should kids carry backpacks

[tigger51276]

i have never been to Disney and we are going for the first time in June. we are thinking about letting the kids carry small backpacks for their poncho and autograph books. my dh thinks this is a bad idea. please help. is is it really a bad idea or should i just put it in mine?

I haven't read any of the posts, but I see that your kids are 8 & 9. While they are certainly old enough to carry backpacks, I can honestly say that you will find they are exhausted after a long day at the parks and you or hubby will end up with the backpacks. I would just put the ponchos in your backpack and maybe get them fanny pack type bags to carry around their waists to hold their autograph book/pen and any other little things they have.

 

[tigger51276]

Wow, I am honestly surprised at how many people's children lose their stuff! We've never been to Disney, but we've done lots of days out all over the place, on hot and cold days.
We've never had a car so relied on public transport, we've always been on a budget so always take packed lunch with us.
QUOTE]
I have a feeling that the reason so many people, not just kids lose stuff at Disney is everytime you go on a ride you have to take it off and then put it back on. Think about how many rides you'll be going on and each ride will represent an opportunity to forget the bag either because they are excited, tired or forgot to grab it from the safety net that a lot of rides have for bags so they don't fall off said ride. Heck every adult I've been to Disney with, myself included has at one time or another forgotten an item on a ride.

 

[nchulka]

I'm pretty shocked by everyone's low expectations of their children. How do you know they will lose things if never given the opportunity? I would just let them know that the responsibility is on them, they lose it, they don't have it anymore. On our trip my DD8 and DS who turned 7 on the trip both had their own backpacks with their own wallets and money, over 100 dollars each cash (they had been saving for over 2 years for our big family trip). Not only did they hold tight to their bags, but whenever they wanted to buy something, they just went up to a cash register and took care of it themselves. They didn't spend their money the way I would have, but it was their's to spend. The only thing lost in the 2 1/2 week trip was my DD's water bottle, apparently she was drinking out of it at some point in AK and set it down. When she realized later it was gone she was sad, but knew it was her own mistake. For the next week she just used drinking fountains instead. Give your kids some confidence that they are capable of taking care of things, otherwise they will pick up on the fact that you don't think they can and it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy later.

 

[Hannathy]

I'm pretty shocked by everyone's low expectations of their children. How do you know they will lose things if never given the opportunity? I would just let them know that the responsibility is on them, they lose it, they don't have it anymore. On our trip my DD8 and DS who turned 7 on the trip both had their own backpacks with their own wallets and money, over 100 dollars each cash (they had been saving for over 2 years for our big family trip). Not only did they hold tight to their bags, but whenever they wanted to buy something, they just went up to a cash register and took care of it themselves. They didn't spend their money the way I would have, but it was their's to spend. The only thing lost in the 2 1/2 week trip was my DD's water bottle, apparently she was drinking out of it at some point in AK and set it down. When she realized later it was gone she was sad, but knew it was her own mistake. For the next week she just used drinking fountains instead. Give your kids some confidence that they are capable of taking care of things, otherwise they will pick up on the fact that you don't think they can and it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy later.

I agree. I am shocked also that so many don't think kids of 9, 10 and up aren't capable of keeping track of their own things. When then? And to me even if I have to say as we are getting off things don't forget your bag, it is a lot easier than hauling around their stuff, also lightens the loads because when they know THEY will be carrying it, it is amazing how much less stuff they need.

 

[Sundancer UK]

Nodding along to the last two posters

My children also carry their stuff to school each day - is this uncommon over the pond in the US? We walk just over 2 miles to school and they each carry their book bags (either in hand, or a satchel over one shoulder) and their lunch and water bottle in a backpack.
If they need to take in a PE kit they'll often carry that too! I'm not completely mean - if my hands are free then I will take a PE kit, but usually I have my own stuff to carry.

When my children go on school trips for the day they are all expected to take lunch, water and suncream (if it's hot) with them too, and even among a class of 30 6 year olds it's unusual for anyone to lose anything.

 

[badblackpug]

Wow, I am honestly surprised at how many people's children lose their stuff! We've never been to Disney, but we've done lots of days out all over the place, on hot and cold days.
We've never had a car so relied on public transport, we've always been on a budget so always take packed lunch with us.
QUOTE]
I have a feeling that the reason so many people, not just kids lose stuff at Disney is everytime you go on a ride you have to take it off and then put it back on. Think about how many rides you'll be going on and each ride will represent an opportunity to forget the bag either because they are excited, tired or forgot to grab it from the safety net that a lot of rides have for bags so they don't fall off said ride. Heck every adult I've been to Disney with, myself included has at one time or another forgotten an item on a ride.

