If you’re going on vacation to the Universal Orlando Resort with a toddler or baby in tow, one of the things you’ll have to think about is renting a stroller or taking your own.
What are the pros and cons of renting versus bringing your own stroller to Universal? And how much does it cost to rent a stroller at Universal Orlando? I’ll answer the first question in detail below. As far as cost, it’s about $15 per day to rent a stroller at Universal.
Keep reading for some useful stroller rental tips. I wish I’d known these things before I took my young kids to Universal Orlando.
Can You Rent Strollers At Universal Studios?
Yes, you can!
There is a stroller rental kiosk located to the left of the park entrance at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. However, strollers are not available to rent at Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.
Universal Studios Orlando Stroller Rentals Cost
As mentioned above, Universal offers stroller rentals at each theme park. A single stroller is $15/day and doubles are $25/day.
They ask for a $50 deposit, which is refunded when you return the rented stroller. You can get a plastic steering wheel for an extra $3 if you think your child will enjoy the kiddie cars.
Will My Kid Need A Stroller In Orlando?
Keep in mind that Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are very big theme parks, 100+ acres each. You will likely be doing at least 5 miles of walking every day, assuming you go to Universal’s CityWalk for a meal or some shopping in the evenings.
This means that even if your little one has great energy and does not routinely use a stroller at home, you might need one at Universal Orlando (or Walt Disney World) at times.
If you’re worried about little legs getting tired or your back aching from carrying your little one, bringing your own stroller or renting a stroller is essential. It’s important to know that younger kids who manage well without a stroller at home can find the amount of walking required at Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World a bit too much.
Even if you’re planning a midday nap every day at your hotel, I would still recommend a stroller for all preschoolers. It keeps the little ones fresh and makes visits to the parks more enjoyable and fun for the whole family.
What Are The Stroller Rental Options at Universal Orlando?
There are two options for Orlando stroller rental:
One, you can rent one directly from Universal Orlando or the Walt Disney Company at one of the theme parks.
And two, you can rent a stroller from a third-party company off-property.
Most stroller rental companies in Orlando will deliver and pick up strollers directly at your resort. This makes a huge difference in terms of convenience because you don’t have to do any traveling with a stroller.
Some people even choose to buy an inexpensive new stroller after they arrive in Orlando and leave it behind when the vacation is over. While this option can be cost-effective on longer trips, you are stuck with a lower-quality stroller when you are moving around the Universal parks.
In the following paragraphs, I’ll list out all the pros and cons of each of these options – renting a stroller at Universal, renting from an outside company, bringing your own stroller, and buying a low-cost stroller in Orlando.
What Kind Of Stroller To Rent?
If you rent a stroller from Universal directly, you won’t have much choice. They offer basic strollers with little to no frills. The Universal strollers are durable and made of plastic and can be kind of bulky.
If you are renting from a third-party stroller rental company in Orlando, you’ll have a great deal more choice.
To decide what kind of stroller to rent, think about what you need from your stroller:
- Do you need it for a younger child or an older one?
- Will you need extra storage space?
- And if you are traveling with multiple children, do you want a double stroller or two single ones?
The answers to these questions will help you zero in on the best stroller to rent for your vacation at the Universal Orlando Resort.
Bringing Your Own Vs Renting A Stroller At Universal Orlando Resort
Bringing Your Own Stroller
Pros
- Your child is used to the stroller and it’s the right size for them.
- You know how to open and close the stroller quickly and the best spots to store stuff like a snack.
- This is the least expensive option. On a weeklong trip to Orlando, it can work out to a saving of over $100 compared to renting a stroller.
- It’s easy to pick out your stroller among the dozens in the stroller parking area, especially if you have a ribbon or flag for quick identification.
Cons
- The logistics of getting the stroller to Orlando can be a nightmare since you’ll have to travel with your personal stroller.
- If you’re coming to Orlando by car, it will take up luggage space.
