Rolling backpacks seen in parks

[Simba's Mom]

I remember a thread asking about rolling backpacks recently, and someone said they weren't allowed. Well, last week I saw them in 3 parks (never saw them in MK). And going into one park, I was next to someone at security who had the handle up, so there was definitely no doubt about her backpack being the rolling kind. Just thought I'd let anyone know who was thinking of using one.

 

[bytheblood]

I would not use one because I know that would annoy anybody walking behind me.

 

[KAC2005]

we have these backpacks for our trip this year, we plan on putting them in a locker. thought they would be handy for carrying souveniers, clothes, etc.

KAC

 

[Tiggerlover48]

We were there in Nov. and we used one. It was nice not having to lug everything. I'm going in Jan. and plan on using it again. We also went off-season so it wasn't congested. Maybe during peak season it wouldn't be a good idea. I have a bad back and the thought of carrying my camera, water, snacks, suntan lotion, sweatshirt and other goodies on my back isn't thrilling me. My husband felt 50/50 on using the rolling backpack. In some spots it probably was in the way, but DH carried it around, so it wasn't an issue for me.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

I have asthma and carrying a regular purse is difficult sometimes. Have been thinking about a very small rolling backpack and am wondering if they fit on rides and such without causing problems to others.

I am wondering if I might not get around a bit better with one of these in front of me as it would help keep my balance and relieve some strain on me. I am NOT getting into a wheelchair any sooner than I need to. Once in I fear I would not be getting out.

Slightly Goofy

 

[Tiggerlover48]

I have asthma and carrying a regular purse is difficult sometimes. Have been thinking about a very small rolling backpack and am wondering if they fit on rides and such without causing problems to others.

I am wondering if I might not get around a bit better with one of these in front of me as it would help keep my balance and relieve some strain on me. I am NOT getting into a wheelchair any sooner than I need to. Once in I fear I would not be getting out.

Slightly Goofy

They fit fine on all the rides we went on. They have metal bars/supports on the back of them for the handle. So they are not as flexible as regular backpacks. They are not very comfortable to carry around for long periods of time - because the bars poke you. I usually just carry my regular one over one shoulder.

 

[zurgswife]

I think rolling backpacks are just inconsiderate.... you have no idea who you are cutting off or rolling over...I wish they would make sure people dohn't bring them in the parks.

 

[cyndibelle]

we use one on every trip.....with our kids and with my dietary restrictions it comes in very handy...my hubby doesnt roll it all the time..he has it on his back some....we have no problem getting through security and we have never encountered rolling over someone....

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Hi Zurgswife, I see your point however some people have needs that others do not. People with small children have a hard time carrying everything around sometimes and older people might need to carry items that would be arduous to carry on their backs. I am often slowed down in the parks by people who do not know where they are going, have a small child throwing a fit, people in wheelchairs who cannot move quite as fast as some and so on but I adapt and hope others will forgive me for being less than perfect also. That being said, I doubt that I would take a rolling backpack because I am not sure that I could get it, even if small, and myself on and off a ride without causing a disturbance. I have never been hit by a rolling backpack but sure have been with a stroller or even an electric wheelchair.

Slightly Goofy

 

[cyndibelle]

slightygoofy we put water, my meds which one is my inhalor...a few snacks and whatever else we might need for the day in ours....they are great to have....they fit on every ride...when you go through security just make sure to have all the zippers open for fast clearance....

 

[momof2inPA]

I've been told in an e-mail from Disney that they're against the rules. I wish someone would enforce the rule, but in the mean time I guess some people will roll their suitcases around the parks while smoking their cigarettes any old place, and the rest of us will make the best of it.

 

[bdcp]

When my children were small, they didn't require anything more than we did, because they didnt' expect it. We took them at 3 1/2 and 6 the first time and didnt' take anything more than a fanny pack for our tickets and cash. Once my 2 boys were potty trained (at 28 months) we never required more than a fanny pack and even before that, a small backpack would do. We were on a tight budget, but we didnt' carry food or water in. What could you possibly need a rolling back pack for? It's like luggage. To me a vacation is about ease. That's the joy of potty trained children. You don't need to carry anything for them. Even diapers fit in a regular backpack if you need a few. An inhaler fits in a fanny pack too or a regular backpack at the worst. And if you need oxygen due to emphysema, sorry, but it's hard to have sympathy for self-imposed health problems like that.

