Do you have your children carry backpacks? How do you carry everything?

[cjparker0110]

Cold is relative based on humidity and what you're used to. My aunt always complained it was too cold in FL when it was 55 degrees while I was in MN with negative 20 plus windchills. I would have been fine in FL with shorts and a t-shirt but she was bundled. Consider where you are coming from, what you are used to, and how long you will be outside. Even if the adults are fine, the little ones will be more likely to freeze with prolonged temps that are 30-40 degrees below your natural body temperature. IF it's cloudy, it will seem colder because you won't have the sun shining right on you. Bring layers (light if possible) and probably 2 bags to keep the stuff. If you are close to your hotel, maybe send dad back to drop off the coats if it gets warm enough. If you aren't, then just carry them. Better to be safe than sorry.

 

[AngieInOH]

We're from Ohio and used to cold weather.....but I hate it. I'm always freezing. So myself and my two girls will defintely need jackets/layering. My son and husband, the cold doesn't bother them too much but still they'll likely be wearing hoodies if it's cold. It might be optimistic for one to think they are going to FL and won't need cold weather attire..... but I know otherwise and just want to be prepared for it.

 

[HHMcG]

We have gone on multiple Jan trips. The weather can vary greatly. We now always bring heavy sweatshirts (Lands End Sherpa lined) and hats and gloves for everyone. The hats and gloves don't take up much room but really make a difference in keeping you warm. We also now bring a small fleece blanket. It makes a huge difference to sit on during parades. And one morning my three silly kids wrapped themselves in it while waiting for the bus.
Five sweatshirts, five hats and five sets of gloves fit in our standard sized backpack. It was stuffed but it fit.
Most January days it is warm enough that we did not need more than layers and a sweatshirt but it is nice to have the warmer stuff back in the room just in case.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

No bags at all. Haven't taken one since our children were out of diapers. Food and drinks are bought in the parks, water is free. Just need to carry wallets, phones, cameras, and someone to stick a small refillable bottle of sunscreen in a pocket. No need for any bag at all.

 

[Minnesota!]

1 backsack.


Everyone wears a hoodie.

In backsack:

Sunscreen (travel size)

chapstick

phone(s)

2 freezer size gallon plastic bags (for putting stuff in on water rides)

wallet (actually just a small coin purse with my ID, 1 credit card, and cash for the day).

my face powder

travel sized wipes (hands after ice cream )

Still TONS of room in there - I usually end up stuffing both kids hoodies in as the day goes on.

 

[sprousehouse]

We just got back and I vote for the double stroller. DD7 and DS5 both used it. We didn't have it the first 2 days and they were fine but we were glad we had it the rest of the trip to store all our stuff. I packed in lunch several days and we did want light jackets in the evening or early morning a few times. We often parked it and did a few rides and came back, really not a problem. We liked having somewhere to put our drinks as well. The kids really started riding in it more day 4-8, especially when we were at Epcot as we were walking longer periods of time. We were offsite so we were in our own car and the only time we folded it in the park was to ride the railroad so I could see it being a pain for buses but overall we found it helpful.

 

[katie111]

I'd bring a single stroller if u still have one. So much easier to get through the parks than a double and great for storing stuff. 6 year olds will get tired. And coats get heavy. Last Feb was our first trip which was (mostly) stroller free & I missed having it. We used it at night for DS7. We had those very lightweight Northface type down jackets for all of us. They are very warm but very lightweight. Kids had knockoffs from Marshalls that I paid about 20 bucks each for & they wear them all the time at home too. We generally wore the jackets, a long sleeve shirt and a short sleeve shirt. I personally don't like tons of layers, too bulky & too much to keep track of. Also, lockers don't work for me because sometimes you are in the back of the park and the sun goes in or the wind picks up & you really want your jacket but it is the front of the park in your locker. Jan/Feb can be cold! And don't forget hats & gloves.

 

[Jen4400]

The stroller might be extra useful. You can store stuff in it and also provide your younger kids with a place to rest, especially on long days at the parks.

 

[seashell724]

I would suggest getting thinner coats if you really think you will need them. My DH has a coat from LL bean that folds into its own pocket. Carrying 5 of those (especially with two of them being small childrens) in one bag would be easy.

Otherwise depending on where you live you might not need them even in the morning. I live in Massachusetts and only needed a sweatshirt when ig got dark. DH never needed them at all.

That sounds like a great jacket! Can I ask which one it is?

 

[kamik86]

That sounds like a great jacket! Can I ask which one it is?

