Fanny packs or rolling backpack?

[cybrkitn]

You can also rent lockers.

We'll most likely do that to put our change of clothes for the evening.

Took a look at Accu-weather's 15 day forecast for Orlando. Looks like it will be in the low 60's at night so we will need the sweatshirts and change of clothes for that. Having a locker will be perfect so we don't have to lug all of that with us; thankfully

 

[wdwlovers5]

rolling backpacks - they are very dangerous in the parks - people trip and fall all over them and get hurt - it is impossible to watch out for other people when you are wheeling one of those there is just too much going on. I hope they still do not allow them.

Mary/Margaret

 

[Simba's Mom]

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

I've been behind people with rolling backpacks going thru security (and it was obvious what they were-the handles were extended) and security didn't say anything to them that they didn't say to everyone else. I've also seen people with rolling backpacks in the park walking around. And last month, getting on SE, the guy in front of me picked up his rolling backpack as he got on the ride, then let it drop to the floor to roll again when he got off. I've never seen anyone with a rolling backpack asked to leave or denied entry to the parks.

 

[winterman]

My first 7 times to WDW I used a small backpack. It was not heavy but it was a pain because I was always taking it off on the rides and then putting it back on when I got off. This year I used a fanny pack and was much happier. Get a fanny pack for everyone and make them carry whatever they want to bring. If you feel you must bring a change of clothes, rent a locker. I saw a few people dragging rolling backpacks and other cases. I think that's crazy.

 

[Figment2]

The only time I have seen rolling backpacks permitted is during pin events. A lot of us use them to carry our pin bags. At those times, you will also see people with luggage (same use).

In the "old" days WDW had at least 3 events a year so it's possible you saw them in the parks.

Cyn

 

[mattsdragon]

I have a camalbak that has compartments in it for camera, wallet, phone, autograph book. Then of course it also holds 2 liters of water. Takes care of everything.

 

[KikiFan]

I understand the fanny pack loathing, but I've never found anything that was as convienient at WDW. Back packs are a pain because your constantly taking them off to get stuff out. I like having everything I need right there.

My daughter's got this really cute Kim Possible messenger type purse, it's part of her standard WDW uniform.

 

[unbroken chain]

I had no idea rolling backpacks weren't allowed at Disney - I brought one last Dec. and no one gave me any indication they weren't allowed. I will say that the one I had wasn't very stable, though, and it was a pain, not to mention hard to manage on the rides. (At Kennedy Space Center, however, I was specifically told I could bring it in but NOT roll it. I had no idea places didn't allow them before then.) Because of the rigid bottom and wheels, they can't collapse and be stuffed in the foot area of rides as easily. I'd go with 2-3 smaller bags, or the messenger bag idea.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

If rolling backpacks are not allowed, WDW is very lenient about allowing them through the gates. I nearly killed myself twice last year tripping over the durned things. At least with strollers you keep them in front of you, have more control over them, and people are not as likely to walk across your path in FRONT of you as they are in BACK of you. If you drag something behind you, it's like trawling for DISers. PLEASE, even if they let you bring them in, for the sake of everyone else, RECONSIDER!

 

[G8RFAN]

We picked up a promotional bag a couple years ago with see through netting on one side and a single wide carry strap on the other. The top cinches close with a drawstring. We usually throw our ponchos, a couple of juice boxes, bottled water, sunscreen, and other small sundries in it. It also has an insulated zippered bottom compartment for the juice boxes if you want to freeze them. It's a breeze to get through security as they almost never ask you to open it up since they can see right in. Ours was a Citibank bag, but I saw the exact same bag when you filled out an application for Chase's Disney card at DTD one day. Too bad I have never seen them anywhere else.

 

[starlionblue]

If rolling backpacks are not allowed, WDW is very lenient about allowing them through the gates. I nearly killed myself twice last year tripping over the durned things. At least with strollers you keep them in front of you, have more control over them, and people are not as likely to walk across your path in FRONT of you as they are in BACK of you. If you drag something behind you, it's like trawling for DISers. PLEASE, even if they let you bring them in, for the sake of everyone else, RECONSIDER!

When I was stuck with that cursed rolling backpack, I sometimes PUSHED it in front of me like a dolly so nobody would trip over it. I did this if walking through a very crowded airport or theme park but have never tripped anyone with it. Does anyone else do this? Oh and another reason I ditched it: the stupid flap. If you roll it, you have to tuck the straps together and pull the velcro flap over and I had a habit of forgetting to so I was in danger of wearing out the straps early. Eventually the carry handle bent and jammed so I threw the backpack out. It wasn't worth the $35. Even with only one item inside, it felt excessively heavy, something you must think about if you still want to buy one.