- You might have to pay additional airline fees.
- You’ll have to trust the airline to handle your stroller carefully. Travel can be hard on strollers in general and can result in damage. You might come home and find the stroller is wobbly or some important bit has broken off while in transit.
- Although it’s unlikely, your expensive stroller could get lost or stolen while you’re in Orlando.
Renting A Stroller At Universal Orlando
Pros
- This is the easiest option. It saves you the trouble of traveling with a stroller, yet you have one when you need it in the Universal theme parks.
- You won’t need to fold up the stroller while getting on buses, etc.
- For shorter stays, this is a convenient and relatively inexpensive option.
- You don’t need to make an advanced reservation. You can get a stroller if you need one when you’re in the theme park.
- You don’t have to keep the stroller for the whole day. If you feel like you need a stroller for a few hours, you can rent one, use it, and return it. If you hang on to your receipt, you can get another stroller the same day at no additional cost.
- Rental strollers at Universal are sturdy and it’s unlikely you’ll damage it.
- The strollers hold a ton of stuff, which is very convenient when you’re traveling with little ones.
- They’re made of plastic and dry off pretty quickly after a rain shower.
Cons
- Pricing is generally on the higher side at Universal. It generally costs more to rent strollers from Universal compared to third-party companies.
- The rental strollers at Universal can be quite oversized, especially if you’re traveling with an infant.
- The strollers are pretty basic with no frills. The hard plastic can be uncomfortable.
- You will only have access to the rental stroller when you are inside the Universal parks. Your child will have to walk or you’ll have to carry your kid the rest of the time, for example, when walking to your car in the parking lot.
- Stroller rentals are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis. If there are big crowds and you arrive a little later in the day, they might have run out.
Renting A Stroller From An Outside Company In Orlando
Pros
- It’s pretty convenient. You can make reservations online and arrange for delivery and pick up from your resort in Orlando.
- You can choose from a range of strollers and might even be able to find the brand you use at home.
- You can rent exactly what you need in terms of additional gear like a rain cover or cooler bag.
- It’s a better option if you want a stroller available to you throughout your stay in Orlando, including outside the Universal theme parks and when you’re park hopping between Universal, Walt Disney World, and SeaWorld.
- It’s easier to identify a third-party rented stroller than Universal strollers.
- It’s more comfortable than the rental options at Universal.
- Third-party rental options are generally cheaper than the Universal stroller rental cost. On longer trips, this definitely makes sense because there is usually a higher rate for 1-3 days and a much cheaper price thereafter.
- You can compare prices between various companies and look out for exclusive offers.
Cons
- While it may be cheaper than renting a stroller at Universal, it still costs around $50 for 1-3 days, so this option is more expensive than bringing your own stroller.
- You will have to take it everywhere, which can be a bother for some people.
- You will need to fold it on buses, etc.
- The cushioned seats, while more comfortable, can get soaked in the rain, so you will need a rain cover if showers are forecast.
- If your resort does not allow pickup and drop-off at the bell desk, you’ll need to arrange a time with the stroller rental company and meet them, which can be a hassle.
Buying A Stroller In Orlando
Pros
- If you’re in Orlando for a longer stay, this can be a good option. You can get a relatively inexpensive stroller at one of the big box stores.
- The stroller will be brand new, ready to go, and in its best condition for use during your trip.
- After your trip is over, you can take it back home or drop it off at a donation center for someone in need.
Cons
- You’ll have to go to a store at the start of your trip.
- It might be tricky figuring out what to do with the stroller at the end of your trip.
- The cheaper strollers are pretty basic and may not be all that comfortable.
Tips For Using A Stroller In Universal Orlando
Keep Your Receipt
If you decide to opt for stroller rentals at Universal, keep your receipt safely until the end of the day.
If you leave the theme park, say for a midday nap, then come back later, you can show the receipt and get another stroller at Universal Orlando at no additional cost.
