Backpack--or Fanny Pack? Strollers?

[gilesdad]

My wife and I each have a fanny pack to wear into the parks. Plenty of room for snacks, money, camera, etc...
One of my wife's co-workers mentioned that they always take one backpack into the park. Now my wife is wondering if maybe we should do that too. I think the fanny packs will be a lot easier to manage. Any of you WDW veterans have a thought on this subject?
And what about using a stroller? Our kids are old enough to walk, but I can sure imagine their legs will be tired at days end. Anyone recommend using a stroller for a 5 yr old daughter to ride on at the close of a long day? I think the 8yr old brother would be a bit much for me to push though. But with this being our first trip to WDW I'm not up to speed on how troublesome a stroller can be to push around through crowds and also having to keep an eye on it at all times. How much are strollers, and are they worth it...in your opinion?

 

[luvmyfam444]

YES YES YES stollers are worth it! DH pushed our 7yo & 2.5yo the last 2 times we've been..not too heavy except for some slight hills....

As far as the backpack goes - that's the way we ALWAYS do it. Of course my diaperbag has always been a backpack so that's the way we would go anywhere for the day....but once we outgrew the diaper bag we still toted the same diaperbag/backpack into Disney. Love that it will hold our cameras & bottled water & snacks-even the video camera (took it 1st trip)...it's the ONLY way for us to go & it's only 1 bag for someone to keep up w/& it'll hold your small purchases of the day. Just don't forget to unload/repack it daily or it'll get TOO heavy....we also packed extra clothes for MNSSHP in case the kiddos were tired of their costumes....just LOVE a backpack.

BUT it won't go easily on the stoller (not on a dbl at all) so someone will have to carry it...but that's what dh is for!

 

[Buckleybunch]

I have done the backpacks for years. I have started using the fanny pack since my kids are older, it's so much easier. But it's all depends on what you want to carry to the parks. If you can fit everything in the fanny- then that would be my choice.
Stollers are good.. for the 5 yr old and for the 8 yr old when he gets a little tired..

 

[jennymouse]

We each just have our own fanny pack to wear. Backpacks are too bulky and heavy for me. I like to go to the parks as light as I can. That said, we're taking my 2yo granddaughter for the first time and will have a backpack with diapers and stuff for her that we'll store in the stroller's basket.

As far as strollers go, we'll definately have one for the little one but my older granddaughter wouldn't be caught dead in one at 8yo!lol

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We take a backpack in for convience. We don't like carrying alot of stuff on our waist. It also helps when we are trying to manage the kids. As for the stroller, definately get something for them to rest in when they get tired. It will make the day much more pleasant and may prevent you from having to carry them.

 

[InstImpres]

Yes, yes, yes...a backpack and a stroller. You may be pushing the stroller empty the beginning of the first day but by the end of day 1 and the rest of the week, you'll all be greatful. As far as the backpack, I find having water (2-4 bottles per person depending on time of year) and snacks as well as little trinket games for on line and more, keeps everyone happy and doesn't waste our time. If we had to stop at a fountain or buy a drink/snack every time someone wanted it or deal with the complinents, I would never go back to WDW

Happy travels

 

[thewikman]

We always take an empty backpack into the park. As the day warms up, we take off jackets, sweatshirts, etc and place in packs. When the evening cools down we have them all handy. Just avoid the temptation to bring to much, they get very heavy at the end of the day.

 

[kmkja1]

DW and the kids do the fanny packs. I cannot make myself wear one. I carry the backpack with our snacks and any thing else we need.