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BEST TIPS FOR TRAVELING DISNEY WITH STROLLERS, DIAPER BAGS & CAR SEATS
Should we bring one? Or shouldn't we? That is the question. Whether you're traveling with 1 child or five, it can be a task having to lug around a stroller or two when visiting the house of mouse. Every family has different expectations and needs, and so hopefully these tips will help you decide before you go.
Disney involves a lot of walking, and many times in the hottest heat of the day! At some point, your little ones are likely going to "poop-out" and need a break. You can choose not to bring a stroller, throw a picnic blanket in your things and take shady breaks throughout your day, or you may choose to rent one on site.
Disney is stroller friendly, and there's plenty of space to keep your stroller out the way when you jump on rides or pop in for shows.
Love My Travel Agent highly recommends bringing your own stroller if it isn't too much trouble for you. Airlines will glady let you tag your stroller at the gate and you'll be able to wheel it right down the gangway to the door of plane where they'll take it and bring it right back up for you at your destination. Your child having that familiar feel to his/her surroundings will allow for a comfort that can't be paralleled with the rental units you have access to once you get to the "greatest place on earth".
STROLLER SIZE RESTRICTIONS
A stroller size restriction launched in 2019 that says that strollers must not be larger than 31 inches wide and 52 inches long. May strollers do fit within these perimeters, but some do not; Stroller Wagons or wagons of any kind are prohibited. They are NOT ALLOWED at any Disney Parks. It's so sad to see the kick off to vacation dampened when you arrive at the gate full of smiles and have to trek back to your vehicle or hotel to drop off a wagon you didn't know you couldn't bring with you.
RENTING A STROLLER AT DISNEY
Most rental locations are available right near the entrances at any given Disney Park. You can choose to rent by the day or pay for your entire visit in advance. Though it doesn't save you a ton, it can save you the hassle of having to go step-by-step of filling everything out each and every day you arrive at the various parks. Disney strollers now have a fun, new design featuring Mickey & Minnie in their famous red and yellow primary colors and a shady black canopy adorned with the characters for your little ones to enjoy. There's great pockets on the back for those cup holding conveniences as well!
You can rent a single or a double stroller, and Love My Travel Agent recommends even if traveling with one child, or a younger child and one older child, the double stroller will be super helpful when that slightly bigger child gets a little tired and ends up crawling up next to your little one for a break.
Rental Rates for Strollers at Disney Range from $15 per day for a single, to $31 per day for a double, and when you purchase multiple days at a time, you can save $2-$4 per day. A $100 deposit is required for strollers rented at Disney Springs.
WHERE CAN I USE RENTED STROLLERS?
The rented strollers for Disney Parks are available at the four parks, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom as well as Disney Springs. However, there is no stroller rental at the resorts or at the waterparks. Another reason you may choose to bring your stroller(s) from home. You also cannot take the stroller from park to park. You'll have to turn it in at one park and pick up a new one at the other park or location you may be hopping to.
STROLLER RENTAL HEIGHT & WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Though there may not be too many specific restrictions with the rentals, there are recommendations. A single stroller is recommended for children 50 pounds or less, and a double stroller is recommended for 100 pounds or less. The strollers aren't padded so if you have an infant or a child that can't sit up on it's own, then renting a stroller may not be the way to go. Also be aware that the strollers in Disney Parks have lap belt accommodations only, not the traditional 5-point harnesses that many retail strollers have, so safety is a big concern based on the size of your little one.
STROLLER IDENTIFIERS - DETERRENTS
It's easy when so many rented strollers look alike for someone to accidentally grab the wrong one. It's also wouldn't look too out of place for someone to walk away with a park rented stroller and then not stand out, after all there are hundreds of these identical units roaming the parks each and every day. Make sure you plan ahead, whether you bring your own stroller or you rent one at the park. Bring something to help you recognize your unit quickly among the floods of strollers within the designated parking areas. A combination of your favorite balloons might be a good start. Bring a Bright Yellow or Fluorescent colored ribbon to tie in a knot on the handle so strangers might realize right away "whoops! this one isn't mine!". If you have identifiers or special features on your stroller, it may also deter your unit for being an easy target of being swiped or stolen.
WHAT IF I CAN'T FIND MY STROLLER?
