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

When Should You Travel to Disney for the First Time?

I get asked that question on the playground all the time. Unfortunately in this article, there isn't a definitive answer. Some parents are ready to expose their babies to the World of Disney as soon as possible. Another comment I hear from parents is that "I'm going to wait until my children are older so they can appreciate Disney more". For what it's worth, here are my thoughts on the matter.

  "My child is too young to appreciate Disney" 

Often going to Disney isn't about the child (insert GASP), but about the parents.  That is okay!  While your child might not remember going on It's a Small World or know the difference between a sippy cup and Mickey Mouse...you will get to enjoy all those things.   Gummy little smiles at the parade with its colorful floats and songs.  Wobbly toddler legs, running over to greet Mickey Mouse for the first time.  Perhaps, running away in the opposite direction while screaming from Mickey Mouse.  Getting to purchase those exclusive Disney Park items made especially for babies. Disney is about making things easier for families.  Each park has a Baby Care Center with quiet spots for nursing, short naps and to stock up on baby necessities.

A surprising amount of rides are designed for the whole family in mind.  For example, Buzz Lightyear's Spin at Magic Kingdom is appropriate for all ages.  Put Junior next to you or on your lap and he may even get a higher score than you do!    Should you have an older child who meets a height requirement and a younger child that does not,  Disney has Ride Swap.  A family can wait in line with their child and one parent can ride with the older child.  After getting off the ride, the other parent who stayed behind can now ride with minimal to no wait.  Of course the parks are stroller friendly and rentals are available.

On the flip side, you do need to consider some things when traveling with younger children.  Bottles or nursing, baby food, diaper changing, pushing a stroller, planning a nap and the inevitable melt-down.  This blog will feature a lot of articles that help to deal with these challenges.  If you are ready to go to Disney, then your child is ready to go to Disney!

Devoted Travel Tip:  Children under 3 are FREE at the parks.  While you will have to pay airfare, there isn't an additional cost for them at Disney.  So fitting in that trip a week before their 3rd birthday is great timing.

"I can't afford to go to Disney every year, so when should we go?

 Not everyone has the luxury of going on vacation every year, or every 5 years.  Finances, school schedules and other obligations can get in the way of the Disney magic.  If that is the case, then plan your trip around the 4-9 age range.  While I hate to put an age limit, that is the time where your child will be able to enjoy almost all the rides and know all the Disney characters and films.  When you will be doing most things together as a family, instead of going your separate ways.  Also, at age 10 your "child" is considered an adult by Disney standards and priced accordingly.

 That being said, there is no reason why you can't go with teenagers.  Thrill rides galore to get the "bored" 13 year old out of their shell.  Riding Test Track until their braces come lose is every teens dream.   Disney's two waterparks or Downtown Disney's DisneyQuest are perfect spots to take the older children.  I don't care who you are, you still want to get your picture in front of Cinderella's Castle and seeing Mickey will stop you in your tracks.  Pixie Dust does not care how old you are! Disney can also be surprisingly affordable.

As a Travel Agent I know a lot of tricks to get the most for your money.  Traveling off-peak season saves significantly, and often your hotel cost is no different than the cost of the local Ramada Inn.  Disney also takes care of your transportation to and from the airport if you are a resort guest.  Once at the resort, no rental car required.  Depending on the resort; a bus, monorail or boat will take you to the parks with ease.  Purchasing a Disney Dining Plan allows you to pre-pay your meals for a savings.  While at Disney dining ala carte at one of the amazing quick service restaurants is not a hardship either.  While the cost of Park Tickets can be sticker shock, the longer your stay the more value you get from your tickets.  At 4 days your tickets are discounted as part of a room package.

 Disney loves to offer discounts to fill their resort rooms during the slow times. So if you are free to travel the first week in December, the deal may be there. Disney's discounts historically include Free Dining or Room Discounts. The room discounts range from 10-35% based on the resort category. The Free Dining will give you a Quick Service, Table Service and Snack per person, per night of stay. There are also discounts offered by different agencies. These are special that are exclusive to a Travel Agency that often room discounts or a perk of some kind. While there may be restrictions on the resorts or timing, a family can get a great deal that way.

Devoted Travel Tip: If you have booked your vacation and afterwards a special is offered by Disney, you or your travel agent can apply the discount in most cases. The great thing about a Travel Agent (like me for instance) is that we are notified of any deals and specials offered by Disney and can call and make the adjustments right then.

Maria is a mom to 2 boys, blogger and travel planner for Snapshot Getaways.  Her first trip to Disney was when she was 30 years old!  Be sure to follow her Mickey Mom page on Facebook.