Bring Blankets For Comfort
The plastic strollers at Universal are roomy and great for older kids but can be oversized for smaller kids, especially infants.
Bring blankets, towels, and small pillows to keep your little one secure and comfortable.
Come Prepared For The Florida Weather
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Central Florida. Whether you’re bringing your own stroller or renting one at Universal, be prepared with a rain cover.
Also, keep in mind that you will likely need a fan to keep your little one comfortable in the Florida heat. If you’re visiting in the winter months, bring a blanket or extra layers for the evening chill.
Bring Something To Identify Your Stroller
Your stroller, whether you’re bringing your own or renting one at the theme park, can get lost in a sea of strollers. Tying a ribbon or balloon or having some sort of identification like a flag or sign makes it easier for you to find your stroller. It also makes it less likely someone else will mistakenly walk away with yours.
Plus, it looks cute in all your family photos!
Take A Photo
Sometimes, Universal employees will move strollers around to tidy up the area. It helps to have a photo of your personal stroller on your phone.
Although unlikely, if your stroller gets lost, you can just show the photo to the cast members at Universal and they’ll help you find it.
I also like to take a photo of where I’m leaving my personal stroller in the parks. Having a snapshot of the surrounding area can make it easier to find later on.
Park Your Stroller in Designated Stroller Parking Areas
Always park your stroller in designated stroller parking areas. Staff can move your stroller from a non-designated area to the nearest stroller parking if it is left unattended for too long, and you might find it hard to locate.
Following the rules just makes life easier for yourself and everyone else. Staff members are always on hand to tell you the location of the nearest stroller parking area.
Don’t Leave Valuables In Your Stroller
Whether you’re at Universal or Walt Disney World, leaving anything valuable in a stroller is a hard no. While stroller theft is unlikely, it’s just not worth the risk.
Also, be careful with loose articles as they can fall out without your noticing.
FAQs
What strollers are allowed at Universal Orlando?
You can bring your personal stroller to Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. The size of a single stroller should be 31 inches x 52 inches (79 cm x 132 cm) or smaller.
As mentioned, single and double strollers are available for rent at Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. However, they are not available at Universal’s Volcano Bay.
What brands of strollers are available for rent in Universal Orlando?
The strollers available for rent in the Universal theme parks are basic plastic ones without reclining seats. They are non-branded.
Outside companies offer Baby Jogger, City Mini, Greco, and other popular stroller brands that are lightweight and easy to fold and feature complete coverage canopies and reclining seats.
Can you take strollers into an attraction queue at Universal? What about restaurants?
Unfortunately, you cannot take strollers into queues. This is true not only for thrill rides but all rides. You must park your stroller in the designated stroller parking before entering an attraction queue. Most restaurants at Universal also request that you park your stroller outside to avoid blocking the movement of other guests.
Does Universal have a daycare?
No, there is no child care available inside the Universal theme parks. However, some of the hotels at the Universal Orlando Resort offer onsite kids’ clubs so that adults can enjoy some kid-free time.
Can you rent a wheelchair in Universal Orlando?
Yes, wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent at the rental kiosk to the left of the entrance at each theme park.
Manual wheelchairs are also available in the Rotunda in the parking area.
Please note that ECV rentals are limited in number and given on a first-come, first-served basis. An ECV must be operated by one person who is 18 years of age or older.
Note that ECVs are not available for rent at Universal’s Volcano Bay. However, wheelchairs are readily available at the concierge booth in the Volcano Bay water park.
The Takeaway
No matter what you decide to do on your vacation… bring your personal stroller, rent a stroller from Universal, rent a stroller from an outside company, or buy a stroller in Orlando, your little ones will thank you and your back will too!
In my experience, stroller rentals make a lot of sense at both Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World if you’ve got babies or toddlers in tow. You can travel comfortably and without worry of damaging your personal stroller and have fun at all the attractions without little legs getting tired.