First Time to Disney World, have ? about back packs

[mamom]

Hello...

Going to Disney World in June "FIRST TIME" with daughter, son n law and 3 grandkids ages 12, 9, and 5...I have been reading about people carrying backpacks in with water and snacks, do they not check backpacks, is this allowed, I don't want to have to dump everything out or be embarrassed going through the gate...I saw on another forum someone even mentioned carry in a small soft insulated shoulder strap cooler with water, juice and snacks...any type of info that anyone can give me will be really appreciated...thanks so much...Cindy

[disneyfreakjackie]

We definately bring backpacks to the parks!! Even our four girls bring there own small backpack for their necessities!! We carry small snacks for the kids, we don't bring extra drinks, they are too heavy!! We may carry one water bottle in with us, but that's it!

I do see people with small coolers, I have never seen anyone turned away because of it, they just search through any bag you have, even camera cases, purses, fanny packs, etc. (How much they search depends on the CM!)

I see you have a five year old going so you will definately need a stroller. In December our two youngest DD's were 7 and 8 1/2. We got a double stroller, and it got plenty of use from both of them!! You could store your cooler in the back of that so you won't have to carry it.

Have fun!! :jumping1: :cheer2: :thewave:

[minnie1928]

I have done the backpack thing every time. All you need to do is open all pockets on the backpack (including the ones with food;) ) and the security guard will clear you. My backpack even had a pocket on the exterior to hold water (non WDW sanctioned water)! I have NEVER had anyone tell me that I couldn't eat my snacks or drink my water since they were brought in from outside. I wouldn't worry about it, just pack what you want and you will be fine.

Have a great time!

[Disneyland_emily]

Ive also not had a problem bringing in a snack and water/gatorade-

I think that if ya had glass bottles, alchocol, or anything that could be considered dangerous then you would be stopped but unless ya get a *really* anal CM you wont get stopped for a baggie of m&ms and a water...


-em

[pampam]

It's just a quick look for security reasons. By all means, take whatever you feel you will need. The only glass that is allowed I believe are baby food jars. They of course will not allow alcohol. Snacks, sandwich etc is ok.

[LoriMistress]

I brought my back pack at the parks on our trip and filled it with food and water. They search your bags and they don't care if you're bringing food and drinks as long as it's not booze and you're not bringing anything illigal like drugs or weapons.

[bobcat]

No glass bottles are allowed and they will make you throw them out. Other than that you will be fine. I only carry a water bottle and a couple of small snacks for the kids such as crackers. I don't want to carry a lot during the day. You can also store your pack in a locker if you have more. I believe they are around $6 and are located at the front of each of the parks.

[Rapunsel]

We took a claer back pack and security loved us... I just put my 'personal' items in a non-sethrough bag and it was fine. So what if people see food and diapers. They know what they will be getting before they steal it!

[SuzieQMomof3]

Cute story:

It was my first time through heightened security at Magic Kingdom's front gate. The security guard looked into my backpack and said, "I think we have a contraband item here." I could feel the color drain from my face. He reached in, pulled out an apple, winked at me and said "Cinderella doesn't like these apples, you know. Bad experience once. "

Hope that made you smile.
:p

Susan

[iceskatejen]

Shouldn't that have been Snow White?

I used a back pack on my recent trip. It was more comfortable than carrying my purse and it could hold more, but my back did get pretty sweaty. But I liked being able to have sandals to put on for water rides or if my feet got too hot or tired of sneakers. They wouldn't really fit in my purse (at least not if I wanted to carry anything else) and certainly wouldn't in a fanny pack. Plus the back pack gave me a safe place to put Pal Mickey when I was on the thrill rides.

[VAN]

We also have used a back pack for our many visits. As stated previously - no alcohol or glass.

Hopefully not a trend, but we were just down there and I saw 3 or 4 people with the rolling softsided coolers. I just CANNOT believe how awkward that must be to lug that around behind you all day ... and then when it's crowded, people are falling all over it!

Like I said, I hope this is NOT a trend!!

[pjlla]

Just an FYI.... it is against the "rules" at WDW to pull anything behind you.... rolling backpack, wagon, etc. I have heard about people seeing it done, but I have also heard about being being told they cannot do it..... Just thought you'd want to know.....P

[DD2Disney]

We did not have a problem with anything we brought in. We took a gallon of water and small snacks for DS. Everything (except the water) went into a large ziploc bag. They liked that didn't have to open it at all. The water and bag went under our stroller, so we just had to grab our camera case for rides...it was nice and convenient.