Disney Policy changes!

[TamiTaylor]

Disney parks becoming smoke free! Stroller change too!
chipandco.com/disney-parks-removing-theme-park-smoking-areas-and-limiting-stroller-sizes-347404/?fbclid=IwAR1gfiGxkd1VBwF5UADNbp0VIdBSAL8RhyZSEIAdQU59_YkElwFl-3ymIf0

[taratru]

Finally!!!

[mainelyfoolish]

I saw so many of those stroller wagons when I was there in December. I anticipate a lot of annoyed guests on May 1.

[Deleted]

This is great. So glad to see those stroller wagons won't be allowed. They were everywhere last year and they take up so much space. I think people walk a lot slower with them, too.

[revolution]

I am on board with all of this!

[readyin07]

So I am too scared to look up the specs for my city mini double. Is that too big now? Ugh.

I don’t smoke so this doesn’t impact me at all BUT I have to say that in many many trips to Disney I have never seen anyone smoke a cigarette outside of the smoking areas (which are pretty easy to avoid). What I have seen constantly in the last two years is vaping clouds everywhere. I wonder if the ban will make that worse. People think they can sneak!

[Loco Coco]

Yes! The wagon thing always irked me, it was a loophole since there’s always been a no wagons rule. Just bc you can push it doesn’t make it not a wagon!

[Zoly]

People seem to be losing their mind about this wagon thing. It doesn't help that there was something circulating last week that the Keenz one would be allowed and now they're saying it won't be - although I don't think the earlier statement was officially from Disney.

When I was in the Starbucks at HS a couple months ago, there was a mom in there with one of those and I just remember thinking it was too busy in there for something that large. So I'm not too broken up about this policy change/clarification.

[lacey]

When we were there at the end of January there was only one stroller wagon that I noticed (I'm sure there were more, but I paid no attention to then). The one I noticed was being used for a Make a Wish child. They had it set up so it was almost like a bed with a cover on it to shade from the sun/rain/whatever. I hope there is some kind of exception for these kinds of situations, a reclined stroller wouldn't have been the same.

[jd15]

Mar 28, 2019 11:06:32 GMT -5 readyin07 said:

So I am too scared to look up the specs for my city mini double. Is that too big now? Ugh.

I don’t smoke so this doesn’t impact me at all BUT I have to say that in many many trips to Disney I have never seen anyone smoke a cigarette outside of the smoking areas (which are pretty easy to avoid). What I have seen constantly in the last two years is vaping clouds everywhere. I wonder if the ban will make that worse. People think they can sneak!

nope. you are good on the double city mini - it is only 29.5" wide (fits through standard 30" doorways and only the width of a wheelchair) i LOVED mine when my twins were younger. best.stroller.ever.

[ribollita]

Mar 28, 2019 13:29:09 GMT -5 lacey said:

When we were there at the end of January there was only one stroller wagon that I noticed (I'm sure there were more, but I paid no attention to then). The one I noticed was being used for a Make a Wish child. They had it set up so it was almost like a bed with a cover on it to shade from the sun/rain/whatever. I hope there is some kind of exception for these kinds of situations, a reclined stroller wouldn't have been the same.

I don’t remember seeing them at WDW but at DLR they're all over. Those being used as a “wheelchair” can likely get special tags, luckily.

[mmmomof2]

I'm happy about these changes. TBH, the stroller wagons bother me more than the smokers. I hope they can make exceptions for Make a Wish or other certain special needs, but in general people do not need the stroller wagons.

I had the Double Bob back in the day - is that within the new stroller size guidelines? - Looked it up, they are within the guidelines, barely.

eta - If you look at Keenz' instagram they have a long and sad post about Disney's change. They're basically urging people to write Disney and complain. Most people on-line (except for Keenz owners I'm sure) are happy about this new rule. 

[Deleted]

Mar 28, 2019 15:33:18 GMT -5 mmmomof2 said:

eta - If you look at Keenz' instagram they have a long and sad post about Disney's change. They're basically urging people to write Disney and complain. Most people on-line (except for Keenz owners I'm sure) are happy about this new rule. 

That thread is hysterical. These people are losing their minds. And I'm a little stunned at how many claim that they bought this $300+ contraption solely for a single trip to Disney. 

[taratru]

Those comments are hilarious.

[readyin07]

Mar 28, 2019 15:33:18 GMT -5 mmmomof2 said:

I'm happy about these changes. TBH, the stroller wagons bother me more than the smokers. I hope they can make exceptions for Make a Wish or other certain special needs, but in general people do not need the stroller wagons.

