Backpack or not to Backpack

[kgbrav]

Hello everyone! I'm a newbie and we're headed to our first trip to DL on the 9th-15! I need some advice from all of your knowledgeable peeps!

My husband and I typically carry backpacks when we go somewhere with the kids (10 & 8). Will this be cumbersome to walk around the park with? I'm a photographer so I am bringing the "big girl" camera along with water bottles, snacks, and the other bag to carry our hoodies, etc.

I'm reading the unofficial guide and they suggest the hip packs...HELP! (I know this is small in the scheme of things but...)

Thanks a ton!

 

[Butterfly123]

I always wear a small crossbody bag for my ID and wallet. And the we bring one backpack that we take turns carrying for water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, etc. We're careful not to load it up too much so it's not crazy heavy. We share water bottles, and just refill at the filtered water spigots in the park...not the water fountains! It is easy to take on the rides...we've never had a problem.

 

[lalasmama]

My DD is 10. I think we carried a bag our first day, and from then on, we made use of the lockers. $7 for a locker that will easily fit several water bottles, sweatshirts, and a change of shoes. We'd just stop by the locker when we needed something. Your camera bag should be all you'll need to carry, other than when you are actively drinking something.

 

[SweetAlex]

We always bring one small backpack between the 4 of us. It's actually a fantastic camera backpack that we got at Costco a few years back. It's small, has a single cross-shoulder strap and a padded pocket for our camera but also has a main compartment for our minimal other items. We always bring two small water bottles and Crystal Light packages with us along with hand sanitizers, bandaids, sunscreen, etc... but not much more than that.

It's absolutely NO problem on any ride to bring a small backpack. Many rides have places to store them (mesh pockets in the backs of the seats in front of you) and if they don't, we just secure them around a foot or hang on tight.

 

[robinb]

I would bring a backpack. You may need one for jackets as well.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

To me if you're bringing a bag make it what's most comfortable to you. When our boys were your kids' ages we carried a backpack that we switched off carrying. My youngest has carried his own little backpack (he's a very imaginative adventurer) since he was probably 9 or so. He had to carry his own if he brought it. We did not. We only carried the family pack. If you're accustomed to & comfortable with a backpack vs. fanny pack (I've never carried one of those) I'd say go backpack.

 

[starjazz]

Yep - backpack is easy. Bring it.

 

[HappiestHaunt]

My husband uses this bag: http://www.maxpedition.com/store/pc/MONSOON-GEARSLINGER-p11.htm. It carries snacks, water, assorted sundries. It is cushioned and comfy and can easily be entered into without removing it. He has no issues taking it on rides when needed. He prefers the sling to a traditional backpack because the pack has to be taken off to access and isn't nearly as comfortable. We spent a little to get this but it has proved invaluable to u and payed for itself with its usefulness many time over.

 

[Angrose]

Personally, a fanny pack/hip pack would never be big enough for my needs. I have carried both a medium-sized cross body bag and a backpack in the parks and to be honest, the backpack is way more comfortable to carry. I would go with that, especially if you'll have water bottles, jackets, etc. If it starts to annoy you then you can always do as others have suggested and throw it in a locker.

 

[tinkmt]

We bring a small backpack. Then we get a locker for sweatshirt/jacket, change of shoes/socks ect.

 

[cmpeter]

I use a Keen crossbody bag. Similar to this, but mine is an older model. I can fit my DSLR, water and a snack or two in the bag.

A fanny pack would not be big enough and I think it would be more difficult to take on and off. With the cross body bag, I can just swing it around to my lap for many rides.

 

[kgbrav]

Wow these are great, thank you so much!! our backpacks are kinda big. Well my DH's is, mine is a bit smaller, but I wanted all the pockets and the side mesh bags for the water bottles ..(and ok, its pink and I got a 35.00 backpack on clearance for 12.00 at Target, how could I resist!!!)

I think I will bring them and at least I know there are lockers to stuff them in, just in case. So I need to bring cash for the lockers right?

I'm so glad I found you guys...I have more questions, on to new threads! lol.

Thanks again!!

 

[PatMcDuck]

Just be a bit careful of others if you wear a large backpack.... I have been hit in the face more than once by a tall guest, making a sudden turn in a crowd, lol.

I always see loads of backpacks at DL, now so much at WDW (too hot maybe).

 

[crystal1313]

Wow these are great, thank you so much!! our backpacks are kinda big. Well my DH's is, mine is a bit smaller, but I wanted all the pockets and the side mesh bags for the water bottles ..(and ok, its pink and I got a 35.00 backpack on clearance for 12.00 at Target, how could I resist!!!) I think I will bring them and at least I know there are lockers to stuff them in, just in case. So I need to bring cash for the lockers right? I'm so glad I found you guys...I have more questions, on to new threads! lol. Thanks again!!

Pretty sure the new lockers take credit cards now

 

[Geemo]

I don't like messing with lockers....

I have always been the one to wear the FULL size backpack of stuff.
I changed this on our last trip. Before the trip, I went to the fabric store and bought Disney Themed material and made three fair sized cinch bags for the grandkids to carry. I designed into the bag a zip pouch to secure $$ and small valuables.

So when we took off for the parks in the morning everyone carried their own stuff. There's plenty of room for a pair of flip-flops for water rides, sweatshirt for the evening, water bottle and a snack.

It was really nice to have everyone carrying their own things. It wasn't an issue on any of the rides. We hopped on a ride, tucked the bag in a safe place and it was perfect.

You might give the cinch bags a thought for your kids too. My grandkids really liked them. No complaints carrying them at all.

Geemo

 

[thewelts]

This may sound really strange -- and it is only possible if you are staying onsite -- but I seriously bring NOTHING into the park (only my park ticket, my room key, my photopass card and my i.d.). I keep these cards tucked into my skirt pocket.

It is quite liberating and fun to walk through security and bag check with free hands.

We don't even bring our phone! Snacks and water are available in our room.

It works great if you are staying close by.

 

[krispin41]

And if you aren't handy enough to make them, they sell them at the park too! I have a cute one I bought a few years ago, it's blue with Mickey on it.

I don't like messing with lockers....

I have always been the one to wear the FULL size backpack of stuff.
I changed this on our last trip. Before the trip, I went to the fabric store and bought Disney Themed material and made three fair sized cinch bags for the grandkids to carry. I designed into the bag a zip pouch to secure $$ and small valuables.

So when we took off for the parks in the morning everyone carried their own stuff. There's plenty of room for a pair of flip-flops for water rides, sweatshirt for the evening, water bottle and a snack.

It was really nice to have everyone carrying their own things. It wasn't an issue on any of the rides. We hopped on a ride, tucked the bag in a safe place and it was perfect.

You might give the cinch bags a thought for your kids too. My grandkids really liked them. No complaints carrying them at all.

Geemo

 

[disneychrista]

I saw NO. I used to do it but it is SOOOO much easier without. If you absolutely need something it is so much easier to rent a locker. .

 

[TheLanes]

This may sound really strange -- and it is only possible if you are staying onsite -- but I seriously bring NOTHING into the park (only my park ticket, my room key, my photopass card and my i.d.). I keep these cards tucked into my skirt pocket. It is quite liberating and fun to walk through security and bag check with free hands. We don't even bring our phone! Snacks and water are available in our room. It works great if you are staying close by.

No phone? I'm guessing you are older than 50 years old.

 

[Gisele]

No phone? I'm guessing you are older than 50 years old.

Lol!