I am planning to bring a Maclaren umbrella stoller to DW for my 3 year old. She's too big for cheapie strollers. I am thinking of putting an Alcatraz stroller lock on it and linking it to our baby's Graco stroller for peace of mind. They will always be side by side even if a CM moves them, and I don't think anyone will try to steal the two of them tied together. Has anyone tried that lock? I read that it attaches "permanently" to the frame. Does it interfere with the stroller folding?

Haven't tried the lock - but I can just comment that we went to Disneyworld with our Maclaren last year, and weren't worried at all. Stroller theft is very rare. It was a great stroller for the parks, except the sunshade isn't as effective as we'd like.

If you're really worried, you can always try the old trick of tying a plastic bag with a "dirty" diaper in it to the stroller handle.

My trick is to park it as far to the inside of the group of stollers as possible so everyone who got there before you does not move yours to get to theirs, park it backward with the seat facing out to make the handlebars harder to reach, and lock both wheels (with the brakes, not with a lock). So long as you don't leave anything interesting in the basket, it will be too much effort for anyone to want to bother and they'll grab an easier one. Also be sure to park in the designated areas and don't park it alone anywhere. I have had a stroller in the parks with me for 3 years, going at least a few times a month, and this trick so far has brought me luck!

Another good idea, just in case, is to take a photo of the serial number sticker on it before you go in the park and also put your name and address on a luggage tag attached to the stroller. That way if it does go missing and then turns up somewhere, you can leave really good identifying info with city hall and get it back.

But stroller theft is pretty rare, I know it does happen but a good majority of the time it is stolen for the contents and then dumped in front of another ride. Considering how many strollers are in the parks everyday, your odds are pretty slim.

Thanks for the great tips!

When parking our Maclaren, I often think that if someone tries to steal it, they won't be able to figure out how to get it rolling. If you haven't owned one, those wheel locks are mighty confusing to figure out!