Need Fanny Pack/Backpack advice

[eatatmidnight]

We leave for WDW in 30 days . There are 3 16yo friends of our son going with our family. I have had their parents complete notarized medical release forms so that they could get medical attention if needed. I feel that these medical releases should be with me at all times.

Normally, each family member carries a fanny pack with ticket, money, small snack (granola bar). I don't think these forms will fit in my small fanny pack with the other stuff we are taking. Do you think I'd be better off to carry a backpack? If so, where do you put them while riding certain rides? I would worry about someone picking up a lot of private information if it was left unattended.

The other option I've thought of is keeping them locked in the glove compartment of our van.

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

 

[vacationlover1]

I usually carry a fanny pack with me through the parks, but last year with my DS4 I had more stuff than usual. I bought a backpack down there and it worked out great. For most rides I was able to put it between my legs and was able to carry everything I needed.

 

[eatatmidnight]

Thank You for the advice . Is yours a standard size backpack or small one?

 

[ilovefh]

I just got a new backpack for our trip next week and I love it! It's a medium size one that looks like a fake vera bradley. The cool part is it is actually a diaper bag (doesn't look like one and I don't have any kids) and has the plastic on the inside so anything I put in it will be safe on water rides. Oh yeah, and it was $10! I bought it at home goods.

 

[eatatmidnight]

Thanks! I'll be shopping near one today and check it out. Does it have a magnet or velcro?

 

[ilovefh]

It has a magnet i think....Im not sure though!

 

[ncbyrne]

I hate carrying a back pack...seems like I was always looking for a place to put it. I think if I had a baby and a stroller it would have been easier. Now I just wear a much bigger waist pouch. I bought it at a sporting goods store in the camping section.

 

[Art&Kim]

Be careful about getting a bag with a magnetic closure. If you get anything with a magnetic strip on the back (park ticket, credit card, room key, etc.) too close to the magnet it will render it useless because it will scramble the code in the strip.

 

[eatatmidnight]

Do you take the backpack on rides like Space Mtn or Rockin Roller Coaster?

 

[Art&Kim]

Yeah, just swing it around to the front, or put it on the floor with your foot through the straps.

 

[tnmom25]

I read a tip about backpacks on another thread. Look for one that has a double zipper, that way you can clip some kind of keychain to both pulls to prevent pickpocketing.

I like the diaper bag idea and it being semi-waterproof!!

 

[eatatmidnight]

The small plastic lined backpack with 2 zippers seems the way to go. Now I'm off to find it.

 

[tnmom25]

Let us know if you find one... and remember we like details!!

 

[T. Lynn]

I just purchased this bag for a NY trip: http://www.qvc.com (type in F00142)

I like being able to sling it across the front instead of hanging off my back and not being able to see it. More hands free and in view. This was discussed on another thread as well. Actually, I just got a confirmation that it has shipped...can't wait to see it in person. Looks like the perfect size for traveling.

 

[snowwite]

I just purchased this bag for a NY trip: http://www.qvc.com (type in F00142)

I like being able to sling it across the front instead of hanging off my back and not being able to see it. More hands free and in view. This was discussed on another thread as well. Actually, I just got a confirmation that it has shipped...can't wait to see it in person. Looks like the perfect size for traveling.

we had trouble with a travelon bag and my ll bean bqag. The magnets are too strong and ruin the park hoppers and room keys. getting back late and having to go back to front desk for new keys is a pain and getting to gate and having to wait at guest services for new passes is a pain. we wasted several hours because of the magnets.Be careful

 

[jess98ac]

I got this http://www.ebags.com/baggallini/mes..._nylon/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18644 in black and CAN'T WAIT to use it. It was suggested on a few threads here. There's LOTS of room, lots of pockets, lots of zippers...but it's still fairly small and lightweight. I've actually been trying to come up with an excuse to use it before our trip in May!!
lol

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Why not keep most of the information safe back at your hotel. I realize they are minors and will need parental permission to be treated but carry this on you 24/7 seems a little extreme to me.

These boys are all 16 years old - don't they carry wallets? why can't they keep a copy of their medical cards on them??? Any copier will make double sided copies of these cards you can even laminate them.

My boys have been carry a copy of thier medical insurance info since they got their first wallet, On one side of a laminated wallet size card is all the insurance information on the other is contact information along with a signed note "giving permission to medical personal to administer any/all medical treatment my child may require". - medical allergies are also on this card.

 

[northriver]

This is one of the bags I bought. It was recommended on another thread: http://www.ebags.com/search/index.cfm?fuseaction=endecasearch&n=0&Ntt=peabody

I also bought a sling style backpack from REI called the Mini. I am traveling with a toddler and it is big enough for snacks and a couple diapers.

I have always traveled with a fanny pack in the past and I appreciate the security of never taking off the fanny pack. As others have mentioned, I will just keep an arm or leg through the backpack on rides or wherever we are. I am keeping tickets, room keys, and cash in a pocket or in a neck wallet - not in the backpack.

 

[T. Lynn]

we had trouble with a travelon bag and my ll bean bqag. The magnets are too strong and ruin the park hoppers and room keys. getting back late and having to go back to front desk for new keys is a pain and getting to gate and having to wait at guest services for new passes is a pain. we wasted several hours because of the magnets.Be careful

Thanks for the input. I do have a lanyard that will hold tickets and room key around my neck for easy access.

I've never stayed on site before and didn't have to worry about magnetic room keys. Although, you think if it was that strong, people would complain because they wouldn't be able to put credit cards in the credit card slots.

 

[Mischa]

For our first trip DH & I used fannypacks. During our last trip, DH ued a fannypack, but I used a backpack I purchased at http://www.theibag.com this bag was great! Lightweight (even with 2 bottles of water), had convenient pockets so I didn't have to fumble around for anything, and it is waterproof. I loved this bag and can't wait to use it on our next trips!