Anyone else try to find the "PERFECT" Disney bag or stroller?

[DisFam95]

http://containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=63203&PRODID=63650&FEEDCNT=3

This is the wallet/small purse I love to take on all my trips. It will fit well across the body. It converts in several ways. Is slim fitting to the body but holds all my money,passes and lip balm, sunglasses, cell phone, extra film, pens, maps..the things I don't wnat to dig around for. It's from the Container Store. It was not cheap but it's been around the world with me.

Now you all have me wanting to look at strollers. I have the Graco Citilite and loved it. But I've just planned our next trip and just want to 'shop'!!!!

 

[long4disney]

I have the same wallet bag from the Container Store and take it everywhere. It is also very waterproof for all those Disney wet rides! I like the fact that it can be a wallet or a purse or a waist pack. Definately worth the money. I think I paid around $45.00 for it!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Just had to report that the Peg Perego Pliko P3 arrived and I, DH and DD all just LOVE it! I brought her for a ride yesterday and she who has been fighting naps fell asleep in less than 10 minutes and slept for an hour-looking quite comfortable! My DH thinks it will be the perfect stroller to use when he brings DS(3) to preschool-baby in front DS on running board.

I've come to the conclusion that there really isn't just 1 perfect stroller for all ages/places. We gotten a lot of use out of our other 4 strollers and other than the Evenflo Travel System which is simply just too huge-all were perfect for the age/situation. The MacLaren was the perfect Disney stroller for my DD (3 1/2) and I just know that this Pliko will be the perfect Disney stroller for my DD (20 months).

 

[daisylove]

OK I finally really used my Volo. I took DD to the mall for a long walk and I have to say that I love it even more. Dd is almost 50 pounds and 45 1/2 inches. Can I tell you that I could push this stroller and turnit one handed. So cool. Can't wait to try it in WDW. Did not try it with backpack or anything on it and I am still trying to decide on the cup holder/organizer. but so happy!

 

[jerrb]

I just posted a stroller question myself!

Can't figure out which of our many to bring. There is no way I can buy another. We have 2 singles and 2 doubles already!

As for the bag, I think I am bag obsessed. I just ordered the Baby Sherpa 4 in 1 diaper bag for this trip! I figure I can get years out if it though (kids 3 and 1).

 

[daisylove]

how is the baby sherpa. Let us know.

 

[daisylove]

OK I admit it. I have the "perfect" backpack already(see above post) and today I bought another specifically thinking that I may need it one day for Disney. This one is a clear backpack from K-Mart. It was on sale for $7.49. It is roomy and could be good for those security checks... I also bought a luch pack cooler for $4.24 Help me ...

 

[lovesdumbo]

We went to Maine over the weekend and I've got to say again that I love the Pliko! Took the baby for 3 walks when she was fighting a nap and it worked all 3 times. She didn't even fuss when I put her in the stroller like she did at home with the MacLaren. DH took baby and DS for a walk early one morning so they wouldn't wake everyone else up and said stroller was a charm with DS on back even on the dirt road.

We saw my friend from FL who comes to do Disney with us. She has a DD(5) who is still using her travel system stroller but its so heavy, bulky and its tough for the girl to get in with the stationary front bar. I highly recommended the Volo to her and since DD is smaller than my DS(3) she should get lots of use out of it. I told her about livingincomfort. What a great price-especially for the accessory pack!

 

[HenDuck]

This is me! I have so many different bags, backpacks, fanny packs, not to mention cooler packs, cooler fanny packs, water bottle holders, etc.

My mom and I were just laughing about it yesterday. I have a bag/cooler/bottle for every occasion and every person in the family.

Do I have a fav? No, that way I can buy more when I see them!

hahaha!

 

[lovesdumbo]

Daisylove-please help me stop....tell me I do NOT need this perfect bag. Backpack It is a backpack with a removable daypack. The backpack straps hide away for when you check the bag. So DH or I could wear this and then just remove the daypack for a carry on for the plane. I'm trying to resist. We'll have have the backpack board for the car seat and I think I can fit my daypack on the seat of the car seat (last year I had a booster seat and cooler on the seat). Then I've got my huge rolling bag which I can put my other carry on over the handle and I can either attach a 2nd suitcase to that or I do have a cargo bag with backpack straps. Oh yeh and the stroller and 3 kids 5, 3, 1....

I've decided against the Maclaren bag for me. I can't have a kid on the running board of the Pliko with that attached.

 

[daisylove]

Hi there
Hmm... I am torn between saying "No you do not need it" and "gee that is a cool bag". It is very cool but It does seem like it would be very bulky. If you pack it full (like I would do) it seems like it would be too much. Even the day pack is large. Would you use it just for luggage or for the parks as well? If for the parks will you or DH carry or put it in the stroller? Will it fit? Will you still bring a cooler in addition? But for convenience a backpack is definitely the way to go in the airport when you have kids and so many thngs to keep track of. Also, will you still be bringing the boosters as well? In Fla the law has it that kids have to be in a booster of some type until 80 pounds or 8 years old.
Which gives you more room? This bag or the cargo bag (remember you go home with a lot more then you came with ) I would go with whatever gives you more room but don't take this in the parks because it is too bulky. Did this help?

