When I was planning our first Disney trip as parents, I wasn’t researching the best snacks, but on our main form of transportation: STROLLERS IN DISNEY WORLD.
In this post, I’m covering everything you need to know about strollers in Disney World. Let’s get to it!
First, do you “need” a stroller?
In short, I’m going with yes. Use a stroller. Even if your kid doesn’t normally use a stroller at home, their little legs will use a break. When we would visit the parks with my niece, she never used a stroller at home but her parents always brought a travel stroller for Disney.
You may be picturing the actual park, going ride to ride. But the worst walking is when there ISNT something fun to walk towards.
It’s when you’re heading to the bus stop at the end of the night, or if you’re staying near a park (let’s say the Boardwalk or Beach Club), just getting to the park is going to be a 10-minute walk which is a lot!
To give you an idea: even though my oldest daughter is almost 7 years old, I know she’s going to need a stroller when it comes to Disney World even though she doesn’t need one at home.
If your kid is under 8, they’ll definitely need a stroller off and on!
Not to mention the benefits of it not only carrying your kids, but your drinks, backpack, sweatshirts, and souvenirs too.
The best strollers for Disney World
I really believe strollers are as personal as choosing a car. There are dozens of strollers that could be considered “the best”, and they’ll all have these things in common:
- Ability to recline flat or close-to-flat for napping
- A deep overhang so they’re protected from the sun
- Plenty of storage in the boot/basket underneath
- Easily maneuverable, especially with one hand!
- Able to fold up quickly and easily for buses, cars, etc.
We bought our Zoe Twin+ during my second pregnancy for at-home use, not necessarily for Disney World. This stroller checked all the boxes so it was a no-brainer to bring ours with us. Four trips later and love it even more!
There’s some situations where a double tantum stroller could be easier, but the girls love sitting next to each other. They chat, share snacks, have lollipop-cheers and it’s really sweet.
If you’re in the market for a new stroller, use this link for $15 off any Zoe Stroller.
Should you rent or bring your own stroller?
We typically don’t rent a stroller and bring our own from home. I’m surprised more people don’t do this – it saves some cash from renting and we like having it at the airport because #toddlers.
There is the risk of it being damaged when you gate-check it, so if you’re worried about that make sure to invest in a stroller bag (although we don’t use one of these…we like to live on the edge I guess!)
If you’re looking to rent, I loved using BabyQuip on our last trip. Since we had a newborn with us, we rented a double stroller that worked better for him from Alexa, a local mom in Orlando who has AAALLL the accessories you could possibly need. We were able to meet her in the lobby to grab everything from her after we were all checked in to our room. She even had a baby bath which was wonderful! 10/10 recommend.
What about the strollers to rent IN Disney World’s parks? Eh. This is always an option in a pinch but they’re hard plastic, don’t lay flat, and are no benefit getting to and from the bus stops.
Getting Through Disney Security with a Stroller
There’s another thing to know about stroller in Disney World: when you’re going through security, you’ll see signs designated for strollers.
A cast member will check any pockets and the underneath part of the carriage. The kids do NOT have to get out.
PRO TIP: Keep your backpack free of any big metal things like umbrellas, water canisters, sunglass cases, etc. Keep those in a clear bag or easily visual in your stroller.
One parent can take the backpack through the metal detector – since there’s no metal, it won’t go off and trigger your bag being picked through. This saves SOOOO much time.
Stroller Checklist:
- Rain stroller cover. Because *Florida* and there’s nothing worst than a soggy stroller butt.
- Cup holders
- Stroller Fans, I love this one for the clip-on style and this one for the bendy leg style
- Hooks. I’ve had these since 2016 (not joking) and they’re still holding strong. No pun intended.
- Tie something bright like a bandana on your stroller so when you come back it’s easier to find. Some of my friends string lights on theirs for nighttime. Genius.
Parking Your Stroller in Disney
- There will be designated stroller parking spots for rides. Sometimes they’re obvious, sometimes they’re not. Just keep an eye out for signs when you’re zero’ing on your ride.
- Before heading into your ride, pull the sunshade down to save your kid’s little butts when the stroller is sitting in the sun. If it looks like rain or even the SLIGHTEST chance, through your rain stroller cover on, better to be safe and dry than sorry and soggy.
