backpacks?

[tonysgal34]

This may seem like a stupid question, but with all the talk of backpacks and coolers and water bottles and such, just how is one supposed to RIDE the rides with all this gear? Is there something I'm missing?

 

[jeleebeene]

I used a back pack last year, and it really wasn't a problem on the rides, but it wasn't a huge back pack, either. I would put my leg through the straps, and it never moved. I am not sure if there are places to set your things while you are on a ride, as I never asked, I just kept mine with me. It wasn't a big problem though, and I plan on using a similar one on our next trip.

 

[Harryo]

You have three options: 1) rent a locker at the park entrance for your backpack, 2) schlep the backpack with you on all the rides, or 3) if you have a stroller put in the stroller while you go on the rides, just don't leave any valuables in the backpack for this option.

 

[laceemouse]

I agree with you! Travelling light would be easiest. Some people have water bottles hanging on straps around their necks and other tricks. Wearing a backpack can be really uncomfortable in the heat. We have young kids so we still carry a bag of stuff. As mom it always ends up being my responsibility to keep up with it. The youngest is still in a stroller so when we are walking around it just rides, but when we go into a ride or attraction I have to keep up with it. Once when we were getting off the Pooh bear ride some key chain animal we had hanging off the bag got stuck in the crack where the bar meets the floor of the honey pot. We had to get off and there was no CM close enough to help me so I just had to pull real hard and break the chain, leaving the little animal stuck in there!! Next time I hope that we can just use fanny packs. My kids are getting old enough that they should be able to keep up with their own junk! You just have to figure out what is best for you and your gang!!

 

[TCKK]

The last trip we took, I used a fanny pack and each of my daughters carried their own small back pack for autograph books, spritzer fans, cameras & stuff. They were 6 & 9 then. It worked out real well. They just took them on the rides and put them on the floor or held them on their lap. I just tried to always make sure they had them when the got off the rides. Worked pretty well for us.

 

[Joyciemc]

I know bringing a bag on the tamer rides isn't a problem, but what about on the others? Are there rides that you can't bring a backpack on? I'm still trying to decide whether to bring a bag to the parks or not.

 

[dbail2]

A fanny pack is easier to wear on the rides like Rock and Roll rollercoaster. I just move it to the side to put on the seatbelt. A small back pack has to be put between your legs with one strap around a leg to hold onto it.

 

[thinkerbell]

I take a backpack with me every trip. I go on all the rides and there hasn't been one so far that I haven't been able to take it on. Like someone else said, I just put a strap around my ankle and it doesn't move. No problem.
On the other hand, if you go to Islands of Adventure, they do not let you bring them on to all of their coasters. They do have lockers to put them in though (but if I recall correctly, we had to pay a little bit for them).

 

[Zoo Keeper]

Just don't leave a backpack on a stroller while you go on a ride if you definitely don't want it taken.
I have an almost empty backpack hanging on our stroller when we went into the GMR. We came out and it was gone. Luckily there wasn't much in it but there were diapers and a bottle. (Guests sevices gave us diapers for the day when we explained what happened)

 

[CPM]

I just returned after four days of carrying around a back pack! It was very hot and I long for the day I don't have to lug one around. I am glad that I had my own water because it would have cost a small fortune! at least by the end of the day when you're the most tired most of the heavy stuff is gone! LOL I rode every ride with it & it wasn't a problem, I just put it between my legs. I went alone with my son and had to carry it by myself, we susually take turns.

 

[donac]

Last year I carried a backpack for the first time. I loved it because it is a camelback with a water bladder in it. I always had cold water available to me whenever I wanted. I only had my camera and ponchos in the pack.

 

[Chicago526]

I would, really, really try not to bring a back pack if you can help it. Fanny packs (belt bags) are the best! Hands free and you don't have to worry about putting it down and forgetting it. They also carry quite a bit more than you'd think. Everyone in your family can wear one and you can split up the load that way. Buy a water bottle strap in the park (or buy one at home and bring it with you) for the water and everything else from your wallet to your camera can fit in the fanny pack.

In one bag, I can fit my wallet, camera, extra film, room key card, a few individualy wraped Wet Wipes, a small Kleneex pack, sunglasses (unless I'm wearing them) and a mini-bottle of sun screen for mid-day reapplication! Others in your party can be assigned the snacks, water bottle(s) and all the other stuff you need. Kids get a kick out of being "in charge" of something. By having the smaller bags, it also helps you cut down on the unessesary stuff.

You can have souveneers bought in the parks sent to the front to pick up before you leave or sent to your Disney hotel. Great service!

Unless you have a baby leave the backpack in the room or at home!

 

[ktglads]

We have always carried a backpack, but that is for 6 adult females and we rotate who carries it so one person is not stuck with it all day unless they forget to give it to someone else. That way we don't have duplicates of things being carried and only have the essentials (sunscreen, ponchos, cameras, deodorant, etc). We keep all our passes and everything together, so we really do not have the problem of someone losing a pass. It just cuts way down on everything. If you only carry the essentials, a backpack is lighter than my purse is and it can be carried around all day.

There are no rides at Disney that do not allow you to bring backpacks on and we find that easier than everyone having the fannypacks or purses. If you just put your feet through the armholes on the backpack, it is held on securely. If you have a camera that needs to be covered, give use a poncho around it on Kali and Splash Mountain.

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

We are a family of four - 2 parents and 2 teens. I always have a fannypack with the valuables (money, credit card, tickets, etc). Usually my son carries a water bottle in a holder w/ strap that we all share (family germs) and refill at drinking fountains, and then we have a small backpack with the camera, snacks, ponchos and umbrella (if it looks like rain). This past trip my daughter carried it the entire time and it was great to put a sweatshirt or any misc purchases into.

Not a problem on the rides - it was small enough to fit on the floor inbetween or behind legs. Never a problem, even on the coasters!