I may be beating a dead horse here but I have a question. How likely is our stroller to be stolen if we leave it while we ride? We do have a Peg Perego and would like to keep it safe. We are heading to WDW but this still applies to DL too. I won't keep anything valuable in it but should I get a lock anyway? I don't see us leaving it more than a few times a day. Please let me know.

In 2 1/2 years I haven't had my stroller stolen. I've used a Graco and an Kolcraft.

Both of my umbrella strollers were stolen in June last summer. I guess it's my fault we left them there for two rides, and it was close to closing. They had our big sweat shirts and blanket and snacks. :crying: We ended up finding one on the pirates bridge all mangled with the mesh bag torn off the back. Disney rented us one the next day for free.

We have a Eddie Bauer Graco or Costco not sure but we left it in Fantasyland to hit all the rides. I think we went on 3 or 4 before heading back and it was still there. We even had snacks sippy cup and blanket in it.

Does it happen? Yes, it does.

Is it common? Common is a subjective term. I can't get exact stats from Disney. I've tried! LOL. I've even gone to my inside sources. They don't have stats.

At Disneyland, many times people aren't going after the strollers because of the stroller but the stuff inside the stroller. They take the stroller, raid the basket, and ditch the stroller.

Anecdotally, in my researched opinion, rented strollers are actually taken more often than privately owned strollers.

My personal stats: I have taken three strollers to Disneyland without problem over the past 7.5 years: Two have been Pegs, most often my Peg Perego Tender, and one was an Aprica.

If a lock will make you feel more comfortable and you're willing to deal with locking and unlocking the wheels, go for it. Do not lock it TO anything, just to itself. If you lock it TO something, it could be considered a security issue, a fire hazard, etc.

I probably wouldn't get a lock just because I've never had a lock on my stroller at DLR and if I had one, I'd probably be too lazy to use it. I practice defensive parking. I make sure I park my stroller in a highly visible area but I try to get it "into" the parking area. If there are rows of strollers, I want mine to be hard to get to, so I'll push other strollers aside, put mine as far inside as I can, and then put the other strollers back. Does that make sense?

I also never leave anything of value on it. Sometimes I'll leave snacks or sweaters. If I leave sweaters, I pull the hood down over the seat and leave the sweaters in the seat.

I also put the brake on when I park it. It makes the stroller hard enough to maneuver that someone would have to stop and try to figure it out in order to make a 'quick' getaway.

Adrienne

I usually do not worry about my stroller being alone, unlocked by an attraction. However, do "decorate" it unique enough and have your name on it somewhere so that someone does not mistake it for thier own.

For clarificaiton: Decorate: A balloon, bag, jacket, colorful nametags, airline luggage tag, etc... Just something so that I can pick it out of a crowd easily.

I have never had a problem with strollers, but I did have a wheelchair taken by mistake on my last trip. However, I did write that off as a fluke, to be honest, as many of them do look alike at the parks. (And admittedly, I did not have it "decorated" to make it stand out a bit.)

I have to agree with some of the above posts. I have NEVER had a stroller stolen at the park and have taken everything from a expensive double to a cheepie umbrella BUT we do pack our goodies into a backpack that we take with us when we park our stroller - why ask for trouble? I have seen people get strollers mixed up though (once I saw a man rushing back to the stroller parking lot with a stroller and looking frantically for the right one. Apparently his wife had parked it and he retrived the wrong one by mistake.) So I agree that you should clearly mark your stroller. I also have put a label on the handles or under the footrest with my name and cell # in case it is "found" in the park it can be returned to me. Disneyland is wonderful at returning things when they find them. I think if you are really worried about it, buy a cheepie you won't mind loosing. I have seen them for as little $10 compared with the $8 rental it is totally worth it in my opinion.

I have taken my Graco DuoGlider, as well as my Peg Perego Atlantico and never had a problem. I normally don't leave anything of value in the stroller, but HAVE left my camera on an occasion. If I do leave anything, I put the hood down over the seat and toss it in there. I don't think most people are looking to steal a stroller, just the stuff inside. SO, if you leave stuff, don't leave it out in the open. I am sure that it does happen, but it has never been a concern of mine. I would worry more about the airline breaking my stroller when I flew, than someone stealing it at DL or WDW.

