Stroller Test Rolls Out at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Ever watch a parent struggling to get through a crowd with one of those gigantic Disney plastic double strollers and think to yourself that there has to be a better way? You’re not alone–from seats that get incredibly hot to their extreme bulk to the challenges cast members have trying to get the things stored (as they don’t stack together), those double strollers are a nightmare. And when it comes to comfort, the single strollers aren’t much better. This has led to everything from people buying an umbrella stroller just for their vacation to myriad stroller rental companies. Finally, it sounds like Disney is at least considering that it may be time to get with the times.

Currently at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, they’re testing out a stroller rental pilot program where you pay the exact same price for those plastic monstrosities, but you get these instead.

The Joovy Ultralight Caboose has the advantage of being able to be set up as a stroller with two full-padded seats and restraint systems or as a stroller with a padded seat and restraint and a bench seat for an older child.  During this test phase, you also have the option to include the cupholder tray at no additional charge.

A single stroller version is also available, but the double stroller is the real game changer in my view. Look at how little additional space the double (teal) takes up compared with the single (dark blue).

Cast members we talked to say that in addition to being easier to store, these units are also easier to clean. When was the last time that Disney offered such a major upgrade for no additional cost?

We’re going to be running an article next week looking at the stroller options from third-party rental sites, but we wanted to get this out here right away–even though (spoiler alert) Disney rentals cost more than third-party stroller rental companies, would having better quality strollers at the ready in the theme parks make you more willing to spend the extra not to have to lug the stroller on the bus or parking tram?

Photos: Christina Harrison

What are your thoughts on this stroller program? Would this make you more likely to rent a stroller from Disney? Is there any reason why you would think that the bulky plastic ones might be better for your family? Let us know in the comments.