Is there really an ultimate bag to take to WDW?

[Pugrpooh]

We're leaving on Monday for WDW and I can't decide which bag to take. Because of advice on these boards, I now own the Baggalini, the Columbia messenger bag, plus I have also used my Vera Bradley backpack purse.

The Baggalini and the Columbia bag both hurt my shoulder. The organization for both were great though. I like the zippered compartment in the Baggalini for the cell phone, but the buckle is heavy, the strap always was loosening up and there's only one way you can wear it. You can at least switch shoulders with the Columbia.

I'm thinking of taking my LLBean healthy back bag on this trip. Also my VB backpack, but for the ultimate bag experience, I might take DD's LLBean back pack. (This one I can hand off to DH and then my problem is solved!)

At least after so many trips the past few years, I have the footwear problem solved!

Is there any other bag that has taken over the WDW fan market? It's time to make a decision.

 

[PrincessPatty]

I'm looking too! I've researched the Bagallini, but it seems like much more bag than I need.

For the parks I pack - sunglasses w/case, camera, small advil container, hand sanitizer, cellphone, park tickets-money-debit card-drivers license

and thats about it - I really dont need such a big bag!

So I'll be checking back for some more ideas!!

 

[WillCAD]

There is no such thing as an "ultimate" bag.

However, you seem to be objectively analyzing your needs in a bag and the performance of those you have tried, so I think you'll eventually find something that meets most of your needs.

One piece of advice - it's doubtful that any bag manufacturers read your mind and created exactly the bag you need, so don't be afraid to pick up a bag that meets 75% of your needs and MODIFY it!

Example: The two bags you chose both hurt your shoulder. Why not try adding some extra padding to the strap to avoid that? Seatbelt pads from any automotive place (even WalMart) are nice, fluffy, soft pads that can really take the sting out of a shoulder strap.

Buckles slipping? Sew a bit of velcro onto the strap above the buckle to keep the tail end of it from slipping through.

And if you get a bag that has a detachable strap, you can ditch the whole thing in favor of something more robust. Especially important is the thickness of the strap - the thinner a strap is, the more it bites into your shoulder, padded or not.

So keep those things in mind as you shop. Your personal ultimate bag might be one you already have, with a few easy modifications.

BTW - which Bagallini did you try?

 

[arminnie]

I've been there!

I ended up selling my Baggalini (unused) on Ebay. Mine was a small one, and I just never used it.

I used my healthy back bag all over Italy, and liked it but I think it's more than I want to carry at WDW. Plus I have a shoulder that can get irritated so I don't like to push it.

I bought a single strap sling backpack that killed my back - and I never have back problems.

I like my fabric Vera Bradley packpack, but it can be hot carrying it across the back. I do like it and use it a lot though.

My alternative is to go very light with something like the Vera Bradley mini-hipster that can be worn crossbody.

But my very favorite thing is just to put a couple of things in my pockets and be done with it.

 

[minniemousememories]

Just purchased the baggallini backpack/over the shoulder purse. I like all of the compartments, susposed to be water resistent. It will definitely fit my camera, phone money, and something else. it has cute little clips so that I can actually undo the straps and strap it onto my stroller too! It doesn't seem like it will make me too hot. It actually fits my tiny VB purse right into it.

It isn't as large as my VB back pack purse (the larger microfiber one) which I used on my last trip and it felt uncomfortable while using it, especially if I wanted it to just go over one shoulder. WARNING: The bigger the bag, the more you try to fit into it! The smaller VB bag, more comfy but only as a backpack and that doesn't work well all the time! Can't go on rides with it on your back...

 

[jjpenguin]

mine is a small backpack that I got free when I ordered some cosmetics. It has a small pocket next to my back for the stuff that needs to be secure and a large compartment big enough for my camera and a small one for tissues, bandaid etc. I use this one when Í bring the camera. otherwise it's shorts with lots of pockets.

On rides I slip it off and put a foot through one of the loops.

DH likes his bag that can be put on a belt. it's got the VCR in it and all tickets etc.

just remember the ultimate bag is bigger on the inside than the outside

 

[WillCAD]

mine is a small backpack that I got free when I ordered some cosmetics. It has a small pocket next to my back for the stuff that needs to be secure and a large compartment big enough for my camera and a small one for tissues, bandaid etc. I use this one when Í bring the camera. otherwise it's shorts with lots of pockets.

On rides I slip it off and put a foot through one of the loops.

