[pjfnme]

Hello everyone. We plan on bringing a stroller for our DD for our weeks stay in May. Can anyone tell me how useful it is to have one that has a sun canopy? We have a cheap little umbrella stroller which she can get in & out of okay..but, it's uncomfortable to push b/c of the handle height. I'm going to purchase another one anyway & was wondering if I should spend a little more for one w/the canopy & storage basket??

If anybody with kids can give me some opinions..it would help out a lot!!! Thanks!!!!!

[teresadisney]

I found the lighter the better for our trips. You will be lugging that thing onto busses also. Can you get an umbrella stroller with a canopy now? In May it gets pretty hot and sunny so I would vote yes on the canopy.

[DisneyTeacher]

I think it depends on your child.

We went in July with a cheap stroller with no canopy and made it just fine in the parks. At WDW we were in line and shops more than we were in the sun. My DS has very sensitive skin and didn't burn once while walking around the parks. I was actually surprised how little sun he got, not even a hint of pink when I forgot the sunscreen before hitting the parks. My DFIL however burned the top of his head.

Since you are planning on getting a new stroller anyway I think for her comfort you may want to go ahead and get one with a canopy, the whole better safe than sorry thing. We saw a really nice umbrella stroller (I think it was a Chiko-sp?) at Toys R Us, it came with a carry bag and a rain cover for about $50.00. We didn't get than one but I wanted to, it was nice.

I think the basket is a MUST. We threw out rain gear in the stroller and had it with us at all time but never had to carry it. We bought the cheap net bag that can go on any stroller. I took some of those zip ties and really hooked it on since it didn't come with clips on the bottom of the bag.

[MickeyMamma]

For May? YES you want that canopy. There are a couple of them out that are fairly inexpensive. The canopy is great for when DD would want to take a nap and to help prevent sunburn too.

In our case, we don't really use a storage basket (get nervous about leaving stuff in the stroller) but I did put a cup holder on the stroller.

We have the one by Chicco which I really like, but I know that I have seen one by Kolkraft that looked okay too.

[Dana]

I would definately go for the canopy option. Especially in May. The sun in Florida is BRUTAL. Make sure to also get a visor or hat to keep sun out of the eyes and off the face totally. Nothing is sadder than seeing a poor kid burnt and miseralbe in WDW. Sunblock (40+ water proof) is a must.

[disneyguy]

I don't know. It depends on if you are used to lots of sun. As I used to live in FL i am used to it so I have no prob going from, the no sun and 20 degree weather, of MD in winter, to FL with its bright sun and 70's. You know what kind of skin you have and whether you need tons of protection. I would however, go for the canopy. If ya don't need it then ya don't need it but atleast ya have it available.

[BDavis932]

I agree on several suggestions, too.

1st, canopy is a must!!

2nd, basket is a must!!

3rd, the lighter the better....but on the bus, my hubby carries the stroller, so that usually is not a huge issue for whimpy ole me!!

4th, if you do get an unbrella stroller, let me suggest to you to also buy the front leg weights. They are do-nut shaped 5 pound weights that snap on just above the front wheels. Then you never have to worry about the stroller tipping over when DD hops out. (If you hang a backpack on the back of it)

They sell true unbrella strollers at Toys R Us with a canopy for around $20 bucks....I would opt for the next level up and spend around $45 (heck you would spend more if you used Disney's strollers) and buy one that reclines so DD can take a nap. Our kids always nap in the stroller, and that allows hubby and I to go ride the rides that they can't while they are sleeping.

[Fantasy]

Not sure about the canopy,but the basket is a must.Might I suggest a stroller cover too.Incase of rain.They are about $10 at Toys R' Us,and cover the entire stroller (w/the child in it) incase of rain.

[teatah14]

I agree with everyone else too.

A canopy is a must & a basket comes in handy quite often. We kept wet rain gear in it so no one had to carry it.

[pjfnme]

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I was having doubts about spending the 70.00 bucks to get the storller that I REALLY wanted..but, after hearing from you guys, I'm not gonna let it bug me. It carries up to 50lb child, has a canopy, a big basket and has a LOT of headroom..and, only weighs 11lbs! So...thanks again for helping me to decide! You guys are great!!!!!!

[A Goofy Family]

I vote for a canopy (w/a collapsible canopy) AND a basket!! I sometimes wish that we had a stroller just to cart around our backpacks, video camera, still camera and water bottles...but the kids are almost 10 now and they prefer to walk...most of the time that is.

[KarenT]

I agree I would get both the canopy and a basket. It is nice to have a place to store your stuff.( water bottles, rain poncho etc)
IMO the rental ones are terrible.No place to store anything, can't recline. We rented a stroller once. I will never rent one again.We bring a small umbrella type with a canopy and small basket. We got it a baby's r us about 4 years ago. It is green and we paid about 30-40 dollars for it. Can not remember the brand.
We use it for vacations and short mall trips...it has held up great.

[derek]

Hi gang we just picked up a new stroller for our WDW trip for our 1 year old.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...sin=B0000TLBT0

The Kolcraft 'lil sport' has canopy, generous basket, reclining seat and cup holders. ONLY $19.99 at Target great deal! It folds horizontal to about the size of a very small suitcase. Hopefully will be able to be a carry-on for the airplane. Seems to be well constructed and stroller height is good (I'm 6'2" and comfy pushing it.)