P.S. I went ahead and got the organizer.

 

[lovesdumbo]

OK first, we are getting a limo instead of a rental car so I'm going to let them provide boosters for 5 and 3 3/4 year olds. I'm bringing car seat for the plane and limo for the 21 month old. We'll have to store it in the room-should fit in the closet.... I've got this really great carrier for that. See here: Pack Bac It is so much better than the car seat bags as it fits snug to your body. Last year I had a cooler and booster seat on the seat and also had a car seat bag with the other car seat which we're leaving home this trip I know DS will be fine on the plane-he's nearly 40 pounds and now understands that he needs to sit in his seat.

For carry on I'll also have a "regular" carry on bag with my camera, diaper stuff, clothes for baby, Tshirt for me... and a backpack with books, stickers...I'll try to keep that to a minimum since the planes now have tvs on the seats. I'm hoping to put lunch size cooler in the backpack but we can carry that if needed. I may also bring my DD's(5) backpack for her stuff to make room.

For luggage I've got the nice big rolling bag. Then last year I used a duffle bag that I got free at work. It's not really meant for checking so I don't think I'll take that one this year. The cargo bag/backpack is HUGE. Its about 30-36" main bag plus 12" pockets on each end. (I tried to find a picture of something simular on ebags but ended up seeing lots more I like-MUST STOP!!!!) I think I'll take that one if DH doesn't think its too big. I could also take another weekender cloth suitcase or the small or medium size rolling bags. I think I could attach the small roller onto the large one so 1 adult could handle all the luggage. We'll also have another adult with us. She packs light-a small roller and a very small canvas carryon with paper & paper back.

I'll let my DH decide what he wants to carry to the parks. I'll have the small camera bag and water bottle holder. He can use my daypack (rather large Eddie Bauer) or we can bring our waist pack-not just a fanny pack.

I do plan on shipping a package to the resort with diapers, wipes, a few toys/surprises, and a few extra clothes. I know limo will stop for grocery which I plan to do but they won't if flight is delayed so while we can make do without water bottles and snacks I think I'll mail diapers to be safe-can't pay resort prices for those! I plan on doing laundry and try to pack light-I don't think 2 checked pieces and 2 carry ons is bad for a family of 5. We're going to MNSSHP but I think I'd feel better putting the costumes in the luggage than risking loosing them in the mail. We stay concierge and last year the package was waiting for us in the room when we checked in. Concierge also sent a package home to me of mostly dirty clothes.

Is it too early to start packing so I can decide which bag will be best? I haven't told the kids about the trip yet but the luggage is out from the weekend trip to Maine. Maybe they won't notice.....

How do you keep from overpacking if you drive?

 

[daisylove]

Wow. It sounds like you have it all under control. To answer your question. I do not keep from overpacking by driving in fact just the opposite.lol. I pack everything "just in case". I have found also "Just in case" never really happens. oh well... I think we have gone to WDW (3 of us) with more luggage than you are taking (minus the box) for 4 days. We are bad!
Getting the boosters from the limo people is genius. That carrier is also cool. My DD is too big now to need car seat on plane but if we ever have another...

What costumes did you decide on? We may go for one of the parties if not to crazy with the timing. The packiig questio is asked of the wrong person here. While I am addicted to the bags and accessories I will most likely put of packing until 1-2 days before. I am ususally up til 2-3am the night before we leave figuring it all out.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Originally posted by daisylove
Wow. It sounds like you have it all under control

I feel like I'm loosing control. Maybe I'm just so excited about the trip that I think if I start packing now it will come quicker! It really doesn't help that DH is NOT a good traveler-he's such a worrier-especially with the kids. So I'm trying to do all I can to make this easier for him not just to baby him but so he'll have a good time and we can go again and again.

For costumes I'm make my DS Peter Pan-very easy out of felt-will likely look nicer than the store one, my sister is making baby Tinkerbell (I don't like the fabric on the Disney one-looks very scratchy-the pattern has a bulky diaper cover but I purchased lime green bike shorts instead), and I'm making (hope to get more help from sis) the oldest a night gown for Wendy. I did buy oldest Sleepy Beauty so she can choose what to be at home. I do want to bring her Cinderella costume so she can wear it to dinner at GF. I'm undecided about Sleeping Beauty to wear to PSB breakfast-I'd have to bring that home as we're coming home 29th so not enough time to mail it. And I'd want her to change after breakfast so we'd be carrying it around Epcot.

I'm not sure if DH & I will dress up. I was thinking maybe we could do Mickey bride & groom hats as we'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary. Or DH might agree to wear Captain Hook hat.

So when are you going?

 

[jerrb]

We got that type of bag before a X-country plane trip to CA. (Ours also has wheels.)

