How to Retrofit the Stroller for Disneyland in 6 Easy Steps

I travel to Disneyland with my young daughter (Miss L) on average 3 times a month.  We live close and feel very lucky to have Disneyland as our playground.  Because of this, I have worked hard to retrofit the stroller with the best accessories possible to provide extra comfort, sun protection, and storage.  It is so functional that other parents frequently stop to ask where I’ve gotten some of our amazing accessories.  I am always happy to share.  And, I can honestly say that these accessories are proven winners because they have lasted many, many long, hot Disney days.  I am still using them today.

How to Retrofit the Stroller for Disneyland in 6 Easy Steps

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Below, I have captured how I retrofit the stroller before each Disneyland visit.  Several of the accessories are so handy that they now stay on our stroller year-around, while a few are added just for Disneyland.  We have used these accessories on 2 different units – Chicco Bravo Pulse stroller and an older Jeep Liberty jogging stroller (newer version Jeep Galaxy).  I share what has worked from my personal experience using my specific strollers.  Please note, these accessories may not fit all strollers so please read the details carefully before ordering.

Step 1: Add an Insulated Organizer with Cup Holders

I never go anywhere without my Stroller Organizer by Luna Bag.  It has been such a great upgrade. It adds 2 extra cup holders to my stroller. The best part is the whole thing is insulated!  This keeps drinks cool longer, which is a necessity during a hot day at Disneyland.  In addition, it also secures our drinks to the stroller.  Before the Luna Bag, we were always fearful that drinks would spill on our daughter if we hit a bump in the road.  Now with the Luna Bag, we place our hot coffees from Starbucks in the deep cup holders and travel without worry.

The Luna Bag also has some very useful pockets for storing cell phones or other treasures.  There is even a deep, insulated pocket with a magnetic closure that you could use to store fruit or other snacks and keep them cool while you are on a ride at Disneyland.  However, these days we mostly use the pocket to store my daughter’s Wubbanubs; it helps keep the pacifiers clean and out-of-site when we park the stroller.

I cannot say enough good things about the Luna Bag.  It is one of my favorite baby products of all time.  The best part is that it attaches securely to the stroller with strong velcro straps, the straps are so strong you never have to take the Luna Bag off, even when you fold up the stroller to put in the car. We have used it for over a year now, and it is still working well.

Step 2: Add a Side Cargo Net for Extra Storage 

I try to keep things quick and easy when I am at Disneyland.  I also try not to stop more than I have to.  This is why I added a Side Sling Cargo Net to the stroller.  And, I placed this cargo net within my daughter’s reach so she can grab her own toys and snacks while I am pushing her.

The cargo net is also useful for storing diapers and wipes for a quick stop at the Baby Care Center. I don’t have to unpack the whole stroller for a diaper change.  The cargo net is also handy for storing souvenirs that we buy at the park.  Stuffed animals and toys can easily be stored when we make a quick stop for a ride.

The cargo net attaches securely to the side of the stroller with strong velcro straps and is non-slip. Similar to the Luna Bag we have used this accessory for over a year now.  It stores well and remains in place even when the stroller is folded.  It has been a simple but effective way to retrofit the stroller for the better.

Step 3: Add a Breathable Mesh Seat Pad for Cooling

I always hated seeing my daughter get so hot and sweaty while riding in her stroller.  When I would take my daughter out of her stroller, the back of her shirt would be wrinkled and damp with sweat from leaning against the non-breathable fabric of the stroller.  So, I searched for a way to make her more comfortable in her stroller, especially at Disneyland.  I eventually found the Manito Breathable Mesh Seat Pad that works for both strollers and car seats.

The pad has 2 small straps at the top with S-hooks for attaching to the stroller or car seat.   However, for our particular strollers, we do not use the straps most of the time as just placing the pad around the stroller harness is sufficient.  The pad will slip down occasionally at the top but for long, all-day stroller use, it still works very well.  The pad provides extra cushion for my daughter as well as air circulation when we tour the park.

