Fanny packs or rolling backpack?

[annakris1973]

We will be returning to the World soon, and I am considering taking a rolling backpack with us to lug our gear. Last year I took a small backpack that sinches together with strings, and the strings are the handles (what are they called, anyway?) Let me tell you, I felt like my shoulders had been sliced through by the end of the day. I like the idea of being "hands free", since it will just be me and DD11 and DS7, but by the time you have autograph books, pens, sunscreen, pressed penny stuff, etc, etc, etc, its alot of STUFF! I had considered having a fanny pack for each of us, but I don't think they will hold everything. Plus I hated taking the backpack on and off everytime we got on a ride. Suggestions???

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Rolling backpacks are not allowed at WDW theme parks. You will not be let in with one.

If you can't reduce the amount of stuff you are bringing, spread the load. I'm not a fan of fanny packs (get in the way, think they look a little odd), so I'd seperate the stuff between a couple of smaller backpacks. Let the kids share the load.

NED

 

[CheshireVal]

Try a backpack with wider straps so that they don't cut into your shoulders.

Please don't try to bring a rolling backpack. They are a nuisance.

If you want something that rolls, you can always rent a stroller and push your stuff around in that.

 

[Allison]

Try a backpack with wider straps so that they don't cut into your shoulders.

Please don't try to bring a rolling backpack. They are a nuisance.

If you want something that rolls, you can always rent a stroller and push your stuff around in that.

Don't laugh-strollers are great for that.

 

[julsmom]

It is hard to haul everything, esp. when you have kids. They have so much stuff!

I rent a stroller even though DD is 6 now. She can sit in it to get from place to place and it holds my stuff. I bought a bag at MGM esp. to fit over those stroller handlebars. I know DD is 6 but I would rather suffer a little embarassment having a kid in a stroller than have her get tired or whiny during vacay. It took DH a while to get over it though.

 

[disney's daughter]

My daughter in law never wears a fanny pack...except when she and the family go to Disney with me...All of her children wear them there, too...Her son actually wore one until last year...Now he wears the "cargo" pants with all the pockets....

 

[starlionblue]

Try a backpack with wider straps so that they don't cut into your shoulders.

If you have time to look around, try this: get a backpack that has a buckle that goes across the chest. This is a real back saver. It's a load-bearing harness commonly found on expedition-length backpacks but I've seen one or two that are smaller. The buckle pulls the shoulder straps together to reduce pressure on the shoulders. This is why people get tired when walking around with a lot of items in the backpack. If you have no idea what it looks like, ask a professional camper or hunter. They will know exactly what you're talking about. The harness will increase the price but if you can find one that doesn't cost significantly more than a standard heavy-duty student's backpack, go for it. It will save your muscles from very early fatigue.

 

[starlionblue]

ChesireVal is absolutely correct about the rolling backpack. I used one on a trip to my aunt's house several years ago. NEVER AGAIN!!!
It was so heavy that I wore my arms out dragging it everywhere. It was that heavy. Even when emtpy, it felt three times heavier than a normal emtpy backpack.

 

[orljustin]

I saw a bunch of people using those string backpacks. I don't know where they are coming from, but they are certainly not useful for any length of time. Just get a good school type pack with padded straps.

 

[cybrkitn]

Rolling backpacks are not allowed at WDW theme parks. You will not be let in with one.

If you can't reduce the amount of stuff you are bringing, spread the load. I'm not a fan of fanny packs (get in the way, think they look a little odd), so I'd seperate the stuff between a couple of smaller backpacks. Let the kids share the load.

NED

Not even a child's? My DS4's has wheels, but I was going to use it to put extra clothes in it since his backpack is bigger. We have no intention of rolling it around since it will most likely be slung on my shoulder or in the stroller. We leave next Wednesday.

 

[annakris1973]

Since when are the rolling backpacks not allowed? I saw them everywhere last year. Friends of mine who are frequent fliers to the world always take theirs. Trust me, I don't want to be a rule-breaker...just haven't heard of this rule. Don't you guys get tired of the on and off, on and off- of the backpacks?

 

[Allison]

Not even a child's? My DS4's has wheels, but I was going to use it to put extra clothes in it since his backpack is bigger. We have no intention of rolling it around since it will most likely be slung on my shoulder or in the stroller. We leave next Wednesday.

Sorry, not even a child's.

