Backpack or not to Backpack

[SweetAlex]

I think when people hear "backpack" many think of those massive bags that kids lug back and forth to school on their backs but honestly, backpacks come in all different sizes now. You can get the tiniest little ones that hold more than many cross-body purses can, and I personally find a bag on my back more out of my way then a purse on my hip. Ours is a great size. Fits our camera, 2 small water bottles, Crystal Light packs, sunscreen, sanitizer, and our wallets perfectly. It's light and small and is carried across one shoulder, rather than both so it's very convenient to pop on and off. Disney rides make it easy to bring bags with you wherever you go. I don't mind carrying it around at all and much prefer to have all that stuff with me for when I need it.

Having a locker is a huge convenience too. If we needed sweaters or bought anything, we just rented a locker. So easy! And you can go in and out of it all day.

 

[crystal1313]

So, I used to take a backpack before I had kids.....now we leave the backpack on the stroller loaded with snacks and I just carry a cross body (I use a bagallini (sp?) and it holds my cannon DSLR pretty well. It's a little bulky but works).

This next trip will probably be our last with a stroller as DS5 is a big kid and the average size of a 6 year old and is looking huge in a stroller now. I'm thinking after a stroller, we will use a sling backpack with snacks, essentials, and camera. Then rent a locker for jackets, etc. Not looking forward to carrying a backpack again...but it will be freeing to be without a stroller. I'm sure as the kids get older, I will go back down to a cross body purse again. But right now, they eat a lot of snacks during the day and I cannot carry all of that in my purse. (and I don't want to pay park prices for snacks!)

 

[dsneygirl]

We used a Pottery Barn Kids backpack. My son is a Type 1 so we have to carry all his supplies and extras with us. We also carried the DSLR this trip. We put sweatshirts in the stroller as soon as the sun went down it really cooled off every afternoon.

 

[krispin41]

I just wear my DSLR on a longer strap cross body. I have a neoprene cover for it when I want to protect it...also a plastic bag for wetter rides. I just leave the camera on my body during the rides, shows, etc. It really doesn't get in the way. I usually don't bring extra lenses with me.

I do wear my DSLR on a cross-body strap...Usually my husband carries the bag this trip (and I can use my smaller purse) but this a solo trip.

I do have a small P&S camera I am bringing too.

 

[Congo Queen]

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.

This is my dream scenario. As an adult I've only had the guts to do it once. (I usually feel obliged to have various bandaids, suncreens, chapsticks, water bottles immediately available for my family and thus lug it all around in my Vera Wang crossbody.) But the one time I did visit bag free was so fun. My DS was about eight years old, and we were going back into the park at night after napping in our room. I had lugged a huge back pack around all morning b/c my DD was a toddler then and still in diapers and every mom knows the plethora of stuff you wind up humping around. Anyway, DD and DH were going to stay in the room that night so I was sprung with DS. We headed out with nothing but our admission tix and sweaters. It was awesome to trot free of luggage through the parks - like being eight years old again myself. Have to do this again on next trip. Being prepared is overrated.

 

[todzwife]

I bought a kipling alvar and it was FABULOUS! I was able to fit:

1 diaper, small pack of wipes and disposable changing pad,
1 full first aid kit
water bottle
applesauce squeeze pouch
money and cards in 1 pocket
phone in 1 pocket

still had room.

If you're taking your big girl camera though I'd do a backpack.

 

[ButterflyKisses77]

This is what i bring - perfect size for me! It's a Cosmo bag from Dakine

 

[Kristina4109]

My favorite bag for theme parks in this bandolier style diaper bag that crosses your body. I looked a little like a Disney commando, but I didn't care.

 

[Gisele]

My favorite bag for theme parks in this bandolier style diaper bag that crosses your body. I looked a little like a Disney commando, but I didn't care.

Where's the picture please?