The pad also folds up well with the stroller so you can leave it in place for storage.  This also helps keep the pad clean.

My only small complaint with the pad is that my daughter would have marks/indentations on the back of her legs from sitting on the mesh.  The pad is still worth it though for the cooling aspect.  I purchased a piddle pad (see Step 4) to help with this and add even more comfort.

Step 4: Add a Piddle Pad for Extra Comfort and Moisture Control

My daughter usually gets very antsy in her stroller after about an hour.  I think part of the reason is that the seat pads on our strollers are thin and hard, and they seem to get thinner after each use! To add extra comfort for my daughter, I purchased the Summer Infant Deluxe Piddle Pads.  These black pads are soft, and they attach well to the stroller seat.  They have an opening designed specifically for the center strap that goes between the child’s legs.

I originally bought the piddle pads for extra comfort and to work with the Manito Breathable Mesh Seat Pad that I mentioned in Step 3.  But I quickly found, that the piddle pads are great for when my daughter would get wet at Disneyland.  Miss L loves crossing the little creek into the cave at the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in Disney California Adventures Park and she inevitably falls and gets her bottom all wet.  With the piddle pad, I don’t have to worry about putting her back in the stroller wet and getting the seat dirty while I find a bathroom to change her.

Another nice feature of the piddle pads is that they slip easily into the car seat.  The piddle pads have been useful for those occasional diaper blowouts and for transferring a dirty or wet toddler home.  The piddle pads are great to retrofit the stroller and car seat!

Step 5: Add a Sun Shade for Nap Time

My daughter is a very fair child with red hair.  Between the hours of 10 AM – 2PM, she cannot be out in the sun long or she will get a nasty sunburn.  So, in order to survive a full day at Disneyland, I ordered the Manito Sun Shade to attach to our stroller.

This sun shade adds extra length to the stroller canopy to provide full coverage from the sun.  It is especially great for protecting my daughter’s legs when she is in shorts.  It is also great for nap time.  The sun shade extends low so it blocks my daughter from some of the hustle and bustle going on around her at the crowded park allowing her to relax.

I really love this sun shade because it pops open quickly, is easy to attach, and folds up smoothly. It is very compact for easy storage under the stroller when not in use.  It even comes with its own case.  I am usually the envy of all moms around me when I bring this sun shade out, especially when we are sitting in the sun waiting for a parade to start. I highly recommend it!

Step 6: Add a Fun Fan

The last thing I do to retrofit the stroller is add a clip-on fan like Dream Baby Stroller Fans.  I clip the fan on the stroller canopy or tray to provide my daughter with a bit of a breeze, especially when she is sleeping.  Miss L loves the fan; she likes to lean forward and get some air on her face.  I love the Dream Baby fans because they are soft.  I feel comfortable with my daughter sticking her fingers in the blades while they are moving.  For this reason, lots of times I will just hand the fan directly to my daughter to play with, especially during the hottest times of the day.  It is also a great toy and distraction device.

The Dream Baby fans come in lots of different colors and patterns.  I usually buy two fans because the blades can tear after extended play-time with my daughter.  I also buy two so I can clip an extra fan to my husband’s back-pack and blow air on his neck.  It keeps him happy while in line.  Be sure to bring extra batteries if you plan to use the fan all day at Disneyland!

Video of All Accessories used to Retrofit the Stroller

I hope you find the above 6 steps to retrofit the stroller useful.  If you are interested in learning more about the accessories and viewing them live please check out my video below on the same topic.

Shopping List to Retrofit the Stroller

For your convenience, here are all the products I used in the post above to help build a super stroller for your Disneyland trips.

• Chicco Bravo Stroller – Pulse
• Jeep Galaxy Stroller
• Stroller Organizer by Luna Bag
• Wubbanub Elephant Pacifier
• Side Sling Cargo Net
• Manito Breathable Mesh Seat Pad
• Summer Infant Deluxe Piddle Pads
• Manito Sun Shade for Strollers
• Dream Baby Stroller Fans

Thank you for reading! I hope you find this helpful.

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