Park Backpack Supplies

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Okay so as I start planning for dds and my annual trip I have been thinking really hard about what to carry with me into the parks. For the past few years I have been lucky in that dd still needed her stroller so I could take anyhing I wanted to and store it there. Now we are not bringing a stroller and I am seriouly thinking about what we really need.

Please take a look and see if I am missing anthing too important: (note we will be at a monorail resort and spending most of our time at MK & Epcot)

homemade autograph book
pens
bandaid with antibiotic ontiment already on them (when dd rushes she trips ) & a couple of wipes
camera
little mini fan
wallet (on me not in pack) - holding tickets, ID, cash
water bottle


My only other debate is the video camera. I think I will bring it with us but only carry it to the park on a few short occasions.

So is there anything I am really missing that you think I will need - FYI dd is now six!

 

[LadyGracey]

Don't forget the sunscreen! Also, some antibacterial baby wipes for those sticky fingers! And a small camera (still not video) to capture "magical moments."

 

[momocay]

If you may get wet, like on the rapids in AK, bring a poncho, and or change of clothes. Plastic bag to put valuables in. I also carry shout wipes or a tide stick, in case of major spillage. One of the girls got drenched last time and nedded new underwear, t-shirt and shorts. Well, $90 later she was wearing an oversized outfit she may never use again. They do sell underwear right outside the rapids ride, must be common.

 

[digman6]

I plan to bring a couple water bottles and some crystal light on the go.

camera batteries

tylenol in case of a headache

I also plan to bring some of those 100 cal packs good for when you want to much on something but not pay big$$$ for it.

 

[The Sweetness]

I carried a small tube of MM minnis, for when dd wanted a quick little treat

 

[edcrbnsoul]

I pack a swimmers chamois, you can use it to dry off after Kali/Splash Mt or wipe off seats after a rain storm. They are about the size of a paper towel, reusable and you can find them in most sporting good stores. These are the things you see the divers drying themselves off with when they get out of the pools at the olympics.

 

[LilGoofy]

3-FOLD IDEA--
I always freeze my water bottle the night before and take it out as I am getting ready that morning. I also wrap the bottle in a small hand towel and place in a gallon ziploc bag to carry into the park. The frozen bottle always insures a cool thirst-quenching drink all day long, the towel offers a cool wipe off, and the plastic bag insure the other items in my backpack do not get wet.

 

[Tinkergirl]

I second the tylenol! And dont forget your list of ADR's for the day!

I'm so jealous! I'd love to be on the monorail!! Have a great time!!

 

[VW_Guy]

Somebody already mentioned it, but don't forget snacks. The stuff that is offered in the parks is over priced and over sugared (IMO). We usually make some trail mix to take it with us. Also, depending on the time of year, don't forget the hot-weather gear: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, chap-stik with sunblock, and frozen water bottles (they will melt to ice-cold water during the day). If the adults are planning to separate for any possible reason (child swap, etc) make sure you BOTH have a cell phone on you (we learned this lesson the hard way).

Since you are going to be a first-time packer (without use of a stroller), I can't stress enough the importance of a comfortable pack. On one trip I used a run-of-the-mill "book bag" to lug around all of our gear and my back and shoulders were screaming at the end of each day. We have since invested in a top-of-the-line hiking pack with ergonomic straps and support in all the right places--and it works just like it should.

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Don't forget the sunscreen! Also, some antibacterial baby wipes for those sticky fingers! And a small camera (still not video) to capture "magical moments."

Oh - I had forgotton the wipes! Thanks

If you may get wet, like on the rapids in AK, bring a poncho, and or change of clothes. Plastic bag to put valuables in. I also carry shout wipes or a tide stick, in case of major spillage. One of the girls got drenched last time and nedded new underwear, t-shirt and shorts. Well, $90 later she was wearing an oversized outfit she may never use again. They do sell underwear right outside the rapids ride, must be common.

This has happened to us before too. DD has a very expensive shirt and short set from DL that she has only worn twice. Thanks for the reminder!!

I plan to bring a couple water bottles and some crystal light on the go.

camera batteries

tylenol in case of a headache

I also plan to bring some of those 100 cal packs good for when you want to much on something but not pay big$$$ for it.

Does the crystal light really cover the taste of the water (from the fountains) or do you use bottled water? Love the 100 cal packs idea!! Thanks

I carried a small tube of MM minnis, for when dd wanted a quick little treat

Yummy!

I pack a swimmers chamois, you can use it to dry off after Kali/Splash Mt or wipe off seats after a rain storm. They are about the size of a paper towel, reusable and you can find them in most sporting good stores. These are the things you see the divers drying themselves off with when they get out of the pools at the olympics.
QUOTE]

Do you know where I can get a simmers chamois? Thanks!

3-FOLD IDEA--
I always freeze my water bottle the night before and take it out as I am getting ready that morning. I also wrap the bottle in a small hand towel and place in a gallon ziploc bag to carry into the park. The frozen bottle always insures a cool thirst-quenching drink all day long, the towel offers a cool wipe off, and the plastic bag insure the other items in my backpack do not get wet.

