Backpacks vs stroller & where to keep while on rides? About This Page:

[LifeIsWonderful]

We have two young ones who are 1 and 2 years old (as well as teen girls). We always assumed we would just take our double stroller but after reading all of the posts here about how hard they are to navigate, we have decided to take our two backpack carriers and no stroller at all.

The packs are actually very comfortable, have backpacks attached to them for snacks, coats, etc and have stands so you can just put the kids down on the ground in them and not have to hold them or carry them the entire time. Dh and I are also in pretty good shape and have gone for long hikes with the kids in them so I am not worried about getting too tired. [img]graemlins/dizzy.gif[/img]

Here are my questions (finally, right?): Can you think of any reason why we should take the double stroller INSTEAD of the backpacks? Since we are from Colorado we would not want to take both on the plane, rental car, etc.

Also, we are taking a ski lock to lock them while on rides just so no one will take them. Where should we keep them? Is there a place to lock them where the strollers are parked? A better option might be a place to put them just while just on the ride? Do they allow that? Sure would be nice to have them with us while waiting in line! [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

Thanks for any info, feedback, help, etc!
[img]graemlins/ears.gif[/img]
Kate [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[Thumper Fan]

I'm glad to hear that you are used to carrying them around alot, because that's the first thing I thought of was how badly your backs would be feeling by the end of the day! Although this wasn't an option you gave, I would maybe consider one backpack and a single stroller with a little storage area in back for the snacks and diapers. That way you could just set the backpack in the stroller when you go on rides. (No one ever messed with our stroller.) Also it would probably be more comfortable for when one of the kids falls asleep and a gem when one is asleep and you want to enjoy a sit-down meal! You and your dh could take turns carrying the backpack so that neither one of you gets overwhelmed. When our kids were small, we took two strollers, one of which was very compact. We could fold it (umbrella type) and hook it onto the back of the bigger stroller when our ds wanted to walk. It was great! Have a great time and take lots of photos, especially of the little ones when they are asleep! [img]graemlins/love.gif[/img]

[Goofy62]

Hi Lifeiswornderful: Double strollers are definately the way to go. 1. They are not hard to navigate. They are easily manuverable and after a 10 - 12 hour day you don't want anything on your back!. 2. The storage area on the top of the canopy and the back netting is great for all those necessities for caring for little ones. 3. It is far easier to keep track of the little ones after parades and fireowrks if you know they are in the stroller. 4. The park attendance is still down. 5. Stroller parking at each attraction is well done and in all the times I have gone we have never had a problem with anyone messing with our stuff. They are great for those afternoon naps that the littleones take (remember they are dead weight while sleeping!) and are great for holdin your place on the curb before parades. 6. Back pack carriers take up valuable space in your luggage. I hope this will help you! Good luck and remember the magic. Jerry [img]graemlins/wavin.gif[/img]

[kecall]

I vote stroller,stroller, stroller! Now, you may be in much better shape than I am (which wouldn't be too hard!) but everyone will be exhausted if you have to haul them around all day. And, if it's hot, you and your child are going to be miserable with your sweaty bodies sticking together!!!

I have used a stroller (and sometimes a wheelchair when M-in-law comes along) and have never had a hard time manuevering them. Sure, you can't race through the crowds with them, but unless you are 15, you're not going to want to race anyway!!

The stroller will also be handy at the airport...

I think you will have a much harder time "locking up" your backpacks carriers, then you will strolling them in a stroller and parking them. -- One reason is that very often you exit a ride far from where you enter. The CM's often move strollers to the other side so they are at the exit when you get out.

If I were you, I would bring your double stroller and a backpack for carrying your necessary items. (I have also packed a little bag....grocery bag works fine....with items that are "Ok" if someone walked away with-- like diapers,wipes-- and left these in the basket of my stroller)

karen [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Shymyst]

One other option may be to just rent a stroller when you get there. The last time I went my little ones were 5,3,2 they had nice double strollers and if you save your recipt you don't need to rent a new one if you hop to a new park. No one ever mess with our stroller and there is always a CM standing right by the parking area. the other advantage was that we could turn them in early when we went to the fire works or had some slow time when the kids wanted to run around and not have to worry about pushing arround an empty stroller. It was nice to run around with them in Mickey's Birthdayland and have to keep track of anything but them [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[LifeIsWonderful]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! I think now we will take one backpack (for dh to carry the squirmy 2 yr old in) and the single stroller (for the 1 year old). So many good points! Exits far from entrances, my back(!), sleeping babies in restaurants, etc! Thanks you so much!

Kate