 

[kaytieeldr]

We picked up a promotional bag a couple years ago with see through netting on one side and a single wide carry strap on the other. The top cinches close with a drawstring. We usually throw our ponchos, a couple of juice boxes, bottled water, sunscreen, and other small sundries in it. It also has an insulated zippered bottom compartment for the juice boxes if you want to freeze them.

That's insulated??? No way - and here I've been wasting that space all this time! Thanks!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

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.

I used a string backpack just fine at WDW. I'd never want something as big as a full sized school backpack. My regular - at home - purse is a mini-backpack style number, so I can put it on my back if I choose. It's not string, but not padded either. It's another option - a Jansport Half Pint.

Mind, the only time the string pack was remotely full - was when everyone's sweaters were stuffed in it (a few hours in the afternoon), and even then it wasn't very heavy, since the sweaters were lightweight. I mainly brought it because I knew we were going to want to remove our sweaters, our digital camera was a bit larger then, and I wanted water. It was Feb, so the temps vary quite a bit during the day.

Simply put, if you don't want to be bothered - bring less stuff! It can be done.

Get a travel sized sunscreen. Put it on before you leave for the day, so you can leave the big bottle in the room, then use the little one to replenish.

Put the pennies in your wallet, keep the penny book in your resort room.Get the smallest wallet you can - a zippered pouch, if you must have one.

Quit smoking.

If you go back to the room, mid -day - leave behind everything you don't need! Bring your park ticket, your cc, some cash, your room key, cell phone, and maybe your camera...but only if you really plan on taking night time pictures. Usually we don't take pics at night - maybe one night the entire trip.

If you minimize, you chould be able to reduce your 'stuff' to the amount that can fit in an ordinary pair of cargo shorts, with room to spare. For a woman - you should be able to reduce it down to what you can carry in the pockets of your average pair of khaki pants. I know the female version is smaller -
so have the guy carry the camera. If you still have room, you can add a bottle of water to your stash.

If you must bring baby stuff - bring only the essentials, and store them in or on the stroller. Nobody is going to steal them from your stroller -so leave them there when you go on rides. This applies to water bottles too.

If you must bring a bag, make someone else take a turn carrying it - just make certain your cash, cc, room key and cell phone remain on your person in a secure pocket.

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

I assume by "string" backpack people are talking about a drawstring with a flap over it?

The same one has been working for me at WDW since about 1987, and I love it. Because it's a drawstring, you can open it up all the way very quickly and see everything inside, and you can securely close it not just with the plastic do-hickey that you seal it with, but also the extra outside flap. Then I use the one front pocket for things that can be afforded to be lost.

As to the rolling backpack thing, come on...unless you have a medical device (oxygen, etc.) you don't need it. You are bringing too much. Unless your family has major medical issues, you really don't need everything including the kitchen (and bathroom!) sinks. Remember, you don't need to bring every type of pain reliever/cold medicine/etc. with you, for instance. In the off chance you need it, they have it available behind the counter at virtually every single store at WDW. They just don't have them out. Or First Aid will give 'em for free.

You don't need all that stuff...if you must change outfits or something, then rent a locker. You just don't want to shlep a suitcase around WDW all day, and all it's going to do is cause you problems.

NED
NED

 

[fAnnF]

I used a regular backpack and was fine, it was wide straps. I did a fanny pack for 2 days and hated it, I bought a small messanger bag it was 6x8 so it held my autograph book and cards and stuff. I still use it as my regular purse to this day.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I took it to mean the cheap nylon bags with "string' drawstrings. The kind they give away free sometimes for opening a new cc account, like at the entrance to Universal Studios. I think Southwest has them as one of their freebee cc offers too.

 

[dogsmom]

As long as the kids will get in the stroller, I would rent one. They are great for all your stuff and naps. Since my kids refused to use the stroller (tough to get those 16 yr olds in the front !) we have been using fanny packs. Definitely saves your back!!

 

[CaptHook34]

FannyPack are better becuase you can take them on the rides, and they stay tight on you waists during a big drop on a ride like splash mountain

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Oh, and don't forget...safari style is all the rage this season (esp. in AK)! There's some pretty fashionable safari cargo vests out there, some of them designed just for this sort of thing. Check out travelsmith dot com.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

As long as the kids will get in the stroller, I would rent one. They are great for all your stuff and naps. Since my kids refused to use the stroller (tough to get those 16 yr olds in the front !) we have been using fanny packs. Definitely saves your back!!

But...how do you get the 16 yr olds into the fanny pack????