Fanny Pack vs Drawstring Backpack

[zuzu310]

So I am trying to decide between a fanny pack and a drawstring backpack. I know that more rides will require me to use the free lockers for the backpack, but I am not sure if I want to wear a fanny pack around all day because it will be bulky on me. I know at other thrill parks they make you put your stuff in a bin before boarding. Do any of the rides at Universal do that, or will I know whether or not I can take it on the ride before we get into line? I am never comfortable leaving my wallet in those bins at say Six Flags or Cedar Point. TIA!!

 

[Alesia]

Pack each one with the stuff you'll carry around with you in the park and walk around with each one for a few days. See which one works better for you

 

[macraven]

Uo does not use bins like six flags does

Dr Doom has a holding bin where you sit for the ride
Doors are locked in each area so your belongs are safe while on the ride

 

[cadawson]

I use a small crossbody - usually Vera Bradley but sometimes my small Dooney crossbody. Just need to hold my phone and wallet. If I need something bigger - sunscreen, change of clothes for DS etc - I'll bring a drawstring backpack, but I'll usually keep my crossbody as well to hold my wallet and phone. I don't trust having a backpack only, as it's easy to get pick-pocketed. I've never used a hip pack.
My DH just uses cargo shorts and loads up his pockets. Ha ha!

 

[christophfam]

I have a convertible hip bag. I don’t like the added bulk of a hip bag all day around my waist so I wear it on my shoulder when I’m not on a ride. I hate the lockers so it’s the only way I go.

 

[Alesia]

I just use a running belt, but I don't really carry much.

 

[danielocha30]

drawstring will tempted you to pack more, and it will hurt your shoulders innthe long run, if you’re doing multiple days. My husband uses a fanny pack and he never take it off at any ride.

 

[zuzu310]

Thanks everyone! I am leaning towards a small crossbody. For one thing, I sewed my shirts for this trip, and I really don't want them covered with a fanny pack. My hubby wears cargos and this a kid-free weekend, so I just need my wallet, phone, and meds mostly.

 

[CPanther95]

Have you tried just putting everything in your wife's purse?

I find that to be the most comfortable.

 

[J'aime Paris]

Have you tried just putting everything in your wife's purse?

I find that to be the most comfortable.

Ha!
Did my husband join the Disboards?!?!

 

[gotomu212]

Thanks everyone! I am leaning towards a small crossbody. For one thing, I sewed my shirts for this trip, and I really don't want them covered with a fanny pack. My hubby wears cargos and this a kid-free weekend, so I just need my wallet, phone, and meds mostly.

It doesn’t work for everyone but I put my phone and wallet in each of the back pockets and then I have a tiny pill tin with my emergency migraine meds and skip a bag altogether. Maybe that’ll work for you? Or maybe your husband will let you borrow one of his pockets. There are still a few rides though where you can’t take ANYTHING even if it’s in a pocket and you go through a metal detector as you get in line.

 

[schumigirl]

Yep, Hulk and RRR you can’t take any kind of bag on, even the 3 prong waist pack.........nothing in pockets like wallets, phones or coins.

Lockers take a few seconds.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

A girl wore a fanny pack on Forbidden Journey and when they went to close the bar down, she had to exit the ride as it wouldn't close down completely with the pack on.

 

[schumigirl]

A girl wore a fanny pack on Forbidden Journey and when they went to close the bar down, she had to exit the ride as it wouldn't close down completely with the pack on.

That’s the only stipulation with them......that they don’t interfere with the harness. Mine goes slightly to the side as it’s fairly bulky with the camera.

TM at FJ told us he wished everyone would wear a fanny pack as folks try and argue their other types of bags will be ok........

 

[Princess Becca]

The only ride I recall putting my stuff in a bin rather than a locker is on Dr. Doom's Fear Fall. The nice thing about that ride, though, is that nobody will be walking around the bins except for the crew member, so there's nothing to worry about! Nearly all the thrill rides do require a locker and they stress this before you get in line. They try not to let guests in if they haven't put their things away first.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

I swore the next time we go to US, we won't bring a backpack. The locker situation at FJ was insane in the afternoons. The room needs to be much larger!

 

[bchbetha]

I love a good Athleta skort with zippered pockets for park days. A small cross body at Universal is ok too since lockers are free for rides requiring them.

 

[FrankDIS72]

For the roller coasters, everything has to go into a locker. Backpacks, fanny packs, purses, etc. You need to empty out your pockets and put everything in a locker. No kidding! I once had loose change in my pocket and the Team Members asked me to put it in a locker. I just donated it to the Universal charity fund.

As for what pack to use, I find the drawstring backpacks hurt my back after carrying it around all day. You may want to use a backpack with good back support.

 

[Kivara]

I agree with Frank...we did a drawstring one year, and it killed our shoulders. Now we carry this one from Walmart:

It was about $10 in the purse/bag section, has nice, thick padded straps, and the mesh made it quicker to go through bag check...all the security guys loved it.

 

[Alicefan]

I used a runners belt. I'm a hands free kind of girl. The strap on a crossbody would drive me to drink. lol I used to do fanny packs until I decided I didn't need a camera or a phone. The baggalini crossbodys are cool though because you can convert them to go around your waste if a strap will annoy you.