Rules, tips, and ratings to make the most use out of a stroller at Disney World.
There are a few things in life that are certain: death, taxes, and strollers at Disney World. Strollers, in my opinion, are quite the necessity during a trip to Disney. There is a lot of walking involved, and a stroller allows little legs to take a break while traveling between destinations.
There are a lot of options on the market. Usually, the stroller you already have in your garage will work just fine. However, Disney does have guidelines when it comes to strollers. We’re going to review those and then rate a few different options in case your trip calls for a new set of wheels.
Disney World Stroller Rules & Restrictions
Disney has a few rules in place when it comes to strollers. There is a size restriction that enforces strollers must be no larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132 cm) in length. They do have ways to measure, so I would not try to bend this rule (or really any rule). It would not be a magical way to start your day by having to return your stroller to your car or hotel room before entering the park.
Disney is also very strict when it comes to wagons. This rule applies not only to traditional wagons like the iconic Radio Flyer, but also to more stroller-like models like the WonderFold Stroller Wagon. That said, Disney will make medical exceptions, which are granted at their discretion. It’s important to contact Disney in advance to determine whether you may qualify for an exception to use a wagon stroller.
What to expect when using a stroller in the parks
Designated parking.
Disney has designated stroller parking areas throughout all of its parks. It is extremely important that you always leave your stroller in one of these areas. If a Cast Member finds an unattended stroller outside of designated stroller parking, they will move it. This often leads to parents thinking their belongings were stolen. In reality, strollers are moved to keep walkways clear and safe.
It’s also important to be aware of the rules for strollers on Disney transportation. You will be required to fold your stroller on buses and parking lot trams. This can be a challenge if your stroller is bulky or carrying your belongings like a pack mule, so be prepared if you plan to use these modes of transportation. In my experience, we’ve been allowed to keep our stroller open on boats, the Skyliner, and the monorail.
Those are the big things. However, it’s also extremely important to watch out for the tracks that run down Main Street, U.S.A. They can catch your stroller wheels and easily trip you up. They’re avoidable, as long as you know to look for them.
Our stroller ratings for Disney World
When looking for the right stroller, I personally value extra storage. I have little kids, so I need space for snacks, extra clothing, and diapers.
We based our ratings on storage space, ease of folding, and overall comfort.
Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller 2.0
3.5 out of 5
In terms of storage, the Mockingbird has a large undercarriage that can hold a lot, unless you travel lightly (which I do not). You can also add a stroller organizer for even more space for items like your phone or wallet.
The Mockingbird also scores high for comfort, with a large sunshade and a full recline. However, it’s probably the weakest on our list when it comes to ease of folding. To clarify, it can be folded fairly quickly, but it’s not easy to maneuver or store once folded. This is very much a “drive your own car to the park” type of stroller. I would avoid taking it on a bus at all costs.
MAMAZING Ultra Air Lightweight Baby Travel Stroller
3.8 out of 5
The MAMAZING is the perfect stroller for bus travel. It folds down easily and compactly, making it a great option for flying to Orlando as well.
It’s comfortable for little ones and includes a reclining option. However, it does have a smaller undercarriage for storage. While it’s impressive that it still offers storage despite its compact size, you’ll want to consider how much space you’ll realistically need.
Baby Jogger City Tour 2
4.2 out of 5
The Baby Jogger is a great option overall. It’s very similar to the MAMAZING but offers slightly more storage, which can make a big difference during long park days.
We’re currently a single-stroller household, but here are a few double stroller options that align with the features discussed above:
As you can see, I didn’t give any of these a 5 out of 5. You could call me a tough critic, but it really comes down to personal preference.
Renting a stroller
If you don’t want to travel with your own stroller, there are several rental options available. The easiest option is renting directly from Disney. You can pick up your stroller at the park at the start of your day and won’t need to worry about transporting it to and from your hotel. Disney offers both single and double strollers. These are hard-plastic strollers with minimal storage, though they do include a sunshade. They’ll get the job done if your main goal is transporting a child from point A to point B within the park.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable option, several third-party companies offer stroller rentals. You can arrange to meet the company at your hotel or airport to pick up your stroller. Disney designates ScooterBug as its preferred stroller rental vendor. When you rent through ScooterBug, the company delivers your stroller to your resort and holds it until you arrive. With other vendors, you’ll need to be present for pickup.
Tips and tricks
Here are a few things we suggest to help make your stroller experience a little more magical:
Put an identifier on your stroller.
With thousands of strollers in the parks, an identifier makes it much easier to spot yours in stroller parking. There are adorable custom signs available on Etsy. We used red ribbon bows along with a Mickey Mouse and Pluto keychain to decorate ours.
Have a rain cover.
Central Florida weather is unpredictable, and rain can pop up out of nowhere. A stroller rain cover helps keep not only your child dry, but also the stroller and everything it’s carrying. You’ll appreciate this most when stroller parking isn’t covered
Embrace the stroller nap.
If you’re a “return to the hotel and nap” family, that’s great, but I am not. Once I step into the hotel, my exhaustion sets in and I may never leave again. We opt for stroller naps instead.
I prefer strollers that recline. On hot days, I’ll turn on a portable fan and use a small sound machine set to a low volume so only my little one can hear it. While they nap, we stroll through the parks and take in the magic. I usually use this time to browse less kid-friendly shops (you know, the ones full of delicate blown glass), while my husband takes the opportunity to ride attractions not everyone is quite tall enough for yet.
A good stroller helps kids make it through even the longest Disney days without missing the magic. It’s their comfort space, your mobile storage unit, and—let’s be honest—your royal chariot through every kingdom
