Need Opinions What To Carry Stuff With In Parks?

[crashdad]

Hello, newbie poster here.

I have an addcitions to luggage and I want to know what people's opinions are as to what they prefer to tote around the parks?

I will be traveling with my wife (aka javamom) and our 3 kids. No noubt, I will end up carrying some of their junk as well.

SO:
Fanny packs
backpacks
messenger bags

What's the scoop. Tell me the good, bad, and the ugly.

Thanks for the help! A Newbie WDW Dad needs it.

 

[schlepsnort]

We prefer backpacks because it has two straps so it is easier on your back, plus backpacks tend to be waterproofed, have more pockets and now days, those straps are extra padded and leave both your hands free for snagging those FPs or your KIDS!!

Never liked Fanny packs, they get in the way when you sit down. Messenger bags are ok but again, seems like too much stress on one side of your body thereby throwing your body alignment off and then causing back pain possibly.

We have 3 kids, we naturally have a lot of stuff to carry!

Hope that helps!

 

[hniki234]

Backpacks! All the way. They're large enough to carry a lot of stuff and you can use both shoulders to carry the weight.

 

[waltsgirl]

I carry a backpack. You can fill that baby with lots of stuff! DH also uses a fanny pack.

 

[Leota]

When DS was younger, I carried either a backpack or a tote bag and used a fannypack. The fannypack is handy for passes, sunglasses, stuff you use all the time. The backpack is great for sweatshirts, sunscreen, kid needs,small purchase, stuff you want with you, but don't need instant access to.

Now that DS is older & self-sufficient, I just use pockets & a small over the shoulder purse if absolutely necessary. It's so freeing not to carry alot of junk around the Parks.

 

[AlexWyattMommy]

I used a backpack this last time. I found a mesh one at Walmart for $10. I just put anything I didn't want getting wet in ziplock bags. The mesh was great for security before the park, for seeing exactly what pocket something was in and it didn't feel sweaty on my back. The backpack part was great for distributing weight, wearing it in the front to search while walking, and to loop through a leg on some rides.

 

[badblackpug]

Another vote for backpacks. They leave your hands free, they are waterproof, and you can jam lots of stuff in them. ...and you will end up lugging around ALL your kids junk! Been there, done that!

 

[Bev J]

I find backpacks get in the way on the rides and in the long run make my back or shoulder hurt. Plus the bigger the bag the more you carry around.
Fanny packs are the way to go, I search out stores to find the perfect one, not too big or small. Alot of times what I buy is actually not a true fanny pack but has a long adjustable strap and can be converted to a fp. I try and limit what I carry to essentials only. The kids also have their own fanny pack for a camera, a dollar store poncho, a snack and a water, plus a little money of their own. I carry cell phone, camera, dollar poncho, parkpass/resort key, mini sunscreen, $$ and my water goes on a strap for easy access.
I find FP easy to manage on rides, just slide it to my side.
My hands are free and my back does not ache.

Bev

 

[Praying Colonel]

We had fanny packs for the 4 of us. 2 of them were small, while the other 2 were large and held 2 water bottles each for the 4 of us.

Inside the fanny packs we carried


--tickets
--camera
--phones
--money
--touring plans for the day
--small bottle of sunscreen
--small bottle of hand sanitizer
--individual battery-powered fans for each of us

--oh, and the women carried their makeup

 

[KimWDW]

I carry a backpack. Nice and easy. Stores the camera, sunblock, sippy cup. My hands are free and it's waterproof and doesn't look dorky.

 

[Sweedee]

We actually carried both. Dh carried the backpack...kept our drinks, sweatshirts, sunscreen, and first aid kit. I carried the fanny pack...kept our money, Key cards, and lip balm in it. I also kept the fanny pack low on one side of my hip under my t-shirt. I really detest even being seen wearing one, but it was a necessary evil as I saw it.

 

[chorlick]

If you want to look "cool"....DO NOT carry a fanny pack. My DD (who is the voice of fashion ) disowns me if I even take it off the closet shelf. Seriously, back packs are the best I think. You can carry a lot of stuff in them.

 

[mousebit]

Another vote for fanny packs here! They are not a fashion statement, but they meet our needs. Everybody wears one and keeps track of their own things (yes, even the preschoolers). No hot, heavy weight on the back, they slide around to the side when needed, everything is within sight, hands are free, water bottle clips to them, enough room for the bare necessities. Kids sometimes even put their pins on them since a full lanyard can get pretty heavy around the neck. Even Pal Mickey can clip on.

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

Cargo Shorts.

As a Dad I have found nothing so wonderful for toting stuff around the parks as cargo shorts. Tix, camera, water bottle, even autograph books... all fit in pockets very well. We (me, DW, and 2 kids) all love hand-free touring.

 

[tardin1964]

I use a Lumbar pack. They are larger than a fanny pack and samller than a backpack. This website has some great stuff:

Lumbar Packs

 

[hopelea]

While at ASSp's in March, I found a great sling backpack in the giftshop. Naturally, it was a Mickey one. $18. It has a lot of great compartments to put things in. I will be carrying that because it is so light weight and it is DISNEY.

Thanks chorlick.....I'll put my fanny packs away. I usually use one of those, but I am so glad I found this great sling backpack!!!! I will be cool for my upcoming trip!

 

[Barbers2005]

I got this great little bag at Target that's kind of like a backpack, but with only one strap. The strap goes diagonally across the front (like a sash). Does that make sense? It was in the travel section and labeled as being a "metro bag." It looks neat, and it isn't as bulky as a backpack, plus you don't have to take it off on rides- just slide the bag part around to the front when you get on. It wouldn't work if you usually carry a ton of stuff, but it holds about the same as a fanny pack.

 

[Cool-Beans]

For us, if you can't get it in your pockets, it doesn't go. But all we need are tickets, a little money, a phone and *sometimes* a camera.

But if I were going to carry something, it would be a backpack. Keeps you hands free and balances nicely.

 

[kimmikayb]

I have been using the small messanger bag from LL Bean. I really like this bag. I don't need to carry much to the parks but I do need my cameras. It has smaller pockets under the flap for a billfold, chap stick, sun screen, pen, etc. I clear pouch ideal for photopass and fast passes. The inner pocket is just right for my camera and video camera. There is a pocket on the strap for my cell phone. The strap is padded and comfortable. I can wear it sling like or on my shoulder. So far it's the best bag I've found.

 

[disneyfan551]

During my last few trips, I've been trying to cut down on items I take into the park. So, I just carry my camera bag, which is actually the camcorder Disney bag! It has plenty of room for cash, cards, keys, cell phone, and a few drugs! (I'll be going with my 5yo dd & my best friend & her 5yo son! ) However, I'll be leaving basic items in the bottom of our stroller in a backpack, but nothing of value or importance.