Renting a Stroller at Disney vs. Bringing Your Own: What You Need to Know

Visiting Disney with a baby, toddler or even a slightly bigger kiddo? Work a stroller into your plans! Now you need to figure out: Do I want to bring my own stroller or should I rent a stroller at Disney? We’re going to lay out everything you need to know about renting strollers at Disney (including resort drop off changes) and what you need to know about renting vs. bringing your own stroller.

Renting a Stroller at Disney World or Disneyland

When traveling with infants, babies or toddlers, a stroller at Disney is a necessity. Disney parks are large and require a lot of walking. Even the walk from the park to the hotel or parking garage can be too much for tired kids (and adults!) at the end of a magical day.

You’ll even want a stroller outside the Walt Disney World parks! The Disney resorts in Orlando Florida are large and sprawling. A walk from the bus station to the hotel room or from the room to the dining hall can be exhausting for youngsters.

And while Disneyland has a smaller footprint, I’ve always used a stroller there for my little kids too. Strollers can make navigating the Disney parks easier, especially at the end of a long and busy day with a baby or toddler at Disneyland.

When packing before my Disney trips, I’ve gone back and forth on whether to bring or rent a stroller there and what kind of stroller to use. Here are four options to consider:

• bring your own
• rent one at the park
• use an Orlando area rental service
• buy a cheap umbrella stroller once you arrive or to deliver from Amazon.

Below are some tips, links and options to consider when it comes to strollers at Disney parks.

Bringing Your Own Stroller to Disney

Bringing your own stroller is the most affordable option. It can provide your child with a familiar napping place as well as a comfortable spot to rest. There are several benefits to packing your own stroller and a few things to consider beforehand.

If bringing a stroller from home, you might be tempted to bring a more durable jogging stroller. Do remember that strollers will need to be folded before boarding Disney transportation. Therefore, you’ll want to have something quick and easy to collapse. Plus, you’ll be wrangling your kids along with the stroller AND  there isn’t a place to store your stroller on the Disney buses except between seats (if the area is free). You’ll still need to keep a hand on it to ensure it doesn’t fall and hit someone.

Transportation to Disney can also play a role in your decision. With the elimination of Disney’s free Magical Express service getting from the Orlando Airport to Disney World is a bit more complicated. If you’re planning to catch an Uber, you may not want to have a stroller which could require you to book a more expensive Uber X or Uber XL ride. 

What Strollers are NOT Allowed at Disney?

If you’re flying to Orlando or Anaheim, you’ll want to bring a stroller that can be gate checked. Start by checking your airline’s restrictions. Not all strollers (especially larger double strollers) will meet the height and weight limits for gate checking.

Disney parks also have their own size limitations and restrictions on strollers. Strollers larger than 31″ x 52″ are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not allowed within the parks.

There is an exception to this rule regarding stroller size and type, specifically for those who use a stroller as a medical device. Those who qualify with special needs can speak to guest services. They may be able to apply for a special pass that will be tagged on the stroller.

Double Strollers that Meet Disney Size Rules

The following double stroller models meet Disney’s stroller size restrictions:

• Joovy Caboose Ultralight 21.5″ wide by 37″ long

Joovy Caboose Ultralight Graphite Stroller, Sit and Stand, Tandem Stroller, Black

Buy Now

• Baby Jogger City Mini Double 30″ wide by 37″ long
• Bob Revolution Dualie 31″ wide by 51″ long
• Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double 30″ wide by 44″ long
• Joovy Scooter X2 Double 30″ wide by 32.25″ long

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller, Large Storage Basket, Black , 30 Inch

$299.99

Buy Now

03/23/2023 05:32 am GMT

• Baby Jogger Summit XT Double 31″ wide by 46″ long
• Joovy Caboose 2 21.25″ wide by 38″ long (a popular sit n’ stand option when you have a baby and an older child)
• Valco Snap Duo Trend 29″ wide by 32″ long

Valco Baby Snap Duo Trend Light Weight Double Stroller 2020 (Denim)

$749.95

Buy Now

03/23/2023 07:47 am GMT

Where to Rent Strollers at Disney World

Strollers are available to rent at various locations throughout the Disney parks and the Disney Springs area. There’s no stroller rental at Downtown Disney in California. It’s easiest to find rental locations via the Disney app.

At Walt Disney World Stroller Rental locations are: 

• Magic Kingdom- inside the front train station as you enter the park
• Animal Kingdom- on the right immediately through the entrance at Garden Gate Gifts
• Hollywood Studios- on the right immediately through the entrance at Oscar’s Super Service 
• EPCOT offers two rental locations: the World Traveler shop near the International Gateway entrance and Stroller and Wheelchair Rentals to the left of Spaceship Earth (the giant silver ball). 

Disneyland shares a stroller rental with Disney California Adventure, located at the front gate. In addition there is another stroller rental spot inside the Pixar Pals parking structure.

If you’re staying at a Disneyland resort hotel, featured provider ScooterBug can arrange length-of-stay rentals. The company offers strollers, ECVs and wheelchairs that will be delivered to your hotel.

Should You Rent Strollers At Disney Parks?

The hard plastic strollers in Orlando aren’t fashionable or comfortable, but they do come with a shade awning. Strollers in California are fabric, jogger-style (check them out in the picture above).