I had the Double Bob back in the day - is that within the new stroller size guidelines? - Looked it up, they are within the guidelines, barely.

eta - If you look at Keenz' instagram they have a long and sad post about Disney's change. They're basically urging people to write Disney and complain. Most people on-line (except for Keenz owners I'm sure) are happy about this new rule. 

When I have been there I have definitely seen a few of them, but I guess I have never noticed them as a problem (motorized scooters, those I have seen as a problem. Goodness, many near hits by people who I assume only drive them in the parks). Their specs are actually smaller (I think?) than many doubles and I think they have wheels that allow for more flexible turning than a traditional "wagon." I have used my City Mini double there many times and I am not sure what I am missing that they are more problematic or unwieldy than a traditional double stroller. I don't have one so it doesn't impact me, just curious.

I hope that people who have medical conditions are still able to use whatever makes the trip easier for them. I know on one board someone was saying they use one for their child (older. I don't know how old, but older than a preschooler) to be able to have a little retreat/ break when he needs less sensory input. I get that and I get how for a child of a certain age they might be resistant to a stroller but be comfortable in a wagon. I'm judgeworthy though. My son was 9 when we went last and he totally hopped in our double stroller (brought for our 9 month old and 6 year old) at the end of a full day from rope drop to fireworks. During fireworks he had major stomach issues and it made him feel super anxious and upset. We just wanted to get him out with minimal fuss. 

[curbsideprophet]

Sounds like vaping is included in the ban per this USA Today article. Towards the bottom, past all the Star Wars stuff.

www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2019/03/28/how-disneyland-will-control-crowds-star-wars-land-star-wars-galaxys-edge/3296907002/

[bowies]

I saw that loose ice was also banned immediately. While I will be happy to not wait behind a family filling up a cooler bag at the Coke machine anymore, my immediate thought is what will families needing to bring temperature-controlled food and medicine do if they don’t have access to a freezer for ice packs?

[TBM]

We were at Epcot yesterday. I had seen the article, so I was more aware of the wagons and strollers than usual.

The wagons (the push kind) don't bother me as much as the double wide strollers. I have never been hit or run over by one, I haven't almost tripped over one, since it doesn't have a front wheel that sticks out front low. They are narrower than strollers that are two wide, shorter length than many, and are easier to pass.

I think it Is interesting that the wagons are already banned, and that it just isn't enforced. I am guessing that there will still be wagons allowed for disabilities, (I think that they would have to allow that) and I have no doubt that people who don't need it will take advantage with false claims of need.

[readyin07]

Mar 29, 2019 5:50:46 GMT -5 bowies said:

I saw that loose ice was also banned immediately. While I will be happy to not wait behind a family filling up a cooler bag at the Coke machine anymore, my immediate thought is what will families needing to bring temperature-controlled food and medicine do if they don’t have access to a freezer for ice packs?

You can fill ziplocks with ice and put in the cooler. Just no loose ice.

[mmmomof2]

Mar 29, 2019 6:32:14 GMT -5 readyin07 said:

Mar 29, 2019 5:50:46 GMT -5 bowies said:

I saw that loose ice was also banned immediately. While I will be happy to not wait behind a family filling up a cooler bag at the Coke machine anymore, my immediate thought is what will families needing to bring temperature-controlled food and medicine do if they don’t have access to a freezer for ice packs?

You can fill ziplocks with ice and put in the cooler. Just no loose ice.

I read that wasn't allowed either. They're concerned about people sneaking weapons or other contraband in the ice.  Maybe depending how easy it is to shift security would deem it clear? 

We were fine with using the hotel refrigerator for cold water and it stayed pretty cold at the parks. We didn't need refrigerated medicine though. Disney should implement a rental program at their hotels. 

[rainbowchip]

Mar 29, 2019 6:23:19 GMT -5 TBM said:

I think it Is interesting that the wagons are already banned, and that it just isn't enforced. I am guessing that there will still be wagons allowed for disabilities, (I think that they would have to allow that) and I have no doubt that people who don't need it will take advantage with false claims of need.

They got around the ban by saying it wasn't technically a wagon because there was a push bar on it instead of a pull behind handle.

[minniemouse]

Mar 29, 2019 5:50:46 GMT -5 bowies said:

I saw that loose ice was also banned immediately. While I will be happy to not wait behind a family filling up a cooler bag at the Coke machine anymore, my immediate thought is what will families needing to bring temperature-controlled food and medicine do if they don’t have access to a freezer for ice packs?

