Backpack question

[ZoZo]

I bought a Baggallini Messenger Bagg for my trip earlier this year. It's a cross-body bag that easily holds the essentials. It has exterior pockets for a phone and a water bottle, and even had room for my Frogg Toggs poncho. I did have medium size backpack that I carried a couple of days that it was supposed to be cool (I went in February).). t was nice to have place to stash my sweatshirt instead of having to tie it around my waist when it warmed up a little.

This is the bag I bought - I love it!

http://www.baggallini.com/product/Messenger-Bagg

 

[kerplop]

I have a small daypack that when unfilled weighs less than 8oz. I put a poncho, first aid stuff, my spare glasses, and (since we bring our lunches - just sandwiches, an apple, and string cheese) our lunch container. My girlfriend brings her DSLR and case for it, but puts her own stuff in the pockets of that. I can't imagine bringing a big bag!

 

[JeJecm]

2 adults? Don't bring a bag at all. The unlimited mugs are for your resort only so no reason to carry them. I carry my cell phone (in a wallet case to carry credit cards and cash) and chapstick. Plus my MB on my wrist, sunglasses on my head or shirt when not in use. My pins and camera are strapped to me in some form (or in my pocket when I used to carry a point and shoot- my slr isn't pocket sized ). A small thing of sunscreen could go in a pocket as well. Unless you are going with kids, there is no reason to carry all that stuff!

My DH and I wear cargo pants/shorts and never take a bag. With the pockets we have plenty of space for waller, phone, glasses etc. much easier not to have to carry bag plus easier entering since don't have the bag check.

 

[ken2]

We always bring a backpack.Helps alot.headache meds,sunglasses,small things you purchase,ziplock bags for wet rides,phones,you get the idea.We used to carry a clear bag but the bag check people is a 50\50 if they will make you still open it up.Plus everyone can see your stuff.after the last experiance with a guy at bag check making me actually pull everything out i said the heck with it and bought on that was solid and alot of zippers!

 

[Frozen2014]

2 adults are booked and ready to go in February. Our first time going as an adult. If I remember correctly, mom and dad carried all of our souveniers, cups, cameras etc for us.
Do you recommend bringing a backpack for this kind of stuff? I plan on having sun screen, maps, mugs, sunglass case, etc.
Is it a pain to store this while you are on rides? What do you do with all of your Disney stuff without having to run to the lockers 10 times a day?

Any suggestions are appreciated

For us, DH carried the main backpack with the heavier items...water bottles, extra clothes (only on MNSSHP night since we were going straight from Epcot to MK) and also carried some basics. I have a bad back and so can't carry anything heavy. But there were times we were splitting up so I needed to carry essentials such as sunscreen, DD's autograph book (since she'd be with me when we split up), one water. I actually took DD's mini backpack so the backpack itself was light (DH was laughing at me for carrying around a Dora one). This worked well for us.
In all our rides, I think DH has to leave his backpack aside once (Soarin...so was just on the floor beside the ride). Otherwise, it comes on the ride with you. My only issue was I had left it at our QS when it was just DD and I. We were lining up for Frozen sing-a-long when I realized and no way DD and I were skipping that to run back and look for it. But luckily people were honest and it was sitting on the ledge right where we were sitting so got it back.

So I'd plan on just carrying it around. But if you find that it gets too heavy with souvenirs, you can always do the locker thing.

 

[Zhaan]

I know fanny packs are not fashionable, but I don't care. They are extremely functional, and less of a pain in the back. I carry a fairly large one that suits my family's needs for sunscreen, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, phone, camera, band-aids, a few souvenir purchases, ponchos, etc. On many rides I don't even have to take it off, just pull it around to the front.

Totally agree! I have a lot of upper back/shoulder pain so a backpack is a no-go. I use a fanny pack because I take a video camera and accessories. It works great and it's hands-free, easy to get stuff out of, and doesn't sweat your back. Even if I could carry a backpack I wouldn't want to. Plus the size keeps me from overpacking and carrying stuff I don't need. It's just big enough for my action cam & accessories, phone, hand sanitizer (natural) and pins (can't wear them around my neck for the same reason I can't wear a backpack).

 

[KimBean]

2 adults? Don't bring a bag at all. The unlimited mugs are for your resort only so no reason to carry them. I carry my cell phone (in a wallet case to carry credit cards and cash) and chapstick. Plus my MB on my wrist, sunglasses on my head or shirt when not in use. My pins and camera are strapped to me in some form (or in my pocket when I used to carry a point and shoot- my slr isn't pocket sized ). A small thing of sunscreen could go in a pocket as well. Unless you are going with kids, there is no reason to carry all that stuff!

I agree! A crossbody with a small amount of stuff is all you will need. If you are staying onsite and you buy something you can have it sent to your resort. If not (this is our first time onsite) we always just did our shopping last thing of the day.

Editing to add - If it will be cold I would just bring a light jacket you can just tie over your shoulders or waist when it warms up. We are 4 people with one smaller child so we are still in backpack days - BUT first time without a stroller for awhile. HAPPY DANCE!