Neither Disney stroller model is appropriate for newborns or infants. If you are traveling with a very young baby, you’re better off bringing your own stroller or renting from a third party company.

READ MORE: Best Strollers for Travel with Babies and Toddlers

Cost of Renting a Disney Stroller

At Disneyland single strollers are $18 a day and double strollers are $36 a day. Pricing at Walt Disney World is $15 per day for a single stroller or $31 for a double. Multi-day length of stay discounts are available.

You’ll want to keep your receipt in a safe, dry place to show proof of payment each day. Make sure to arrive early to accommodate the extra time it will take to rent and pick up your stroller.

Stroller rentals at Disney Springs require a $100 credit card deposit. You won’t find strollers for rent in the water parks or at the resorts. Also, strollers have to remain in the area where they were rented. This means you won’t have the stroller for long walks back to the bus, through the hotel or for exploring your resort or off-property areas.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re Park Hopping, just show your day’s rental receipt at the second theme park and receive a stroller to use there. That means you can “hop” to multiple theme parks and only pay once to rent a stroller.

Renting From a Third Party Stroller Provider at Disney World

Renting from a third party company will allow your family to take the stroller anywhere (including outside the parks) for about the same cost as a Disney park stroller rental. Costs may vary slightly between companies and stroller models but most offer free delivery. For families on a multi-day Disney vacation, the cost to rent outside of the resort can be a considerable savings.

Most of the third party companies have featured strollers that are jogging-style (like the City Mini pictured in this section). They offer plenty of storage underneath and sunshade awnings.

I’ve used several of these companies myself, always with positive results.

• Kingdom Strollers: (407) 271-5301 (free rain cover, parent console/drink holder cooler bag and the strollers can be picked up and returned at the Orlando airport) 
• Orlando Stroller Rentals: (800) 281-0884
• Amusement Park Rentals (407) 442-0000
• Magic Strollers: (866) 866-6177

Renting a Third Party Stroller at Disneyland

There are fewer stroller rental services in the Anaheim area, perhaps because so many visitors to Disneyland are locals who bring their own strollers. If you require a stroller rental while visiting the Disneyland area, SheBuysTravel recommends City Stroller Rentals, (877) 787-5537.

Buying a New Stroller at Disney

Most visitors will either bring their own or rent strollers at Disney. But perhaps you hadn’t thought about buying a new one at your destination? Some Disney parks and shops on-property have an umbrella-style stroller for purchase. I found the strollers pictured below at the entrance to Disneyland in California. Purchasing a stroller outright can be less expensive than renting.

If you’re heading to a local store in the area (like Target or Walmart), consider picking up an inexpensive stroller to use on your trip. Or have a stroller shipped directly to your Disney hotel (there may be a package delivery fee; check with your hotel on their policies for shipments). After your trip, you can choose to bring the stroller home with you or leave it behind for another family to use.

Double Strollers & Tips for Twins

If you’re traveling with two (or more!) small children or twins, you’ll likely want to have a double stroller to use in the Disney parks. Here are a few tips to keep in mind whether you plan on bringing your double stroller from home, renting at the parks or renting from a third party company.

• If you’re flying in, you’ll want to bring a stroller that is also allowed to be gate checked, so you should start by checking your airline’s restrictions first. Not all double strollers meet the height and weight limits.
• Do remember you’ll have to fold and carry your stroller when going on and off the transportation to local area hotels. A double stroller is going to be extra bulky and heavy.
• The thought of folding and carrying a deluxe double stroller while also corralling twin toddlers may seem more trouble than it is worth. You may choose to opt for a more flimsy, but easier-to-handle double umbrella stroller. It may not be as smooth to push around, but it’s definitely lighter and less of a hassle.
• Rather than packing a double stroller, consider bringing or renting two individual lightweight strollers. This situation may work best if you’re traveling with extra adults who can help with carrying kids while other adults fold up and carry the strollers.

Add Personal Flair to Your Stroller for Easier Viewing

There is ample designated stroller parking areas near almost every attraction in the Disney parks. There are even “Stroller Parking” areas. Cast members will rearrange the parked strollers as people leave and new ones get dropped off. This rearrangement can make it difficult for you to locate your stroller.

I’ve never been worried about anyone taking my stroller. However, it’s a good idea to mark your stroller so that no one will mistake it as their own. This is especially importantif you are renting a stroller from the park, since all of those strollers look alike.

The rental companies will give you a nameplate with your family name written on it, but adding a ribbon or other personal flair will still make it easier to spot from a distance.

• Use a colorful luggage tag with your name on it.
• Weave colored ribbons on the handle bars.
• Clip a travel bottle of hand sanitizer on the stroller for family members to use after going on the rides and before snacking.
• After nightfall, loop glow-in-the-dark bracelets onto your stroller handle for easier tracking in the dark.

Read More: How to Make Your Stroller Easy to Spot at Disney

Looking for Discount Disney Parks Tickets?

SheBuysTravel recommends Get Away Today for discounted Disney tickets and vacation packages. Not only does the company have the lowest prices, it offers a best price guarantee. If you ever find park tickets cheaper, Get Away Today won’t just match the price, the company will beat it.