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Every so often the same question crops up again on message boards and email lists, in magazine articles and blog posts. It’s tweeted about on twitter and emailed amongst friends:
“What’s the best stroller to take to (insert theme park name here)?”
As a resident of Southern California and mom of four wonderful kids, I spend a lot of time in theme parks. Disneyland, Legoland, Seaworld, The San Diego Zoo, The Long Beach Aquarium, The San Diego Wild Animal Park, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm… our strollers have rolled many theme park miles. After testing & reviewing dozens of strollers while raising my four kids, I’m still always searching for that holy grail of parent equipment. The perfect theme park stroller!
This summer we’re taking pictures of strollers in theme parks everywhere and inviting you to submit your pictures to our theme park stroller photo stream. Got a favorite stroller, link or theme park stroller advice to share? Leave us a comment below and you will be entered to win on of many theme-park worthy stroller from the experts over at Lets Go Strolling and some of our favorite stroller manufacturers. Looking for additional ways to enter? You got it! Four more ways in fact!
- Tweet a link to this article with the #themepkstroller hashtag
- Add a picture of your own themepark stroller to our Theme Park Stroller Group on Flickr and leave a comment here with the link!
- Blog about this article/contest and leave us a comment with a link to your post
- Subscribe to the LetsgoStrolling newsletter
Want to see the first stroller we’re giving away? It’s the Maxi Cosi Loola. Read our review of the Maxi Cosi Loola and you’ll see why this sturdy, versatile stroller was our choice for a recent jaunt to Disneyland. One reader will win a Maxi Cosi Loola of their own. Enter by Friday July 17th for your chance to win and make sure to bookmark this post.
Related posts:
July 8th, 2009 at 8:33 am
I have had a few strollers in the last 5 years and my hands down favorite for theme park and everyday is my Bob Revolution. One handed steering lets me push the boy and hold hands with the girl. The basket under is decent, has a mesh back for small on-the-go things. A must is to buy the drink holder accessory that holds two drinks, one for kiddo and one for mom or if in the early morning the double fisted coffee drinker. (I can only speak for myself.) I also attach my diaper bag with side hooks and it is easy as the two clip releases to lay down a sleeping baby. It has one of the biggest canopies out there and even has a flap to check on baby and also keep the sun out. It has a really quick fold too. My only wish is that it folded flatter, but it can’t because of the wheels which helps its steering. I would rather have steering. This stroller has been to every theme park in So Cal and has impressed me every time. I love, love, love this stroller and will use it until my little guy fights to walk. (That is, unless you can convince me otherwise with a new stroller. ;0)
July 13th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
My favorite theme park stroller is my Peg Perego Pliko. It’s comfortable enough to nap in, light enough to lug on the tram/train/monorail and has a large enough canopy to completely shade the boy. The basket is descent sized and it handles well through the crowds.
July 14th, 2009 at 6:40 am
All grandmother’s need a stroller for when their grandkids visit! Count me in…
bab
July 14th, 2009 at 7:21 am
I’ve yet to discover the perfect theme park stroller! but I know what I want in it…storage space and a reclinable back, for the much-hoped-for-hardly-ever-realized nap at the park!
I suppose my peg perego pliko would be good…but I didn’t have it last time I went. I think this maxi stroller would be the perfect stroller…here’s hoping!
July 14th, 2009 at 7:49 am
I noticed last year that none of my friends (and including me) were fully satisfied with their strollers. There’s always something that’s just not quite right.
I, too, am searching for the perfect stroller. Count me in for your giveaway!
July 14th, 2009 at 8:30 am
While I haven’t confirmed this, I think one of the sit n’ stand strollers might be the best for a theme park. Something that the baby can be in the front and when his older brother gets tired and wants me to carry him on my shoulders, I can just pop him on the back of the stroller. Any idea if a buddy board would attach to the back of this stroller?
It would also be nice to have a nice compact stroller to take on the plane from Vancouver to NS.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:37 am
It’s hard to know what I want in a stroller. I look for light, as I gotta lug it out of the car; needs to carry all my stuff, as there’s always stuff, sippy cups, diaper bag, shopping bags; glides right, as I hate when the wheels get stuck and I have to physically turn them to go!
This looks like a great one. And we’re hitting up DLand in September. This would be a perfect stroller! Thanks!
July 14th, 2009 at 9:45 am
a.) has to push easy so my big kids can help when needed, and b.) lots of storage space for diaper bags, snacks, etc.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
i want to win. the perfect stroller is hard to find, so count me in!
