Moms on the move - Navigating Disney with a stroller .
It was always a goal of ours to have a well-traveled child who thrives in new environments.
Chaplin has traveled to both Disney parks in the United States, visited nine different states, and is nearing the completion of his goal to try 100 foods by the time he turns one.
These goals were not accomplished without hours of research, tears, and stress.
Chaplin’s first trip to Disney was around the time he turned 3 months old. Because he was born at 40+ weeks, we were afforded opportunities that families with premature babies might not have had, including traveling at a very young age.
After his first round of vaccinations and consulting with medical professionals, we felt very comfortable with the idea of traveling at this age.
Originally, we had planned to take his first trip around his half-birthday mark, but when summer hit, we were itching to go see the Mouse. So, we planned a short weekend trip.
This trip wasn’t intended to be a “go, go, go” trip, as many people expected. The purpose of this four-day getaway was to test the waters before traveling across the country.
Before heading to Orlando, I began to research what I would need when flying/traveling with a very small child. The internet is full of information, unwarranted opinions, and individuals who are quick to tell you what you should be doing.
Since becoming a mom, a goal of mine has been to help others and offer the best advice I can when asked. If I can make your travel just the slightest bit easier with a tip or trick, I want to do that!
From newborns to three-year-olds (and sometimes older), strollers are a staple when traveling. Whether you’re headed to the mall or a theme park, using a stroller can make your life significantly easier if you take advantage of it.
Before traveling, it is important to note what strollers are allowed or if there are any restrictions on their use. Disney parks have specific rules regarding strollers. Per the stroller policy, strollers cannot exceed 31 inches in width, and wagons are strictly prohibited. Most single, umbrella-style strollers are acceptable to use when visiting Disney parks. If you don’t want to risk your stroller not being allowed, you can request to purchase a stroller through a rental company via your friendly travel agent, Carie!
When Chaplin was younger, we used a travel system from Evenflo.
The travel system we used was a car seat that converted into a stroller, making it the perfect choice for travel. Easily adaptable, collapsible, and adjustable, the Evenflo Shyft Dualride made any amount of travel a breeze.
Now that Chaplin is older, we use an umbrella-style stroller. We haven’t settled on a particular brand yet, as we are still researching. As a placeholder, we currently use the Summer by Ingenuity 3D, which is a cost-effective option that allows us to test the waters with a “big-boy stroller” before making a bigger purchase.
While the right stroller is key to seamless travel, it’s important to use it for more than just a place for your little one to sit.
Before heading to the parks, you want to make sure you're prepped and ready for a day full of fun!
Forgetting something back at the hotel or not having your essentials nearby can cut your park day short and lead to unnecessary frustration during a time that’s supposed to be pleasant.
For this reason, I pack my stroller FULL of essentials that will make not only my life easier but also the lives of my entire travel party!
Making sure your stroller is security-friendly is a must.
I recommend ditching the diaper bag and opting for a clear pouch or a mesh packing cube to store under the stroller seat.
In my clear bag, I keep diapers, extra clothes, a formula container, as well as a smaller bag of medications, band-aids, chapstick, etc.
The purpose of this is to limit the time spent in the security line. A bag that’s easy to see through and assess is one of the first things I recommend moms buy when planning for their Disney trip!
Along with my clear bag in the under-seat storage, you’ll find a small cooler with breast milk (during our first trip), small snacks (yogurt pouches, veggie straws, etc.), one or two plastic bottles (since glass is not allowed), a mini umbrella, and a bottle of water for making bottles.
For maximum use of my stroller, I also use a caddy attached to the handlebar. I’ve mentioned before what a life-saver my stroller caddy is.
If you would like a full breakdown of what is in my stroller caddy, please refer to my blog titled “Top 10 Must-Haves for Traveling with Babies During the Holidays.”
Another highly recommended item I travel with and keep in my stroller storage is a Milk Snob cover/rain cover. I like to cover my stroller with my Milk Snob 5-in-1 to hide my belongings and keep everything together.
If you’ve traveled to Florida, you know that rain is inevitable. Be sure to have something to cover your stroller and belongings when those storms pass by! These covers will also help your stroller be identifiable when in stroller parking.
A few things to keep in mind when using a stroller:
* No larger than 31 inches.
* Children must be removed from the stroller, and the stroller must be collapsed (if possible) when traveling on trams, buses, etc.
* Strollers must be parked before entering an attraction or show, with stroller parking available nearby.
* Cast members often move strollers in stroller parking to accommodate others (do not be alarmed). MAKE SURE your stroller has an identifiable item such as a cover, balloon, name tag, etc., to make it easier to find if this happens.
Traveling with a young child is no small feat, but with proper planning and the right tools, it can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your little one.
Whether it’s a trip to Disney or a simple outing, having a reliable stroller and well-organized essentials can make all the difference.
Remember, every journey is unique, and what works for one family may not work for another. However, by learning from others’ experiences and preparing ahead of time, you can make your travels a little easier and a lot more fun!
