Strollers are as common at Walt Disney World as Mickey Ears, and rightfully so. Walt Disney World is a place that the whole family, young and old, can enjoy. That's the way Walt intended it. It was Walt, while watching his daughters on a carousel in Griffith Park, that thought up the idea of a place that the entire family could have fun together. That vision created Disneyland and then Walt Disney World.
Many times those families includes toddlers that require the use of strollers. Those strollers can be lifesavers for both the tired legs of the kids and the backs and arms of the parents. Unfortunately those strollers can also cause problems for everyone around them.
Transportation around WDW property is usually the first place my stroller aggravation starts to show. Every bus, boat, or monorail stop on property is positioned in a way that you can see the transport coming for some time. It never fails that we get stuck behind the family that pushes there buggy all the way through the line and to the door of the transport BEFORE they take their child out and fold up the cart. Then when it is time to unload they feel the need to unfold the stroller and load their child directly in front of the door, blocking the rest of the people who want to exit. This laziness holds up everyone behind them. It's especially fun at night when everyone just wants to get back to their rooms.
Once we are in the parks, strollers become a whole new frustration. It's when those things get into crowds of people that they become cruise missiles homing in on unsuspecting ankles, toes, shins and the like. I've been bumped into and rolled over so many times that I'm considering suiting up in shin guards and steel toe boots next time I head into the parks.
When did strollers grow to the size of sedans? I'm amazed at this expansion. These things have everything now. Convertible tops, cup holders, foot rests, hand breaks etc.! I've seen compact cars smaller than most of these things. Not the ideal thing to try to maneuver through large crowds.
These massive things come with another problem. This goes back to WDW transportation. First, those things take more actions to fold up than those robots that change to cars in the movies. Second, once you do get them folded up they're STILL huge. Usually taking up a couple of seats or completely blocking the aisle on the transport. Of course this is if you can even get it folded up. It seems I see a lot of people who push the weight limits of there carts. Not with children, but with souvenirs, backpacks, coolers, etc. Strollers are becoming the pack mules of the parks.
All these problems can be easily solved. Parents of young kids, listen up.
First, when you're waiting for Disney transportation have your children ready to get out of the stroller. When you see the bus, boat, etc. pulling up, get your children out and fold up your strollers. This way you can load the transport quickly. Don't wait until you get to the door to unload and fold. When it's time to get off of the transport, step off and to the side to unfold your stroller and load your child.
Second, when you're pushing your stroller around property and through the crowds, be aware of your surroundings. Try not to suddenly stop and swing it around into the passers by. This will also keep strangers from falling over your children. Always a plus!
Finally, you can make it through your vacation without your massive stroller. Think small and light. There are a lot of small strollers on the market that still provide the child plenty of comfort. Trust me, there is enough going on at WDW that your kids won't notice that they aren't riding in the style they are used to. Try to avoid overloading your cart too. Small and light single seat strollers will make it easier to get through the crowds, and easier to fold up and carry on to WDW transportation. These will keep your kids happy and you from busting your butt trying to lug those giants around.
Just a couple of tips from the wdwetiquetteguy.
And if you're heading to the parks soon, remember, play nice.
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