This week's vote is for the parents, planning a family theme park vacation - especially the ones with toddlers (or whose children were toddlers not all that long ago).
When you're thinking about how you're going to get your toddlers around the park (or how you did, back in the day), will you plan to bring your own stroller, or rent one at the park?
The pros of renting the stroller: You don't have to lug it with you in the car (or on the plane!) If you someone grabs it in the park - or your child fouls it beyond your capacity to stand it any longer - you just get a replacement. Park strollers also tend to be larger and sturdier that then folding "umbrella" strollers many families bring to the parks, making it easier for schlepping kids and gear.
The pros of bringing your own: You've got your own stroller for getting your child to and from your car (or hotel room). You've two fewer lines to wait in, at the beginning and end of your day. And, of course, you save on the rental fee.
I should note that some parents choose a third option, especially ones flying to a family vacation, such as at Walt Disney World. They leave their stroller at home, but buy a cheap folding one at their destination, and bring it to the park. That saves the hassle of checking and transporting a stroller, but allows for the benefits of having one's own at the parks. Buying a stroller can cost less than daily rentals on a multi-day theme park trip, too.
So, what will it be? If you're one of those third-choice parents, who buys a stroller at your destination, pick the "bring your own" option, since it is, technically, your stroller that you bring into the parks. And if you don't have kids, just sit this one out.
I'd love to hear your favorite stroller tips for other parents visiting theme parks, in the comments. And thanks again for reading Theme Park Insider!
No! You can't make me! I don't WANNA sit this one out!!!
:)
1. I already paid for the thing - why pay the astronomical prices at the park?
2. Use in the airport, Downtown Disney, outlets malls where there aren't necessarily rentals available.
3. I don't have to wait in yet another line for the park's stroller.
4. Did I mention the astronomical prices?
Now, if every place were like Holiday World where you can rent a wagon for $7 or double stroller for $10 ($31 at WDW), I'd leave my gear at home.
But...if you choose a popular model, especially from a discount retailer such as Walmart or Target, you'll want to find a way to personalize it. Years ago we had to figure out which of three Winnie-the-Pooh umbrella strollers were ours (the strollers had been organized and put into rows). We nearly walked off with someone else's and their small souvenir bag before we snapped.
We chose bright purple duct tape on the handles. Worked like a charm.
I'd say just go ahead and buy the stroller. Your gonna need it more than once anyway.
If you have your own, well, it's unlikely that will be stolen.
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Perhaps the next question should be about Wheelchair/EVC rentals. I have noticed more and more outside EVC rentals