I can't wait any longer! ~UPDATE 5/25 I'm back!

[Tracy161]

So at Universal I stuck with the fanny pack because of the annoying no bag policy on so many rides, but my normal park bag is a Kavu crossbody sling backpack, it's probably as much room as your pink bag but with the organizational features.

Love the organization features!!! Thank you! I'm making a trip out tonight for trip-related things... we'll see what I come home with!

Most of the time I've gone bag less, but lately I've been bringing a backpack since I never have to store it unless I go to Universal. Usually put a few snacks, bottled waters, diet cokes, phone charger, battery park - the essentials basically.

YES! Snacks, water, Diet Coke, etc. - definitely the essentials!

My go-to park bag is this one:

This is the best picture I have of it - I usually try to keep it OUT of the pictures! It's a black bag with a front zippered pocket full of slots and compartments, and then a main compartment with a snap top closure and a decent amount of interior room. I usually clip my video camera onto the strap with a carabineer. I usually wear it across my body, but as you can see, I can also wear it on one side.

I LOVE that bag and have used it for my last three trips. When I get home from my work travel on Thursday night I'll let you know the brand (but that might be too late). Overall, as my favorite feature of my bag is that I can wear it cross-body, I'd vote for your first bag.

In good news, it sounds like you shouldn't need a long-sleeved shirt this trip - my co-worker from Orlando says that it's been ridiculously hot there! I believe today it was 95 degrees!

Thanks, Jenny! This bag seems to have lots of the features I'm after. I'm running out tonight to get some trip "stuff" - I will most definitely be on the lookout for something similar

Coming out of lurkdom... I used a Vera Bradley Hipster as a park bag. I, too, would love to have NO bag but that is not gonna happen!! Wearing the bag cross body leaves me hands free which is what I love about it.

I am from Syracuse! I recognized your pictures and figured you lived not too far away. Been to your place of business many times!

Enjoy your trip!!

YAY!!! So happy you did - Yay - someone from my neck of the woods!!! As I think I've already pointed out, I'll be flying out of Syracuse It's about 2 hours away from me but I spend LOTS of time there due to my nephew and niece Thanks for the help with the "great bag dilemma"

 

[ElenaJane]

I'd love to go bagless too, but that is never going to happen! To many "what if"s! I use a small backpack in Disney. For this upcoming trip though, I am going to use my new Bayless cross-body. Can be used as a "hip" bag as well (I refuse to say it is a fanny pack)!. This is the one I got. http://www.overlandequipment.com/store/products/bayliss-512-94-94-l2-peacock-light-moss-print/

 

[Tracy161]

I'd love to go bagless too, but that is never going to happen! To many "what if"s! I use a small backpack in Disney. For this upcoming trip though, I am going to use my new Bayless cross-body. Can be used as a "hip" bag as well (I refuse to say it is a fanny pack)!. This is the one I got. http://www.overlandequipment.com/store/products/bayliss-512-94-94-l2-peacock-light-moss-print/

Thank you!!! I LOVE this bag! "3 compartments for super organization" - um, yes please!!!!!! I'll see if I can find this or something similar on my last (hopefully!) trip-related shopping outing tonight. Thanks again!

 

[ElenaJane]

Thank you!!! I LOVE this bag! "3 compartments for super organization" - um, yes please!!!!!! I'll see if I can find this or something similar on my last (hopefully!) trip-related shopping outing tonight. Thanks again!

The compartments are awesome! Felt-lined area for the phone. You could get it from Amazon and have it express delivered. Super sale right now, over $20 off. http://smile.amazon.com/Overland-Eq...F8&qid=1431521452&sr=8-1&keywords=bayless+bag

 

[DonnaBeeGood]

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[KatMark]

It's almost here...so excited for you.

I'd go with the smaller bag if possible. I recently donated three purses because I couldn't stand there being nothing in them to separate things. Drove me crazy (drove me nuts with the bag I had at Disney until I bought a new one).

 

[Leshaface]

For parks, I always, always use a messenger type bag. I hate using the over the shoulder ones. I like to be able to have my hands and arms free (so I can creepily fling my arms about if I see a character coming towards me! ) Unless it's a day where i'm not going to be spending much time in the parks, i'll use my bigger Dooney Disney bag that goes over the shoulder.

 

[Glittercat]

I pop a small backpack on my chair for tubes, tire pump, and poncho, baby wipes, a dress, sunscreen, and sometimes a bottle of water for all of us to share. Then I wear a small cross body bag, about the size of your pink Mini Vera for camera, lip balm/gloss, iPhone, cash and cards. Just 4 days left can't wait to hear how your shopping trip and prep is going! You'll be on your way to the magic soon!!!

