (stroller boards are an option - check that out here).
Here are options to consider if you find yourself in the same situation(this isn't an exhaustive list of options, borrowing is a free option if you have friends willing to give up their double for an extended period of time!):
Option A:
- Take single stroller
- Purchase cheap double stroller (think umbrella-style) before arrival or once arriving in FL
Pros/Cons of Option A:
- Pro: Maximum savings as umbrella strollers (even double umbrella strollers) are inexpensive to buy new or secondhand
- Con: This stroller style isn't very practical for long-distance hauling and isn't the most comfortable for parents to push
Option B:
- Take single stroller
- Purchase higher-end double (think CityMini or Britax B-Agile Double) before/upon arrival
Pros/Cons of Option B:
- Pro: High-End double is more comfortable for everyone and easier for long-distance traveling
- Con: Least cost-effective option as this will easily be in the $300-$400 range new ($200-range used)
Option C:
- Take single stroller
- Rent high-end double stroller - many rentals include free rain cover and parent-console
Pros/Cons of Option C:
- Pro: Most cost-effective compromise
- Con: You will be responsible for replacement/damage however, insurance is available through rental websites
We ultimately landed on Option C! I've attempted to use a double umbrella stroller before and vowed I never would again. Since we won't be needing a double stroller for use at home- it seems ridiculous to spend that much money on one for this trip (even used!). We own a Britax B-Agile single stroller- and after owning and evaluating seven strollers (all different styles too!) in the last seven years, I can say this is hands-down my favorite stroller. We got ours for a steal- $80 through Craigslist.
I knew I wanted to rent the double version of the Britax B-Agile- but finding one was a bit more difficult. Baby Wheels Orlando offers this exact stroller:
Baby Wheels Orlando not only offers the stroller I want, it costs less than the City Mini GT and BOB strollers offered through many other popular Orlando rental companies (BWO also offers these, but they are more expensive!). Baby Wheels Orlando also provides:
- 10% military discount with code: military2011
- Free raincover
- Free parent console
- Insurance for $15 (includes theft, loss, damage, etc.)
- Free delivery & pick-up to your resort or condo
Finally- there is one piece of advice you must hear about strolling at Disney World. Only rent the WDW strollers if you absolutely, positively must. You can't take them out of the parks, they are hard plastic, cumbersome, and not at all suitable for the infant-crowd.
Who have you rented strollers from in Orlando? How old were your children when they could last all day at the parks without a stroller?
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