To Stroller or Not to Stroller?

That is the question!  The question I get most from clients and friends traveling to Disney World.  Especially if your little pirate or princess has ditched their stroller while at home.  But Disney is not a trip to the mall, it's miles and miles of walking.  In my opinion the answer is a resounding YES, if your child is 5 or under.  After that, it's a personal decision based on you and your situation.  So that gives you the "Who", and I'm also here to provide you with the What, Why, When and How.

WHAT?

What kind of stroller is best for Disney?  Well, it depends on your family situation.  There are sit and stands, frames for infant carriers, umbrella strollers, SUV strollers, double strollers, etc.  If you are bringing your own stroller, I suggest a cross between an umbrella stroller and a deluxe stroller.  We bring one that folds several times and has a carrying strap.  Ideally if it reclines and folds up neat, that is a Disney Stroller.  The strollers that are able to be rented in the parks are not appropriate for infants, but the average toddler is comfortable.  The stroller is hard plastic with a brake and sun canopy and some have small storage baskets.

WHY?

Walking makes for a healthy child, right?  Why confine them to a stroller?  Well, because an average day at Disney is MILES of walking.  Walking from the resort room to the bus stop, the bus stop to the entrance, etc.  All that walking is tough on little legs and short fuses.  Why you want a stroller for your little one is to avoid this:

• Carrying Them-As well as your backpack, with your own tired feet.   You will have no control over when or where this happens.  I can pretty much guarantee it will not be at a good time. So be prepared for #2.
• Negotiating-You will offer treats, another ride on Buzz Lightyear, a trip to Mars.  Anything to keep them moving and off your aching back.  Now you are either doing more walking or carrying more stuff.
• The Shut Down-As you will have no control over #1 and #2 this is inevitable.  If you are lucky this will just involve a “stop and drop” near a quiet, shaded bench.  More than likely it will be in the middle of the tight walkway around Cinderella Castle...or so I've heard.  The Shut Down  can also turn into The Complete Meltdown, carrying them out of the park kicking and screaming. The number to cancel your Advanced Dining Reservation, that your agent made 180 days ago, is 1-407-WDW-DINE.

WHEN?

Again, you know your child best. There is no prize given for being a hero and carrying your child around all day.  So here are some general guidelines to consider:

• Infants-They will almost always need a stroller.  Even if you bring the best carrier in the world, Florida's heat will require a break for both you and baby. Maybe you will even get a nap in the stroller?  Sit back with your Mickey Premium ice cream bar and put your own feet up for an hour or so.  Stay tuned for articles on my favorite nap spots in the Parks.
• Toddlers-This age group will need a stroller as well. You might get away without it if you are returning to the parks for dinner after a nap, that's up to you. But during the day at the parks those little legs will need a break.  At this age, the stroller is also a nice measure of control as you maneuver around the crowds.
• Preschoolers-This is where your decision becomes difficult.  You probably haven't used a stroller for a while at home. Maybe it's still stored in the garage from your last Disney trip. If you decide on a stroller, plan on using it at the end of the day and more so towards the end of the trip. The rest of the time it will be a place to store stuff while on the rides.  Disclaimer:  When I say stuff, I do not mean cameras, iPads or purses. Disney is not that magical.

HOW?

• Bring Your Stroller from Home-Easy choice if you are driving.  If you are flying you can check your stroller at the gate and it will be waiting for you outside the airplane when you disembark.  This does not count against your luggage limits and there is no charge.  Same goes for car seats.  This option gives you a stroller at all times; airport, resort, and the parks.
• Rent a Stroller from Disney Guest Services-Single ($15 a Day) or Double ($31 a Day) strollers are available to rent as you enter the parks. There are discounts for multiple days and you will need to leave a deposit on your credit card or resort room. They put your name on the stroller and it is yours for the day inside that park. Plan ahead and bring a ribbon or towel to wrap around the handle of your stroller to make it easier to spot in the sea of strollers. The downside to this choice is that you don't have a stroller upon leaving the parks. The upside is that you don't have a stroller to carry and lug around after leaving the parks. Strollers are welcome, but not available for rent at the water parks. Double strollers are not available for rent at Downtown Disney. 
•  Rent a Stroller from an Outside Vendor-This is rapidly becoming a popular option. There are many companies in the Orlando area which provide this service. Orlando Strollers and Kingdom Strollers are two popular companies. The procedures vary, but basically a company will deliver your stroller selection to your Disney Resort or off site rental. This means you will have your stroller at the resort and in the parks, but don't have to haul it on the plane. Also, there are  Special Needs strollers for older, disabled children. FYI-They will offer you stroller insurance which covers the stroller if it is lost or stolen. This is a personal decision, I am not up to date on the current crime rate statistics for Disney Stroller Theft.