 

[pkondz]

I find that when travelling with children, you need a bag that can hold the essential child care items.
Something tasteful, economical and sporty.
Like this:

 

[missjackiemcg]

When I'm by myself, I usually use my cross body baggalini, four pockets, skinny but wide enough to stuff in a poncho For just in case!! When I have the crew with me, we usually use a regular size backpack for all of the things we MIGHT need, plus snacks, water bottles, changes of clothes, etc. I like the simplicity of your first choice over the second one. If long sleeves are your only REAL must-have (in case of air conditioning overload!!) just tie it around your waist

 

[Glittercat]

I find that when travelling with children, you need a bag that can hold the essential child care items.
Something tasteful, economical and sporty.
Like this:

Bonus you wouldn't even need a resort room just pop it down in a lobby hop inside your bag and go to sleep!

 

[KathyM2]

It's such a tough call...I used to always carry a backpack because like you, I like to always have either a long sleeved shirt, or a raincoat on hand...plus all the other essentials ...printouts of ADR's and FP's...times for things...etc...I feel naked without it all. On our last trip, I tried to scale down and also used a bagalini bag...I loved it...BUT...of course by the end of the day...between things my dd asked me to carry..souveniers...water...leftover candy...the thing was HEAVY and I wished that I could wear it on my back...so...I've been on the hunt for a small'ish...LIGHT backpack that could hold all the essentials and would be easy to get on or off...but wouldn't feel heavy and get in the way...it's a tough call...was that any help )

 

[MEK]

I like the mini-vera. My park bag is actually a small camera back pack. So I guess its not really NOT a park bag. I have been better at being able to bring my camera without a bag and just my little vera wallet thingy for my phone and cards.

 

[pkondz]

Bonus you wouldn't even need a resort room just pop it down in a lobby hop inside your bag and go to sleep!

You'd need an extra bag for that.

 

[DisneyKid4Life]

So yeah, I guess I can't be of much help in regards to a park bag. Honestly, having one in Disney is not a big deal and really doesn't add all that much time. It's much more of a benefit at Universal.

And what is this "trip journal" thing you speak of?

 

[Tracy161]

The compartments are awesome! Felt-lined area for the phone. You could get it from Amazon and have it express delivered. Super sale right now, over $20 off. http://smile.amazon.com/Overland-Equipment-Womens-Bayliss-Daypack/dp/B007GOOX5G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431521452&sr=8-1&keywords=bayless+bag

Thank you so much!!! All day long I really thought about going this route but I'm always paranoid at this stage in the game that it won't come in time. Stay tuned for what I ended up getting tonight... I'm pretty happy with it

4 more days! I usually use a cross body bag of some sort, but I like the looks of your pink bag. It would be a treat for me to be able to have a bag large enough that I could fit my sweater in without having to carry it over my arm. Of course the challenge is not to stuff that bag full of all the what if's and end up feeling like I'm a weighted down pack mule. I look forward to hearing what you end up choosing.

I love a cross body option, being hands-free is definitely the way to go! But you're right - I LOVE the looks of my pink bag. Sadly (for the pink bag anyway ) I found something tonight that will replace it. Stay tuned!

It's almost here...so excited for you.

I'd go with the smaller bag if possible. I recently donated three purses because I couldn't stand there being nothing in them to separate things. Drove me crazy (drove me nuts with the bag I had at Disney until I bought a new one).

Thank you, Kathy!!!

I know, that's the thing that just drives me NUTS about my pink bag - I hate having things just chaotic and all over the place. I found something tonight that I think will really work for me though - stay tuned!

For parks, I always, always use a messenger type bag. I hate using the over the shoulder ones. I like to be able to have my hands and arms free (so I can creepily fling my arms about if I see a character coming towards me! ) Unless it's a day where i'm not going to be spending much time in the parks, i'll use my bigger Dooney Disney bag that goes over the shoulder.

Hands and arms free (for character sightings or otherwise ) is definitely a HUGE bonus! A Dooney Disney bag is on my wish list... we'll see if I get one this trip...

I pop a small backpack on my chair for tubes, tire pump, and poncho, baby wipes, a dress, sunscreen, and sometimes a bottle of water for all of us to share. Then I wear a small cross body bag, about the size of your pink Mini Vera for camera, lip balm/gloss, iPhone, cash and cards. Just 4 days left can't wait to here how your shopping trip and prep is going! You'll be on your way to the magic soon!!!

I think I made out pretty well on my shopping trip tonight! I came away with something I'm mostly happy with My biggest complaint is that it's not pink

 

[Tracy161]

I find that when travelling with children, you need a bag that can hold the essential child care items.
Something tasteful, economical and sporty.
Like this:

I literally laughed out loud upon seeing this. I had a rough day (more on that later) and this was just what the doctor ordered! Thank you!!! And

When I'm by myself, I usually use my cross body baggalini, four pockets, skinny but wide enough to stuff in a poncho For just in case!! When I have the crew with me, we usually use a regular size backpack for all of the things we MIGHT need, plus snacks, water bottles, changes of clothes, etc. I like the simplicity of your first choice over the second one. If long sleeves are your only REAL must-have (in case of air conditioning overload!!) just tie it around your waist

Interesting... you'll have to stay tuned and see what I ended up getting tonight - you may just approve!

