do many people use backpacks??

[cyndibelle]

we just got a great after christmas deal on a super duper nice backpack to take to disney world....i have certain diet restrictions so i cant go into disney and eat anything and everything so its nice for me to be able to have my snacks and water in the backpack...i am wondering if alot of folks go this route also.....

 

[toystoryduo]

First of all, enjoy your first trip to Disney! We hope that you have a great time!!

We found a backpack to be too bulky to carry things in. Plus, it made our backs sweat like crazy!! However, we used my DDs diaper bag to store treats and water. That worked well for us and you can leave it with your stroller when you go on rides.

I do know that a lot of people do take backpacks though... Diaper bags were just easier and more convenient for us. Whatever you decide....

Have a great trip!!!

 

[Stimpy]

I, DH and DS-4 take one back pack with us. Since we don't use a stroller, it's just easier for us to use a back pack. DH and I usually take turns carrying it. As long as you don't over pack, it's not a problem. It's also convenient for throwing all those little souveniers into.

Just a word of advice, before you get to the security check points try to open all the compartments so you're ready. I always feel bad for the security guards since our backpack has so many sections.

 

[Julia M]

I carried a fanny pack on my last trip to WDW, and a backpack to DL this December.

I agree a backpack gets warm on your back in summer, but I think it's okay the rest of the year.

I have a cheapie plastic backpack with a mesh back, so it stays cooler agaisnt your back. The bag checkers love it, too.....I don't even need to open my bag and they always say they wish EVERYONE carried something like this! I only use it at places like Disney.

Even with older kids, it's amazing what you end up wanting to carry. I prefer the backpack to a fanny pack. JMHO.

 

[LeahA]

I hate using mine. I always pack to much in there, and then when I try to look for something, I have to dig around and take everything out. I much rather do the fannie pack thing, I never have, I always thought they look dorky, but, I guess it makes more sense.

Leah

 

[crisi]

I always bring a backpack. We don't go in summer though.

A backpack is nice if you travel at the time of year where you want to make sure everyone has a jacket (yeah, you can tie it around your waist, but I like to carry the kids). We also haul in some bottled water, that never fits in a fanny pack. And I never carried a diaper bag even when my kids were in diapers.

I have seen, of late, really large fanny packs with places for water bottles. I might go that direction as the kids get older.

 

[cyndibelle]

Well it seems we should be fine then with the backpack since we are going at the beginning of february and it shouldnt be hot and the other nice thing about it is that it has wheels..sooo if it gets too heavy we will just wheel it around....whooopeee..thanks for your responses!!!

 

[WhispyPixie]

We carry a backpack that is a black mesh see through. It is lightweight, the security loves it cause they can see through it and holds we need!!

Pixie

 

[HaleyB]

Hey guys, where do you get the backpacks with the mesh backs? I think I may need one of those.

Thanks in advance,
HB

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

We always use a backpack. My nickname is pack mule. We went in Dec. and I had to carry coats etc.

Lori

 

[SueM in MN]

Originally posted by cyndibelle
Well it seems we should be fine then with the backpack since we are going at the beginning of february and it shouldnt be hot and the other nice thing about it is that it has wheels..sooo if it gets too heavy we will just wheel it around....whooopeee..thanks for your responses!!!

A suggestion to try that backpack out before taking it to the parks.
We had one of those wheeled backpacks that we brought along to Orlando on our last trip (it carried DD's computer that she uses for communication sinse she can't speak). We found it to be a big hassle and actually have never used it after using it in the airport. It tipped easily, so we had to stop a lot to put it back on the wheels. Since it was behind us, it sometimes rolled too fast and nipped us in the heels. The wheels on ours were nice roller blade type wheels, but they roll differently on rough surfaces (keep in mind there is a lot of simulated cobblestone at WDW). Someone who got too close crossing behind us didn't see it and almost tripped. We tried pushing it ahead of us to solve those problems, but since it's made for pulling, not pushing, it didn't work well that way. The pulling bar was also too low, so you had to crouch down a little to pull it.
Putting it on our backs was not comfortable. The extra bars and other pieces that make it roll are uncomfortable and hit against your back when you walk.

We have always taken a regular backpack, even when kids were "diaper bag" age (but we can sling it on DD's wheelchair). My suggestion is to not try to carry every possible thing you might need in the backpack, only what you are pretty sure you will need. There are lockers in each park where you can store heavier things (like if you plan to change to jeans and sweatshirts at night, why carry them along all day).

 

[Julia M]

here is a site that sells a mesh backpack

http://www.bdgmall.com/spmkhecba.htm

this site has neat stuff!

http://www.safe-pack.com/HTML/products.html

here's another one

http://www.foximas.com/mesh-backpack.htm

and another one

http://www.only-backpacks.com/cgi-b...emplate=Templates/SearchResult.html&category=

Mine is mesh only in the back, and see through clear plastic the rest of the way around. I like that because things don't fall out at all. I bought mine at Target maybe a year or two ago, for just a couple of bucks....it was 75% off. I have ended up using it alot.

Just as a point of clarification.....I don't necessarily fill mine full to bulging. If I think we would need jeans and sweathshirts later, they would stay in a locker or the car. I priamrily carry a backpack for the comfort, not because I have more stuff than would fit in a fanny pack.

I tend to carry just my wallet, some capri sun style drinks, some small snacks (Pringles, sweet tarts, cheese and cracker packs and so on), some tylenol (for me, I get headaches easily), a small package of hand wipes (in a ziplock bag) and my wallet.

If it's night, or we won't be going back to the hotel, I also carry those flashing light things (the kind you buy with characters on them), for my two youngest to play with.

I try to make everyone carry their own water bottle. For one reason, they 're heavy! Another is that I believe the kids will drink more if they carry their own.

Julia

 

[HaleyB]

Thanks.

I like a backpack over a fanny pack. I am always afraid I will lose my finished rolls of film from fanny packs. I to like to travel light. I carry just snacks and hand wipes and my wallet.

 

[parrothead365]

I always use one. Mine has a place for two water bottles and several small pouches for passes and such. I pack it with light weight rain gear basic first aid stuff and sun screen. It sure makes hauling your Disney loot a lot easier too.