- If you come back and don’t see your stroller, don’t panic. Cast members sometimes move them around to make room for more (this is where that bandana comes in handy!)
What size strollers are allowed?
Wagons and stroller wagons aren’t allowed in the parks. There are some situations where they can be used to help someone with a disability, but they’ll only decide that if you’re in person.
Strollers need to be 31” wide and 52” long or smaller, so be sure to check your strollers measurements ahead of time.
But double strollers are ok! They can be side-by-side or tandem as long as they fit within the size guidelines.
Strollers on Disney’s transportation
When you use the Disney bus transportation, you’ll need to fold up your stroller. Make sure you’re ready to grab the kids out and anything that will fall out (hi, it’s me) when your bus pulls up.
The Skyliner lets you walk on any single stroller and front-to-back double strollers. Note that If you have a side-by-side double like mine (sniff), you’ll have to fold it!
Most boats in Disney World won’t ask you to fold up your stroller unless it’s very full or there are lots of wheelchairs on board.
The monorail lets you roll them right on. Score!
All You Need to Know About Strollers in Disney World
Taking the time to research the best stroller for your family is going to make your park day easier with comfy, cool, and relaxed kids.
But no matter what you choose, you’re going to thank yourself later for bringing ANY stroller on your trip. Honestly, you may be wishing you had one for yourself.
Links mentioned in this post:
My favorite indestructible stroller hooks
If we haven’t had the chance to *meet* yet, hi! I’m Dana—a Disney World-going mom of 2 who does all the homework for you. If this post was helpful, here are some ways you can connect with me:
Subscribe to my newsletter! I send a weekly newsletter with tips and updates (only the ones you should care about, I promise.
Check out my shop. I create easy-to-follow travel guides to Disney World to help you navigate things like Genie+.
Follow me on Instagram to connect more with me and watch recaps of our past trips to the parks.
Read the rest of my blog for more resources and tips.
Join Laid-back Magic. Meet other moms planning their own trips to Disney and get access to a members-only forum to get expert advice (pstt…that’s me!)
FREE DOWNLOAD
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LEARN MORE
WATCH THE VIDEO
When I was planning our first Disney trip as parents, I wasn’t researching the best snacks, but on our main form of transportation: STROLLERS IN DISNEY WORLD.
In this post, I’m covering everything you need to know about strollers in Disney World. Let’s get to it!
First, do you “need” a stroller?
In short, I’m going with yes. Use a stroller. Even if your kid doesn’t normally use a stroller at home, their little legs will use a break. When we would visit the parks with my niece, she never used a stroller at home but her parents always brought a travel stroller for Disney.
You may be picturing the actual park, going ride to ride. But the worst walking is when there ISNT something fun to walk towards.
It’s when you’re heading to the bus stop at the end of the night, or if you’re staying near a park (let’s say the Boardwalk or Beach Club), just getting to the park is going to be a 10-minute walk which is a lot!
To give you an idea: even though my oldest daughter is almost 7 years old, I know she’s going to need a stroller when it comes to Disney World even though she doesn’t need one at home.
If your kid is under 8, they’ll definitely need a stroller off and on!
Not to mention the benefits of it not only carrying your kids, but your drinks, backpack, sweatshirts, and souvenirs too.
The best strollers for Disney World
I really believe strollers are as personal as choosing a car. There are dozens of strollers that could be considered “the best”, and they’ll all have these things in common:
- Ability to recline flat or close-to-flat for napping
- A deep overhang so they’re protected from the sun
- Plenty of storage in the boot/basket underneath
- Easily maneuverable, especially with one hand!
- Able to fold up quickly and easily for buses, cars, etc.
We bought our Zoe Twin+ during my second pregnancy for at-home use, not necessarily for Disney World. This stroller checked all the boxes so it was a no-brainer to bring ours with us. Four trips later and love it even more!
There’s some situations where a double tantum stroller could be easier, but the girls love sitting next to each other. They chat, share snacks, have lollipop-cheers and it’s really sweet.
If you’re in the market for a new stroller, use this link for $15 off any Zoe Stroller.
Should you rent or bring your own stroller?
We typically don’t rent a stroller and bring our own from home. I’m surprised more people don’t do this – it saves some cash from renting and we like having it at the airport because #toddlers.