 

[becalubob]

Another vote here for taking a backpack! I don't like having things in my pockets. Even for trips just my hubby and I, I prefer the convenience of having everything I need readily available... for two adults, we don't need much so it's very light. February can be iffy... I'd want to have a sweatshirt or jacket with me. I've never had issues taking the bag on any rides, I also do the "loop it around my leg" method.

 

[disnut8]

For a first time Disney visitor as an adult, I would also suggest a backpack but one per person - don't try to take one only. I got a nice pack at Wal Mart but a small one in the kids section. I can load a poncho, camera, very small wallet since you don't need much that's in your wallet while at Disney World, and pain reliever (because you will probably need that at Disney World) in there. If it's during cooler months, I can also put in a sweatshirt or jacket.

This is the OP's first post so any suggestions are welcome but it will be a different trip than most of us veterans are used to. We know how to cut down on the stuff we think we will need but end up not needing. I think the OP needs to figure that out for themselves.

 

[ttintagel]

I discovered I prefer a messenger bag to a backpack. Although the backpack is easier to carry for distances, I found it a pain in the neck to get it on and off when I needed something quickly, or when boarding rides.

 

[momofboyz3]

I discovered I prefer a messenger bag to a backpack. Although the backpack is easier to carry for distances, I found it a pain in the neck to get it on and off when I needed something quickly, or when boarding rides.

THIS!!!! I carried a backpack last WDW vacation & although I'm in the minority I hated it. I like being a able to zip into my bag in a flash & with the backpack I had to take it off & rummage through. With a messenger bag it's right there at my side. Love them. But, in my daily life I am a briefcase and gym bag girl. It's what I'm used to and prefer.

 

[SoarinSC]

I discovered I prefer a messenger bag to a backpack. Although the backpack is easier to carry for distances, I found it a pain in the neck to get it on and off when I needed something quickly, or when boarding rides.

Seriously considering this for the next trip. Plus it's another thing you can geek out with since they have so many with themed ones now.

 

[nkereina]

I bring a small cross body purse and that's it. We use our iPhones as cameras, have small sunglass cases that I can fit in my purse, and don't bother with the refillable mugs in the park. Leave them in the room. They can't be refilled in the parks, and any QS location will give you free (filtered) ice water. As for souvenirs, if you're staying onsite, you can fill out a form at check-out that sends your purchases back to your resort. If you're staying off-site, you can have your purchases sent to the front of the park for pick up on your way out.

We try to travel as light as possible. If there's something that we MAY need but can wait a few hours until we get back to the room (or car), then we don't bother bringing it.

 

[kittyab]

We carried a back pack. We carried water bottles, sun screen, you name it.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

I carry a wallet, comb, bag of pills and I-phone with me to the park. In other words, nothing that won't fit in my pocket. With all the shade, I don't find the need to have more lotion on than what I put on when I arrive. If I buy anything (and I'm staying offsite), I wait until I'm ready to leave to go buy it and then just walk out of the park with it.

 

[RustManFan]

Noticed many people at DL on last trip were bag free but were wearing cargo pants (or shorts) so had plenty of pockets to carry the few extra things they needed.

I had a multi-purpose camera bag with side net pockets for the water bottle (small camera) so could carry all easily cross body.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

Noticed many people at DL on last trip were bag free but were wearing cargo pants (or shorts) so had plenty of pockets to carry the few extra things they needed.

I had a multi-purpose camera bag with side net pockets for the water bottle (small camera) so could carry all easily cross body.

Maybe you saw me

I wear shorts for the most part (Unless it's a December trip and it's in the 60's). Most of my shorts have multiple pockets (in front) where I can keep everything I need. I just hate having to carry anything (even if it's strapped to my back).

 

[Daisydancer12385]

Last time my BF and I went, I carried a small cross body and it was perfect. I plan on doing the same this time. I don't carry much in it, so I can hardly tell it's there, and it fits on the rides just fine.

 

[TXAKDisneyFan]

I take a small crossbody purse (made of quick-drying fabric, NOT leather). I line the inside with a freezer ziplock baggie, and put my phone, credit card, and ID (plus everyone in our party's tickets, when they still had paper tix, and room key card) inside the sealed plastic bag. That way, no big deal if it rains or if we go on water rides. I also keep my inhaler, a Chapstick, and (if necessary) a couple tampons, in the purse. DH keeps his phone, CC and ID in his cargo shorts. Purchases are sent back to our hotel room (or to the front of the park).

 

[Satchmo128]

It is just DH and I and we always bring a backpack into the parks. We have a camelback backpack (kind of like this, with the water bladder in the back of the backpack: http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Prod...1415051574&sr=1-15&keywords=camelbak+backpack) and it works well for water AND carrying everything that we might need. I usually throw my few things (ID, phone, etc) in a wristlet and then it goes in the backpack as well.

My DH is awesome and will wear the backpack for the entire trip. We have never had an issue with it on a ride.