Question About Backpacks

[Jules123]

I have read so much about bringing backpacks into the park with you filled with the things you will need. My question is what do you do with the backpack when you're riding a ride? Do you take it with you? What about water rides?

 

[rosiejo]

There are a few options for this one really...

*keep it with you - either under your seat or in front of you in the little handing mesh bag they provide
*put it in a locker - some rides won't allow bags so they provide free lockers - mainly at Universal and IOA I think - but they're free for a certain time
*leave it with someone who isn't riding - if that's an option

We've always taken a back pack with us and we've never really had a problem with it on rides... just don't fill it too much or it's apain to carry, and share the load! It's not fair to make one person carry all the junk all day every day :0)

 

[jenjen212]

we always bring a backpack... we haven't really found it to be a problem. there is usually room on the rides in front of your feet for a bag. kali river rapids have a plastic bin with a lid in the center of the boat to put your bag, shoes, etc.

we will usually pack in it some frozen water bottles and juices, and snacks. so we don't have to spend as much on food and drinks. sometimes we will just put it in a locker, if all we have in it is food. then around lunch time go and get it and find somewhere to sit for lunch.

but sometimes i also pack an extra set of clothes, in case i get soaked on splash mountain, or the kali river rapids in ak.

depends on what we are doing, if we are trying to save money, we plan on going back to the resort in the middle of the day, we'll usually go around lunch time, so we don't have to worry about bringing it. and just make sandwiches in the room, from cold cuts or something.

good luck!

jen

 

[marriedmarylander]

We carried a backpack for 2 days then just got sick of taking it. However most of the rides you can take a bag on and hold it. Most rides have little pouch you can put stuff in. Kali river rapids has a compartment you can store your stuff so it won't get wet. You dont' really get wet on splash mountain but if you are concerned just put it in a plastic bag and hold it.

 

[Ilovestitch]

You can carry a backpack on EVERY ride at WDW

 

[VW_Guy]

I was never a boyscout, but wherever I go, I always go prepared. Everytime I go to Disney or any other amusement park (not that WDW is able to be classified as "just an amusement park" ) I carry a full pack with everything we might need. I usually carry a full load of water (as much as is comfortable to carry), some snacks for the day (stored next to the frozen water bottles to keep cool), towel, extra shirt, camera(s) and sunglasses.

Even with all that crap, I've still never had trouble taking my pack with me on a ride. I usually just put it on the floor between my legs, and put my legs through the straps where you would usually put your arms. Even on rides that go upside-down, I've never lost a bag (but I have had to squeeze my legs to hold it in place on a few rollercoasters!) I've also discovered that most backpacks are naturally water-resistant, so unless they are sitting in a puddle of water for more than 10 minutes, nothing inside will get wet. I've taken my bag on Kali, and everyone with me put our shoes inside--everything came out dry.

I would not reccommend carrying such a big pack with you all day, since it can even wear me out after a full day in the Florida sun, but I wouldn't be afraid to take a good, sturdy bag anywhere.

 

[Chicago526]

I've traveled with a smallish leather backpack twice now, and have never had a problem on any ride at WDW. As others have posted, there is space for your bag at your feet, just put at least one leg or foot through the strap if the ride goes upside down. On Splash, I do try to keep the bag off the floor of the boat by keeping it on top of my feet, just so that it doesn't sit in a puddle. Otherwise I don't do anything special.

The fact that it is a small bag keeps me from over packing, and gives me a place to put hats and glasses that might fly off durring a ride. It also holds water bottles, extra sunscreen, a light jacket (in cool months) park maps and small purchases that I don't want/need to be delivered to the resort. Since I go in the cooler months and keep it light, the bag is quite comfortable.

 

[Jules123]

Thanks for all the help. I feel better about planning for a backpack now. I have learned so many valuable tips on here. We can't wait for our first WDW trip. 11 DAYS TO GO!!!