Bonus you wouldn't even need a resort room just pop it down in a lobby hop inside your bag and go to sleep!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

It's such a tough call...I used to always carry a backpack because like you, I like to always have either a long sleeved shirt, or a raincoat on hand...plus all the other essentials ...printouts of ADR's and FP's...times for things...etc...I feel naked without it all. On our last trip, I tried to scale down and also used a bagalini bag...I loved it...BUT...of course by the end of the day...between things my dd asked me to carry..souveniers...water...leftover candy...the thing was HEAVY and I wished that I could wear it on my back...so...I've been on the hunt for a small'ish...LIGHT backpack that could hold all the essentials and would be easy to get on or off...but wouldn't feel heavy and get in the way...it's a tough call...was that any help )

I know!!! It's so hard for me to not want to pack all the "just in cases" Yes! You were tons of help because you validated exactly how I'm feeling! So thank you!

 

[Tracy161]

I like the mini-vera. My park bag is actually a small camera back pack. So I guess its not really NOT a park bag. I have been better at being able to bring my camera without a bag and just my little vera wallet thingy for my phone and cards.

I really love this bag! I actually got it for a trip to England to see my sister a few years ago - it was just the perfect size for what I needed for that trip. But when I'm in Disney... I have a lot more "what if" moments and convince myself that I just can't live without 18 things in my bag

You'd need an extra bag for that.

So yeah, I guess I can't be of much help in regards to a park bag. Honestly, having one in Disney is not a big deal and really doesn't add all that much time. It's much more of a benefit at Universal.

And what is this "trip journal" thing you speak of?

No, Rob, you're no help whatsoever! You're a bagless inspiration, of course, but no help! But you are right... in Disney it's usually not a huge problem.

My trip journal is a journal I drag around on all my trips (not the same one, of course) to record my notes... and typically also the "quotes" of the trip which of course isn't quite as fun when you're solo unless, like me, you crack yourself up and want to remember those quotes later.

 

[Tracy161]

4 MORE DAYS!!!!!!!!

This just seems so surreal to me, even as I type it!



Straight after work today I headed out to do some last minute trip shopping as I knew the next few days were going to be nutsy. Friday night I'm hosting some VIPs at the museum and will likely get home close to 9pm. This wouldn't be a huge deal except that I need to leave my apartment the following morning for my sister's house around 7 or 8am in order to help set up for my nephew's 2nd birthday party. You may remember that she lives 2 hours away and that city is the one I'm flying out of. Considering my flight leaves Sunday at 7:50am, my time is very limited in the "trip related" department.
Also, I'm one of those crazy people who insists on leaving her home spotless prior to vacation. Hello?! Isn't coming home from vacation hard enough?! The last thing I need is to come home to a messy place. So cleaning will occupy my evening tomorrow, as will the continuation of obsessing over packing (which, truthfully, is mostly done except for things that will be "morning of" types of things).

I'll get to the bag that I chose in a moment but I hope you'll allow me to vent about how my day started...

As many of you know, I've been going to physical therapy for the last 4 weeks for what we thought was an overuse injury of my knee (IT band and hamstring). Well, save for one run where I wasn't in complete agony, I've seen little to no results whatsoever. My physical therapist has requested that I get back to my doctor and have an MRI asap because she's very worried I have a torn meniscus. However, she also knows I'm going to Disney in a few days and has given me the green light to just "go easy" Ha! Clearly she doesn't know me at all. The same girl who will run through a possibly torn meniscus is the same girl who will walk 137 miles each day at Disney no matter what So... we'll see how that goes. I'm really hoping a tear isn't the case and that I won't have any issues during my trip. My knee is feeling pretty bad tonight but I think it's mainly because we did a lot of crazy exercises during my appointment. Anyway, I'm trying not to let it get me too discouraged. And, most importantly, I'm hoping I won't be setting myself back by going too crazy next week!

Anywho... onto the "great bag dilemma!"

First off, thank you ALL for helping me with this! I appreciate all of your feedback so much!
Oddly enough, @pkondz somehow found the very same backpack I carried around middle school for 4 years. If you missed it, please go back and check it out.

I made a bag purchase tonight that I'm mostly happy with. I say mostly because, as great as this bag is organization-wise, it's lacking in, um... the color pink.





I LOVE that it has so many compartments so I can stay super organized! Don't let this shock you but... I'm managed to mostly fill it already I still plan to bring my other two bags because
1) I'm crazy and 2) I may find I have different needs for different days.

I'll be sure to report how it works out for me.

* * * * *
On a separate note, I want to thank you all for joining me on this PTR. You truly do not know how much your friendship means to me. I hope you will join me on my TR upon my return!

Also, if you'll be at Disney when I am and you happen to see me, be sure to say hello (or better yet, PM me and we'll figure out a meeting place!).
You'll be able to identify me as the limping crazy lady
with Mickey ears and a perma-smile. ​

 

[KathyM2]

Oh you bet we'll be here for your TR...can't wait to read all about it!! I have gotten so addicted to the DIS...it's the only place you can talk Disney 24/7 and no one gets annoyed...and you can obsess over silly details and no one thinks you're insane lol.