The most important thing to remember is that you know your child best, so ultimately you have to decide what's best for your family. Being prepared with your options and planning ahead of time will make your Disney trip Magical.

Maria, AKA Mickey Mom is a Travel Planner for Snapshot Getaways. When she is not planning trips for others, she is dreaming of going to Disney.  Check out her MickeyMom Facebook Page

Disney Devoted Survival Tips-Flying to Disney

After months of planning you are now on your way Disney.  No time to slack…you’ve got to get through the plane ride!  Here are some helpful hints that you and your plane mates will appreciate.  Did you miss Disney Devoted Survival Tips: Planning Ahead?  Click Here

At the Airport

• Get there Early
  :  Arrive with plenty of time to get through the process with your children.  Its stressful enough without being rushed.
• Look for the Family Line at Security:  Most airports have them and it’s meant to give families a little breathing room getting through security.  This is not an excuse to be unprepared.  Have your toiletries ready, pockets emptied, belts off etc.  The family behind you will appreciate it.
• Dress appropriately:  Hopefully you’ve worn comfortable clothes and shoes!  At the time of this article children are no longer required to remove their shoes for security screening.
• It all goes in:  You will need to put just about everything through the security belt.  Including your stroller and car seat.  Remember to take your child out of the car seat if they are in it.  If you’ve ever gone through this process you will understand how it happens!
• Tire them out:  Once you are through, you need to look for ways to keep your child entertained.  Avoid the goodies you packed, if at all possible until the plane ride.  Many airports have children’s play areas, but if not a child can be easily entertained at a busy airport.
• Everybody goes:  Get some beverages and a potty break in so you are ready to go when the time comes.  Not all airplane bathrooms have a changing table, so get a fresh diaper in at the last-minute.

The Plane

• Boarding:  One of the advantages of traveling with kids is getting to be one of the first to board the plane.  Be prepared to do this 20-30 minutes before takeoff.  With that said, some flights to/from Orlando will not give you this particular benefit.  With so many families on the flight it’s counter productive.
• Seating:  Once you are on, get your child settled in their car seat or in the seat belt.  If they are a lap child, the attendants will instruct you on the proper way to hold your child  during takeoff and landing.   Have their survival bag at their feet.  You should have your supplies handy as well.
• Takeoff:  During takeoff, an infant should be nursing, drinking or using a pacifier to keep their ears clear.  So plan your timing if they are bottle feeding or nursing.  Older kids are helped with chewy food like fruit gummies or crackers.  Anything to keep the jaw moving.
• Play Nice With Others:  You are traveling with your children, but some on the plane are not.  Be conscious of your child’s feet and hands during the flight.  It may go unnoticed, but the littlest pulling on the tray table or banging the seat back is annoying to the people in front of you.  The lady with the stylish hairdo, may not appreciate your toddlers hands running through it.
• The Flight:  Once you are in the air, the boredom will start.  Dole out those snacks and games one at a time.   If need be, take your kiddo for a walk up and down the aisle.  Just avoid doing this during beverage service, as you will be in the way.
• Landing:  With a little planning and patience, you will be in Orlando before you know it!

The plane has landed, you are here!  Follow the signs to your method of transportation and Disney is about 40 minutes away.   Make sure you have directions to your hotel if are renting a car, as it can be confusing.

Disney Devoted Tip:  One of the best advantages of staying in a Disney Resort is the Magical Express.  You will get luggage tags ahead of time and once placed on your luggage, the Disney Magic begins.  You leave your luggage at the check in desk in your departing city and don’t have to worry about it until you get to your hotel room.  Bags will arrive a few hours after you do , so pack your carry-on accordingly.   Follow the signs to the Magical Express and they will check you in and you will be on the bus to your resort.  Most buses go directly to one resort during the busy times, but may make several stops if it’s not as crowded.

