Tips for Taking a Stroller to Disney World

Apr 5

We’ve all been there: out and about running errands, or on a trip, figuring out how to transport all the kiddos, everyone’s bags, a bulky (yet very needed) stroller, plus any other extra, yet “necessary”, items as efficiently as possible. It is the conundrum all parents know well. And, when at Disney, with the additional miles to traverse and things to bring, this puzzle feels even more important to solve and prepare for in advance.

Well, we here at Shoreline Destinations have experienced the same situation before too and are here to help! Take a look at our tips to help you successfully make it from the parking lot into the parks with less stress and smoother transitions.

Rent OR bring your own

When deciding whether or not to bring your own stroller, rent one from a local company or rent one directly from Disney, there are a few questions to ask yourself:

When flying, I recommend checking your stroller at the ticket counter and using a car seat with wheel attachment for getting through the airport.

1. Will you be flying or driving to reach Orlando?
If you are planning to drive - then bringing a stroller only becomes a question of "do we have enough room in the car?" But if flying, that can mean many more considerations to think about. Personally, I love having my stroller with me through the airport as it makes getting around with a toddler MUCH easier, but there is always a chance that your stroller could be damaged during flight if checked at the gate and loaded later on the aircraft. Sadly this has happened to us twice! After that, we decided to check our stroller along with our luggage. We have been getting around the airport using this simple setup (see photo) as it allows for us to check our stroller at the ticker counter instead of the gate, keeps the little one safe while power walking through the airport, and we have our car seat handy! The collapsible cart we use can be found on Amazon - and even comes with bungee cords included to strap in the car seat.

2. Will you want to have a stroller to use while getting around your hotel and other locations outside of the parks?
If you answered "yes", then I recommend bringing your stroller OR renting one from a local company for the entire length of your stay. Your travel advisor can recommend a great company - many of which will drop off directly at your Disney resort. If you decide you will only need a stroller for the longer park days, then consider renting one directly from Disney. To save money, we recommend doing a multi-day rental which has a cheaper per day price than if you did one rental at a time.

PACKING TIPS

We recommend packing in ONE big bag for the day. It is easier to take with you when leaving your stroller to get on rides and makes getting through the security checkpoint or boarding the tram, as mentioned above, more seamless.

STROLLERS ON TRANSPORTATION

Using Disney Transportation to Get to the Parks

Remember you will have to fold up your stroller to board a bus or smaller resort boat!
The Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat, Monorail, and Skyliner transportation options do not require the strollers to be folded, which is why we LOVE them (heart eyes all day long).

Taking the Parking Lot Tram to the Park Entrance

Don’t unpack everything or load up your stroller 100% just for the walk from your car to the tram stop. You will have to fold up your stroller to get on the tram!
Don’t forget to use the My Disney Experience (MDX) app to remember where you parked so you don’t have to wander around for hours with your stroller and kiddos in tow. It’s easy to get lost after a long day of fun in the parks!
If you have a larger stroller, try to get a seat in the section of the tram with two rows facing each other. It gives MUCH more space for your stroller + the whole crew to sit.
Ask the Cast Member helping to load the tram which side you will unload from and push the stroller closest to that door. The doors of the tram will swing closed by themselves and it is easier to get out of the tram, and help everyone else off, if the stroller is first thing out of the way.

GETTING IN THE PARKS

Getting Through Security

When you get to security, have 1 adult + the stroller-riding child ONLY go through the stroller security checkpoint. EVERYONE ELSE in the party, along with any/all bags, should go through the regular check points.
The adult and stroller-riding child should be bag-free when going through the stroller security checkpoint.
Leave the bottom and top of the stroller completely clear and visible to Cast Members.
We recommend leaving any battery charging packs in the bottom of the stroller so security can clearly see them. Cell phone chargers/battery packs will set off the alarm if in a bag going through the detector and require a detailed bag check.
If the child appears big enough to get out of the stroller and walk through the detector, security will ask them to do so. Be prepared to unbuckle the kiddo, secure any sippy cups, protect goldfish snacks from falling off the snack tray attachment, etc. as you get them out and walk through the metal detector with them. This is another reason we recommend waiting to complete your stroller setup 100% until you are INSIDE the park.

Getting Through the Ticket Scan
Once you are through the security checkpoint, all ticket holders (age 3 and above) will have to scan their ticket and fingerprint at the park entrance. Continue to wait to put your stroller back together/buckling the kiddos back in as they will have to potentially get out to reach the Magic band/fingerprint scanner.

LEAVING THE PARKS

Take a moment to pack everything up (into your ONE bag *wink*) and get ready to carry/fold up your stroller prior to catching the tram or other transportation.

Having a baby-wearing option to use during this time is ideal, especially if traveling solo with kiddos, so that your hands are free to accomplish the stroller folding/loading AND allow any sleeping children to be less disturbed during a lot of transitions.

Additional Tips

Check out all stroller guidelines on the Disney website: Stroller Guidelines
Watch out for stroller wheels getting stuck on Main Street USA in the trolley grooves at Magic Kingdom.
Remember you CAN take your stroller with you through the entire queue for the SAFARI ride at Animal Kingdom.
Extend or pull down the visor fully on your stroller when you park it at a ride so that when you return the stroller is not A) wet from a surprise rainstorm or B) scalding hot when you buckle your child back in.
Cast Members will move your stroller in stroller parking areas, as space is consolidated, so bring something to easily identify your stroller when looking at a sea of similar-looking strollers. You can use something as simple as a bright colored ribbon or other accessory.
If packing a stroller sounds too crazy, remember you can rent single and double Disney strollers at the park too. More info here: Renting a Stroller.

Whether you are a first-time guest to the parks, or a seasoned pro, we hope this helped you gain a few new tips and tricks when it comes to navigating through a day at Disney with kids.

Cheers to all things travel!