They are still allowing reusable ice packs. Just no loose ice that would require security to dig through. We bring these little ice packs that I got for free from one of the formula companies when I had dd1. 9 years old and they work great. Also they don’t make a mess when they warm up (unlike ice that melts).
ETA- I see what you are saying- the ice packs need to be re-frozen during the day. Ours last a really long time. I would imagine if someone had a medical need they could go to first aid and ask for help. Or get loose ice once they are in the park and last security.

[bowies]

Mar 29, 2019 8:18:47 GMT -5 minniemouse said:

Mar 29, 2019 5:50:46 GMT -5 bowies said:

I saw that loose ice was also banned immediately. While I will be happy to not wait behind a family filling up a cooler bag at the Coke machine anymore, my immediate thought is what will families needing to bring temperature-controlled food and medicine do if they don’t have access to a freezer for ice packs?

They are still allowing reusable ice packs. Just no loose ice that would require security to dig through. We bring these little ice packs that I got for free from one of the formula companies when I had dd1. 9 years old and they work great. Also they don’t make a mess when they warm up (unlike ice that melts).
ETA- I see what you are saying- the ice packs need to be re-frozen during the day. Ours last a really long time. I would imagine if someone had a medical need they could go to first aid and ask for help. Or get loose ice once they are in the park and last security.

Do all hotel rooms have mini-freezers though? Ice packs aren’t going to be cold for long without a way to freeze. Even getting to the park/through security could spoil some food/medications. I think the security concern should get priority but giving people proper notice would go a long way here.

[lacey]

Mar 29, 2019 9:18:39 GMT -5 bowies said:

Mar 29, 2019 8:18:47 GMT -5 minniemouse said:

They are still allowing reusable ice packs. Just no loose ice that would require security to dig through. We bring these little ice packs that I got for free from one of the formula companies when I had dd1. 9 years old and they work great. Also they don’t make a mess when they warm up (unlike ice that melts).
ETA- I see what you are saying- the ice packs need to be re-frozen during the day. Ours last a really long time. I would imagine if someone had a medical need they could go to first aid and ask for help. Or get loose ice once they are in the park and last security.

Do all hotel rooms have mini-freezers though? Ice packs aren’t going to be cold for long without a way to freeze. Even getting to the park/through security could spoil some food/medications. I think the security concern should get priority but giving people proper notice would go a long way here.

They don't, but I've never had a hotel decline freezing my refreezable packs in their break room or kitchen freezer when the rooms didn't have freezers. I only had to do it infrequently when I was nursing. My dad is a Type I diabetic who has refrigerated insulin. He has an insulated case he can store his insulin out of the fridge and keep it within acceptable temperatures. It goes into my mom's purse when we are at Disney.

So, depending on the need, I'm sure most hotels are able and willing to help.

[lessel]

So, I don't have a dog in this fight as I don't own a stroller wagon, but if it fits within the stroller dimensions I don't see why Disney would ban them. The Keenz one has five-point harnesses and is pushed...that seems like a stroller to me. (I get that a traditional pull behind wagon is a safety issue.)

[elcjet]

I was actually surprised by how compact that Keenz stroller was when I parked my rented City Mini next to it. And then when my daughter got a fever at the back of Magic Kingdom one night and crawled into the stroller and fell asleep, with her feet falling off and dragging on the ground every 5 minutes, I thought about how nice it would be to just stick her in a Keenz.

I just think they don't have space in the parks and they would rather fill the walking space with PEOPLE rather than strollers.

[ribollita]

Mar 29, 2019 12:09:11 GMT -5 lessel said:

So, I don't have a dog in this fight as I don't own a stroller wagon, but if it fits within the stroller dimensions I don't see why Disney would ban them. The Keenz one has five-point harnesses and is pushed...that seems like a stroller to me. (I get that a traditional pull behind wagon is a safety issue.)

I have never pushed one but my observation is that unless the pusher is like 6’ tall or taller it would be hard to have a good sight line for what’s in front. People complain about them a lot on the DLR message board but I didn’t find them annoying.

[mmmomof2]

When they have the canopy and the flaps they do look like rolling playpens. They seem bigger than the Double Bob, but I guess they aren't. The front of a double stroller is tapered though, whereas the Keenz is rectangular. I never had a physical issue with them, but I do find them annoying in a "back in my day people used strollers not wagons!" kind of way. And I realize they are pushed and have seatbelts.

I think so many showed up at Disney in the last few months they had to draw a line in the sand.