 

[akalittleeva]

I am not a fan of fanny packs, but they work great for places like WDW. I know they are ugly, but they leave you completely hands free. This trip, I have picked up identical fanny packs for us all (my family is thrilled - not!). There is dh, myself, DS10 and DD8. They are just basic adult sized fanny packs - I pinned the strap a little smaller to fit the kids. I did a trial run, to make sure everything would fit, anal, I know - but they were fine, in fact I have room to spare! I managed to fit in 4 ponchos, first aid kit (bandaids, moleskin etc.), gum, purell, handiwipes, 2 -2 way radios, 2 autograph books, Sharpie, chapstick, a notebook and pen for each child, tylenol etc, ziploc bags, Tide to Go, brush, kleenex, sunscreen, itinerary and ADRs, - that's what I can remember. I was surprised myself as they really are not big. There is still room to dig around without having to pull everything out to get something.

 

[goofy4tink]

In our family, everyone carries their own stuff. If the child is old/big enough to be out of a stroller, they are big enough for their own fanny pack/backpack. My dd has been carrying her own stuff since she was 6!! If you want to bring that much with you, then you may want to consider renting a locker at each park...put extra stuff in there, until you need it.
Those rolling backpacks are a huge pain. I've seen people with them, dragging them behind them, oblivious to others around them..causing injury to those beside/behind them. You say you wouldn't be pulling it but carrying it over your shoulder....I would suggest just using a backpack. There really isn't all the much off and on going on. When you get on an attraction you just take it off and hook your leg through it to secure it.
I hate lugging anything behind me, I don't really like backpacks since they cut into my shoulders, I have worn fanny packs but find I like the messenger bags much more. They don't hold much but I don't carry too much either.

 

[canda]

Since when are the rolling backpacks not allowed? I saw them everywhere last year. Friends of mine who are frequent fliers to the world always take theirs. Trust me, I don't want to be a rule-breaker...just haven't heard of this rule. Don't you guys get tired of the on and off, on and off- of the backpacks?

I know your mother used to say just because everyone else is doing it.....
(just joking here)

I know that I have seen many a people wear the backpack properly to get through the gate and then roll them a little later.

Pulling objects is much worse to public saftey than the pushing of strollers.

 

[nhpooh]

I have always had a fanny pack/pouch, it holds alot of stuff. When getting on a ride if I don't have to take it off I don't. I just slide it to the side, most of the time I don't remove it. WDW is the only place I take it, well Sea World too. My DH has one too, he carries his things in it. My DD(17) one of those string back pack she takes.

 

[ZoZo]

I say try a messenger bag, worn across the body. You don't have to take it on and off (just sling it to the side when on rides). You can fit quite a few things and it would be comfortable.

 

[cybrkitn]

Sorry, not even a child's.

Oh well, looks like I'm going to be using my own back pack to store an extra set of clothes for my DS. Was planning on bringing that with us (in addition)down to Dis anyway. The backpack is mostly for DS4, in case he has an accident, we are prepared. I'll use his rolling backpack for the flight down, where I have to store more than just his change of clothes. No biggie.

I already have my fanny pack set aside to bring. My DH has already given me the LOL. I never bring my pocketbook with me to a park; always a fanny pack. Makes it a lot easier

 

[Allison]

Oh well, looks like I'm going to be using my own back pack to store an extra set of clothes for my DS. Was planning on bringing that with us (in addition)down to Dis anyway. The backpack is mostly for DS4, in case he has an accident, we are prepared. I'll use his rolling backpack for the flight down, where I have to store more than just his change of clothes. No biggie.

I already have my fanny pack set aside to bring. My DH has already given me the LOL. I never bring my pocketbook with me to a park; always a fanny pack. Makes it a lot easier

You can also rent lockers.

 

[deekaypee]

I suggest fanny packs to carry the stuff you absolutely need to have with you at all times. Then, because you want to still travel lightly, I suggest renting either a stroller or a locker and pick up stuff when needed. (I'm another person who's serious about renting the stroller!)

DH and I rent a locker where we store our snacks, a sweatshirt during certain times of the year, suncreen, extra water, etc. We return during the day, but only carry our wallets, camera, water, and passes with us during most of the day. But there's only the two of us adults and we're highly mobile. If we had children, we'd probably rent a stroller and put our stuff in that. If you choose that option, I'd think about carrying a diaper bag just to disguise some of the contents you wouldn't want to lose (autograph books, etc.)