My DH and I are going in Nov and at this point I wonder how my 2 DS ever survived childhood without "car" strollers, portable dvd players, me waiting on them hand and foot, etc but guess what, they did and very well. They're both in college and doing VERY well. I have raised two independent adults now and they just shake their heads at parents who feel the need to fulfill every whim. No child ever starved by missing a snack or learning to wait.

Handicapped people, through no fault of their own should be able to bring whatever they need, but everyone else should just deal. Those of us who follow the rules and expect others to are just out of luck I guess.

 

[bytheblood]

When my children were small, they didn't require anything more than we did, because they didnt' expect it. We took them at 3 1/2 and 6 the first time and didnt' take anything more than a fanny pack for our tickets and cash. Once my 2 boys were potty trained (at 28 months) we never required more than a fanny pack and even before that, a small backpack would do. We were on a tight budget, but we didnt' carry food or water in. What could you possibly need a rolling back pack for? It's like luggage. To me a vacation is about ease. That's the joy of potty trained children. You don't need to carry anything for them. Even diapers fit in a regular backpack if you need a few. An inhaler fits in a fanny pack too or a regular backpack at the worst. And if you need oxygen due to emphysema, sorry, but it's hard to have sympathy for self-imposed health problems like that.

My DH and I are going in Nov and at this point I wonder how my 2 DS ever survived childhood without "car" strollers, portable dvd players, me waiting on them hand and foot, etc but guess what, they did and very well. They're both in college and doing VERY well. I have raised two independent adults now and they just shake their heads at parents who feel the need to fulfill every whim. No child ever starved by missing a snack or learning to wait.

Handicapped people, through no fault of their own should be able to bring whatever they need, but everyone else should just deal. Those of us who follow the rules and expect others to are just out of luck I guess.

While I agree with you, I also try to be considerate about why people make the choices they do.

When a mom really dotes over her child and does everything under the stars for that child, you don't know the circumstances and you cannot assume that child is spoiled rotten. That child or that mother may be dying of cancer and the mother wants every moment to be precious and fillled with wonderful memories of bonding.

When a dad allows his child to be a bit unruly (and I do mean a bit), you cannot assume that the parents never discipline that child and he/she gets away with everything; that child may have a learning disability or that could be a new step-dad just learning how to get through to his new step-son/daughter.

**********************************************************
I think it is unfair to assume we know why people do the things they do until we know why they do what they do. How does the old saying go? Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes?

 

[cyndibelle]

ok well next month when my hubby and i go and if we want to take out back pack we sure will for MY MEDICAL REASONS thank you...for those of you who are so lucky to be healthy and not understand that some of us arent so lucky to be able to go out and enjoy the benefits of being able to eat whatever we want whenever we want etc ....and have to watch our dietary retrictions etc or take medications... it is nice that disney does let us bring in the things that we need..god forbid that one day something happen to you that you might have to make adjustments....and momof2inpa i would like to see your letter showing where you were told you were not allowed to bring them to disney...we have been twice in the past year and not once were we ever questioned...

 

[CinderellaIam]

I still have the bruises on my foot from someones rolling back pack and we're home for two weeks already. The person never even realized they did it, or just ignored the fact, even after my loud OWE! Felt like they had a case of water in there. I was sitting on a bench in MK looking over the show schedule, the family stopped in front of me to take pictures and the Dad holding the pack backed up, over my foot, and then walked away. There IS NO need for these to be in the park, really, what did you do before these were made??