I just got back from WDW and my stroller 'disappeared' from stroller parking in the MK outside of IASW after being there for a few hours at the end of the day. The stroller rental at Epcot provided one free the next day.

The stroller was a cheapy we picked up from KMart in Orlando for the trip. Since we wound up with a stroller for all the days we needed one, it turned out to be fine, but I am glad that I did not bring mine from home.

I took my almost $400 Peg Perego to DL at Thanksgiving, left it for 3 rides on a crowded day and it was still there when I returned. Of course I was quite nervous about it and this time have bought a $39 stroller at Kmart to take instead. And am using my free Enfamil diaper bag to leave in the stroller too so I don't have to lug it all onto a ride.
Just a suggestion.

Adrienne - I thought locks were a no-no at DL?

Adrienne - I thought locks were a no-no at DL?

It depends on how you use the lock.

If you lock your stroller to something else, that's a no-no. You can't lock it to a fence, for example.

But if you lock it to itself, the stroller is still technically mobile. So if you had a cable with a lock, you could string the cable through the wheels and then to the stroller (like around the handle,) the stroller would essentially not be usable but they could still move it if they needed to.

Adrienne

If a lock will make you feel more comfortable and you're willing to deal with locking and unlocking the wheels, go for it.

Do the cast members a favor and don't lock the wheels. We have to reorganize strollers all the time to keep fire hazards from forming. If you lock the wheels that means we have to manhandle your stroller around.


Do not lock it TO anything, just to itself. If you lock it TO something, it could be considered a security issue, a fire hazard, etc.

Correction: it WILL be considered a security risk. A bomb threat to be exact. I called in 2 of them yesterday. Security comes with the K9 unit, sniffs down your stoller, cuts the lock and takes it away. In the post 911 world Disney takes no chances.

All in all, it's a pretty dumb idea to leave anything in your stroller. If you really need all that junk I suggest carrying it in a backpack or getting a locker. Nothing in your stroller is ever secure, and Disney is not responsible for it. If you are worried aout the stroller itself getting stollen, then rent one. Then at least when I'm moving strollers around I don't have to deal with those rediculous Peg and Jogging strollers that DONT STEER AT ALL!

[/rant]

Do the cast members a favor and don't lock the wheels. We have to reorganize strollers all the time to keep fire hazards from forming. If you lock the wheels that means we have to manhandle your stroller around.




Correction: it WILL be considered a security risk. A bomb threat to be exact. I called in 2 of them yesterday. Security comes with the K9 unit, sniffs down your stoller, cuts the lock and takes it away. In the post 911 world Disney takes no chances.

All in all, it's a pretty dumb idea to leave anything in your stroller. If you really need all that junk I suggest carrying it in a backpack or getting a locker. Nothing in your stroller is ever secure, and Disney is not responsible for it. If you are worried aout the stroller itself getting stollen, then rent one. Then at least when I'm moving strollers around I don't have to deal with those rediculous Peg and Jogging strollers that DONT STEER AT ALL!

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If you can't steer a Peg, it is strictly operator error. Probably should check the brakes and make sure they are off first!

If you can't steer a Peg, it is strictly operator error. Probably should check the brakes and make sure they are off first!
Nope. I've shoved Pegs all over, brakes off. They have to be my absolute least favorite stroller. I actually feel like crying when a parent pushes a Peg my way at Kilimanjaro. Because I can't move a Peg with one hand, which means I have to push that stroller all by itself to park it, and then go back for the next one. My normal tactic is to move 2 or 3 at a time... but you can't do that with Pegs. Pegs, Jogging Stroller and doublewides of any kind make me hold back tears.

And I'm not even going to touch on the amount of crap that people pile in those things. In my opinion, all strollers except Umbrella strollers should be banned. They make nice ones that have shades, recline, and have baskets... and they don't take up the space of a small European country in my stroller area.

