umbrella strollers

 

Umbrella Strollers at Disney Resorts

“We are going to DisneyWorld in the fall and are looking for a lightweight umbrella stroller. What do you recommend?” Amazingly, nine out of ten responders in a Disney discussion forum vote for Maclaren.

For those of you who have not yet initiated your young family to the joys of a Disney vacation, don’t fear. There are lots of die-hard Mouseketeers ready with useful advice on the ways to get the most magic out of the Magic Kingdom. This advice even includes which stroller is best for seven full days of fun.

Maclaren’s Triumph, Quest and Volo are the three most recommended models by far. All three are lightweight, easy to steer, and easy to fold and transport… very important for those tram/monorail/boat rides. They all accommodate children up to 55 pounds and have removable seats that are easy to clean. Tall parents also love Maclarens because the handles are great for them.

The Volo is Maclaren’s workhorse model. It is three pounds lighter and the least expensive of the three but it is recommended for 6 months old and up, while the others can be used by 3 months of age. This is probably because the other two styles recline while the Volo only has one seat position. The Quest is the most deluxe of the three, fully reclining with an adjustable leg rest, for the most comfortable ride when your sweet pea runs out of steam.

A downside that come with their ultra-light weight are the fact that they tend to tip backward when loaded down with stuff on the handlebars. One creative mom bought some inexpensive ankle weights and added them to the front wheels to prevent this. Another criticism is that the Maclarens don’t come with built-in cupholders. Again, loading down these streamlined strollers with accessories undermines the point, in a way. But Maclaren also makes a Universal Organizer that can be attached to the back of any of their strollers. And for even just one day at the park, I think you’ll want your bottled water!

Although Maclaren’s are pricey compared to the cheap, throwaway umbrellas, the consensus seems to be that they are worth the investment. One savvy mom points you would end up spending the same amount to rent a stroller on property for the duration of your stay but if you buy one and decide against using it after your vacation, you could sell it on ebay and recoup half of what you paid.