Is a Backpack on wheels a good idea?

[TupperMom7]

I have been tossing it around in my head whether we should all carry fanny packs or should the adults carry backpacks or should someone carry a softside cooler type thing? Then I got a brilliant idea! They make backpacks on wheels now! I remembered all about them when my 14 year old son was looking for his backpack this year because many of the stores sold the kinds with wheels and he adamently doesn't want one of those for school.
So do you think that is a good idea? Has anyone tried it out? Think of all the things we could put in it and nobody would have to carry it! Water bottles, small towels, bathing suits for the little ones, sunblock, video camera....the list is endless!

 

[MelodyMack]

I'n not completely sure where I read it, but I remember somewhere that anything that is pulled behind you is not allowed in the parks. Disney is concerned that people who pull things behind them are not able to see what they are pulling their bags over. I remember researching this a few months ago because I really didn't want to bring my Munchkin's stroller and would have preferrred to pull her around in her wagon, but sadly Disney's policy is no wagons allowed.

I'm sure someone else will have a more definitive answer on this. Hope this helps you out...

Mel

 

[Barbday62]

We bought one for the airport only and my carry on. Its pretty large and big to put on my back. If I had a stroller I would deffintly put it in there. I got it at Walmart for less than $20 too.

 

[BevS97]

we saw a few people with them in the parks last December, but I wouldn't bring one - they are too heavy and bulky - I think fanny packs are a much better idea.

 

[susy]

You could trip someone by accident. DH and I just split up everything betwen us and it works (fannypacks). Just bring the essentials. for example, don't bring your whole wallet. Just take the things you need.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

Saw people pulling these and as one who was tripped by one I would recommend not bringing them. Besides not sure they would fit on some rides so someone would have to stay off the ride and watch the bags while everyone else in your party would ride.

I personally go with fanny pack or a small back pack - depending on if I want the cam corder that day or just the camera.

 

[all4fun]

I agree with what's been said so far. These types of backpacks are bulkier and heavier because of the frame & wheels, so if you found yourselves having to wear it, it wouldn't be the most comfortable thing. I saw a few people in the parks with them and I agree they do seem like a bit of a hazzard. Too many people who are looking up and around instead of what is right at their feet - someone is bound to trip on it.

You'll find packing lighter (i.e. fanny pack or small backpack) to be much easier. It makes getting thru security a breeze and by the end of the day you're not lugging this big bag around.

HTH,
Cheryl

 

[Schmeck]

Plus, those things are so incredibly LOUD! Especially over pavement that has a texture to it (like a lot of WDW). You'd have to shout at your companions to be heard if you were walking along with it behind you.

And there's no guarantee that you'll be allowed to wheel it behind you - WDW in the past has denied entry to those huge jogging strollers during peak times. Someday they could limit larger backpacks/coolers too.

 

[kerry34]

When we were going through the bag check in last year, they were telling people who had the rolling backpacks that they were not allowed to roll them in the parks, of course people did anyway and sure enough we saw someone get tripped by one. My younger daughter has one for school and it is very bulky and awkward, you wouldnt be able to fit in under a stroller if you wanted because with the wheels it isnt very collapsable. When my daughter rolls hers it wobbles from side to side and she has to stop and fix it.

 

[SueM in MN]

We have seen people at WDW "trailing" them along , but we have azlso obeserved people being tripped by them. I agree with all the other posters.

My youngest DD is disabled and uses a computer to speak. Two years ago when we went to WDW, we thought we would be really smart and take a wheeled backpack with us to carry it thru the airport. By the time we got halfway thru the airport for our flight to go to Orlando, I had to put it on my back because it was such a bother to keep it from tipping and keep it rolling. Because of the frame and the wheels, it was not exactly comfortable on my back.
This was an expensive backpack with nice wheels, but they are rather unstable. If you hit a bump, they might fall over. If you go fast, they might fall over. If you turn quickly, they might fall over. If the surface you are rolling on changes......well, you get the idea.
After we got home, we tried another one and had pretty much the same results. I think, in certain circumstances (not WDW), they might be a good idea, but they don't work well enough to be practical.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have seen a few of these in the parks but not many.

I hate these things. They are a pain. A lot folks carry them on the subway and they either get in the way or somebody trips over them. I would never take one to WDW.

 

[TupperMom7]

I guess taking a backpack on wheels is out then! I didn't think about other people tripping on them - I guess I forgot how crowded it can be at these parks. Thanks for all the input and if you trip over a backpack on wheels in April 2005, it isn't me!

 

[Diznut84]

I tried using a rolling backpack and hated it. I bought a WDW backpack and was much happier. The rolling backpack seemed to interfere with our family's walking patterns. I didn't feel like part of the group.

JMHO!