I'm pretty shocked by everyone's low expectations of their children. How do you know they will lose things if never given the opportunity? I would just let them know that the responsibility is on them, they lose it, they don't have it anymore. On our trip my DD8 and DS who turned 7 on the trip both had their own backpacks with their own wallets and money, over 100 dollars each cash (they had been saving for over 2 years for our big family trip). Not only did they hold tight to their bags, but whenever they wanted to buy something, they just went up to a cash register and took care of it themselves. They didn't spend their money the way I would have, but it was their's to spend. The only thing lost in the 2 1/2 week trip was my DD's water bottle, apparently she was drinking out of it at some point in AK and set it down. When she realized later it was gone she was sad, but knew it was her own mistake. For the next week she just used drinking fountains instead. Give your kids some confidence that they are capable of taking care of things, otherwise they will pick up on the fact that you don't think they can and it will become a self-fulfilling prophecy later.

Because he lost his backpack in WDW 3 years ago, and it was never returned. There was no cash in it, but he had a ton of pins and his autograph book. He cried for about an hour over it.

Like a PP said, they take the pack off every time they get on a ride or see a show. When kids carry a pack to school, they carry it into the school, put it away, and carry it home. My son left his back pack in the bathroom.

 

[robinsegg]

We had our kids take fannypacks that were designed as small camera cases (got them with admission to something at home). It worked great! But our autograph books were spiral-bound index cards

 

[PHXscuba]

I am finally beyond carrying a backpack/diaper bag everywhere and I am not going to be the pack mule at WDW! I have a cross-body bag that will hold a water bottle and few small things. DS6 and DD9 have small waist packs that hold a water bottle and some snacks. DD12 has her own cross-body bag that holds her camera, water bottle, and whatever else she is willing to haul. DS15 uses cargo shorts and maybe a water bottle holder. DH carries the small camera bag and has cargo-shorts pockets.

I agree that even younger kids are capable of carrying water, snacks, and a poncho to lighten the parents' load -- anything you wouldn't be devastated to lose. I think a fanny pack is better than a backpack because you rarely have to take it off.

I do always bring a backpack on a trip (usually as my "personal item" on the plane) because we inevitably use it a little. But even then we take turns.

We don't do autographs or pins by choice. Sunscreen and credit/room cards are the only other things I'll carry and those are small. I carry the 2 younger kids' money. We "shake down" new bags by taking them to the zoo for the day when it's warm.

PHXscuba

 

[bigbabyblues]

I agree with the "if you want it, you carry it". My boys are 10 & 7 and they carry their own things in the park. DS10 usually only brings his camera in the case with a strap around his neck, but he will sometimes bring a small backpack if he wants other things. They wear/carry their own sunglasses and carry their own water bottles.

I don't usually bring a backpack to the parks for myself, and DH brings his camera bag for the DSLR.

 

[iheartdisney]

umm, yes!
Once mine grew out of the stroller, they carry their own stuff. And they survive it at least once a month!
My backpack is usually full just with our blanket for fantasmic and my lunch. They carry thier own jacket for once the sun goes down and lunch and snacks. The good news is, as the day goes on, the packs get lighter. It is not that complicated to remember them either... small rides like dark rides or even BTMRR, they don't even have to take them off. Bigger rides, the bag goes between their feet.
i saw that Camelbak makes a mini- MULE, and i was seriously thinking of getting them each one before we go to WDW this summer!

 

[cheshireqt]

The chance that all of my kids would go a whole day without losing a bag is slim to none. We travel light, and we only needed one backpack. I can't imagine trying to make sure that each kid had his or her backpack after every ride, bathroom break, meal, etc.

Agree!
We don't have little ones so we only use one bag, I would be miserable with the hassle of having more than one bag between us. In fact I would use no bag if I could convince DH. Over on the Universal board they suggest cargo shorts b/c you have to put bags in lockers for a number of rides. Already looking at the Spring catalogs for cargo shorts! I think I almost have DH convinced.

 

[dis-happy]

I belong to the club that believes if they are old enough to walk the parks they are old enough to carry their own stuff. A kid sized, lightweight backpack isn't difficult to carry. My crew loves to have their own snacks with them, along with a small (8 oz) bottle of water. Everyone picks 2 or 3 things from the big snack bowl each morning and can eat them whenever they want. Saves a lot of grief during the day for the parents!!!

