Strategies for wearing Backpack for the first time to WDW.

[DaviVascaino]

Hello everyone,

We are going to WDW and Universal in late August 2026 (I know, hot and humid, but we have no other choice this year).
My youngest kid now is old enough to not require a stroller, so this will be our FIRST trip to WDW without a stroller (Super scary). We loved the stroller, not only for the kid, but for us (leaving backpacks, souvenirs, bottles, etc).

I have 2 boys and my wife. I plan to be the "mule", bringing a backpack so my kids don't have to worry about extra weight.

Since I am going in the summer, I need to bring 4 water bottles, ponchos, umbrella, portable battery, flip-flops (in case rains), sunscreen, etc so it can't be a small backpack.
I was thinking about this one that I like , but I am open to suggestions from those that tried and had great experience.
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour...nder+armor+backpack,aps,141&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

My question is :
1. how do you guys survive carrying a backpack all day (we plan to take a midday break at the Boardwalk resort? won't hurt? sweaty backs? lol, any strategies to not feel bothered by it all day?
2. what about the rides? which rides do not accommodate backpacks? the only one I can think of is Tron.
3. is renting a locker worth it? my fear is having to go back and forth frequently to get stuff out of backpack frequently, defeating the purpose of the locker lol
4. What about at Universal? is it more or less backpack friendly?

Thanks!!

 

[woody5]

we continued to take a cheap umbrella to the park with a basket. Used it to carry the backpacks and all the other items you mentioned.

 

[byurick]

I can't speak to much of the specific questions you have but I am also the designated family mule (we have also been several times in August). Take frequent breaks (strolling through the air conditioned shops helps). When you go to sit anywhere even if it's just for a minute, take it off. My wife will also take a few turns with it depending on how long we've been walking around just to give my back a nice little break.

I can't think of many rides off the top of my head at WDW (at least the ones that I do) that I cannot bring it with me other than temporarily storing it during Tron.

We have occasionally rented a locker and stored it on some of our park outings but that is only when we know aren't going to need anything in it for quite a while. It defeats the purpose if you are constantly running back and forth to the front of the park to retrieve or store items.

 

[reddog21]

My question is :
1. how do you guys survive carrying a backpack all day (we plan to take a midday break at the Boardwalk resort? won't hurt? sweaty backs? lol, any strategies to not feel bothered by it all day?

The backpack matters, personally I don't like that ones that have extra padding in the back, they make my back sweat more. I'm not exactly sure what it feels like not to have a backpack on all day. I feel weird when I don't have it on.

2. what about the rides? which rides do not accommodate backpacks? the only one I can think of is Tron.

Tron is the only ride that requires a storage locker. Every other ride you can take the bag with you on the ride or place it next to the ride(Soarin, Flight of Passage). Kali is the only other ride I can think of, that locker is recommended but not required.

3. is renting a locker worth it? my fear is having to go back and forth frequently to get stuff out of backpack frequently, defeating the purpose of the locker lol

Not worth it.

4. What about at Universal? is it more or less backpack friendly?

Universal isn’t very backpack-friendly, but I’ve managed it several times without much trouble. The Harry Potter (non-Epic) area is the worst since the locker space is small and always crowded. Small bags can be stored for free, but there’s a charge for large ones. My backpacks usually don’t fit in a small locker and I use a standard school-style backpack.

Metal detector rides- no bags nothing in your pockets:

• VelociCoaster (Islands of Adventure) – Note: This one is easy lockers are located mid way thru the line similar to Tron
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster (Islands of Adventure)
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit (Universal Studios Florida)
• Stardust Racers (Epic Universe)

No bags

• Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Revenge of the Mummy
• Men in Black: Alien Attack
• Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment (Epic Universe)
• Hiccup’s Wing Gliders (Epic Universe)

On Universal water rides, you can bring your bag with you, but there’s a good chance it will get wet.