Do the cast members a favor and don't lock the wheels. We have to reorganize strollers all the time to keep fire hazards from forming. If you lock the wheels that means we have to manhandle your stroller around.

and

Nope. I've shoved Pegs all over, brakes off. They have to be my absolute least favorite stroller. I actually feel like crying when a parent pushes a Peg my way at Kilimanjaro. Because I can't move a Peg with one hand, which means I have to push that stroller all by itself to park it, and then go back for the next one. My normal tactic is to move 2 or 3 at a time... but you can't do that with Pegs. Pegs, Jogging Stroller and doublewides of any kind make me hold back tears.

And I'm not even going to touch on the amount of crap that people pile in those things. In my opinion, all strollers except Umbrella strollers should be banned. They make nice ones that have shades, recline, and have baskets... and they don't take up the space of a small European country in my stroller area.

I'm going to try not to sound snarky but I have to admit, it's going to be hard. You obviously have very strong feelings about this, and they come across here as bitter and resentful. I confess, these make me feel very bitter and resentful about reading your post.

With as big as WDW is compared to DL, I can't even imagine bringing just an umbrella stroller. I have one of the nicest "small" umbrella strollers on the market (a Maclaren) and even as nice as it is, it no where near reclines or is as comfortable as either of my Pegs.

I agree with MommyTo2Boys - I've had two Pegs, one single and one double tandem. I've been pushing them through Disneyland for almost 8 years now. They're very easy for me to push and steer. In fact, one reason I chose Peg was because after talking to people who owned other strollers and comparing Pegs to others in the store, they were among the easiest to push and steer. Maybe people are setting their brakes on the Pegs you're trying to move?

Now, I know that this is going to sound really harsh and I don't mean it to sound as harsh as it's going to, but that's never stopped me before: That's your job. It's what you signed up for when you went to work for Disney. You work at a theme park where people bring little children and strollers. If moving strollers is so stressful that you're reduced to tears, maybe this isn't the right position for you?

Adrienne

. If moving strollers is so stressful that you're reduced to tears, maybe this isn't the right position for you?

Adrienne

That was my thought too. No job is worth being brought nearly to tears of frustation over and over again.

Nope. I've shoved Pegs all over, brakes off. They have to be my absolute least favorite stroller. I actually feel like crying when a parent pushes a Peg my way at Kilimanjaro. Because I can't move a Peg with one hand, which means I have to push that stroller all by itself to park it, and then go back for the next one. My normal tactic is to move 2 or 3 at a time... but you can't do that with Pegs. Pegs, Jogging Stroller and doublewides of any kind make me hold back tears.

And I'm not even going to touch on the amount of crap that people pile in those things. In my opinion, all strollers except Umbrella strollers should be banned. They make nice ones that have shades, recline, and have baskets... and they don't take up the space of a small European country in my stroller area.

Interesting. My absolute favorite stroller that I have is my Peg P3. One reason I love it is that it can be pushed with 1 hand! Even with a 40 lb. kid in it, I can steer it with 1 hand! It is also considered an umbrella style stroller, lightweight and an umbrella fold. But with all the luxury features of a full size stroller. It is the ultimate stroller, especially for travel.
I agree with Adrienne, you sound bitter. And you obviously don't have children. I pray you never do, becuase if you think you can use a cheap umbrella stroller for any and every situation, you are in for a rude awakening.
I also agree with Adrienne, you need to find a different job, if moving strollers brings you to tears. I can't imagine how you would react if a real emergency ever were to occur.

Along the same lines... Has anyone ever had or heard of a car seat and snap n go being stolen? We are going to DL this thursday and if a stroller were stolen that would be bad... But if her car seat is stollen.. well that presents a whole new set of problems.

I will not leave anything in it, should that keep me safe?

Along the same lines... Has anyone ever had or heard of a car seat and snap n go being stolen? We are going to DL this thursday and if a stroller were stolen that would be bad... But if her car seat is stollen.. well that presents a whole new set of problems.

I think my reputation here is pretty clear: I am a huge advocate of bringing your own stroller - I think the benefits FAR outweigh the risks. And I'm all about bringing the stroller in which your child will be comfortable.

