How many backpacks does a family carry to the parks?

[Disneyonmymind]

Obviously, it will vary for each person. The stuff gets heavy so streamline, to the extent possible. I am jealous of those who say they carry nothing. We can't do that (sigh). In our group, all of the adults have a fanny pack - small or large, their preference. I know they are kind of dorky, but they do the job. I hate having anything around my neck or on my shoulder(s).

The kids (5yrs) carried nothing - they were on vacation!!! Having a stroller helps too, cause you can hang your pack on it while you are walking some distance, but I always put it back around my waist if we were going to leave the stroller unattended.

One thing we were glad to have in our packs that doesn't weigh much was moleskin. When we felt a "hotspot" starting on our feet, we stopped right away and applied moleskin. NO BLISTERS! That would literally ruin a trip to WDW.

 

[G00fyDad]

I plan on bringing a $100 fireproof safe with straps on it for a backpack style. It's safe, secure, waterproof and you cant damage it.

 

[Local_Girl]

I plan on bringing a $100 fireproof safe with straps on it for a backpack style. It's safe, secure, waterproof and you cant damage it.

Now that, I'd like to see!!

We have a clear back pack that we picked up for $1.50 on clearance that DH wants to try...I'm not sure I want the whole world looking at the contents of our backpack...but that's what pants pockets are for.

 

[beattyfamily]

We have a clear back pack that we picked up for $1.50 on clearance that DH wants to try...I'm not sure I want the whole world looking at the contents of our backpack...but that's what pants pockets are for.

I've heard of others using a clear backpack and breezing through security so that $1.50 backpack may just be a great investment!

We bring one backpack for all our stuff (cameras, sunscreen, souvenirs bought, sanitizer, small snack etc...) and I have a fannypack (for money, ID, and tickets) and that's it. I hope as the girls get older, we'll eliminate the backpack altogether!

 

[G00fyDad]

Actually DW is carrying a fanny pack, DD and I are carrying these ID lanyards and we are going to take one backpack to keep water bottles and other things in like cameras and such. That will be put under the stroller.

 

[agnes!]

...one of the chief benefits of going to the parks *without* a backpack...no Bag Search line at the park entrance! (I think that Epcot is the only park that makes *every* guest go through the Security lines...it's all the same there.) If you can put all your 'stuff' in pockets, etc...one less line on vacation .

My DH carries a clear backpack that I got on sale at Old Navy a few years ago(what a deal - it was less than $5!) Unfortunately, Old Navy no longer carries this particular backpack style, which is a shame since the blue/clear vinyl seems to be heavier that the vinyl I find on other clear backpacks now available. Security *loves* our clear vinyl backpack, they often compliment us on it. I know that many venues (among them being various schools/school districts, NASCAR races, etc) require that *all* backpacks be see-through(netting-style) or clear vinyl.

If you are interested in getting a clear vinyl or see-through backpack, try searching on EBay or an Internet/Google search.

As to the rest of the OP's fannypack/backpack question, I usually wear a fannypack/(bumbag), our DD likes to carry a *very* small pack for her GameBoy. My DH usually carries the clear backpack(sometimes with little snacks, maybe extra bottled water, maybe weather gear(ponchos, sweatshirts for if we're going to be out & about when it's cold/cool), maybe ride gear(sandals for going on Kali River Rapids, for instance)...but we try to not load up as much as we used to. We've don't carry *everything* all the time !

agnes!

 

[Lucy6]

Since this is our first trip, I really don't know what to expect. I guess my question began because of all the research I have done so far, I'm probably being a little anal! I guess I was thinking about comments I have read on theses boards about bringing water-proof shoes for water rides to eliminate wet tennis shoes, rain ponchos so that rain doesn't ruin our day, umbrellas, warmer clothes for evenings, etc. I'm just trying to be a little prepared and realistic so that my cynical husband will agree to more trips in the future Thanks for all the input so far, I guess experience allows you to bring less and less.

 

[daisylove]

I got a clear backpack at Kmart for less than $10 which seems to be very thick vinyl. I may try it this next trip. Do you usually have to open it or will they just look through it? I hate holding up the line.

 

[lsteadman]

1 mini-pack about 1/4 the size of a regular back pack to carry digital camera and camcorder tapes, batteries, rain ponchos, etc. It is really small and easy to carry around. I like to be hands free so I give Tigger a really big hug.

 

[HenDuck]

I bring the mid-sized back pack and pawn it off on my DH or DDad as often as possible. DM brings a smaller one which serves as her purse.