There is the risk of it being damaged when you gate-check it, so if you’re worried about that make sure to invest in a stroller bag (although we don’t use one of these…we like to live on the edge I guess!)
If you’re looking to rent, I loved using BabyQuip on our last trip. Since we had a newborn with us, we rented a double stroller that worked better for him from Alexa, a local mom in Orlando who has AAALLL the accessories you could possibly need. We were able to meet her in the lobby to grab everything from her after we were all checked in to our room. She even had a baby bath which was wonderful! 10/10 recommend.
What about the strollers to rent IN Disney World’s parks? Eh. This is always an option in a pinch but they’re hard plastic, don’t lay flat, and are no benefit getting to and from the bus stops.
Getting Through Disney Security with a Stroller
There’s another thing to know about stroller in Disney World: when you’re going through security, you’ll see signs designated for strollers.
A cast member will check any pockets and the underneath part of the carriage. The kids do NOT have to get out.
PRO TIP: Keep your backpack free of any big metal things like umbrellas, water canisters, sunglass cases, etc. Keep those in a clear bag or easily visual in your stroller.
One parent can take the backpack through the metal detector – since there’s no metal, it won’t go off and trigger your bag being picked through. This saves SOOOO much time.
Stroller Checklist:
- Rain stroller cover. Because *Florida* and there’s nothing worst than a soggy stroller butt.
- Cup holders
- Stroller Fans, I love this one for the clip-on style and this one for the bendy leg style
- Hooks. I’ve had these since 2016 (not joking) and they’re still holding strong. No pun intended.
- Tie something bright like a bandana on your stroller so when you come back it’s easier to find. Some of my friends string lights on theirs for nighttime. Genius.
Parking Your Stroller in Disney
- There will be designated stroller parking spots for rides. Sometimes they’re obvious, sometimes they’re not. Just keep an eye out for signs when you’re zero’ing on your ride.
- Before heading into your ride, pull the sunshade down to save your kid’s little butts when the stroller is sitting in the sun. If it looks like rain or even the SLIGHTEST chance, through your rain stroller cover on, better to be safe and dry than sorry and soggy.
- If you come back and don’t see your stroller, don’t panic. Cast members sometimes move them around to make room for more (this is where that bandana comes in handy!)
What size strollers are allowed?
Wagons and stroller wagons aren’t allowed in the parks. There are some situations where they can be used to help someone with a disability, but they’ll only decide that if you’re in person.
Strollers need to be 31” wide and 52” long or smaller, so be sure to check your strollers measurements ahead of time.
But double strollers are ok! They can be side-by-side or tandem as long as they fit within the size guidelines.
Strollers on Disney’s transportation
When you use the Disney bus transportation, you’ll need to fold up your stroller. Make sure you’re ready to grab the kids out and anything that will fall out (hi, it’s me) when your bus pulls up.
The Skyliner lets you walk on any single stroller and front-to-back double strollers. Note that If you have a side-by-side double like mine (sniff), you’ll have to fold it!
Most boats in Disney World won’t ask you to fold up your stroller unless it’s very full or there are lots of wheelchairs on board.
The monorail lets you roll them right on. Score!
All You Need to Know About Strollers in Disney World
Taking the time to research the best stroller for your family is going to make your park day easier with comfy, cool, and relaxed kids.
But no matter what you choose, you’re going to thank yourself later for bringing ANY stroller on your trip. Honestly, you may be wishing you had one for yourself.
Links mentioned in this post:
My favorite indestructible stroller hooks
If we haven’t had the chance to *meet* yet, hi! I’m Dana—a Disney World-going mom of 2 who does all the homework for you. If this post was helpful, here are some ways you can connect with me:
Subscribe to my newsletter! I send a weekly newsletter with tips and updates (only the ones you should care about, I promise.
Check out my shop. I create easy-to-follow travel guides to Disney World to help you navigate things like Genie+.
Follow me on Instagram to connect more with me and watch recaps of our past trips to the parks.
Read the rest of my blog for more resources and tips.
Join Laid-back Magic. Meet other moms planning their own trips to Disney and get access to a members-only forum to get expert advice (pstt…that’s me!)
FREE DOWNLOAD
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