If you’re planning a magical Disney vacation with young kids, then you probably want everything to be perfect. With how much walking you’ll be doing, getting the best stroller for Disney is a must!
Best Stroller For Disney
The last time I was in Disneyland, I put about 18,000 steps a day on my Fitbit… Considering how much time was spent standing in line and on rides, I could hardly believe it! But there’s so much unexpected walking when you’re in the parks. Even the distance from the parking lot to the gate, and gate to the parks, is a hike.
Stroller Rules for Disney
The Disney parks are always modifying their stroller rules, so be sure to check out their website for the details on whichever park you’re visiting (it might be different for Disneyland or Walt Disney World, for example).
The most important stroller rule is that wagons, or anything that you pull behind you, aren’t allowed in the parks. Disney staff want you to keep an eye on your kids the whole time, plus they’re just easier to maneuver in crowded and tight spaces. And trust me, you will face crowds. Stroller wagons that you push are also no longer permitted.
As for other strollers, the Disney website says, “Strollers must be 31” (79cm) wide and 52” (132cm) long or smaller.” Before you worry about the size, almost all single strollers and most front/back (not side by side) double strollers will meet these requirements. Generally speaking, if you can get it through a standard door, it will be OK.
Note: Exceptions are made for special needs children, so make sure to check with a cast member or call the Disney Parks help number if you have any concerns.
Should you bring a stroller to Disney?
I’ve personally been to Disney with strollers twice: once to Walt Disney World and the second time to Disneyland. For our Disneyland trip with a pair of rambunctious 4-year-old twins, the stroller was an absolute must for containment in crowded areas. In Disneyland, the 2-year-old and 5 year old traded between a single stroller.
By far, the single stroller was much easier to push!
If you’re not sure whether or not to even bring a stroller to Disney, consider this:
- If you’re flying, strollers can be gate checked and are handy for the airport
- Strollers also store all your “stuff,” like purchases and diaper bags
- There’s a lot of walking involved and younger kids can’t keep up
- It gives kids a place to sit during fireworks and shows, as well as nap
- There is stroller parking throughout the park
What kind of stroller works best on a Disney vacation?
When shopping for a stroller to take to Disneyland or Walt Disney World, there are a few things to keep in mind. Is it easy to maneuver? Does the stroller have a large basket to store all your daily park necessities? Is it lightweight, compact, and easy to fold for travel (or even riding the park transportation)? Will the baby get a sunburn, or will the sunshade cover?
Renting a stroller at Disney
If you don’t want to bring your own, you can always rent a stroller at the Disney parks. There’s a daily cost for this, which is slightly discounted if you book multiple days. If you’re staying for a week in the parks, the cost of renting a stroller could rival buying one, so it’s not my recommended choice. But in a pinch, it’s an option.
Pros:
- Convenient; no need to lug your own stroller to the park
- Good for kids up to 50lbs
- No question about it meeting park size requirements
- Available in single and double
Cons:
- High-cost rental
- Subject to availability
- Not as comfortable and padded as personal use strollers
- You have to return it at the end of the day, even if you buy a multi-day rental
- No stroller for other parts of your vacation
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
That being said, it’s definitely on the heavier side when it comes to traveling.
Pros:
- Easy to maneuver
- Fits older toddlers and children who might still need a stroller for long days
- Seat folds almost all the way back for convenient napping
- Large tray for baby and cup holders for the adults
- Good sized basket underneath
Cons:
- Sunshade doesn’t cover completely (not a good thing in the sunny parks!)
- A bit heavy for travel
- Not very compact when folded
- Designed for older babies or toddlers (requires separate travel system for infants under 6 months)
Joovy 8228 Kooper Stroller
While you might not be doing a lot of jogging on your Disney trip (except running after that Fast Pass, maybe), the comfort and maneuverability of this stroller still make it an excellent choice for your Disney vacation. The large bicycle tires roll smoothly on uneven ground, and you won’t have any problems folding and unfolding this 25lb stroller. If you’re looking for a stroller for big kids, my 5-year-old could fit in something like this comfortably.
This is kind of like the Cadillac of umbrella strollers. Designed for portability, it has all the features of a full-sized stroller while still folding up compactly. The large seat means that older kids will be comfortable too, or you can purchase this one for an infant and get several years of use from it.
As a compact stroller, this one is pretty pricey. It also lacks cup holders for the parents and might end up being a bit too short for your taller kid, especially when reclining the seat.