July 14th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
The stroller I had with my first was perfect size wise, but had very little storage space, my current one is waaayyyy too big, but fits everything and the kitchen sink. I would really love a good blend, something that will get through the mall stores isles well, but also have enough space for my bags.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I’ve got a jogger stroller that rocks, but is so clunky that it’s a pain to travel with. It’s like the Oldsmobile of strollers. Holds a lot of crap but can’t endure much after a few thousand miles! So, I wouldn’t think to take it to a theme park unless it was within driving distance and we could use our truck to haul it.
I like Gwen’s idea — the sit’n'stands seem to be the rage with parents who have a toddler and a baby. I’ve not been to a theme park in years, but we’re going to Disneyland next year, and man could we use something that doesn’t weigh as much as an Oldsmobile!!
July 14th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
here is my flickr photo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14140257@N05/3722061903/in/pool-1160113@N23
July 14th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
as an adoptive mom-to-be, i have no idea what the perfect theme park stroller would be. i still don’t know what my perfect everyday mall or neighborhood stroller will be.
though in my theme-park experience and watching parents struggle w/ strollers & stuff, i’d have to say that it be 1) lightweight 2) spacious for child & extra gear (diaper bag & parental stuff) and 3) minimally sized so as not to annoy or run over too many other park-goers.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
here is my post! i am doing all i can to win! =)
http://blog.allyzabba.com/2009/07/want-to-win/
July 14th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
I live in Alaska and when we go to a park we have to make sure we have plenty of extra layers of clothes packed in the stroller. It either gets too cold when the sun goes away, or windy, or raining. In Alaska you have to be prepared for everything!!! Thanks for the giveaway!!!
July 14th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
I can’t tell you how many times we have wished our stroller held more while tooling around D-Land. Or how many times we wished the shade came down just a little more when T was taking a nap. I can’t wait to see how this one works!
July 14th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
The first time I took my daughter to D-land I had to go buy a stroller at one of those famous stores! I couldn’t really find one that I loved, so I bought the cheap one, total mistake!! She hardly even fit in it. I have pictures of her in the stroller busting out of it. She is to old for a stroller, but my second daughter is ready for a great trip to see the princesses, so winning this stroller would be the best thing and such a blessing since it is so hard to find the right stroller!
July 14th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
With 9 children you would think that we would know about the perfect theme park stroller, however we are still using the stroller that was given to us when we had #1.
It needs to have a place for storage and some extra place for another child to sit or stand would be fab.
July 14th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
I’m past the stroller stage, but would love to win this for a friend who’s expecting. Then my kids can take her kid to all the SoCal theme parks! But my Peg Perego was dreamy for theme parks, all the way from four months to four years. It reversed direction so the sun was always out of the kid’s eyes, it converted from flat bassinet to sitting toddler, the basket was large enough for a day’s worth of supplies, and it reclined fully for nap time.
July 14th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Here is my picture for the theme park stroller. The umbrella stroller is not fit for the zoo! poor baby girl.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40621697@N00/3722163663/in/pool-1160113@N23
July 14th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I have only ever had a McLaren Techno. Ran the first into the ground after 2 kids and got another. So lightweight (perfect for lugging up and down Nyc subway stairs for 3 years). Folds up small which makes it easy for the Disney tram. Not a lot of cargo space, but I don’t like to bring a lot of stuff anyway.
July 15th, 2009 at 3:45 am
My Mclaren Volo has gone with us to Disney World 5 times now. We’re taking our 6th trip in August. This stroller has logged many theme park miles and is still working for us. I especially love the raincover that is an accessory for the Mclaren since it always seems to rain one of the days we’re at the park.
July 15th, 2009 at 4:03 am
I love borrowing a friend’s Baby Joggers and testing them out at theme parks (and anywhere else.) They’re lightweight, have easy steering, must be comfortable (because the kids have no problem climbing in) and the fold is incredible for quickly stuffing in the car when everyone is tired and cranky and wants to go home. Oh! and the basket and storage are a huge bonus!
July 15th, 2009 at 4:09 am
After four kids, I have finally found one I really like – EasyWalker Duo. It could be improved upon, but it pushes like a dream and the bassinet attachment always gets oos and ahhs. More storage and folding down a bit smaller would be nice, but I have been extremely happy with it so far.
July 15th, 2009 at 6:15 am
I’ve got 3 kids and to be perfectly honest, i’ve never found a stroller that I love. We’ve owned all kinds…a jogger, an umbrella, a double, a travel system, an even those stroller frames that you add the little car seat to. I’d love to have a stroller that I love! So, pick me. I could sure use one!
Link to my blog announcing your fun contest:
http://momof3under4.blogspot.com/2009/07/win-stroller.html
July 15th, 2009 at 6:30 am
I am not an avid theme park goer.. but when I have gone I have liked something small and compact for two little ones. My picks are the Baby Jogger city elite mini double or the narrow Combi Twin double side by side. I like that the Combi can fold up and be slung on someone’s back, when the kids are too excited to sit and ride (something I also use it for when riding the train in the city). I also like that with the crowds of people, both strollers are narrow. I like the the Baby Jogger elite mini bc of its multiple pockets and storage basket. The lack of cup holders for either doesn’t bother me, bc most likely we will have bought the attachment OR we use Sigg bottles for everything!
