Bag packing for the parks?

[irene_dsc]

Spinning off from my other thread...

I'm trying to strategize for bag packing for the park days. Keeping in mind that it will be January, and my kids are 3.5 & 6 (both potty-trained, which is why I didn't refer to a diaper bag, lol).

For MK & Epcot, I am thinking:

Umbrella stroller for dd with basket below
baby carrier of some sort - store in basket when not in use
plastic bag with extra clothes/shoes/towel - store in basket when not in use
small-ish zippable tote bag with wallet, camera, cell phone (in case dh and I split up), a few (small!!!) toys for the kids, kleenex, small sunscreen, snacks. (I need to figure out if the Nintendo ds we are planning to get for ds will fit in the bag I have!)
Coats - stash in basket if need be - or pile on top, lol. Rent a locker if it seems like coat storage is getting out of hand.

For AK, it sounds like I might be happier without a stroller, due to the bumpy terrain, and it isn't as big. And if we avoid the Kali River Rapids, maybe I can avoid the entire change of clothes bit? (In case of emergency, I assume I could always buy something...) And stick with putting coats in a locker if need be. Dd would be in the Kozy on my back for the walking bits...

MGM - play it by ear based on experience at the other parks, lol. I'm assuming that will be a shorter trip than the others, too.

(The other option would be using a back pack, btw - but that seems like it would get bulky, and I wouldn't want to have both a small bag and the back pack - but won't leave the camera in the stroller...)

So, does this sound reasonable? Am I missing something glaringly obvious?

Btw, my tote bag won't fit any babycarriers - or at least, if it did, that would be the *only* thing in it! I don't own a fanny pack, either. I have cargo shorts, but no cargo pants - and while I'll probably pack the cargo shorts, I'm not counting on being able to wear them!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

With a 3.5 year old I think you will still need the stroller for AK.

Can you bring just one change of clothes for the kids that would fit both of them?

I lugged bubble stuff with me through the parks and never once used it. I would forget the toys and computer games.

However, I would pack Tide to go or something like that. I used mine many times.

 

[disneymarie]

I agree AK is huge, long lines and parade. Don't forget extra batteries for camera or digi card if needed. They toys nix. Except if there is a comfort something they nap with. For a three and half I think there willl be too much activity for the carrier, for peace you may want it in the basket. I bought a fisher mans type wove material bag hanger for our unbroller, and a cup storage carrier to strap to the handle bar off Amazon for 9.99

Klennex Wet wipes, wash cloth in ziplock, empty zip locks, autograph book, I got the oen for $10,99 and the DIL got $6.95 her fell apart, but keep them in your bag out of rain. Water in a small cooler, bags of Capri or other drinks. The hotter the weather and sunny the more we drank.I pput in basket. I put coats in that weave snap on carrier, hat, Are your kids into the penny pressing, take quarters and pennys.

small first aid, wipes and bandaid, type. buy rain jackets at home save bucks from the parks price. I took a change of shoes, from sneakers to sandles or visaversa. Feet sweat and get wet in socks, even fresh socks and small powder before fresh socks are put on. Good for Mom and Dad too.

a change of clothes small enough to roll,
Have fun.
dianne

 

[irene_dsc]

With a 3.5 year old I think you will still need the stroller for AK.

Can you bring just one change of clothes for the kids that would fit both of them?

I lugged bubble stuff with me through the parks and never once used it. I would forget the toys and computer games.

However, I would pack Tide to go or something like that. I used mine many times.

I have to laugh at the idea of clothes that fit both - good idea in theory, but ds is 75 lbs and 48", and dd is 31 lbs and 37"!!!

I still think I'll want distractions for waiting in lines, but I'll definitely think small. Ds is *very* impatient with waiting - but is much better if he is playing a video game. And they are both used to taking stuff with them places to play with.

