We've planned a fairly last minute d-land visit with family for Aug 3-5. We have a double stroller (side-by-side - Peg Perego Aria Twin) that we used at the park last fall (including Halloween) with our two girls - ages 1 and 3 1/2 with no problems, but I am concerned that it might be more hassle than help in the summer crowd. We also have a lightweight single stroller that we could bring, but it would only be usable for the 1 year old, and we'd have to rent one for my preschooler (because I know she won't last long on foot, especially in a big crowd) which is not a big deal. But - I'd hate to get there with one stroller and wish I had the other. We won't really have room in the car for both.

What's your advice? Is the side x side double stroller doable in the summer? It's really not huge - it fits easily through a doorway, folds up almost flat, but can have a crummy turning radius with both kids are in it. Or would two be more advisable in terms of navigating crowds, having the freedom to dump one, etc.?

Thanks in advance! We've never been in the summertime before, and are very excitedly trying to be prepared for a new experience :)

I'd take the double. The 3 1/2 year old is still young enough that you really need a stroller for her. It's not going to be the most convenient thing but I think you'll be better off with it than renting a second stroller. Which would be a bigger pain - having a double stroller or trying to keep up with your spouse pushing two strollers through a crowd and then having to carry a tired 3.5 y/o back to your hotel (or car or shuttle) at night because you can't leave with the rental stroller? ;)

Adrienne

Thanks for the input. We're leaning towards taking the double, but just not sure.

Here's more info, if it helps:
- We're staying at the grand californian (first time, yay!) so we're pretty close if we have to carry a child, though they are 25 and 40 lbs, respectively!
- We'll be with other family, a total of 3 adults and 4 kids (1, 3.5, 8, 10) so there's 5 eligible stroller pushers, and we could split up if we had 2 strollers.
- We're coming to d-land off a 4 day cruise, so whatever stroller we use it d-land will also be the one we use on the ship, etc.
- The double can't make sharp turns, and is even harder to turn when fully loaded. It has no cup holder and minimum storage underneath. But it holds two kids - which is huge. The single stroller is more manueverable and has great storage above and below.

Can you pay one fee and rent a stroller for multiple days? I know you can't take it out of the parks...

Decisions, decisions... Thanks guys

Can you pay one fee and rent a stroller for multiple days? I know you can't take it out of the parks...

Is there a way that you can buy a second "cheap" single stroller or borrow one from a friend? It does sound like the double stroller would be inconvenient, but by the time you've paid for 3 stroller rentals at DLR, you could buy a small stroller that you could have at DLR and on the ship.

Adrienne

Most Targets and Babies R Us's have a really cheap $20 umbrella stroller that would save you money on rental and be cheap enough to not care if it did not make it home with you. There is a Target on Harbour Blvd just before Dlans. Personally I think a simple umbrella stroller would be easier than the rentals, they are smaller and you could fold it and hop on the monorail or railroad with it.

I bought a Cosco Deluxe Ride Comfort Stroller at Wal-Mart for $20. It's like an umbrella stroller but has a flat back and 5 point harness-It is like a cheap version of a regular stroller. It has a small storage area under the seat and a parent tray-not plasic (mesh). It also has a canopy and can recline a bit. It holds a child 40lbs and under. I had bought a first year drink/snack tray for the umbrella stroller and I found a way to attach it to this stroller (doesn't fit on as well as the umbrella stroller, but it will do).

I originally purchased an umbrella stroller and then found out it only holds a child up to 30lbs.

PS-You can go online and see what it looks like.

Thanks for the input. We're leaning towards taking the double, but just not sure.

Here's more info, if it helps:
- We're staying at the grand californian (first time, yay!) so we're pretty close if we have to carry a child, though they are 25 and 40 lbs, respectively!
- We'll be with other family, a total of 3 adults and 4 kids (1, 3.5, 8, 10) so there's 5 eligible stroller pushers, and we could split up if we had 2 strollers.
- We're coming to d-land off a 4 day cruise, so whatever stroller we use it d-land will also be the one we use on the ship, etc.
- The double can't make sharp turns, and is even harder to turn when fully loaded. It has no cup holder and minimum storage underneath. But it holds two kids - which is huge. The single stroller is more manueverable and has great storage above and below.

Can you pay one fee and rent a stroller for multiple days? I know you can't take it out of the parks...

Decisions, decisions... Thanks guys

Taking the stroller on a cruise makes this an absolute for me. Do not take the double on a cruise ship. The hallways and cabins are a very tight squeeze, difficult for many normal sized strollers. I highly recommend using only a compact stroller on the ship - like umbrella sized, but it can be nicer than a normal umbrella stroller - like you will likely want a sunshade and a basket, plus a reclining seat if your child is more comfortable that way (mine always naps in his stroller at some point during the day at the parks.)

Allright, I've spent way too much time thinking about this. I think we are going to suck it up and take both strollers. The double for d-land, the single for the cruise. (My 3.5 year old is very tall - 41 inches - and does not fit comfortably in an umbrella stroller, otherwise I would just buy a second inexpensive one.) It will be a tight squeeze, but ah, the rear-view mirror is just for looks, right? : ) Thanks for all your tips and input.