DH has this one. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83563?feat=504714-GN2&page=ultralight-850-down-hooded-jacket

I believe there are less expensive similar ones if you don't need them to be quite as warm DH really is comfortable shovelling snow in this when we get our negative degree weather days in winter (well most winters... its 50 degrees here today... )

 

[seashell724]

DH has this one. http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/83563?feat=504714-GN2&page=ultralight-850-down-hooded-jacket

I believe there are less expensive similar ones if you don't need them to be quite as warm DH really is comfortable shovelling snow in this when we get our negative degree weather days in winter (well most winters... its 50 degrees here today... )

Thank you! We live in a climate that sometimes goes down to -50 with the windchill. Yes, NEGATIVE 50. So, we wouldn't use it for that cold but I like the idea that it is warm enough for shovelling in! Thank you!

 

[LovesTimone]

My initial thought was I'd have each of us carry a backpack (DD6, DD6, DS15). We're going in Jan so I figure coats in the morning and evening will be likely. I'm now having second thoughts. The thought of keeping track of 5 backpacks just seems like it would be a hassle.

Now considering either 2 bigger backpakcs or renting a double stroller so we can stuff everything in the basket and the girls will have some place to rest.

Thoughts anyone???

I would go with the double stroller with 6 year olds especially if you don't want to have to carry them especially if you don't take a break, thats a lot of steps for little legs and feet, and with a double you get more room for the "stuff". Hoodies are the best easy off and on, can tie around the waist. As far as the 2 little ones carrying a back pack its not gonna happen for a long period of time. I would go with 2 reasonable back packs, 1 for the jackets, ponchos, if need a extra set of clothes for the little ones, the other bag pack for snacks, autograph books or pin trading, of a personal items pack, just enough stuff for the day, not whole bottles of anything, don't forget band aids, and neo to go. Use a small cross body for your stuff, CC, room and ADR's, small hair brush you get the idea. I would limit what they can bring into the park as far as toys go, maybe 1 each.

 

[dancemonkey]

We carry one string backpack into the park because my daughter has nut allergy and has to carry an epi pen. Otherwise we travel light. That way everyone goes to the no bag lane except her.

 

[North of Mouse]

Normally, I'd be one to 'ditch' the stroller idea, but with two 6 yr. olds, it would not be a stretch to need one at Disney. Much better than turning dad & mom into pack mules!! I can't count the times I've been hit in lines with a dad or mom wearing this huge backpack sticking out a foot (which they invariably 'forgot' they had on) and they would turn quickly/back up/whatever and I'd catch it! Too much unneeded 'stuff' IMO.
Also, letting children be responsible for a few things they 'think' they need will teach them the responsibility of lugging it - they would probably decide they don't really 'need' so much after all!

 

[pooh4evr]

We did last time, all 3 had sinch sacks (?) plenty big enough for them to carry a water bottle, poncho, sunglasses, phone (in a plastic bag) snacks. Light, comfortable and my bag/purse was much lighter!!

 

[Cash_UK]

My initial thought was I'd have each of us carry a backpack (DD6, DD6, DS15). We're going in Jan so I figure coats in the morning and evening will be likely. I'm now having second thoughts. The thought of keeping track of 5 backpacks just seems like it would be a hassle.

Now considering either 2 bigger backpakcs or renting a double stroller so we can stuff everything in the basket and the girls will have some place to rest.

Thoughts anyone???

Hi, I have two sons and a Wife, we usually have one backpack. Containing sunscreens, water bottles, a long sleeved top for each of the kids incase its a chilly start or cool evening. And that's about it, I suppose we travel quite light. Hope this helps.

 

[kwdw]

My initial thought was I'd have each of us carry a backpack (DD6, DD6, DS15). We're going in Jan so I figure coats in the morning and evening will be likely. I'm now having second thoughts. The thought of keeping track of 5 backpacks just seems like it would be a hassle.

Now considering either 2 bigger backpakcs or renting a double stroller so we can stuff everything in the basket and the girls will have some place to rest.

Thoughts anyone???[/QUOTE

No way I'd add a stroller just to carry stuff for two 6 yos. I think you should be able to cope with ONE backpack for the two adults and the 2 little ones. For the 15 yo - I can see offering to carry something really SMALL for him - like an extra giftcard or sunglasses or a baseball hat - but otherwise - he is old enough to carry stuff himself. Tying a sweatshirt around your waist is a great way to carry it = hands free!

For the little girls - you really need to look at the forecast day of (like minutes before you leave your room in the morning) - to judge what layers you need. I find that "normally" I need less in the morning than I expect and any layer I have on tends to come off quickly. I'd try to avoid bulky items - but think in layers.

I also find that if I KNOW I'm going to be out late at night and the temperature is going down - sometimes I put things in a locker at the front of the park - and change clothes. Again - nothing to carry that way!

 

[aretha30]

After we stopped bringing a large stroller our oldest started to carry a cinch sack. He and my husband each carry one with some water, snacks, the ponchos,etc. When our 7 yr old gets a little older he will carry one as well. This way one person doesn't feel like a pack mule carrying everything for everyone! It also helps us to only bring the things that are necessary.