Bad back and carrying water bottles/valuables

lauritagoddess

DIS Veteran
Joined
Jan 29, 2006
Messages
1,748
I have both upper and lower back and hip problems. Because of this, I can‘t wear a backpack, sling bag, crossbody, or shoulder bag. I‘ve tried a fanny pack at home and can’t wear one any longer. I also have a water bottle holder with a shoulder strap that I can’t wear anymore. I’m under active treatment for all of my issues, but I’m trying to figure out what to do for our upcoming trip in January. These days I mostly just carry a wallet or just money and cards on me in my clothes and carry a reusable bag with a water bottle. And I have to have a water bottle with me at all times for medication that requires me to stay really hydrated.

Besides just carrying the reusable bag like I do at home, is there any other option that anyone can think of? I’ve been looking at water bottle holders that at are handheld rather than with a shoulder strap and that you can put a phone and money in, but I feel like I would be more likely to just leave something like that on a ride. I feel like I’m out of ideas, but if anyone can think of one I’d appreciate it, with the caveat that I really can’t wear bag at this point. TIA.
 

I’ll look into the cargo shorts/pants. I need to buy some new pants anyways, this will give me an opportunity to shop.

If nothing else, I can still use a bag like at home, but I was just looking for something new, kwi?
 
I drink at least a gallon of water a day-especially in the parks. I manage to keep up with my water intake with the free counter service water-I get them 2 at a time.

By eliminating taking waters/bottles in the parks I have been able to wear a “running belt” which weighs next to nothing and I take my phone, a charging cord, credit card, ID, travel size spray sunscreen and some Advil. I would bet all that weighs a 1/4 of a pound and I wear it backwards with the clip in the front-I don’t even know I am wearing it and I have terrible hips.

I think you can stay hydrated with counter service water and eliminate the bottle issue all together!
 
If you can't hang anything off your body, and don't want to just hand carry it, what about pushing an umbrella stroller? Stranger things have been seen at WDW. :)

I used to bring my stroller to the mall, without kids, when I knew I'd be doing LOTS of shopping.
 
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I drink at least a gallon of water a day-especially in the parks. I manage to keep up with my water intake with the free counter service water-I get them 2 at a time.

By eliminating taking waters/bottles in the parks I have been able to wear a “running belt” which weighs next to nothing and I take my phone, a charging cord, credit card, ID, travel size spray sunscreen and some Advil. I would bet all that weighs a 1/4 of a pound and I wear it backwards with the clip in the front-I don’t even know I am wearing it and I have terrible hips.

I think you can stay hydrated with counter service water and eliminate the bottle issue all together!

I was thinking of this and it makes sense, but I like having water with me. One of my meds in particular can make me suddenly go dry-mouthed and of I was on a line for a ride, I like to be able to have something with me.
 
If you can't hang anything off your body, and don't want to just hand carry it, what about pushing an umbrella stroller? Stranger things have been seen at WDW. :)

I used to bring my stroller to the mall, without kids, when I knew I'd be doing LOTS of shopping.
I miss the days of having a stroller to push and dump all of my stuff into. y darn kid just had to grow up. 🤣
 
I find I can carry a plastic bottle on its own, and usually don’t set it down somewhere by accident. I am very bad about setting things down in the excitement of being in the parks and walking away. So I refill the same one all day at QS locations and if I do accidentally forget it somewhere, I buy a new one. It’s sort of a compromise between all disposable or all reusable.
 
I have both upper and lower back and hip problems. Because of this, I can‘t wear a backpack, sling bag, crossbody, or shoulder bag. I‘ve tried a fanny pack at home and can’t wear one any longer. I also have a water bottle holder with a shoulder strap that I can’t wear anymore. I’m under active treatment for all of my issues, but I’m trying to figure out what to do for our upcoming trip in January. These days I mostly just carry a wallet or just money and cards on me in my clothes and carry a reusable bag with a water bottle. And I have to have a water bottle with me at all times for medication that requires me to stay really hydrated.