Pros:
- Can be pushed with one hand
- Large sun shade with peek-a-boo window
- Extra-wide seat is super comfy for older kids and reclines for naps
- Folds compact and only weighs 16lbs
Cons:
- No cup holder for parents
- Advertised for older kids, but taller ones may not be able to lay comfortably when reclined
- Pricey for a “compact” stroller
Contours Bitsy Stroller
This stroller is specially designed for travel. It has a compact design and is airline friendly, perfect if your Disney vacation takes you to the sky. Although most airlines will gate check your stroller for you, this one fits inside most overhead compartments when folded. That also means it will be easy to take on busses, inside small cars, or on a Disney monorail ride inside the park.
Pros:
- Weighs just 13.5lbs
- Great coverage from the canopy
- One-handed pushing and folding
- Easy to maneuver, especially in tight spots/crowds
Cons:
- No cup holders
- Small storage basket
- The seat is small, lower weight limit
Joovy Caboose Stand-On Tandem Stroller
As the only stroller for Disney on this list that includes a tandem seat, this is an excellent choice for a family that’s traveling with two young children but doesn’t want to bring a true double stroller. One child sits in front, while the other can comfortably sit or ride on the back. Unlike other tandem strollers, this one is compact and lightweight, perfect for travel.
At 27lbs, it’s lighter than most double strollers but still quite heavy to fold up and carry up a flight of stairs (especially when juggling kids). The rear seat is only suitable for kids over 2.5, so if you have a pair closer in age, you’ll have to grab another seat, sold separately.
Pros:
Ideal when traveling with a baby/toddler and a preschooler/younger school-aged child who both can’t handle all the Disney walking
Folds more compact than traditional double strollers
Not much larger than many single strollers making it easy to maneuver
Cons:
No parent cup holder or accessory tray
Heavy compared to other compact, lightweight strollers (because it’s a tandem)
Doesn’t fold small
Small bottom basket
Summer 3Dlite Convenience Stroller
At just 13 pounds, this Summer 3Dlite stroller is the lightest and most compact on the list. It also happens to be the most budget-friendly choice for a Disney vacation stroller. Although it’s an “umbrella stroller,” this convenience stroller is more comfortable for both the child riding and the parents pushing. No hunching over if you’re tall! It’s definitely the best umbrella stroller for Disney on the market.
It also happens to be the most bare-bones stroller on this list and designed for convenience more than features. The worst part, besides the small basket and tipping, is the fact that the sunshade won’t be protecting your child from the California or Florida sun.
Pros:
- Very lightweight compact for traveling (including bus rides and other transit)
- Seat fully reclines for napping children
- Budget-friendly price a perk when buying a stroller specifically to take to Disney
Cons:
Small basket
No tray for parents or the child
Tips backward when something is hanging on the handles, and you remove the child
Cannot be pushed with one hand
Sunshade is inadequate
What is the best stroller for Disney?
Of course, it’s tough to choose because these are all great strollers! Each one meets the current Disney park stroller requirements, and your family’s individual needs will help to determine what stroller works best for you.
In my opinion, though, the Contours Bitsy Stroller is the best stroller for Disney if you’re looking for a single option. The fact that it only weighs 13 and a half pounds is a huge selling feature for travel; there’s nothing worse than lugging around a heavy stroller up the stairs of a Disney bus or hotel shuttle. What’s more, the compact folding makes it easy to carry and store during your trip.
A significant negative of this stroller is the lack of cup holders, something I know all too well, having taken a Contours brand stroller to Disneyland this past April. Do yourself a favor if you do purchase an organizer/cup holder system (like this one) if you go with a stroller that doesn’t have cup holders.
Even with that, though, the convenience of such a portable stroller that is still super comfortable for baby to ride in and parents to push puts the Contours Bitsy Stroller on the top as the best stroller for Disney.
Best double stroller for Disney
If you have a baby/toddler and older child, then go with a tandem stroller like the Joovy Caboose. Although you have to purchase a second seat for two kids under 2.5 (or twins), it’s more compact and lightweight than most double strollers on the market.
Having visited Walt Disney World with a 5-year-old and a toddler, this type of stroller was seriously a lifesaver!
Bonus: Best stroller fans for Disney
Disneyland and Walt Disney World happen to both be in places that are always hot. When pushing a stroller through the park, the last thing you want to be doing is sweating. Save yourself a trip down Splash Mountain and get yourself a stroller fan to cool off instead. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it.
WiHoo Mini Stroller Fan
This stroller fan has a flexible tripod that can be attached to almost any type of stroller handle or frame. The USB charged battery lasts 2-8 hours depending on your setting and can be recharged using a wall adaptor or power bank.
CAVN Clip-on Stroller Fan
Unlike the WiHoo, this mini fan clips onto your stroller instead. Although the clip is strong, make sure you have a place to clip it onto your stroller! It should go at least 4 hours on a single charge.
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