Bags at WDW

[Anitsirk24]

Do you really even need a change of clothes for DD? I used to bring a change of clothes for my DD until I finslky realized that I hadn't needed one since she was 2. I wouldn't even bother.

I know my DD enough to know that periodically she has accidents. When she says she has to go, there is no waiting with her. Its right then. So yes, we will have a change of clothes with us. I may not need her whole closet, but an extra outfit inside a ziplock bag will be in my bag for her.

 

[tjmw2727]

I don't blame you ! A complete change of clothing for a 7yo will probably fit into a quart size ziplock and weigh nothing. Having had to purchase various clothing items myself over the years it can be hard to find what you need in the right size and if you do it will be expensive.

I know my DD enough to know that periodically she has accidents. When she says she has to go, there is no waiting with her. Its right then. So yes, we will have a change of clothes with us. I may not need her whole closet, but an extra outfit inside a ziplock bag will be in my bag for her.

 

[Anitsirk24]

I don't blame you ! A complete change of clothing for a 7yo will probably fit into a quart size ziplock and weigh nothing. Having had to purchase various clothing items myself over the years it can be hard to find what you need in the right size and if you do it will be expensive.

I have had to do that several times for her. She has autism and I think that makes it more difficult to read her own body. I would rather take it and just make a quick bathroom stop, rather than having to either go to a store and spend souvenir money on an unexpected clothing purchase, or leave the park to go back to the resort unexpectedly to let her change.

 

[Luckybee]

Would you be able to lighten the load a bit if you used the lockers at the front of the park? I know its a pita to have to go back to the front of the park but at least for those things that are "just in case" you wouldn't have too carry them all around with you. If I remember correctly they are only around $10 for the entire day.

 

[Anitsirk24]

That is something I am considering looking into. That would make it easier for carrying things around with me.

 

[mountdew1]

Those of you who carry backpacks, how do you carry them on the rides with you?

They go at your feet. If you are doing a ride like BTMRR then I would suggest sticking your legs through the straps just to keep it on the ride, but otherwise there is more than enough room on everything but Space Mountain (big bags can be a tough squeeze).

 

[Angel Ariel]

What's the best bag to use in the park?

I use a REI hiking backpack now that we have DD (she was an infant/toddler on our 2 trips with her). It has a narrower body than most backpacks, so we could fit it in the basket under her City Mini that we rented if we needed it to. It carries a lot, but the bag itself doesn't weigh much. It was easily adjustable so both DH and I could wear it. It worked better for us than a regular backpack would have.

 

[kwdw]

As others have said, you can take it on every ride. however, I ask yourself what do you really need? Unless you wear a backpack every day, its gonna get tiring. I can't imagine taking extra clothes for a 7 year old, for example. Now, if the weather is going to fluctuate a lot, I might consider a locker.

 

[UpstateMick]

The only ride my wife had trouble squishing our bag on a ride was 7DMT because it is a tight area. Other than that, no problems, but we only carry ponchos (if rain in forecast) sweatshirt and leggings for DD (10) and some wipes and stuff.

 

[siskaren]

I can't imagine taking extra clothes for a 7 year old, for example.

She explained in posts #21 and 23 that her daughter is autistic and sometimes has bathroom accidents.

 

[sunshine girl]

I take a backpack. I used to take a purse (have used all kinds, including crossbody) but will never go back to that! I use a very nice Eagle Creek travel backpack with ergonomically designed, padded straps and a padded back. It's so comfortable that I can pack it full and yet hardly notice it's there. It is made so that it distributes the weight without putting excess pressure on any one particular body part. It is medium sized and kind of "long and lean" so it doesn't stick way far off my back and knock over people. I keep things I access frequently in the inside top zip, so it is super easy to just swing it off one shoulder and get things out.

On rides, I put it on the floor and secure it sideways between my legs, and put one shoulder strap over my knee. Works for everything, including rock n roller coaster!

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

I can't think of a single ride we went on last time where we couldn't take our bookbag, though there may be some. You could also rent a locker.

 

[Anitsirk24]

As others have said, you can take it on every ride. however, I ask yourself what do you really need? Unless you wear a backpack every day, its gonna get tiring. I can't imagine taking extra clothes for a 7 year old, for example. Now, if the weather is going to fluctuate a lot, I might consider a locker.

Did you not see my two posts where I explain why I will be carrying an outfit for her?

It is very frustrating that people on this thread have questioned me on that. Trust me, if I didn't think I may need it, I wouldn't carry it. My daughter has special needs. This is something we have dealt with before.

I actually do have a book bag that I use daily. It will be the one I use. It's not overly big and its comfortable as long as it's not overly full. As I get closer to my trip , j will begin planning specific things I will carry to make sure I am not over doing it.

Thank you to those who have answered my questions.

 

[maryandtyson]

Just my two cents: I like cross body bags at home. At WDW, I prefer a backpack. Just use small sizes of things like sunscreen, hand sanitizer etc. I like the hand sanitizer that clips on a bag strap to minimize digging. You may want to also pack dry socks and undies for changing after wet rides. My DDs strongly dislike that wet feeling! Have an awesome trip!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Did you not see my two posts where I explain why I will be carrying an outfit for her?

It is very frustrating that people on this thread have questioned me on that. Trust me, if I didn't think I may need it, I wouldn't carry it. My daughter has special needs. This is something we have dealt with before.

I actually do have a book bag that I use daily. It will be the one I use. It's not overly big and its comfortable as long as it's not overly full. As I get closer to my trip , j will begin planning specific things I will carry to make sure I am not over doing it.

Thank you to those who have answered my questions.

Your first post said, "Any help will be helpful." I suspect that is what most posters read, and why they felt you'd appreciate suggestions on bag styles and what they prefer to carry.

Having read your further comments, it still may be wise to choose the extra outfits based on compactness:nylon shorts/undies/tank top. One summer trip, I saw a mom at a rest stop with a daughter prone to car sickness. She had the daughter prepped in a tank top, which was brilliant. Changing her top shirt was super easy.

[In your case, this may sound crazy, but something like an ultra thin Lightdays might be a great help. I know multiple young ladies who successfully used this method, and it works brilliantly. This challenge is rather common among all girls. Many face this challenge, even into middle school. ]

To go back to your original question, It is a matter of personal preference (where/how to stow). We've tried almost every type of bag available at WDW. As has been said, on most rides you keep your bag, but maybe are asked to stow it in a pouch (Star Tours). I dislike having straps wrapped around my legs (BTMRR).

Also, long delays at the bag check. Bag check guards make you unzip every pouch. I think that is also why someone suggested a see through mesh bag.

Last, as others have said, one helpful idea is simply to review your bag contents periodically. Remove items you don't need or aren't using. Add ones you do, or items that need to be replenished. Creativity also pays. Bonus points for items that do double duty, like Ziploc bags.