 

[lovethattink]

Hello everyone,

We are going to WDW and Universal in late August 2026 (I know, hot and humid, but we have no other choice this year).
My youngest kid now is old enough to not require a stroller, so this will be our FIRST trip to WDW without a stroller (Super scary). We loved the stroller, not only for the kid, but for us (leaving backpacks, souvenirs, bottles, etc).

I have 2 boys and my wife. I plan to be the "mule", bringing a backpack so my kids don't have to worry about extra weight.

Since I am going in the summer, I need to bring 4 water bottles, ponchos, umbrella, portable battery, flip-flops (in case rains), sunscreen, etc so it can't be a small backpack.
I was thinking about this one that I like , but I am open to suggestions from those that tried and had great experience.
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Armour-Hustle-Backpack-Silver/dp/B07YXM1KLR/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2Q9N1CE0R9IID&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vY6BYb6_xZE3M1KVSxZL9x1FWdOq7OCKCxl2D535jsUWMsYNK48QG9Cw1zJz6RkI5v4nV7MVm5kUOxvkcY0rWm0ZcDR8HFX7WxcfF0TlkQBIkoRmvlTsvsFz8CGe-65bJg0yvNLG6Q6PCLuIoBYKXqAlNl1iC4jKUkse17aVqx3CmIxRkpnFdNRto4QN5je_jJTtGdQrLCFkTJ-aSWLFbrEObF0wot0lgNW1R0yopXYecDXmzpNqL2WRd-X7RxesISfwkbdt8zxfitF_URwh7gLk3y3OSiWWZ8PRy9vig0w.gGbDcZqcwtCHv9WUk5tvuLjOG0Ii8ohLNKgnRBhUrw8&dib_tag=se&keywords=under+armor+backpack&qid=1769442348&sprefix=under+armor+backpack,aps,141&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

My question is :
1. how do you guys survive carrying a backpack all day (we plan to take a midday break at the Boardwalk resort? won't hurt? sweaty backs? lol, any strategies to not feel bothered by it all day?
2. what about the rides? which rides do not accommodate backpacks? the only one I can think of is Tron.
3. is renting a locker worth it? my fear is having to go back and forth frequently to get stuff out of backpack frequently, defeating the purpose of the locker lol
4. What about at Universal? is it more or less backpack friendly?

Thanks!!

1. August is sweaty with or without a backpack. If you’re going back to your room, only bring what you’ll need until then. If you’ll have a freezer in your room, freeze some of the water bottles.

Tap water is available at any place that has fountain drinks.

We use a Loungefly for the 3 of us, not a big backpack.

I have a small bottle of sunscreen, a frozen water, 3 powerades, meds, power charger, cords, 3 Uncrustables, M&M’s, umbrella

2. My dh can’t sit on 7DMT with a backpack. I’m tiny, so I have no issue putting it at my feet.

3. Renting a locker at Disney would be a pain because of the distance. You’ll find it’s easy peasy at Universal because they have lockers at the rides.

4. More, but they aren’t allowed on most rides. They have lockers outside of the rides. There is a time limit on the lockers too.

 

[muppets3d]

If you plan to ride rides at Universal, you won't want a backpack bigger than something like a Loungefly. Anything much bigger than that won't fit in the lockers they provide for the thrill rides.

 

[bluezy]