That said... I've never used a stroller with the carseat at Disneyland. I still believe that the risk is remote, but it is a real risk, so if it were me, I'd leave the car seat in the car. You said you have a Baby Bjorn, right? Cuddle baby in the bjorn, bring one of those head rest thingies so she won't have as much room to flop- they fit in the strollers fine. But I'd play it on the safe side and leave the carseat. You can't take it on any rides anyway and she can still be comfy in the seat of the stroller.

Adrienne

OMG... some people just never change.:rolleyes:

OMG... some people just never change.:rolleyes:


I'm at a loss here, why would someone change if they are offering 'sound' parenting advice regarding the original posters questions? Once again, and this topic comes up on a regular basis, we have a community member asking about the risks vs the benefit of using a personal stroller in the parks. Again, not unusual we have had a cast member offer their opinion. The fact that some of us feel that the cast member might be better suited to a different line of work if they resent dealing with the equipment parents decide to use to ensure their childrens safety and comfort while visiting the parks is not a 'new response' nor will are 'our' collective opinion of a resentful CM being in the wrong position change...so yeah I'm at a loss....why would anyone 'want' to change. Care to clarify?

I think my reputation here is pretty clear: I am a huge advocate of bringing your own stroller - I think the benefits FAR outweigh the risks. And I'm all about bringing the stroller in which your child will be comfortable.

That said... I've never used a stroller with the carseat at Disneyland. I still believe that the risk is remote, but it is a real risk, so if it were me, I'd leave the car seat in the car. You said you have a Baby Bjorn, right? Cuddle baby in the bjorn, bring one of those head rest thingies so she won't have as much room to flop- they fit in the strollers fine. But I'd play it on the safe side and leave the carseat. You can't take it on any rides anyway and she can still be comfy in the seat of the stroller.

Adrienne


You can also do what we did - using receiving blankets for extra cushioning. Prop the kid up and use the blankets to help support its head; etc. That is, if you don't have one of those head rest things - otherwise, use that. ;)

Thanks for the info on the stroller/carseat dilemna. We haven't gotten one yet as the snap n go has been great.

Any suggestions as to one that works fab at DLR? I know that the Peg P3 gets high marks.

Thanks for the info on the stroller/carseat dilemna. We haven't gotten one yet as the snap n go has been great.

Any suggestions as to one that works fab at DLR? I know that the Peg P3 gets high marks.

They don't make my Peg anymore. It was a step up from the Venezia. It looks like the Centro is replacing the model I have? I also have a Tender which is a double tandem stroller.

I like the Pegs because they're very sturdy but lightweight when they fold up. Like I said before, they're pretty easy to steer. I like with my single that I could adjust the handle to push with the baby facing me or away. And the critical part about the Pegs (at least when I bought mine) is that in switching the handle, I can adjust the wheels so the front wheels are steering no matter which side I'm pushing from. It's not enough to be able to move the handle, you still have to be able to have "Front Wheel Drive" no matter where the handles are! LOL.

Right now my most often used stroller is a Maclaren Triumph. It folds up to the size of an umbrella stroller and has a strap to carry it. I love this stroller, but I would not take it to Disneyland because it's really not big enough for a day at DLR with my group - It's not easy for my 2 y/o to sleep in if he actually fell asleep and it's just not big enough to handle the diaper bag I carry with a 2 y/o, 5 y/o & almost 8 y/o.

Adrienne

DH and I debated about getting a stroller and as of right now we are going to chance it... Adrienne I really appreaciate all your guidance and we are absolutely getting a stroller for the August trip... I will look into your suggestions.

I did come across some valuable (to me anyway) information that made this decision easier and thought I would share it...

There is a children's stores pretty close to Disneyland ... (that has my carseat in stock... I checked):

BERGSTROM'S CHILDRENS STORES
200 Alro Way
Anaheim, CA 92802
(949) 250-8080

And a BABIES R US in Brea.

Hopefully we won't need to visit either. But I figure if I can wait on the stoller right now, that would be great.

As always guys... thanks for the advice, it is truly invaluable!