July 15th, 2009 at 8:47 am
I have an almost 5 year old and a 20 month old and so far the Joovy Caboose ultralight works best for us. My older child can jump on and off easily. It comes with a nice pouch with many compartments. Holds 2 water bottles and has a zippered enclosure for keys and phone. Also, on the back of the baby seat, there are pockets for my older child’s items too. It steers easier than any other sit n’ stand I have tried. When I had one child, I loved to take my Maclaren Triumph and we LOVE our Bob revolution Dualie, but that is impossible to take on a tram or monorail, so the Joovy it is!
July 15th, 2009 at 8:54 am
My perfect theme park stroller would hold 3 kids and I could attach it to my husband’s bike so he could pull it behind him!
July 15th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I have 2 votes for this one. First choice, I love my UppaBaby Vista! The basket is huge. The seat can be forward or rear facing. Reclines for naps. I can add the “piggy back” for my toddler when her legs get tired. Its lightweight, easy to push, the perfect all-around stroller.
BUT. We’ve also recently bought the BOB double stroller. As side-by-side double strollers go…this is the cat’s meow! Pushes like butter. Fits through any standard doorway (big bonus for a double). The basket is a little less than desirable…small…hard to get to. But love it none the less.
So it would depend on where we’re going & what would fit our specific needs for getting both a 9 month old & a 4 1/2 year old around a theme part.
July 15th, 2009 at 11:33 am
With annual passes to Disneyland and a one-year old, the perfect theme park stroller is a must for this family!
July 15th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
finally figured out how to sign-up for Let’sGoStrolling newsletter. Now I’m a subscriber!!
THANKS!
July 15th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
tweeted about this awesome giveaway today!
@jlmorningstar
July 15th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Tweeted http://twitter.com/nicolle_b2/status/2658996842
July 15th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
My favorite stroller is any one built with TALL people in mind. WHen my kids were little, I never uesed a stroller becuase I couldn’t push it all hunched over. Now with the grandbabies they are getting better, but still there is major room for improvement. And no, neither my daughter or I can afford the ones with the expandable handle.
July 16th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I do not have a whole lot of experience with strollers, as we are still parents-to-be. Having been to several theme parks with our nieces and nephews, I have to say that I would want something that is comfortable and shaded for them, but also durable and able to store a lot and give us a set of free hands.
July 16th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Here’s my tweet:
http://twitter.com/laurie_pooh/statuses/2683226730
July 17th, 2009 at 7:57 am
The strollers I’ve always used were hand-me-downs, which served their purpose, but not conveniently! Many times i’ve searched the internet for reviews on “the perfect” stroller. I appreciate your review of this stroller and am curious to try it out!
July 17th, 2009 at 8:22 am
We are about to embark on a SD 2 day fun trip and in desperate need of a great stroller. I would love to win this one. Before this we never really had the perfect theme park stroller, so this would be it for me.
July 17th, 2009 at 8:53 am
We have a Graco metrolight single stroller and a Graco DuoGlider. We love our DuoGLider since both kids fit in it and there is a ton of space in the basket that spans under both seats.
July 17th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
It’s gotta be a stroller with a stand-behind option for the bigger ones!!!
July 17th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Well, I’m not sure if I’ve found the ‘perfect’ theme park stroller, but I do have one that I love to use for all of our day trips and theme park excursions. It is the Chico double umbrella stroller. Need to find myself a new one though, as I only have one stroller age child now! Thanks for posting this!
Brittany
July 17th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Anything has got to be better than the double stroller I’m using now. It is a hulk — I like that it has stadium seating and two snack trays, but it is a beast to get in and out of the trunk. And only the back seat reclines, and only part way. Basket is big, but practically impossible to get to, so us basically useless (although it does catch toys and cups that the back seat passenger drops between his legs, lol).
What a great give away! Thanks.
July 18th, 2009 at 2:37 am
I dont have the perfect stroller. I think I have too many demands. I am fairly tall so pushing a stroller usually involves kicking the wheels. Storage is always an issue as well as loaded down tipage.
Maybe I can win and all my problems will be solved.
July 19th, 2009 at 11:35 am
I have yet to find a stroller I am really happy with. I like my Maclaren Quest, but my daughter has never slept in it and the storage is terrible. Still, the handling is great. Maybe I’ll get some ideas for a new stroller here!
July 19th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I have yet to find the perfect stroller. As a mom about have a third child, I am in need of a good stroller, so I look forward to reading more about this. Thanks.