First and foremost, try not to panic. There's nothing worse than thinking someone walked off with your things, but it could be as simple as a Disney Cast Member having just moved it as they made space for more stroller parking. There's been times we've left our stroller one place and found that it was moved to the other side of the walk way about 15 feet away and ended up surrounded by several other strollers that we had to move to get to ours. This doesn't happen all the time, but it can, and that's just one reason to be educated and know it's possible. Many of the attractions have designated stroller parking areas and they're not always clearly defined. You may see a couple strollers against the flowerbeds and think that's where you're supposed to park for that attraction, later to find out it was on the opposite side of the attraction all together. Be flexible in knowing that stroller can be shifted while your enjoying the fun; If you still can't find it after you've double checked the area, let a cast member know immediately and they'll assist you in the next steps to help you try to locate your belongings.
STROLLERS IN VARIABLE WEATHER ( RAIN OR SUNSHINE)
Tropical weather promises afternoon showers almost everyday even in the clearest of forecasts. Being prepared for these pop up showers is one of the key stress reliefs when it comes to traveling with strollers in Disney. There are several options for water-repellent stroller covers that can help protect your little one in those unexpected down pours. Keeping a reusable drying towel handy will be a great asset to drying off benches, seats, handles, trays and more if they're covered in raindrops. Umbrellas a great for helping mom or dad stay dry while the stroller cover does it's job, but it's also a great tool to have to keep sun out of little faces especially if they doze off for a quick afternoon nap. Don't forget that stroller fans are also a great asset to keep air circulating to keep the kiddos cool! Some of our best recommendations for quality suggested items are in our ZipnFly Travel Store! Look no further!
TAKE YOUR VALUABLES WITH YOU WHEN YOU PARK YOUR STROLLER
It's a great thought to hope that all your fellow park goers will have a good heart such as yourself and just leave your personal belongings along, but you'd be surprised how many portable fans, cans of sunscreen, and those brand name diaper bags may go missing. Deterrents are the best way to help avoid this if you can't lock everything up. First and Foremost, you are ultimately responsible for your belongings whether you rent a stroller or bring your own. Making sure that you take your valuable possessions with you is the best way to assure they don't disappear forever. Some people choose to put their raingear over the stroller with their bulk belongings tucked underneath. It's a little harder to grab those through the plastic, and if it's too much effort, people may not be as tempted to try to scarf up things that aren't theirs. Keeping your rental receipts and/or the tickets you're given in a safe place on your person, is the best way to assure if someone does accidentally walk off with your stroller, that you'll be able to get it replaced when you show proof of receipt. Don't forget there's parent-swap options available on many rides at Disney so if you need to carry a backpack or diaper bag with you, you can take turns riding (and one of your little ones may even get to ride twice! how fun!) Lots of rides will allow you to place your backpack or bag at your feet if it doesn't interfere with the safety of the rider(s).
GET TO PARADES EARLY or PARK AND WALK
Those parade routes can get super crowded with Disney Fans of all ages. If you don't get a curb-side spot on the parade route well in advance of the start time, your might as well park & walk with your little ones or they'll be pretty disappointed at hip level, trying to look between the knee caps of those standing in front of them to be able to see anything. The stroller will hinder an enjoyable parade if you don't get there early enough to get a seat. Once you find a spot. Stick with it. People will look for any opportunity to move forward or "up the viewing line" so make sure you claim your space and remain there for the duration of the parade. There are plenty of stroller parking areas that allow you to set your stroller aside and then get your child a good viewing spot by walking them up to the curb area, maybe putting them on your shoulders is your thing, or carrying them on your hip. The parks are meant to be enjoyed by everyone so common courtesy of those around you so that everyone can enjoy will help to make your experience that much more enjoyable.
WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS HIS/HER STROLLER DUE TO DISABILITY? I DON'T WANT TO PARK IT.
Disney World is a diverse and inclusive destination. It prides itself on making their destination enjoyable for everyone. If you or anyone in your party has special needs, you can work with Guest Services to get whatever help is available to accommodate those needs for you to get the most out of your visit. The first thing to do is to request a Disabilities Access Service Pass or (DAS). This pass has so many benefits for those that are traveling with special needs children. There are special oversized strollers that can be rented when you have one of these passes, and you can even use your own stroller as a "medical device" by being assigned a big red sticker that identifies your stroller as a necessity. This will allow you to take the stroller anywhere that a wheelchair would be able to go as an ADA accommodation. Just ask at guest services how you can get a special pass that allows you to consider your stroller an ADA accommodation and they'll assist you in arranging it as needed.