Maria aka MickeyMom is a travel planner with Snapshot Getaways, Disney Devotee and hates to fly!  Visit her on her facebook page or email maria@snapshotgetaways.com for travel assistance.

Disney Devoted Survival Tips-Planning Your Flight

So you’ve decided that flying to Disney is the way to go.  I live in the Northeast, so our flight is short, but in my opinion, necessary.  My parents were all about the road trip, but with two young boys, I’m all about getting there quickly.  So I’m going to share a few of my tips for a successful flying experience with the family. Disclaimer:  I make no guarantees here.  Flying these days can be rough.  But try a few of these ideas to ease the pain.

Planning Ahead

• Picking Your Flight
  :  Pick a time that works for you.  If you are not morning people, don’t stress yourself out by trying to get a 6am flight.  Direct flights are not always financially feasible, but if it’s a matter of a small amount, definitely go that way!  Spend less on your souvenirs when you get to Disney. Obviously we are all traveling from different parts of the country, but we try to take a late morning flight which gets us in mid afternoon.  For many families, traveling during nap time works out well.  If your kid is easily distracted this is not a good plan.  Then you are left with a napless, cranky child.   
• Discounted Flights: Many times if you go to your home airport there will be smaller companies that fly out of there to Orlando. Just check the individual airline website for details as many of these companies will not show up on the discount travel sites. 
• Bagging It:  We travel with a bag or backpack with several pockets and use bags within the bag.  By that I mean using ziploc bags, pencil cases,  makeup bags, etc to compartmentalize your items.  Dollar Stores are a great place to find little bags.  Keep all like items together for easy access during the security check in and flight.
• Travel Insurance:  If you are traveling during Hurricane Season or during the winter months, I strongly recommend this.  With kids, I always purchase travel insurance.  
• Entertainment:  Purchase some small entertaining toys, books or games that will be new to your children.  Or put some of their favorites away for a while and reintroduce them.  It could be as simple as a Matchbox car!  Download apps,  movies or tv shows they haven’t seen before if you travel with a IPad or similar device.  Disney shows of course!   Coloring books the “magical markers” are a big hit with this family.
• Preparation:  If this is their first flight, talk with your children about the process.  Books are always great tools.  Especially inform them that they will walk through security on their own.   Practicing and play acting your flying scenario can be fun family time.

What to Pack

• One Carry-on Per Person
  :  The trend now is to pack as much in carry-on  luggage as possible.  Remember you have to carry it through the airport so pack smartly.   We pack small, rolling bags for our kids with their toys, books and games.  Follow TSA rules ahead of time and have your toiletries and such at the ready.  Click here for TSA Tips for Traveling with Children.
• Strollers and Car Seats:  You may check those at the gate, but I recommend  investing in a cheap folding carrier any large car seats to get them through the airport.  It doesn’t have to be especially made for car seats, which will save you some money.  Ours is a $20 cart from Target with a bungee cord.  Don’t judge, it works.  Renting these pieces in Florida is also an easy option!
• Snacks:  You can never have too many snacks, because any extras can be for the parks.  Bring something you wouldn’t normally give your child on an average day so that it’s special.  Colored goldfish, flat fruit rollups, etc.  Don’t forget something for you, snacks will keep the cranky parent and child at bay!   I also suggest packing an empty sippy cup for your kiddos so the drinks on the flight (and in the parks) don’t create a mess.
• Comfort item for your child:  Do they have a Woobie, Teddy, or Lovey that never leaves them?  Make sure you don’t pack it in the luggage.  It will need to go on the security belt, so have that conversation ahead of time.
• Emergency Supplies:  Any prescription medications you need to have on hand, pain reliever (for both kids and parents), wet wipes, chargers, etc.   At least a spare shirt, preferably a spare outfit.
• Magical Express:  If you are taking the Magical Express, pack anything you might need within the first few hours of arrival in your carry-on.  Don't forget your Magic Bands!  They should be handy when you arrive in Orlando.  Change of clothes, trip information, swimsuits, sunscreen etc.  Your luggage will be a few hours behind you so keep that in mind.

Keep an eye out for my follow-up article Disney Devoted Survival Trips-Flying to Disney

Maria aka MickeyMom is a Travel Planner with Snapshot Getaways and mom to two expert flyers.  Visit her Facebook page