Ladies & Gents, what bag would you recommend for carrying in the parks?

[DisneyGuess]

We've graduated from stroller & baby days!
I'm trying to find a bag that's not huge, comfortable to carry, maybe a crossbody.
I intend to carry: water bottle or two, sons autograph book & pen, change purse for my cards, cash & change, will probably stick maps, etc in there as well.
Help! I want to retire the backpack & huge park bag!!

 

[DVC1991]

I'm not sure of a cross body that would be large enough for all of that stuff that wouldn't become a messenger bag of sorts, but have you ever thought of getting a smaller backpack? We live near a Vera Bradley outlet and I got a smaller backpack from there for only $30 and it's the perfect size for the essentials. It's nice too cause the straps are fabric so it's comfortable to wear.

 

[DisneyGuess]

I'm not sure of a cross body that would be large enough for all of that stuff that wouldn't become a messenger bag of sorts, but have you ever thought of getting a smaller backpack? We live near a Vera Bradley outlet and I got a smaller backpack from there for only $30 and it's the perfect size for the essentials. It's nice too cause the straps are fabric so it's comfortable to wear.

That's a good idea. I hadn't thought of a smaller backpack.

 

[melissa723]

A few years ago when my daughter was 2 years old, I was in the same predicament you're in now, and after a lot of searching I found the perfect bag for my needs...the Overland Equipment Donner Shoulder Bag. It holds everything, including my DSLR camera with one lens attached. When I was pushing my stroller, I would just hang the bag across both handles, and then grab it before I went on rides. I still use it and my daughter is now 6. Good luck on the search!

http://www.ebags.com/product/overland-equipment/donner-shoulder-bag/280031?productid=10321648

 

[DVC1991]

That's a good idea. I hadn't thought of a smaller backpack.

It's great too cause you're hands are free to hold stuff or manage the kids and the bag won't really get in the way. I find that if you get the smaller bag too you have less of a tendency to over pack for a day at the parks

 

[pjweaver]

This may be off base, but we avoid any type of bags. If you can avoid the bag check lines, do it. With cargo shorts I carry in two bottles of water, wallet, phone, and a bag of candy. It isn't always practical, but as I walk past the lines of people waiting to go through bag check I realize I've saved us 20 minutes and the first of many lines I will be standing in that day. Security never gives me a second look, and I could care less about my appearance in the parks (where else could you walk all day with 15 pounds of pins around your neck and be complimented instead of laughed at).
Just my two cents, but time at WDW is precious so we avoid any unneeded waste of time. I really don't look good in skinny jeans anyway, and I'm there to enjoy myself and time with my family. Minimize to optimize

 

[k5jm]

I take one of these...

 

[rteetz]

I take one of these...

I hope you aren't one of those iPad photographers we see

 

[k5jm]

I hope you aren't one of those iPad photographers we see

Nope! ;-)

 

[8lovesmickey]

I love my waist pack. You can get them at REI or any sporting goods store and they are comfy, hands-free, and hold more than you think. Maybe not the most fashionable, but awesome IMHO (this one's from ebags.com -- just searchwaist packs).

 

[LinderInWonderland]

A few years ago when my daughter was 2 years old, I was in the same predicament you're in now, and after a lot of searching I found the perfect bag for my needs...the Overland Equipment Donner Shoulder Bag. It holds everything, including my DSLR camera with one lens attached. When I was pushing my stroller, I would just hang the bag across both handles, and then grab it before I went on rides. I still use it and my daughter is now 6. Good luck on the search!

http://www.ebags.com/product/overland-equipment/donner-shoulder-bag/280031?productid=10321648

I have a bag very similar to this and it is just a little bit smaller. We carry in one Brita water bottle, extra sunblock (I burn very easily), and cooling towel. It is also water-resistant, which was the best when we got saturated in the front row of POTC - my cellphone was in my bag and didn't get a drop of water on it. Since it's blue and square shaped, DH will happily take his turn carrying it.

 

[Applemomma]

The Baggallini messenger is my go to bag. I'm on my second one but they are getting harder to find! I did use the Overland Donner on one trip but I didn't like the way the strap rubbed my neck.

http://www.amazon.ca/Baggallini-MES..._UL160_SR141,160_&refRID=1VN8P2E06TM6XESRW6C8