DH likes his bag that can be put on a belt. it's got the VCR in it and all tickets etc.

just remember the ultimate bag is bigger on the inside than the outside

So it would be a Tardis bag?

 

[ZoZo]

Whatever bag you end up with, I suggest "test driving" it "fully loaded" before your trip (preferably, before cutting off the store tags so you can return it, if needed!).

Before my last trip, I bought a backpack that seemed to be comfortable. However, once I put in the things I planned to carry at the parks, the shoulder straps dug in uncomfortably. I returned it to the store. Then I found a great little backpack on clearance at Target (score!) Even stuffed full, it's very comfortable.

That said, everyone likes something different, so no bag will be the "perfect" bag for everyone. I went to REI to look at the Overland Donner bag (after reading rave reviews on this board). It was nice, but bigger than I needed, so I passed. Dug out my old $8.99 backpack from 2005 and am very happy with it (and saved myself about $50!!).

 

[Disney71]

Whatever bag you end up with, I suggest "test driving" it "fully loaded" before your trip (preferably, before cutting off the store tags so you can return it, if needed!)......

Great idea!! For some reason I wouldn't have thought of that - thanks!!

 

[stepdisney]

I'm looking too! I've researched the Bagallini, but it seems like much more bag than I need.

For the parks I pack - sunglasses w/case, camera, small advil container, hand sanitizer, cellphone, park tickets-money-debit card-drivers license

and thats about it - I really dont need such a big bag!

So I'll be checking back for some more ideas!!

I put my sunglasses on my face, put my camera around my neck and carried a wristlet. It had a strap that unhooked and I looped it around my belt loop and slid it into my pocket. I never had to go through bag check either. It was about the size of my hand and held tissues, my cell phone (a razr phone) park tickets and cards and a small chapstick sized advil container. A small hand sanitizer would have easily fit OR consider individiual handiwipe hand sanitizing packets, they don't open up and get on everything.

 

[Elmo888]

I definitely wouldn't carry a bag that you find uncomfortable. I have found that bags are like clothes and shoes and bras, etc. What works well for one does not necessarily work well for another.

If you don't need to carry a bunch of stuff, I loved the Overland Equipment Placer. I used it in January, and I've used it on vacations since. It has an organizer for money, cc, sunglasses, etc., a zipper pocket for small camera, sunscreen, etc., and a back pocket for your maps (folded in half). I wore it across my body, but it is lightweight enough to be comfortable. I love it!

That said, I also tried the OE Donner on a shorter trip. It is much like the Placer, but larger. It was very uncomfortable.

ebags and bagsbuy often have coupons, etc.

Good luck!

ETA: You can find Overland Equipment at REI, too. I just noticed that you are leaving Monday!

 

[Pugrpooh]

Well, I'm packing today and I'm taking a couple of different bags with me this time. I went and checked out the large backpack by Vera Bradley but that was too big and I'd rather spend that kind of money on something that I'll use quite a bit.

I also bought a little travel wallet on a string from LLBean that will hold my license, credit cards and some money. That'll come in handy when shopping and at the airport . I'll take my healthy back bag from LLBean on the plane, so I can find all my documents easily and carry a magazine or book, then I'll use my VB backpack purse in the parks and take the LLBean backpack for the MNSHHP Friday night to carry DD's Ariel costume in. I'll also take DD's nike sackpack so DH can carry something maybe. That'll also come in handy if we get a lot of souvenirs to carry on the way home. The Baggalini stays home!

I'd better go -- our plane leaves in 25 hours!

 

[DisMom-2-SSS]

Just my 2 cents....
First trip....carried big 'ol backpack with everything we needed....right? Didn't need much at all and ended up with large strap marks on my shoulders to match the smaller bra strap marks on my shoulders!

2nd trip...carried a little bit of a smaller bag...still had too much stuff that we didn't need! Please note....kids don't want smushed up granola bars and crumbled crackers...they want a Mickey ears bar or Mickey krispy treat (and you don't have to tote it around!

3rd trip...picked up a cheap draw-string bag/backpack from Wal Mart. Worked great. Carried only hand sanitizer/disposable cameras and a small coupon organizer to hold 1 credit card/room keys (passes)/Fast Passes/info books/a little cash. oh, and a couple small bottles of bubbles (for long line entertainment).

ME FAMILY

 

[daisylove]

So it would be a Tardis bag?

Love it!! I want a tardis.