With four parks to explore, you and your family will have to tackle miles of walking per day during your Disney World visit. Getting to your family’s favorite rides may be easier with teens and young adults, but toddlers and young children may have a hard time keeping up.
Luckily, Disney parks allow personal and rental strollers for kids who need breaks in between attractions. Find out everything you need to know about using a stroller at Disney to protect your little one’s feet and wander around the parks comfortably!
Disney Stroller Policies You Must Follow
Disney enforces strict size limitations for all strollers entering their parks. Your stroller must not exceed 31 inches in width and 52 inches in length. These dimensions apply to both single and double strollers, so measure your equipment beforehand to avoid any issues at security checkpoints.
Most standard strollers meet these requirements without issue, but some larger wagon-style strollers or specialty models might exceed these limits. Double-check your measurements before packing, especially if you own an oversized jogging stroller or travel system.
Prohibited Stroller Types
Certain stroller types cannot enter Disney parks regardless of their size. For instance, security will not allow stroller wagons through the front gates, even if they fall within the dimensional requirements. These policies exist primarily for safety reasons, as crowded walkways and attraction queues can become hazardous with certain stroller configurations.
Age and Safety Guidelines
Disney’s cast members understand that every family dynamic is different and does not enforce specific age limits for stroller use. However, children must remain properly secured in their strollers at all times while moving through the parks.
When boarding attractions, all riders must use appropriate safety restraints, and parents should check that their strollers include functioning brakes. Children should never stand in strollers or hang off the sides while moving through crowded areas to avoid colliding with other park guests. Teaching your kids these safety rules beforehand will keep your family safe from harm.
Renting vs. Bringing Your Own Stroller
Should your family bring their personal stroller or rent one at Disney parks? Both options offer distinct advantages depending on your family’s specific needs and travel arrangements.
Benefits of Disney Stroller Rentals
Disney offers convenient stroller rentals at each park entrance for families who want to travel light. These rentals have a hard plastic construction that makes them easy to clean and sanitize between uses. The design also allows for simple maneuvering through tight spaces and attraction queues.
Rental strollers come with length-of-stay options that can save you money during multi-day visits. Families staying for several days often find rental costs comparable to airline baggage fees for bringing personal strollers. The rental process takes only a few minutes, and Disney provides replacement strollers if someone moves or takes yours by mistake.
Advantages of Personal Strollers
Your child already knows their stroller, so why not bring it along with you during your Disney trip? Personal strollers also offer storage space for diaper bags, snacks, souvenirs, and other necessities.
Most personal strollers provide more practical features than rental models, including padded seats, reclining options, and sun canopies. For those long park days or moments when children need naps between attractions, bringing your own stroller gives your child comfort and familiarity when you’re away from home.
Transportation Considerations
Most airlines allow you to gate-check strollers at no additional cost, which means you can use your stroller throughout the airport and only surrender it when boarding your plane. The stroller will be waiting for you at your destination gate when you arrive.
If you’re driving to Disney, however, rental car considerations vary depending on your stroller size and vehicle choice. Larger strollers might limit you to specific car rental categories so that you find adequate trunk space for your entire family’s luggage. Determine whether renting or bringing your own stroller to Disney works better for your travel plans and family dynamic as you prepare for your trip to Florida.
Navigating Disney Parks With Your Stroller
Disney designates specific stroller parking areas throughout each park, typically located near major attractions and dining locations. Cast members regularly monitor these areas and may consolidate strollers to maximize space during busy periods.
Families should expect staff to move their strollers within parking areas when necessary; when possible, avoid leaving valuable items unattended. For security purposes, Disney provides name tags for stroller identification. However, you may still want to bring your own colorful ribbon or distinctive marker to help you quickly locate your stroller in crowded areas.
Attraction Accessibility
Most Disney attractions require families to park their strollers in designated areas before entering queues. Some attractions offer stroller parking directly adjacent to their entrances, while others require short walks to reach the attraction after parking.
Popular attractions often feature large stroller parking areas that can accommodate hundreds of strollers during peak times. As part of your park itinerary, plan for stroller parking and retrieval, especially during busy seasons when these areas fill quickly.
Restaurant and Shopping Considerations
Disney restaurants welcome strollers, though space limitations at some locations might require you to sit at specific dining sections. Quick-service restaurants typically offer more flexibility than table-service establishments that need space for restaurant staff to serve and deliver food to patrons.
Along with the popular eateries, many Disney shops feature narrow aisles that can feel congested during busy periods. Consider shopping during off-peak hours when possible, or take turns browsing while one parent waits outside with the stroller.
Essential Stroller Accessories and Supplies
There are plenty of stroller accessories you can pack ahead of time to make your trip easier to manage. Rather than stuffing these essentials in your day bag, find out what you need to know about using a stroller at Disney that can make your trip smoother.
Weather Protection
Florida weather changes quickly, so if you see grey clouds covering the sky, rain covers keep little ones dry during sudden downpours. Also consider investing in clip-on fans for hot days, as Florida humidity can make stroller rides uncomfortable for young children. These battery-powered fans attach securely to stroller frames and provide continuous airflow without posing safety risks.
Storage Solutions
Stroller organizers maximize your storage capacity and keep your items easily accessible. Under-seat storage works well for bulky items like diaper bags and extra clothing, while handlebar organizers keep snacks, phones, and park maps within reach.
For more baby essentials, check out Florida souvenirs online to find the perfect outfits and drinkware to bring with you during your next Disney trip. Planning ahead gives your family everything needed for comfortable park touring.
Safety and Security Features
Stroller locks provide peace of mind when parking your stroller in Disney’s designated areas. While theft remains uncommon, a simple cable lock can deter others and help you locate your stroller among dozens of similar models. These simple additions can save time and frustration during busy park days.
As you walk around the parks with your little ones, they may start to feel restless or overwhelmed by the sights and sounds. To avoid discomfort, take frequent breaks to eat delicious snacks around the park or get away from the noise of the bustling crowds. By acknowledging your children’s emotions and listening to their concerns, your family will be able to enjoy the rest of your Disney trip without hassle!