 

[debbiet1]

I read an article in either foders or on here where they suggest that you bring a stroller to animal kingdom for children. Hope that helps

 

[nena]

I want to take a small cooler with me for water and juice. Do they let you take in a cooler. I was hoping to find a backpack with a cooler at the bottom.

We always take a backpack. My DH and i take turns carrying it. The kids tie their sweatshirts around their waist. I got a shoulder back from AAA from our last trip. It worked really well with the Autograph books. It was easy to get them in and out. I liked having lots of zippers. I kept my wallet and camera in one. I kept maps on the outside pockets. I also put glasses in the front zipper during rides.

 

[irene_dsc]

Update: I ended up splurging on a small Bagallini, with little compartments for my digicam, etc, and big enough to fit ds' Nintendo ds in the big compartment. Then, I brought extra clothes and snacks in a backpack that I threw in the bottom of the stroller. It worked out great - I could throw the backpack in the stroller when I felt like it, but kept all my valuables on me. I also had stuff like a few bandaids, gum, ear plugs, moleskin & small scissors in the small bag, and an outer pocket for maps, and another outer zip pocket for our Keys to the World and FP's.

Dd didn't need toys while waiting, but ds' DS turned out to be a lifesaver. I only ended up using my Kozy a little at AK, but dd wanted up and down too much for it to be practical, so I left it at the room for the rest of the trip. And I took the stroller for everything but one night short trip to dinner (Ohana) and MK trying to do Peter Pan and then Wishes - I wanted to be quick and nimble in the crowds!

 

[twinmom2]

I have 3.5 yr old twins and this last visit(last weekend) I got rid of tons of things. I used a back pack and brought:

camera, snacks, 2 waters, cell phone, hand sanitizer, toilet seat covers, sun glasses and that is it!! oh small little zipper thing for money, FP, tickets.

no toys, no change of clothes because we have been about 7 times in the past 12 months and NEVER used a change of clothes!

Sweatshirts left under the stoller.

I find I worry about things when I have too many!! It's is so easy to grab the bag, throw it on your back and go. Lets your arms be free to hold 3.5 if need to while in line.

 

[twinmom2]

didnt even read that you already went LOL!!! Sorry! Gald you had a good time!

 

[irene_dsc]

S'okay. Actually, the extra clothes in the bags were mainly layers, since the weather was cold in the mornings. We also packed extra for AK, since the kids really wanted to do Kali River Rapids, but with the weather in the 60's, and dinner ADR's at Boma (so no going back to the resort to change in between), I wanted to be prepared. Dh and I had ponchos, the kids wore their bathing suits, ds and dh brought mock-crocs, dd and I brought water sandals, and I had underwear for the kids to change into. People were looking at us quite enviously, even tho dh thought I was nuts beforehand! Ds got completely soaked - he and dh rode it 3 times in a row! (Dd got soaked the 1st time, and opted to get in dry clothes, lol) Splash Mountain was closed when we were there, so I didn't have to repeat that, fortunately.

Oh, yeah - sunglasses were really important at Epcot for the kids. There was lots of going from dark buildings into blinding sunshine...

 

[logansmummy]

I would reccommed renting a double stroller it has plenty of room for stuff when the kids are not in it. Our son is going to be 5 in July and we are planning on renting one for him in May.....Don't forget a through away poncho, they work great and take no space. Are you sure you want to take the DS??? Your child will be so over taken w/ Disney that may not be needed?

 

[irene_dsc]

I would reccommed renting a double stroller it has plenty of room for stuff when the kids are not in it. Our son is going to be 5 in July and we are planning on renting one for him in May.....Don't forget a through away poncho, they work great and take no space. Are you sure you want to take the DS??? Your child will be so over taken w/ Disney that may not be needed?

Hm. Another person not noticing we are already back, and updating.

The DS was a complete lifesaver. For another kid, we might have been ok without it. Heck, dd was fine without any toys. But, the DS changed waiting from unbearable to entertainment for my ds.