Question: Do you do backpacks at WDW?

[bsmcneil]

I wear cargo shorts. I refuse to carry anything that doesn't fit in the pockets. I have a very small cellphone, a very small camera, and a small vinyl envelope to carry tickets and money. On days it may rain, I carry a tiny disposable poncho. On chilly mornings, I may wear a light sweater, and tie it around my waist when I don't need it anymore. I buy water when I need it (not worth the small savings to carry it around with me, IMO). I put my sunglasses on a strap thingy. I move very quickly through the park, and avoid security checks. It is SO liberating to not have anything in my hands or hanging from my shoulders!

Do your shorts get especially heavy? I thought about just carrying everything in my shorts but didnt want them to be weighed down as i tried to run across the park. My other options are a messenger bag or a small (very small) bag.

 

[Skylarr29]

We used to but now we find it easier to not carry one at all. Camara goes in pocket and passes/room keys/ money goes in a lanyard around my neck.

 

[Hugpug]

I just got a new waistpack by Mountainstone. Found it at Dick's Sporting Store. My regular fannypack was a little to small. This one has a spot for a waterbottle. I can carry my camera,wallet,poncho,and a few other items leaves my hand free. easy to slip on and off for rides if need be. I had a problem finding something as so many would not fit right size wise. This one has a wide secure strap very comfurable.

 

[MsDisney23]

I always use a backpack!

 

[white rabbit]

Backpack it is! We will at least try it and if it gets to be to much of a pain we can always ditch it. Thanks for all the input everybody!

 

[Wickedmom75]

Camelback and fanny pack family. We carry a camelback that is inside a backpack and it works out great. As somone posted before we also fill it up before we leave mostly with ice and it is great on your back. Rain ponchos , maps, touring plans and 1st aid kit go in it. The two oldest carry fanny packs and they keep their ponchos and autograph books in it.

 

[winterman]

I have always used a small backpack to carry camera, small wallet, tissues, and light weight ponchos. This time I have purchased a fanny pack to try because the backpack would eventually bother my back and I would have to take off for all the rides. Hopefully, the fannypack will be less of a pain.

 

[HayGan]

When we go with the kids, I always use a backpack that I use to carry camera, batteries, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and little things to keep the kids entertained in lines/at meals.

When I go in September with my mom, I will likely only have a fanny pack (OMG, I can't believe I am actually going to use one of those things )

 

[GoofyTraci]

i bought a small pack back from jansport its called a half pint. So its big enough for the things that i will need it for. it is very light and i'm very excited about using it on our upcoming trip. It comes in many colors. Not really a fanny pack kinda girl. But whatever works for u..have fun at disney

 

[HappyLawyer]

yes, definitely

 

[mickeyholic]

Yes, we carry a backpack. I once tried the fanny pack, but i prefer the backpack. I just minimize what I carry so it does not weigh me down later in the day.

 

[disneyfan719]

I just ordered this backpack from Lillian Vernon (http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalo...ackpack/Shoulder+Bag&parentCatId=6&catId=365). It's waterproof so I don't have to worry about my camera, phone, etc getting wet in a pop-up August thunderstorm (or on any rides). It seems small enough to not be bothersome but large enough to carry what I need. We'll see what I think after the 2nd day of vacation

In the past, I've always carried a backpack though. I've found it to be much easier than trying to keep everything in my pockets.

 

[emma'smom]

I just ordered this backpack from Lillian Vernon (http://www.lillianvernon.com/catalo...ackpack/Shoulder+Bag&parentCatId=6&catId=365). It's waterproof so I don't have to worry about my camera, phone, etc getting wet in a pop-up August thunderstorm (or on any rides). It seems small enough to not be bothersome but large enough to carry what I need. We'll see what I think after the 2nd day of vacation

In the past, I've always carried a backpack though. I've found it to be much easier than trying to keep everything in my pockets.

Waterproof...that's a great feature..wish we had it during a June pop-up storm that zapped my dh's cell phone. Good advice for others!

 

[BeckWhy]

Well, I wouldn't wear a fanny pack if you held a gun to my head... well ok, my life isn't worth losing over a fanny pack, but you get the idea. Since you stated that you are going in November, I would say go ahead and wear a backpack. When I went in January, I brought mine with me around the parks. I put my cameras in there, my sister's cameras, our sweatshirts, and any other thing that we needed/wanted to carry. It does get heavy, even if there is barely anything in it. I would suggest taking turns wearing it.

Now if you are worried about rides, I had no problems protecting my backpack (and cameras) during the rides. I would just wrap the straps around my legs and place the backpack behind my calves and secured it between my legs and the ride seats. I haven't been on Soarin' yet, so I don't know how it would work on that ride.

If you had said you were going during spring or summer months I wouldn't suggest it though. For me, if it's more than 65 degrees, then it's too hot to carry it.

 

[ppony]

We carry Camelbaks. They are backpaks that have a bladder for carrying water with a tube to drink out of and pockets for other things. We fill them with ice and water (mostly ice) before we leave the hotel. My DH and I each take our own. The cold pack feels good on your back and we each have enough water for the day. They come in all sizes so each kid depending on age could be in charge our their own water and have a drink when ever they wanted. You can get Camelpaks at sporting good stores. We have been taking them for years now.

I had a question about these puppies... Other than the water weight factor, how heavy are they? I would suspect not very as they were designed for hikers and such that ened to conserve every bit O energy. And do you HAVE to use both arm straps of can you just shoulder it occasionally? I'm just on the search for that "perfect"
pack. I'd like to keep it under $100 so that opens the variety and assortment greatly. Carrying my camera (35mm with a nice lens) is something that I MUST consider. Then water and then snacks and the little toiletries. Gotta say, I'm likin' the look of these! Ooo, perhaps I should hit a sporting goods store to have a peek. THANKS

Hey, does anyone know here they sell little kid sized fanny packs? I don't want to weigh down my 6YO with much but if he could keep track of his own autograph book and maybe a little money (trying to teach some responsibilty for his own stuff) then it would be great. OR are kid sized ones REALLY common and they could be anywhere. i've just never looked!

 

[STEAMBOAT209]

I carry a small backpack, for digital and video camera, 2 poncho's, 2 bottles of water,..would like to figure out a way to not carry anything but myself.

 

[taximomfor4]

I just bought a backpack on wheels at Target for $18. I originally planned on just using it for the plane, but I am thinking of wheeling it around Disney. I usually have always carried a Jansport Backpack left over from my school days, but it's a pain to carry on my back.

Just wanted to let you know that rolling backpacks are NOT allowed to be rolled around at WDW's parks. And because of their wheels they tend to be a bit heavier than other backpacks, so you might not want to carry it on your back around the parks. I didn't want you to show up in MK and get embarassed when CM tells you to put the rolling backpack on your back.

Beth

 

[disneyfreak74]

We have used the SAME TIGGER bad since our FIRST family trip in 2001. I guess it is now part of the family. We are not fanny pack family and we love out back pack. It has MANY little zippered pockets and holds all our ponchos PERFECT!!!