soft side cooler

[brad54]

I was thinking about trying something for our September vacation to WDW an US/IOA. I plan on buying a soft side cooler and every morning before hitting the parks filling it with ice from the hotel and about 10 bottles of water (there are 5 of us) we’ll buy once we arrive in Orlando. Then I’ll put the cooler in a backpack that I’ll have to tote around all day. Can anyone give me their thoughts on why this will/won’t work. And do you have an alternate suggestion that may be better. Some of the potential problems I see

1. Parks won’t allow me to bring this in
2. Heavy
3. Would take up most of my backpack storage, leaving little room for anything else.
4. Could leak

Let me know what you think.

Thanks

 

[scoutsmom99]

When a friend and I went for our senior trip in 99 we did just that (soft sided cooler in backpack). Except she was in a wheel chair so we just hung it off the pack of her wheel chair. It worked just fine for us and we were never questioned at US or WDW. I think its a great idea. I always bring my own water into the parks and a gronola bar. The load will lighten as you start to drink your fluids (especially in the hot Sept weather!).

 

[Gillian]

It will be very heavy. And there's a good chance the ice will leak, even if you use ziploc bags.

We have a backpack with a built in cooler thing. Even with 3-4 waters and a juice box or two it's very heavy.

For WDW we usually take 1 bottle per person and refill at water fountains or at lunch. I think you can get free ice water in a cup. Even if we end up buying drinks later we still save money by bringing some of our own.

If we are staying offsite and have a freezer I freeze half full bottles and fill them with water in the morning. They stay cold much longer.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

I think it would be very heavy.

 

[Deb & Bill]

They won't let you bring it in at US/IOA/SW. They are more strict that Disney.

Plus, you'll get a hernia from lugging all that weight.

 

[Nicolepa]

What I do is take one bottle per person (in your case 5) empty out a bit of the water and freeze them. It works as the ice in your cooler w/o having to worry about leaks and you can fill as needed with water from the unfrozen bottles (or the foutain). The ice (if kept in the cooler when not in use) will last most of the day, even in the August/September heat.

This of course only works if you have access to a freezer.

 

[Nolcrest]

For me it would start to feel very heavy. I was holding a water bottle last week while at the parks and by the second day I bought a bottle strap to wear across my shoulder.

My husband and I were amazed at all the "luggage" people bring into the parks. It just seems like too much of a hassle for me.

I bought one water bottle the first day and I just kept refilling it as I needed - which really wasn't too much - even in the heat of July.

They do check all backs before entering hte park and this can slow things down for you too.