Also, my ds enjoys wearing his Star Wars backpack (purcahsed at Star Tours) around the park. It's more of an accessory than a burden for him.

 

[LynneyPooh]

I think the small string packs are perfect for children around 8, 9 years old. I informed my daughter the day after my first post that she would have to carry her own bag for her water, glasses, camera and billfold. Do I want her to lose anything? NO, however if she can handle her pocketbook packed full of only the Lord knows at the mall, then a string bag with the smaller stuff @ WDW should be a snap.
Another thought for water bottles is the lanyards made to carry them across the body. We picked up 2 on the Magic, and it was one of the best $6.00 purchases we made! (I think I remember spotting them in the kingdom the last summer trip we took). They have already been put in the "to be packed" basket.
While I do carry a string bag, I try to keep it very minimal. I always have tylenol/advil, my small point and shoot camera, SUNSCREEN, sunglass case, and poncho's if its call for t-storms. If we know we want to do the all day thing, we start out with extra shoes or jackets and spring for a locker.
I believe this is a personal choice- I'd rather have a small bag than big baggy cargo shorts filled to capacity. Some rather have empty hands-others empty pockets. Just do what works best for you family

 

[GinnyEmma]

I just didn't let my kids bring a ton of crap. Backpacks have to be dealt with before each ride, etc. Now, if they did want to carry something it was their own problem. Pants with pockets are a positive. The poncho fits well.

Water bottles aren't necessary. You can get free cups of ice water anywhere. Souveniers go back to the room. And if someone insisted on autographs those fit in the pockets, too. Luckily the stupid autograph books were only an issue for a few days. I hated standing in line for them.

 

[Minnie&Tink]

My dd has a small backpack (Lesportsac) that she will carry at Disney. It won't be stuffed full but she'll have her water, autograph book, pen, rain poncho and some small snacks. She is used to carrying her own stuff when we go out even if it's just to the mall.

 

[sweetdana]

I might get flamed..

I bring the stroller with us still. DD is 6, but the stroller back carries, the sunscreen, water bottles, resorts mugs (if we came with coffee), ponchos, jackets if weather requires it, and a towel is there will be water to run through. I also take a few coloring pages and about a dozen markers and keep them in a large zip lock bag to keep her busy at lunch or in line ect. I keep items I am totally okay with being stolen in the back of the stroller and park it in stroller parking for a ton most of the day. Picking up to say go to tommorow land, or lunch or what ever.
I assume this will run out as dd6 is already to big for the stroller.. but until then that is my poncho/stuff solution.

I carry 1 mini back pack with me with auto book in ziplock bag, camera, tickets and stuff in it. Once stroller vanishes, I assume it will just get bigger.
At there age they might last 1/2 the day before they hand it off to you. I'd recommend 1 bag for all the stuff.

 

[~Kristina~]

i have never been to Disney and we are going for the first time in June. we are thinking about letting the kids carry small backpacks for their poncho and autograph books. my dh thinks this is a bad idea. please help. is is it really a bad idea or should i just put it in mine?

My oldest kids don't even like wearing their pin lanyards with a couple pins on it, so a backpack would definitely be out of the question for mine.

 

[lilpeople]

i bought small fanny packs on ebay. thinking i may have them carry those. we went hiking with small backpacks and the wore them fine, but we did not go all day. thinking i may just take them to the zoo and let them use them and see how it goes

 

[ChrystalUnicorn]

My boys ages 10 and 13 had fanny packs. They carried there Disney gift cards, a bottle of water, extra socks, cameras and guide maps. I had a small back pack and my 7 year old dd did not carry anything but her Jessie doll. lol!
I found it really helpful for the boys to carry their own things.

 

[hannahdrewmom]

To the op.... I'd be more concerned with the fact that one of your children is in on the spectrum. I'd think in terms of what it will be like if it is lost. Some children would deal very poorly with this .... even more so if it had something very important to them like a ds. The chances of it being lost are there. They may not be high but they also may be depending on the frame of mind and the type of day EVERYONE is having. So if it's something that your dd can deal with and might only cause a problem for a few minutes or even an hour then go for it. If it is something that might cause trouble for the remainder of the trip... it might be a gamble that isn't worth taking! Good luck!