Why not use a locker to store your stuff?? In all of our trips to WDW, starting when DD was very young (now in college) I never carried more than a large hiker type fanny pack. All the extras, snacks, bottles of water, medication, sweat shirts, etc. goes into a locker.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I would be much better off pushing a stroller (something I am VERY familiar with) than I would be dragging a rolling backpack (something I do not own). I bought a suitcase today and I was quite the force to be reckoned with on my way out of the mall. It is hard to steer something you aren't looking at, especially when you pass something like a huge display in the middle of an aisle! I don't think I hit any people. I wonder if folks buy those things specifically to bring to WDW without thinking how hard it will be to manuever.

We won't be bringing a stroller or a rolling backpack to the parks. I do think if Disney has a policy against something that they ought to enforce it, but that's just me.

 

[puritan]

I can't believe how rude some of you people here are. No, rolling backpacks are not against the rules. I use one every time I go. It is a 21" tall backpack. I have never run over anyone, and I do not use it to spoil my children. I bring water, som snacks (I have issues with reflux and cannot let my stomach get empty), a sweatshirt for me, my wife and two children if necessary, and my photo equipment. That leaves me some room for things that we purchase.

BDCP: A vacation should be about enjoyment, not ease. My rolling backpack allows me to bring the things that I like to have to enjoy myself. I enjoy taking lots of pictures of my family, and my life. And I enjoy being able to be comfortable when the temperature goes from 40 degrees in the morning up to 70+ during the day. Shame on you for thinking that everyone should adjust to your desires. This is my vacation, not yours! Also, you do not know why Cyndibelle needs an inhaler. But you just assume that she is a smoker. That just shows that you are a judgemental, and shallow person.

momof2inPA: Please post a copy of this email. I cannot find anything on the Disney website that says that you cannot have rolling backpacks. That would be in the FAQ if that really was the case.

zurgswife: Backpacks don't cut people off, ignorant people do. I, for one, put it on my back when there are large crowds, like after the parades. And I try very hard to be considerate of where I walk just because I know that I have a backpack behind me. Instead of backpacks, they should not allow rude and ignorent people in the parks. Then nobody would have a complaint.

bytheblood: The only people that get annoyed are the rude people who are trying to push through the crowd to get out faster. Maybe if the rude and inconsiderate weren't crawling right up your butt to try to be the first ones on the bus, this would not be a problem.

As you can all tell by now, I go on vacation to enjoy myself. I work hard to be considerate to others. I do not try to force my way through crowds, and I allow wheelchairs, strollers, and people their space. They have just as much of a right to be there as you. Don't generalize, and be considerate to others.

puritan

 

[WWTBAMFAN]

I have seen several pin traders with rolling suitcases full of pins. My wife saw one of the traders get onto the hot seat at WWBTAM-PI and have to take the suitcase with him to the hot seat (he did not trust anyone to watch his collection).

 

[Philly81]

I can see where people that have medical reasons like CyndiBelle need a rolling suitcase in the parks. I don't agree that people should be hauling them around just to carry snacks and personal items. Those can be left in a locker and you can go back whenever you need to to access it. I have 3 kids and have brought them to WDW since they were little and all we ever needed was a stroller, diaper bag, that fit under the stroller, and waist/fanny packs for me, dh, and the older kids. If you need snacks to keep your stomach full there are plenty of counter service places that have a variety of offerings and small snacks will fit in a waistpack/fannypack if you need to bring crackers etc. I know strollers, ECV's, and in SOME cases a rolling backpack is needed but NOT to carry around brought in food and a case of water just because someone wants to save a dime. I have rarely been to any amusement type place of any kind that sells refreshmants that lets anyone bring any food or drink items in other than a birthday cake if a party is held there. The rest of us want to ENJOY our vacations without UNNEEDED (that is the key word) obstacles under our feet and bumping into us just because someone is too lazy or stingy to rent a locker. That imo is rude. I want to reiterate that I don't mean this for people who have legitimate reasons to use them.

 

[puritan]

Philly81,

It doesn't matter if you agree with why someone wants to bring one. Everyone can if they want to. That was the question here, not if everyone agrees that someone should, or should not bring a rolling backpack. The question is are you allowed to. And the answer is yes. You have no right to declare how I, or anyone else, should plan for and carry out our vacations.

There is an old saying... "To each his own..."

puritan