lockers, backpacks, and strollers - oh my!

[mastrolang]

I need some advice on carrying all our "stuff" into the parks. We'll be traveling with an eight year old and a five year old and will therefore require a fair amount of "stuff" - ponchos, bandaids, meds, water, etc. Last time we rented a stroller from an outside company and I LOVED it! Pack all your "stuff" in it and park it. Done! But now that the kids are getting older we're wondering if the stroller is a worthwhile expense. I loathe the idea of carrying around a big heavy backpack, but can't fathom not bringing anything but the clothes on our backs, a smart phone and our wallets. Are lockers a good option???

 

[JakeAndHooksMom]

We've not used a locker but I would recommend a single stroller, that way, when one of the kids (especially your 5 y/o) needs a rest, you all don't have to stop. I've read that an average family walks 50 miles during a Disney trip and I know my 5 y/o would need a break every now and again!

 

[disney meema]

I would suggest you bring or buy a simple umbrella stroller. We've have done this several time to carry a bag or backpack as well as anything you pick up along the way. Super easy to fold up and go as well as light to push ect. Also a plus if your 5 yr old is exhausted by the end of the day : )

 

[kaytieeldr]

Lockers are a better option than strollers. So is paring down what you bring.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

are you staying onsite or off? If your onsite you might want to think about taking a mid-day break to refuel - nap, dip in the pool, get a snack in a low key environment without all the stimuli - vs. carrying everything in to the park.

Thank being said, I would opt for some type of a umbrella stroller so you can move when you need to and the 5yo can rest once in awhile as well. After fireworks, shows, mid-day. And pack a lighter bag that you can hang from the stroller. I read somewhere on the DIS to purchase a weight you can attach to the front wheel of a stroller so that if the child isn't in the stroller the bag won't tip the stroller over.

 

[disnut8]

I need some advice on carrying all our "stuff" into the parks. We'll be traveling with an eight year old and a five year old and will therefore require a fair amount of "stuff" - ponchos, bandaids, meds, water, etc. Last time we rented a stroller from an outside company and I LOVED it! Pack all your "stuff" in it and park it. Done! But now that the kids are getting older we're wondering if the stroller is a worthwhile expense. I loathe the idea of carrying around a big heavy backpack, but can't fathom not bringing anything but the clothes on our backs, a smart phone and our wallets. Are lockers a good option???

I concur on paring down on your "stuff". If your child needs a bandaid, Disney has First Aid stations at all parks and if the cut is really bad, you just need to get a Cast Member's help and things will be fine.

Also, your kids are getting older so maybe they should be carrying their "stuff". A waist pack for an eight year old? Maybe. With a pocket for a water bottle. The five year old? Eh, maybe not but a water bottle strap? Do your kids wear backpacks to school? If so, maybe they could do that at Disney World (with a lighter load).

In my opinion, there's no reason why one person should have to carry everything for the entire family.

 

[delmar411]

I need some advice on carrying all our "stuff" into the parks. We'll be traveling with an eight year old and a five year old and will therefore require a fair amount of "stuff" - ponchos, bandaids, meds, water, etc. Last time we rented a stroller from an outside company and I LOVED it! Pack all your "stuff" in it and park it. Done! But now that the kids are getting older we're wondering if the stroller is a worthwhile expense. I loathe the idea of carrying around a big heavy backpack, but can't fathom not bringing anything but the clothes on our backs, a smart phone and our wallets. Are lockers a good option???

You don't actually require any stuff. Just leave it at home, ponchos can go into a backpack, band aids and OTC meds can be gotten for free at first aid, water is free at any counter service and many kiosks. What else could they need? As a local I carry a backpack with a couple snacks for the kids, maybe a bottle of water for MK, sunscreen and some pins/vinyls for trading. That's it. Even when I do bring a couple ponchos it doesn't add much weight.

 

[MamaBear58]

I concur on paring down on your "stuff". If your child needs a bandaid, Disney has First Aid stations at all parks and if the cut is really bad, you just need to get a Cast Member's help and things will be fine.

Also, your kids are getting older so maybe they should be carrying their "stuff". A waist pack for an eight year old? Maybe. With a pocket for a water bottle. The five year old? Eh, maybe not but a water bottle strap? Do your kids wear backpacks to school? If so, maybe they could do that at Disney World (with a lighter load).

In my opinion, there's no reason why one person should have to carry everything for the entire family.

I agree with this. We are first timers so maybe I am underestimating our needs, but I am going to carry as little as possible and seriously contemplating whether I can make our 7 and 4 year old carry those lightweight sling backpacks for their water bottles, autograph stuff, jackets and whatever they want to buy.

 

[JimmyV]

We frequently rent a locker for a variety of reasons. Sometimes to store dry clothes when we expect to get wet. Sometimes to store a nice pair of clothes to wear to a signature restaurant. Sometimes to hold Halloween costumes to wear to MNSSHP. They can be a life saver and stress reliever. Very easy to obtain and use.

 

[Michigan]

I agree with this. We are first timers so maybe I am underestimating our needs, but I am going to carry as little as possible and seriously contemplating whether I can make our 7 and 4 year old carry those lightweight sling backpacks for their water bottles, autograph stuff, jackets and whatever they want to buy.

My cousin's family came down to visit us and go to Disney. He had 5 kids youngest one was 5 oldest was 12 and they all had their own sling backpack with their lunch, snacks and water. 5 year old didn't need a stroller and was fine.

 

[smokeyblue]

It's hard to pare down, but lugging stuff around the parks is not my idea of a good time! I have a medium sized cross body bag. If it doesn't fit in there it doesn't go! My SIL gave me an Overland Donner bag 9 years ago and it is the best park bag ever! My bf has a small nylon camera bag that he carries his stuff in even though we don't bring the camera into the parks. He carries insulin, a meter and snacks so he needs some type of bag to keep them in. Keeps his manliness intact since pretty much everyone thinks he's carrying a camera and not a man-bag It also has a handy water bottle holder.

If you feel you need band aids and OTC meds, just make up a tiny first aid kit out of a coin purse or something similar. I put pills in tiny little baggies I bought at the craft store. They hardly take up any room at all.

 

[Art 1]

You should really give just taking a wallet and phone if necessary into the parks. You might be surprised. For ages 5 and 8 I can't imagine them needing anything, including a stroller. It's shocking to me to see people taking huge backpacks and so much stuff along, it's crazy.

 

[GillianP1301]

My DS is 6. My plan this year is to go ahead with the offsite stroller rental (I'm on the fence as to whether it's really needed, but erring on the side of caution since it's a minimal expense). Water bottles and ponchos will get thrown in the bottom of the stoller and left there. A small backpack will be used for small ID wallet, autograph book & pen, meds, phone and small notebook. That backpack will stay with us when the stroller is parked and when we are on attractions.

I personally have no use for a locker, I don't see the point because I figure I'd never be near enough to conveniently get anything out of it. If I wanted to have a change of clothes for the evening, then maybe I could see the use.