camera, videocamera, etc.

[Trini]

I just 'practice' packed by mini backpack and Im out of room & not even finished. How do you all manage to carry everything? OR do you not carry everything?

Here is what I wanted to take:
camera
video camera (small one)
sunscreen
misty mate
wallet (small one with just the basics)
mini first aid kit
small tablet and a pen

Thats about it, but I cant fit it all in. I really dont want to lug around a big heavy backpack, but I think I might have to. My kids will have fanny packs with their own toys/snacks/disposable cameras. Husband refuses to carry anything.

Any ideas? Is it safe to leave a bag with a videocamera in the locker in the parks? That might free up some space, if I just use it for a while and then throw it in the locker. Im afraid it might get stolen.

What do you suggest?

 

[clonetothebone]

I'd ditch the video camera unless you really use it a lot. I carried ours around for 7 out of 8 days last trip and didn't use it. Was nice to go the last day with just my camera on my belt loop and nothing else to lug around.

I also might ditch the first aid kit. Just throw in a couple of band aids and if you need more than that then head to the first aid stations. They are really very helpful. DS got a blister one day when DW and I had split up and she had the first aid stuff with her. We went to the first aid station at Epcot and they fixed us right up.

 

[caegan]

I agree with clone... I would also ditch the video camera (or maybe just take it along one day??) and also the first aid kit.

I personally would also leave behind the misty mate. There are so many places in WDW where you can get wet, but I also handle the heat pretty well. If you feel like you would be too hot, maybe take a bandana that you could get wet at water fountains and just tie it around you head or neck.

I also leave my wallet at home and put my ticket, money, ADR numbers, etc. in a plastic baggie. It's less bulky.

 

[disgram]

Before I knew better, I used to carry a HUGE backpak with everything that was on the lists for the parks that was in the guide books. By the end of the day in the park, I was exhausted and had such a backache that the next day I was miserable!. And to top it off, very seldom did I need all that stuff to begin with. So now I use a fanny pak and a small back pak. In the fanny pak I put my credit cards, some money, the ADR printout from the front desk, pen and small tablet. I also keep my recipts there. In the backpak I carry the small first aid kit, wipes, small digital camera and a small camcorder. The mister, is on a hook,(like climbers use) clipped to my shorts. That's it!!!! No problems and it sure saves on my back!!!

 

[Perditamarie]

I read a great tip where the family used the video camera at the end of the day in the room to record everyone's feelings on the activities of the day, so they captured the feel of the day without lugging the camera around.

 

[Trini]

Ok, I will ditch the video camera, the misty mate & the first aid kit. I think video taping at the end of each day is a great idea! Maybe I'll take it when my husband does the segway tour and video him doing that (I have heard that they may pass by us at the end).

Thanks for your tips.

 

[MagneticxBoy]

Whats the point of having the video camera if your not going to use it?

If its small and lightweight like the one we bought for the trip you shouldnt have a problem!.. use your videocamera! lol

 

[reelmom]

I agree with MagneticxBoy. These are moments of a lifetime, especially through the eyes of a child. Don't miss out on the memories.

 

[rkujay]

Leave the first aid. Disney has first aid available at all parks with qualified people to assist. If you feel compelled to lug a giant bag full of "essentials", plop down the money for a locker, and visit your essential belongings as necessary. As for me, my room key suffices, and I apply beer as necessary.

 

[disney1742]

I agree with MagneticxBoy too

 

[maelstrom]

I would leave out the misty fan and the first aid kit. Throw in a few bandaids and some neosporin if you need to. Disney has first aid centers and they will take care of you if you need it.

 

[jaurban]

I also was concerned about how to carry the video cam. It is about 4 years old, and while "compact" the case makes it a little larger and heavier. I guess I am leaning toward having it for the first time we vist each park, and maybe leaving it behind when we return from our mid-day break (or visa versa if there is a special event or the parade). I will take it for the first ride on Dumbo. I am curious as to how many people got good video of a parade or fireworks, and still managed to see the show "live" and not through a lens. Also, at CRT, are the video cams allowed, or since they give you the photo package, is that frowned upon?

 

[babar41]

I can't imagine not having my video camera with me. Yes, there are times I don't use it, but if there is something I want to tape I have it with me!

Not all things can be scheduled. Sure, you may know when the parade is going to be, but you can't always plan on when you are going to bump into a special character.

My video camera is rather small, or at least a lot smaller than they use to be. When I get tired of taking movies I put it in my backpack. But my backpack is a lot closer than a locker or room!

I do agree with others though, no need for the first aid kit. I'd also leave the misty, the small tablet and pen, take the sunscreen wipe on towels in individual packets. Our small still camera has a case that DH wears on his belt. But I don't understand... why take a camera to WDW and then leave it in the room or locker?

 

[DebbieTN]

If you don't want to take the misty mate, just take a small personal fan. That's what I do. I really helps when you're hot. I also just found the small o2cool misting fan that I'm going to take in Sept. Some people found them at Walmart, but I ordered mine on the internet. It's only about as big as the palm of your hand.