All About Strollers @ Disney! The Ins & Outs!

The SKYLINER CHRONICLES | A TRAVEL BLOG | EDITION 006 | Jen BALSIGER

All About Strollers @ Disney! The Ins & Outs

When I was planning our first Disney trip as parents, I wasn’t researching the best snacks, but on our main form of transportation: STROLLERS IN DISNEY WORLD.

In this post, I’m covering everything you need to know about strollers in Disney World. Let’s get to it!

FIRST, DO YOU “NEED” A STROLLER?

In short, I’m going with yes. Use a stroller. Even if your kid doesn’t normally use a stroller at home, their little legs will use a break. When we would visit the parks with my niece, she never used a stroller at home but her parents always brought a travel stroller for Disney. You may be picturing the actual park, going ride to ride. But the worst walking is when there ISN'T something fun to walk towards. It’s when you’re heading to the bus stop at the end of the night, or if you’re staying near a park (let’s say the Boardwalk or Beach Club), just getting to the park is going to be a 10-minute walk which is a lot! Even if your kiddo doesn't need a stroller at home around your neighborhood...they will at Disney! Here's a rule of thumb: If your kid is under 8, they’ll definitely need a stroller off and on!

Not to mention the benefits of it not only carrying your kids, but your drinks, backpack, sweatshirts, and souvenirs too.

THE BEST STROLLERS FOR DISNEY WORLD

I really believe strollers are as personal as choosing a car. There are dozens of strollers that could be considered “the best”, and they’ll all have these things in common:

• Ability to recline flat or close-to-flat for napping

• A deep overhang so they’re protected from the sun

• Plenty of storage in the boot/basket underneath

• Easily maneuverable, especially with one hand!

• Able to fold up quickly and easily for buses, cars, etc.

SHOULD YOU RENT OR BRING YOUR OWN STROLLER?

We typically don’t rent a stroller and bring our own from home. I’m surprised more people don’t do this – it saves some cash from renting and we like having it at the airport because #toddlers.

There is the risk of it being damaged when you gate-check it, so if you’re worried about that make sure to invest in a stroller bag.

If you’re looking to rent, we have so many great vendors we can recommend- and we'll set it all up for you! What about the strollers to rent IN Disney World’s parks? Eh. This is always an option in a pinch but they’re hard plastic, don’t lay flat, and are no benefit getting to and from the bus stops. 

GETTING THROUGH DISNEY SECURITY WITH A STROLLER

There’s another thing to know about stroller in Disney World: when you’re going through security, you’ll see signs designated for strollers.

A cast member will check any pockets and the underneath part of the carriage. The kids do NOT have to get out. 

PRO TIP: Keep your backpack free of any big metal things like umbrellas, water canisters, sunglass cases, etc. Keep those in a clear bag or easily visual in your stroller.

One parent can take the backpack through the metal detector – since there’s no metal, it won’t go off and trigger your bag being picked through. This saves SOOOO much time.

STROLLER CHECKLIST:

• Rain stroller cover. Because Florida and there’s nothing worst than a soggy stroller butt.

• Cup holders. Hello!?! Parents need a perk, too!

• Stroller Fans, I love the clip-on style and the bendy leg style

• Hooks.

• Tie something bright like a bandana on your stroller so when you come back it’s easier to find. Some of my friends string lights on theirs for nighttime. Genius.

PARKING YOUR STROLLER IN DISNEY

• There will be designated stroller parking spots for rides. Sometimes they’re obvious, sometimes they’re not. Just keep an eye out for signs when you’re zero’ing on your ride. 

• Before heading into your ride, pull the sunshade down to save your kid’s little butts when the stroller is sitting in the sun. If it looks like rain or even the SLIGHTEST chance, through your rain stroller cover on, better to be safe and dry than sorry and soggy.

• If you come back and don’t see your stroller, don’t panic. Cast members sometimes move them around to make room for more (this is where that bandana comes in handy!)

WHAT SIZE STROLLERS ARE ALLOWED?

Wagons and stroller wagons aren’t allowed in the parks. There are some situations where they can be used to help someone with a disability, but they’ll only decide that if you’re in person. Strollers need to be 31” wide and 52” long or smaller, so be sure to check your strollers measurements ahead of time. But double strollers are ok! They can be side-by-side or tandem as long as they fit within the size guidelines.

STROLLERS ON DISNEY’S TRANSPORTATION

When you use the Disney bus transportation, you’ll need to fold up your stroller. Make sure you’re ready to grab the kids out and anything that will fall out (hi, it’s me) when your bus pulls up. The Skyliner lets you walk on any single stroller and front-to-back double strollers. Note: If you have a side-by-side double, you’ll have to fold it! Also expect that most boats in Disney World will ask you to fold up your stroller unless it isn't very full - just ask your skipper! The monorail lets you roll them right on, no matter the size. Score!

That's a Wrap...

Taking the time to research the best stroller for your family is going to make your park day easier with comfy, cool, and relaxed kids. But, no matter what you choose, you’re going to thank yourself later for bringing ANY stroller on your trip. Honestly, you may be wishing you had one for yourself!

So, traveler... WHAT KIND OF STROLLER WHEELS WILL YOU LAND ON?

Leave us some love in the comments and let us know!

And as always...

Thanks for choosing Fantastical Vacations by Jen & Verlin to help you plan your next, best fantastical vacation! Please reach out here to get started, today!

Jen & Verlin Balsiger

Travel Advisors - Fantastical Vacations

jenandverlin@fantasticalvacations.com