Should I bother bringing a cooler?

[jle323]

We're going down in September with my 18 month old son. We're planning on heading back to our resort midday for naps, so is it worth it to bring a cooler to the parks? If you traveled with a toddler, and ended up back at your resort midday, did you use your cooler?

Thanks!

 

[SalandJeff]

We brought a small soft sided insulated bag that fit in the bottom of our stroller along with our backpack. We used it for juice for my daughter and I would bring a couple of bottles of water for myself - a lot less expensive than buying. It will be hot in September, so you may want to bring drinks for your little one. Also, we found that our original plans before we left home were not necessarily what we followed when we were there (for example, you may decide to stay at a park longer than you thought, etc.) I'd bring it.

 

[myAAbatteries&aTD]

we've never used a cooler. I do freeze water in our thermoses at night to keep the water cold longer (about half-3/4 full of ice) so that it stays cold until afternoon.... same w/ juice pouches/boxes, grapes... which then keep our orange slices cool... The backpack has always been enough for us, even w/ 3 little ones!

 

[Astro Orbiter]

We do what SalandJeff do - bought a $1 insulated lunchbag at Target and pack it with an ice pack and whatever we want. We typically carry juice boxes, an apple, and grapes in it. We tried yogurt - when we had a fridge, everything kept cool enough and DD would eat it; when we stayed at Pop and tried to make-do with a cooler, things didn't stay cool enough and between a not-frozen ice pack and warmer than usual yogurt she said it was funky and wouldn't eat it.

We also carry granola bars and yogos to stave off the cranky child when she gets hungry. Those are typically in a ziploc, though.

Deb

 

[DVCJEN]

You can get free ice or free ice water at any CS restaurant. If you want to take a juice or something for your child you could but really unless you are wanting to take food I would say there is no need for a cooler.

 

[PJinNYC]

We didn't take a cooler either. We had a water bottle that we filled with ice before we left the hotel for the parks. And we took a few juice boxes.

By the time we were ready for a cold drink in the parks, the ice had melted enough to have a nice cold drink and then we poured the drink box over the remaining ice.

And like somebody else said, you can always go to one of the food counters and ask for a cup with ice and water. We would refill the water bottle with ice and continue on.