I have to say, it's great.

The entire thing can be worn on your back and fits in the overhead nicely. The day pack is great to unzip for under your seat, or for a back pack once you are at your destination.

Sorry, I can't stop you, but I can say you won't regret it!

 

[daisylove]

The costumes sound so sweet. My DD did the cinderella dress etc for 1900 park fare and although she was on e of many I think she was the most beautiful Got a great pic of her and cindy curtseying to each other.

Went to PSB in June and did not notice a lot of princess dresses. But the rooms there are more cut up and there may have been more than I saw. You could always stick it in a locker for Epot day.

I am now worrying that my new lugguge etc may get a work out sooner than expected if this hurricane hits us. We are south than the most expected route but still within the probablity range and I remember Andrew made that last unexpected turn to hit us. Us, my parents, sis & bil all live in evacuation zones. Got to remember to take all my WDW stuff if we go.

 

[daisylove]

Ok. We are leaving Tuesday for a 2 day(overnight) trip and I did a test run with my new volo and my new perefct disney backpack with cooler built in and it was a DISASTER. No matter what I do if we use the cooler for even one juice it will tip the stroller when DD is out of it. I am crushed. I finally thought I had it right. Well unless I break down and go hunting for new I will have to figure out something from my 35 bags that I have. I did get the Mac organizer. It is ok not great. It is mesh so everything you put in it is seen. I won't put anything that looks tempting in it. It also does not sit the drinks it holds straight up.(will add a cup holder to stroller now) Could be a recipe for disaster. Right now I am thinking of carrying into the parks a backpack(lightest that I haveand can be folded flatish). Unload into the organizer general stuff, ponchos, glow sticks, extra shirt undies for DD. Keep it light. Then unload a small cooler into the basket of the stroller. That should empty the back pack so I will fold it and put it into the basket as well. Then I have my small fanny pack for $$ and camera. Dd will have her fanny also for her line toys, sunglasses, glow stick. It seems bulky and spread out but once cooler is empty I should be able to repack backpack and it will be at a weight that won't tip. Is this crazy?! I am so disapointed. My perfect one had a side cooler for my brita bottle. Pockets everything. If I had gotten the perfect backpack a few years ago when DD was still using a heavier stroller it would have worked great. I still think Volo is perefct for us . BUT why can't i get both the perfect stroller and perfect backpack at the same time.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Daisylove-sorry your "perfect" bag didn't work out but better to learn now than on a Disney trip. I really liked the idea when you posted you had purchased it but when I found one that looked simular I thought it would be too big-and not just for the stroller but also on the rides. My DH won't leave a cooler where strangers can "tamper" with it. Have you thought about a bottle cooler for your brita? I've got one with a strap so I can wear it that I purchased at AK. You can also purchase just a strap for the bottle and they'll give you free ice in the parks. Have you tried your "perfect" bag without the Maclaren organizer attached to the stroller? Seems like that would cause the tipping more than a bag in the bottom of the stroller. Can you fold the stroller with the organizer loaded? If not is it really worth using? I haven't figured out bags yet. I did buy a smallish lunch size cooler that has a removable bottom section that is made to hold a sandwich but actually holds 3 juice boxes. Then the top will hold some milk. Since my kids will be 5 1/2, nearly 4, 20 months I figure I'll bring each a juice box, milk and snacks for baby but I want to fit it all in the lunch size cooler. The older kids can drink my water and get milk/juice with lunch. If I have to buy snacks/drinks in the parks for the older kids I think it will be worth the cost for the convenience. Maybe DH will have to carry a backpack.....

The quest continues.....

 

[bounceytigger]

Chicco makes a nice umbrella stroller that reclines in about 5 positions, and has a basket underneath. I bought a "stroller accessory pack" that allowed me to stick both a cup holder and snack holder onto the Chicco stroller. Babies'R us sells the stroller and the accessory pack...(I can't remember the stroller model name, but it was about $70, I think?)

The stroller also does the dishes for you, and babysits the kid for you when you want to get a break. Not a bad deal for $70! HA! LOL!

 

[daisylove]

Hi there
I am back from my overnight adventure at WDW. If I can I will do trip report (lots of fun things and firsts this short trip) But I have to report that the volo was great. I did have problems adjusting after my Perfect bag disaster (see earlier posts) but I persevered. I ended up with a variety of little bags and cut down on what I brought in. Not so good but we got through. I have already gone to Target and bought a collapseable 12 can cooler for trip in Dec. (Yes it is a sickness) One thing the volo has taught me is to cut down on the junk and you know I liked carrying less. Next time I will learn from this trip (hopefully). So this trip I had my waist pack, maclaren organizer (it was ok), a attachable cup holder (which broke when I closed the stroller) I also got a locker where I put dry clothes (Rain!) and the big backpack so I could load everything else into it when we left to make leaving easier, and a small small cooler in the stroller basket. Like I said too many small bags. Next time it will be the new cooler and small small backpack.