THE BEST TYPE OF DIAPER BAGS FOR DISNEY
First and foremost Bag regulations at disney are 24"long x 15" wide x 18" high which is larger than most diaper bags to begin with; Making sure you have some Insulated pockets is also a great option. They don't keep things as cold as an ice pack but it does help to keep things cool. You can't have loose ice in your bags when visiting Disney Parks so freezing Bottles of Water and keeping them in these insulated sections will keep them cool as they melt though out the day to provide you with cool water as needed. Those plastic disposable ice packs are not only a great choice for keeping things cold but they're great for unexpected trips or falls those little ones may have. Your bag should have adjustable straps and stroller clips. Being able to adjust the straps so it secures tightly to the handle, or something with a loop at the top to hang from an X-Large Heavy Duty Shopping Clip is a great way to stay organized with your bag. Something that looks bigger on the inside than the outside. Room for diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, Chapstick, water bottles, mini snacks, a wristlet wallet, medications or other necessities. The more pockets the better. There are days you may not want to take a lot and then there's days you may want to stay at the park the entire day and not have to run back to the car or hotel, so a nice roomy bag to hold all these items is great. All Bags have to go through a security check upon entrance
WHAT ARE PROHIBITED ITEMS FOR MY DIAPER BAG
Any costume accessories that look like weapons;
Toys like swords or knives are not allowed.
Glass containers (though small baby food jars are ok).
Artificial noise makers.
Pool Floaties or swim noodles are not allowed.
Outside food an drink is allowed in soft-shelled bags,
unless medical necessity can be proved for any other type of carry-in.
Disney's Animal Kingdom will not allow food in the park it must be stored in a locker or held by guest services.
Juice Boxes with plastic straws are not permitted at the parks.
No alcohol is allowed.
Disneyland will not allow any food that requires preparation but pre-made sandwiches or cut up fruit or veggies is OK.
Large, Sharable Tupperware Items containing food are not allowed. They must remain in the picnic areas outside of the parks.
There have been reports of people that ended up bringing in food items that were on the list of restrictions and also from some people that said they brought things on the approved list but were told they couldn't bring it in. Though there are recommendations that the parks follow, every individual experience can prove something unique, so do your best to meet their guidelines and if they do turn away something, respect the decision and do your best to maintain a positive outlook on your day.
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CAR SEAT USE ON DISNEY EXPRESS
Per Disney's noted responses, Child Safety Seats are not recommended for use on the motorcoach. Not all motorcoaches have seat belts and if belts are provided, they may not properly secure a child safety seat as it would in a car. Children can sit on an adult's lap or occupy their own seat. Safety seats can be stored under the motorcoach in the storage compartment.
CAR SEAT USE ON DISNEY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, BOAT, BUS OR MONORAIL
Disney does not require car seats to restrain your little ones while riding.
CAR SEAT USE IN MINNIE VANS
Those cute little red and white polka-dot "Minnie" Vans that everyone smiles at as they drive by - they're considered a special taxi service taking you to and from airports, around Orlando and the resorts. The Minnie Van service is bookable using the Lyft App and these Minnie Vans are equipped with two car seats. They're stored in the trunks of the automobiles and Disney Cast Members have undergone extensive training on how to install them as needed.
USING UBER TO GET TO & FROM THE PARKS
When choosing to UBER to Disney in Orlando Florida, there is something called Uber Family which offers vehicles equipped with a car seat. Drivers are also trained to install car seats as needed.
CAR SEATS WHILE USING A TAXI TO GET TO DISNEY
It is best to have a car seat with you. Many do not have carseats available.
Please note that all the recommendations and guidelines above are based on research by Love My Travel Agent, Travel Agent Jeri Lyn Rohde, and Verified Recommendations suggested by other travelers. The information is subject to change based on ever-changing guidelines and regulations. It's best to investigate the most up to date guidelines within 30 days of your travel dates on The Official Disney Website's Help Center.