Great idea!

I second the tylenol! And dont forget your list of ADR's for the day!

I'm so jealous! I'd love to be on the monorail!! Have a great time!!

It is our first time on the monorail! We are normally a value resort only family but since my sister is meeting us there for a few days she decided to treat dd and I to the Poly for our whole vacation (she will only stay at a deleux) for our birthdays this year even though she will only be there for a couple of days. Thanks to my sis!!!

Since you are going to be a first-time packer (without use of a stroller), I can't stress enough the importance of a comfortable pack. On one trip I used a run-of-the-mill "book bag" to lug around all of our gear and my back and shoulders were screaming at the end of each day. We have since invested in a top-of-the-line hiking pack with ergonomic straps and support in all the right places--and it works just like it should.

I was planning on using the back pack that I have for years - but it sounds like that might not be a good idea. Do you have an suggestions where I could look for bag like you mentioned? I will be seeing my sister for a few days but the rest of the time it will be only dd and I (and since she is six I will be doing thebulk of carrying) so I think a good bag will be well worth the investment.


Thank you all for your wonderful tips!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

Did anybody mention hand sanitizer?

 

[KimK2006]

Take as little as possible since you will have to carry it around all day. If an emergency comes up, you can buy pretty much anything (well, for a price) in the parks. Plan ahead so you won't have to pack certain things. We make Kali River Rapids our last ride of the day at AK so we won't have to pack extra clothes or walk around the park soaked the rest of the day. I ususally start off my trip with my video camera (it is small), but don't use it. So, I eventually leave it in the room. I always have my still camera.

You list looks good. I would add the Tylenol and a small bottle of sunscreen as already mentioned.

 

[digman6]

Well I must tell you first of all I HATE plain jane water, so for me its bottles water considering FL water already tastes weird. I freeze some and leave some for making crystal light on the go.

put your camera in a zip lock too, for when it may get wet with rides or rain or leaks.

 

[edcrbnsoul]

!

I pack a swimmers chamois, you can use it to dry off after Kali/Splash Mt or wipe off seats after a rain storm. They are about the size of a paper towel, reusable and you can find them in most sporting good stores. These are the things you see the divers drying themselves off with when they get out of the pools at the olympics.

Do you know where I can get a simmers chamois? Thanks!



Great idea!




Thank you all for your wonderful tips!

I pretty sure I picked mine up at Modells sporting goods. But I have seen them in other stores that sell camping and hiking supplies. They call them packtowels but same idea

http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_...older_id=2534374302875882&bmUID=1182452338417

 

[Tam1067]

Kleenex because someone in my family always needs one! Sunglasses and/or hats.

 

[TxTiggergal]

Definitely bring ponchos...not only do we use these to keep dry, but we have used them to sit on during Spectromagic. Not that they're much cushion, just a little something between you and the pavement. And when we pack the ponchos, we take them out of the little packs they come in and re-pack them in gallon ziploc bags. That way, if they do get wet, we don't have to refold them into such tiny little squares.

Someone else mentioned the importance of getting a comfortable backpack. Another thing that we always look for in a backpack is one that has a side pocket suitable for a water bottle. That way, we aren't constantly opening and closing the backpack, and possibly losing something, everytime we want a sip of water.

 

[Disneyfanfour]

My DH and I have always used a good, sturdy fannypack instead of the backpacks. Ours have a water bottle holder that's insulated, places to clip fans on, at least two zipper pouches to keep things like gum, chapstick, cameras, etc. in. I hate having something on my back and shoulders all day and it wears me out sooner than a fannypack, plus your back sweats!! Make sure to get a nice, comfortable waist cinch, though, just like you would for a backpack. We've carried them with us for the past three or four trips to WDW and haven't ever wanted anything else. My daughters also have their own smaller verison fannypack to keep their autograph books, pens and personal items for themselves. They've used one since they were 3 and 5 at the parks; it also helps them not lose things like a purse my do. Plus, it teaches them to be somewhat responsible for themselves and not bug you for every little thing they get a whim for. They even pack their own snack in there! Have fun, fun, fun!!

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Wow! Thanks for all the tips! I am so excited about my trip and it's not even until the end of August!! I wanted to do a couple day trips to DL to try carrying what I would at WDW so I could get used to it and so dd could get in more practice walking! Our evening walks are nice but they are no where close to eight days at WDW. LOL.

 

[Granite State Heidi]

Ameribag sling style backpacks are awesome! The "small" size is great for carrying all of the above mentioned items, and you can sqeeze in a souvie or two.

 

[ktturner]

The bagallinis are highly recommended on the DIS. I bought one a couple of weeks ago to bring, and it is the perfect size, and really comfortable!

http://www.shoebuy.com/baggallini-mes160-messenger-bagg/121602/285133

it comes in other colors, but the lime green is the DIS color! ( I got purple)