another "how to carry stuff" question

[Whosemom]

Hi all
My kids are 7, 9, and 12. We are going to WDW the second week in december. The last time we went during this time it was definitely sweatshirt weather, and ponchos because it rained ALOT. In the interest of me not carrying a huge and heavy load for the part of the day that it warms up and is dry, I am thinking about having each of the kids carry one of those cheapy little drawstring back packs, where the drawstrings are the straps. I have checked, even a small one is plenty big for a sweatshirt and a water bottle. and a camera, they are all camera bugs. Waddaya think? Am I forcing too much resposibility on the youngsters when it should be all fun?

 

[Memaw2Wm]

Probably a lot lighter than the backpacks they haul to and from school.

I have my GK (about the same age) wear fanny packs with 8 oz water bottles, cameras, autograph books, snacks. No sweatshirts though b/c we usually go in August.

I say give it a try ... worst case scenario is that at the end of the day they've handed them all to you.

 

[Elmo888]

I would just worry about them losing the bags. I could see my DD7 setting one down and forgetting. If the bags are inexpensive and there isn't anything valuable in them, then I would try it!

Have a great trip!

 

[Sugardimples]

Your kids are old enough to have a little bit of personal responsibility put on them. PLease don't be a pack mule!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Rent a locker. Best money we spend at WDW. We only do it if there is an expected weather change but it is great when we need it. We hate to carry anything and most of the time we wear one fanny pack between the three of us.

 

[GoinToDisney]

I say go with the backpacks and make sure you wouldn't be upset if they lost the sweatshirt/cameras (disposables?) Make sure they are clearly labeled with their names (inside the bag along with hotel info or a cell #) Then do a back pack check every time you get up or get ready to leave an area. I think it is a good thing to teach them at a young age to make sure they have what they need and it is good for their confidence that you trust them enough to let them be in charge of their stuff.

 

[Whosemom]

I say go with the backpacks and make sure you wouldn't be upset if they lost the sweatshirt/cameras (disposables?) Make sure they are clearly labeled with their names (inside the bag along with hotel info or a cell #) Then do a back pack check every time you get up or get ready to leave an area. I think it is a good thing to teach them at a young age to make sure they have what they need and it is good for their confidence that you trust them enough to let them be in charge of their stuff.[/QUOTE]

That's what I was thinking, too. You must be "big" if you don't have to ask mom everytime you want a sip of water.

 

[LuvOrlando]

The backpacks for the kids is a great idea that I think I'll use next time we go.
I would add to each a small luggage tag with your last name, hotel and cell number so a well meaning finder of the loot can get it back to you while you are still in the park if one of the kids should happen to forget it.

 

[DisneyCrazyX5]

In Nov. my boys (age 7,7 and 12) just tied their sweatshirt around their waists. DH or I carried a bag that went over one shoulder (a Eastport bag I bought at Walmart just for vacations) that carried 3 cameras, extra batteries, 5 dollar store ponchos ( I had enough that we could wear them and throw them away - but we had no rain), my cell phone and wallet, ADR numbers, and 5 pair of sunglasses when we were inside. My DH usually carried the bag an dthe twin held my hands - it worked great for us. DS age 12 had a fanny pack, but found he really didn't need it .