Rolling Backpacks/Suitcases Handy or Nuisance at Parks?

[Katems]

What do you think? Are the rolling packs/cases handy at the parks or are they too hard to pull around? Do they tangle and trip people up? What do you do with them while you're on attractions? Are they an invitation to theives?

We might be strollerless this year so I'm just wondering where on earth to PUT everything! But dragging a rolling pack behind me might not be convenient, either.

Also, do you think an almost five year old still needs a stroller if we arrive for opening hours, leave each afternoon for a nap/swim at the hotel, and then return in the evening?

Thanks!

 

[Ilovestitch]

I believe Disney does not allow them in the parks at all. Some people might slip them in by having them on their back, but i think officially they aren't allowed.

 

[qtwns]

I don't know whether Disney allows them or not, but I saw several "parked" with the strollers in May. I remember thinking to myself that this would be a good option for when we eventuallygo strollerless.

As for strollers, my boys were 8, 5 and 5 in May and the twins took turns in the rented stroller and the 8 yr. old rested in it from time to time--he couldn't get wheeled around b/c he is a big 8 yr. old, but he'd plop down if we were still and it was vacant!

I'm curious as to whether they are easy to move around as well.

 

[monarchsfan16]

Rolling backpacks (in my experience trying to dodge them at school) are the biggest nuisence on earth. They really trip people up and get in the way. In the last 2 years of school I must have been taken out by a rolling backpack about 30 times. I can't even imagine what it would be like at Disney.
My sister and I barely made it through Disney walking at 4. And by barely making it I mean we'd fall asleep walking and mom or dad would have to carry us. We were doing similar hours in the parks as what you're suggesting. I'd really take a stroller. That's a lot of miles of walking even for adults.

 

[tjmw2727]

Officially they are not allowed in the parks but people do manage to get them in. I was behind a couple with one and the CM told them they could not use it unless it could be worn instead of rolled. The backpack had straps so the CM allowed it but said it was not to be dragged. We entered after them and not two minutes down main street it was behind them and dragged.

I know my dd's school won't allow them to be dragged in the school. They do allow those who walk to/from school to use them but they must be carried inside the building. To many accidents with triping others and getting caught in doors and crowds.

A 5yo should be ok without a stroller especially in the am and at MK. Exceptions could be epcot in the evening - lots o walking and AK if it is very warm. Once my kids turned 4 we rented as needed.

HTH
TJ

 

[yooperfan]

Have you considered a messenger bag? They come in all sizes and are very popular this year. I have one I bought for Disney that is not huge but big enough to carry our camcorder, reg. camera, sunglass and more. They make ones much larger than mine and have a wide comfortable strap that crosses the body. Now I don't have to worry about setting my bag down and forgetting it as I can leave it on me. Just a thought.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Definitely a pain in the butt. They hit others, they are cumbersome and you cannot take them on rides. No one will watch them, so their not safe.

 

[Troy08]

I believe Disney does not allow them in the parks at all. Some people might slip them in by having them on their back, but i think officially they aren't allowed.

>>>Well they may not be allowed but I was there last week and saw many people using rolling back packs, or rolling cooler types.Personally, I think they would be a pain. Reminds me too much of hauling your luggage around at the airport.

Go for a small backpack, you will be amazed at all you can get in one. Wear a travel sized messenger bag for mom and maybe a belt bag for dad. Stop and think what you will ab salutely need for the parks and disregard the rest.

 

[minijeanie]

absolutely take the stroller for a five year old. I did for my DD when she was young.

very much worth it

 

[Aimeedyan]

The rolling backpacks are SO dangerous in the parks! Disney quickly caught on and I believe they are now not allowing them - too many injuries, esp in crowds.

I'd def still do a stroller for a 5 year old. Heck, if I could fit in one I'd still get one for myself!! That's a lot of walking for a 5 year old, she'll appreciate the option to sit for awhile, and you'll enjoy the storage space! =)

 

[jjarman]

DS is no longer 5 but if he was I would definitely get a stroller. I am planning a trip in a few years with my brother and his family and their kids will be 6 and 4. We will most definitely have a stroller. Take a good backpack. Like a previous poster stated you would be amazed what you can get in there. I take one each time and DS is 15. We pack our ponchos in it and maybe the Hidden Mickey book. I honestly can't think of what a 5 year old would need that would warrant taking a suitcase. Maybe some snacks and juice, suntan lotion for sure, a light jacket if the weather warranted it. Of course, I tend to travel light.

 

[NCombs]

I would recommend a backpack or messenger bag. We carried one last year and it worked great because we could take it on the rides with us. We carried sunscreen, cameras, drinks, etc.

 

[dmslush]

I saw several people with them last week, and they were a Pain in the rear! At least when you are pushing a stoller, you can see where the stroller is going, and who it is getting near, etc.. but with the rolling backpacks, you can't tell unless you have eyes on the back of your head! I had several people with them suddenly stop right in front of me and it was all I could do not to fall over the packs.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

Leave the luggage at the resort. Its a pain for everyone! Take a backpack, messenger bag or something.

 

[Katems]

I agree backpacks are handy, but they are so HOT on your back! We're going in August and I can't imagine wearing a hot, heavy load against my body like that! What is a messenger bag? I assume you 'wear' that, too? I just can't see 'wearing' something in August.

 

[Lizzybee]

I used a messenager bag this Spring, I got it at Kohl's it was lightweight and waterproof. I loosened up the strap to it's longest setting and slung it over my shoulder to the point where it rested somewhere near my hip, but not really smashed against my body and just a second or two and I could flip it to the other side.
As for the rolling backpack, my kids have almost been taken out by a couple of those at Six Flags Great America this season. It's just the nature of the beast, believe me I'm not "against" the rolling backpack, my son needs one for sure at school, he's going into middle school and he's only 55 lbs, but at the theme parks they are hazardous. I know it is handy not to have to carry heavy things but they drag behind you and you can't possibly keep a good eye on them. If you walk aimlessly through unfamiliar parks and sometimes stop suddenly (like I do at WDW because I've only been twice), you can unwittingly injure someone. I'm sure that people who do bring them in do it with the best of intentions and not trying to hurt anyone but if you think about it, it's just not worth it. If you can't comfortably carry all of your park needs, maybe rent a locker to lighten the load.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What do you think? Are the rolling packs/cases handy at the parks or are they too hard to pull around? Do they tangle and trip people up? What do you do with them while you're on attractions? Are they an invitation to theives?

We might be strollerless this year so I'm just wondering where on earth to PUT everything! But dragging a rolling pack behind me might not be convenient, either.

Also, do you think an almost five year old still needs a stroller if we arrive for opening hours, leave each afternoon for a nap/swim at the hotel, and then return in the evening?

Thanks!

Would you be able to lighten the load and leave some of the stuff back in the hotel room? Really look at all the stuff you want to lug around and see what you can do without. It's a lot easier on you. Half the time I'm the only one in our family who has to go through security and it's because I have a fanny pack on. I carry the tickets.

 

[Nolcrest]

Once again I will say that I was amazed at the "loads" people are lugging around at the parks. Is all this stuff really necessary. Even some of the baby carriages were like mini SUV's.

I've traveled with little ones too and we never carried around alot of stuff.

When we were with little ones we used a lightweight umbrella stroller. Then we graduated to just one regular sized lightweight backpack. And now I'm down to a little fannypack.

I say to bring as little as possible. Remember you can always go back to your room or rent a locker.