One bag or kids carry their own?!

[diswiththree]

My kids are dd12, ds9, and ds5. I'm trying to figure out what kind of bag to get myself....the boards have been very helpful! Even though they're older now, there's still a lot to bring! I'm curious what everyone recommends. One bag for everyone's stuff OR everyone carries their own OR a backback in the locker/one smaller bag to carry around? Help! And what bag would be best if the kids carry their own? And, really, which bag is best for me? The boards seem to indicate that the Heys' flap is annoying and it's not very durable, the Baggalini rests behind you which seems unsafe. What about others? Thanks for the help.

 

[RainbowWit]

Fanny backs or sling packs for the kids. 1. The load on one person can be trying. 2. The kids seem to like having "thier" things with them. 3. Helps build responsibility! My DD, now 10, carries an overland sling bag and loves it. She has her autograph book, bottle of water, mini fan, a snack, and chapstick in hers. (and misc. stuff she gathers)

I also wear a teardrop sling bag. Got mine at the Gap a few years ago...but they are everywhere, and easy to ride with. You just pull it in front of you. I also have a "Hikers" fanny pack. I loathe fanny packs, but Ive found they are very convienent in the parks, and do not pull down on your neck or back.

 

[Macduffy]

I have an Eddie Bauer Sling pack and LOVE it. It's amazing what you can pack into it. I'd make sure you get a bag you really like and THEN decide if you want the kiddos to have their own or if you can comfortably fit everything you want in your chosen bag. If you can't, I'd let the older two have their own bag but keep the items for your 5 year old in your bag.

 

[diswiththree]

Thank you both for your replies. I like the idea of the two older having their own and me carrying for my 5 year old!

 

[starann]

I agree, the older 2 are old enough to carry their own, although in the parks, what will they really need? I don't suggest bringing ipods or stuff like that (too expensive if they get lost) or ALL their $$$.

I was the pack mule on our trip (I got a backpack from Disney online, it was a diaper bag, but the only diaper bag thing about it was a removable changing pad) with the camera, juice cups, snacks, sunscreen and my purse. Then I was able to put in what ever we purchased.


We also had a stroller which helped! Although next year we won;t have it, as my DH ran it over with his firetruck!!!

 

[rhpaw]

At walmart you can buy these dinky little backpacks for $9.00. When my 5 year old son and I went to DL last year we traded off carrying the bag. Since it was black I didn't look too rediculous, and it was the perfect size for a 5 year old to be the BIG guy. The pack was just big enough for

• digi camera
• a few snacks
• 2 long sleeve t-shirts
• waterbottle
• possible small souvineers

that's it!!


Here is a pic of crashed 5 year old and pack..

let the kids carry their own junk. A small pack is VERY handy at Disney.

 

[bratmomma]

My kids are DS 12 DS 8 and DD 3. I definitely plan on having the boys carry their own stuff. Not a lot. A water bottle, their souvies money, a poncho, disposable camera, card to give to CM if they get lost, and autograph books. I will carry in my bag the rest of the ponchos, sunscreen, digi cam, more water, KTTWC, some $$, a mini first aid kit, hand sanitizer, an extra marker for siggies, my cell, and whatever notes, etc I need for the park we are at (ADR #'s, etc).

We also plan on going back to the resort just about everyday for a nap/swim/break from the heat so I will most likely repack at that time and replace the sunscreen with glow bracelets, ziplocs of popcorn for fireworks, etc.

Good luck! Have a magical trip!

 

[rhpaw]

On a side note, instead of a card for getting lost, I took a sharpie and wrote my cel phone on my son's bicep.
It can't get lost and will stay very visible for a few days.
(works good enough for triathletes)

I found wierd dead spots for coverage in DL though, that always concerned me.

 

[natashag76]

i never thought of writing on my kids (they'd probably love it!) - i write our info, hotel, cell #s, etc. on a piece of duct tape and stick inside their shirt. that way it stays relative dry and safe, but no weirdos can see our info.

 

[bratmomma]

I am actually planning on getting the safety tats for my kids. I plan on applying them inside their upper arm. That way it won't be visible if they are swimming or wear a tank top, as much as it would be on their outer arm or forearm.

 

[flipflopmom]

Well, there are 4 of us going, and we each have a bag. I have the baggalini which will keep all the stuff we might need quickly, siggy pen, first aid kit, digicam, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. DH will carry the backpack for ponchos, guidebook, extra outfit for youngest, maybe a second small first aid kit. I got DD9 a Vera Bradley mini hipster, just enough room for her camera, small hand sanitizer, auto book and pen, wallet, and sunglasses. DD2 got a little Tinkerbell messenger purse from walmart. She loves purses, and I thought I could put little toys to keep her happy in the stroller in it. I got the caribiner clip on spray fans from walmart, and we each have one hanging on the bag right now, they may end up on our lanyards.

 

[mjkacmom]

We had one backpack for the whole family, but I don't believe in overpacking. We had hoppers, and went back to the resort each afternoon, so we had ponchos (dollar store), camera, water, and sunscreen. Everyone had lanyards to carry some smaller stuff, like gc's. I didn't want to worry about having the kids leave bags somewhere.