Generally speaking, there’s a (partially false) sense of security when we escape our daily routines for spinning in tea cups and run far away from stress and into the open arms of a larger-than-life mouse. Our shields come down and skipping becomes a formal mode of transportation. How wonderful it is, all of it. We must be careful though because bad people also go on vacation or at least pretend to be tourists.
Years back, my cousin Matt and I found ourselves looking at strollers parked outside various attractions and buildings. We were amazed at what people were willing to leave out; designer handbags, toys, food, purchases, clothes, and so on and so forth. I even started photographing strollers in pure disbelief of what was sitting out and in part for possible police reports should things go missing.
I don’t have kids and have never had to supply a small army with food, water, and a change of clothes. Are parents not carrying backpacks stuffed to the gills? Perhaps that or a locker would be safer than leaving things in strollers.
Personally, my feet wouldn’t last more than a few minutes barefoot on concrete.
Another thing to consider is that when you leave food out, you can wind up with uninvited guests picnicing in your stroller. I was looking at strollers in Animal Kingdom and thought the Cast Members were watching me. No, they were watching a regular bandit prance through a marketplace of goodies.
Notice anything strange?
How about now? Yes, that’s a squirrel with a kung-fu grip on a loaf of bread. I saw him or her but probably a him, knaw through the plastic and eat the bread. Cast Members said the squirrel and friends have learned how to open containers, bags, and other packaging.
Do you have a funny story or a serious message to relate about your stroller? Please share it with the rest of the class and our forrest friends.
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I live around the corner from Walt Disney World and take my 3 and 2 year old girls about twice a week. I leave all kinds of stuff in the stroller and have never had any issues with anyone taking anything, except a squirrel at the Animal Kingdom (but I have since learned from a Cast Member they have been dealt with since they were getting way too aggressive for the tiny humans to be around). The kids really wanted chicken nuggets instead of sandwiches that day anyway. 🙂
Other than that, just the freak afternoon rainstorm that wasn’t there when we left for Imagination! and had already disappeared by the time the ride got out, who knew how fast things can get soaked? It kind of defeats the purpose of the stroller when you have to push it around waiting for it to dry while the kids roam free.
Lisa responds: I’m happy you have not had anything stolen from your stroller.
Very funny! A similar thing happened on my family’s last vacation with Disney Cruise Line. People who eat at the buffet and leave their trays on outdoor tables to get something they may have forgotten invite aerial attacks from sea birds, particularly when the ship is in port. Who knew that birds liked sausages and scrambled eggs? Does this make them cannibals?
Lisa responds: When I sailed on the Wonder, I remember seeing seagulls flying towards the ship, where outdoor dining was available. But they never landed anywhere. I think there was a high pitch sound only they could hear.
And yes, it makes them cannibals…I think.
I wish I had a funny story. That squirrel story is pretty good!
I do have a serious message. Yes, we’re on vacation and skipping along thinking the world is a perfect, magical place and for the most part, it is. But there are bad people in the world who take things that don’t belong to them. There are also good people who make innocent mistakes. Either way, if your stroller (or the contents) goes missing, your skipping will probably come to an abrupt halt.
I’ve had 2 strollers go missing while visiting Walt Disney World. The first was a cheap little umbrella one that my 5-year-old really didn’t need anymore anyway. (This was actually a blessing in disguise, as it got him to realize that he could walk around more than he originally thought.) The second stroller was one of those gigantic “Cadillac” ones for my 13-month-old. Luckily, I spotted it being pushed away from the scene, and was able to chase them down to reclaim it. Both times, I felt like someone had just punched me. Those things belonged to my family! How rude of someone else to take them from us.
I’ve never left anything of value in any of our strollers. Just because you’re at The Most Magical Place on Earth doesn’t mean that everyone is filled with good will and Pixie Dust. Just take the time to protect yourself and your belongings.
Lisa responds: Thanks for sharing. Well said, Kelly.
Love this blog! There is totally a false sense of security at Walt Disney World. Having traveled 3 times with children under the age of 2, I know you get to the point where you would rather chance your stuff being stolen than removing it from the stroller AGAIN! I have also thought to myself that most other people there leave their stuff just like I do, so why would they take mine? I don’t think I have ever left food for squirrels to attack, though.
This is so funny!! I wish that you would do a whole series of these pics. I would love to see what people leave in their strollers.
Lisa responds: Careful what you wish for. 😉
Oh my, amazing pictures but you are so right, the stuff these parents leave in the strollers is amazing they must be very trusting people.