Besides just carrying the reusable bag like I do at home, is there any other option that anyone can think of? I’ve been looking at water bottle holders that at are handheld rather than with a shoulder strap and that you can put a phone and money in, but I feel like I would be more likely to just leave something like that on a ride. I feel like I’m out of ideas, but if anyone can think of one I’d appreciate it, with the caveat that I really can’t wear bag at this point. TIA.
I spent nearly 40 years only carrying whatever would fit in my pocket with no problem at all. I could do that because I never bought into the instruction to drink gallons of water everyday. When I was thirsty I bought a bottle of ice cold water. Usually no more then two a day. I had other things to drink for meals. Back in the olden days with I smoked I did use a fanny pack to carry my smokes in, but quit those years ago and now I have more than enough pockets to bring everything I need.

I know water is expensive but it was worth it to me to not carry around warm water most of the day. Just me probably, but it was always worth the money to wander around unencumbered. I hate carrying things under the best of conditions, but when riding attractions in a theme park I didn't want to have to adjust and remember to bring them with me when the ride was over.
 
I miss the days of having a stroller to push and dump all of my stuff into. y darn kid just had to grow up. 🤣
You could bring a stroller and park it. It's not like they kid check it. No one would look twice if you have an empty umbrella stroller. Kids go between mom and auntie or whatever all the time.

You could also get one of those backpack water things, like runners use. I'm sure there are some very light ones.
 
I was thinking of this and it makes sense, but I like having water with me. One of my meds in particular can make me suddenly go dry-mouthed and of I was on a line for a ride, I like to be able to have something with me.

Will gum work?
 
We brought our umbrella stroller long after our kids would sit in it. It works great for drinks/snacks and jackets/sweatshirts. We'll just park it centrally in whatever area we are in and only move it when we leave that area altogether. For example, we park it across from the old entrance to Enchanted Tales with Belle, then do all of Fantasyland, and only move it when we leave for Tomorrowland or Frontierland. Rinse, repeat.
 
We brought our umbrella stroller long after our kids would sit in it. It works great for drinks/snacks and jackets/sweatshirts. We'll just park it centrally in whatever area we are in and only move it when we leave that area altogether. For example, we park it across from the old entrance to Enchanted Tales with Belle, then do all of Fantasyland, and only move it when we leave for Tomorrowland or Frontierland. Rinse, repeat.
My kid is 20 now so it’s been many years since I’ve had an umbrella stroller, it it’s tempting to buy a really cheap one.
 
I have both upper and lower back and hip problems. Because of this, I can‘t wear a backpack, sling bag, crossbody, or shoulder bag. I‘ve tried a fanny pack at home and can’t wear one any longer. I also have a water bottle holder with a shoulder strap that I can’t wear anymore. I’m under active treatment for all of my issues, but I’m trying to figure out what to do for our upcoming trip in January. These days I mostly just carry a wallet or just money and cards on me in my clothes and carry a reusable bag with a water bottle. And I have to have a water bottle with me at all times for medication that requires me to stay really hydrated.

Besides just carrying the reusable bag like I do at home, is there any other option that anyone can think of? I’ve been looking at water bottle holders that at are handheld rather than with a shoulder strap and that you can put a phone and money in, but I feel like I would be more likely to just leave something like that on a ride. I feel like I’m out of ideas, but if anyone can think of one I’d appreciate it, with the caveat that I really can’t wear bag at this point. TIA.
Can you wear hats?

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They make a relatively small, carabiner clip on water bag thing (Amazon). Very light weight and can clip to a belt loop. I would get one of those, don't keep it totally full, just enough to make it through a line. Then you can-up at a quick service or water fountain as needed. It shouldn't add more than a few ounces, which hopefully won't bother you.
 
Just a thought, but would using a walking stick take enough pressure off your back to allow you to wear the water bottle comfortably?

Might renting a scooter give your back a break as you traverse the parks?

Are you eligible for DAS to reduce your time standing in line?
 














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