Honestly, I'd try to avoid wearing a backpack. We've gone to Disney in late June for 10 trips and it was hot enough then that I didn't want a backpack on -- I can't imagine what it would be like in August. When our youngest kids were 4 and 5, I'd carry a medium sized crossbody bag full of stuff I was sure I would need but never used. Even with 5 kids, I quickly realized that life was better when I wasn't lugging a bag around Disney World. What works for us: Buying water in the parks. I'd rather skip a few dinners out at home and put that money towards buying cold bottles of water when we're thirsty. We usually share a few bottles between us. We have bottled water in the room and each take a bottle with us when we head to a park, but that's it, the rest are purchased in the park. We take a few travel size sunscreens that attach to a belt loop with a carabiner clip. I'm the only one in our family who will wear a rain poncho (unless we're having several hours of rain -- not just the usual 4 p.m. FL shower) so I carry a rain poncho in my pocket. If someone else wants a rain poncho, they carry their own. If there is a lot of rain predicted for the day, I'll wear shoes that are rain friendly. If we get caught in a shower, we head indoors or just deal with slightly wet shoes for a few hours. I might buy some of those plastic disposable shoe covers on our next trip -- though wet shoes have only been a problem on our trip where it rained all day every day while we were there. One of us will carry a portable charger but I don't think we've ever actually used it in the parks. We tend to go back to the room for a little break in the afternoon, so we reapply sunscreen, recharge phones, and grab a fresh bottle of water while we're there. We don't find it worth carry a bunch of stuff around all day. However, if you choose to do that, I think the bag you linked to would work well. I have a similar style that I use as my personal item when I fly. I like that it has different compartments to make it easy to keep things organized and not have to dig through the bag to find something.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Cut some stuff, August is going to kick your rear.

Skip the flip flops in case of rain and put the crew in shoes that can handle the rain. (Flip flops aren't even a good alternative during rain as they get very slippery and in downpours they're hard to keep on your feet when wading through standing water.)

Cut the 4 water bottles down to 2. Consider plastic disposable ones instead of heavy reusable ones.

 

[bluezy]

Cut some stuff, August is going to kick your rear.

Skip the flip flops in case of rain and put the crew is in shoes that can handle the rain. (Flip flops aren't even a good alternative during rain as they get very slippery and in downpours they're hard to keep on your feet when wading through standing water.)

Cut the 4 water bottles down to 2. Consider plastic disposable ones instead of heavy reusable ones.

Yes, I forgot to mention that about the flip flops. I've seen numerous people slide/slip/fall while wearing flip flops or Crocs during rain storms.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think you’re going to drive yourself crazy. People are going to be in and out of that back pack constantly. Not to mention the weight of it, and the heat on your back.

Why not let everyone take their own bag? It doesn’t have to be a backpack necessarily. They sell the really light ones that have strings but can hold a lot. (Kids can put their own water and flip flops and whatever in there.) Fanny packs were in vogue when we gave up our stroller and each kid got one that held some stuff and a water bottle.

I hear you on missing the stroller but let others carry their own bag, too. For everyone’s sanity, lol. (Thinking security checks, gift shops, bathrooms, rides, restaurants, buses, etc.)

Even myself when I wear a backpack or Loungefly I drive myself crazy having to be in an out of it constantly. Which means either someone else reaching into it for me or my having to take it off to get inside.

For our last trip I bought a small Baggalini that holds an amazing amount of things but I can easily and comfortably wear as a crossbody. Worked out well for early September.

 

[DaviVascaino]

I am having second thoughts now about the backpack

 

[frannn]

I also end up being the mule so I use a backpack that is comfy to me and also use it as my personal item on the plane. A Vera Bradley campus backpack is my fave because it has large side pockets for water bottles and some separate zipper compartments. I use a stainless steel water bottle filled with ice in the AM and share it. If we finish, I refill it and the ice usually lasts all day. I take a few disposable rain coats, a phone charger, a mini bottle of sanitizer, a mini sunscreen, a cooling towel (or 2), a few snacks in a ziploc, my wallet, and a lite shrug sweater at night. My husband carries his camera bag because its a large heavy camera. I use a carabiner clip wherever possible. In several years of trips we have never rented a locker nor left stuff in our stroller when the kids were little enough to need one. Stinks in the heat but try to get out early so by the time it gets crazy hot you are ready for a resort break.

 

[TCRAIG]

Ditch the backpack - and get cargo shorts/capris for everyone

 

[BrianL]

Ditch the backpack - and get cargo shorts/capris for everyone

That's my rule - if it doesn't fit into a pair of cargo shorts, it's not coming with me.

 

[Genie+]

Buying water in the parks.

^Yes. While the bottles aren’t cheap, it’s not bad if buying just the odd bottle here and there. Like you said, start the day with everybody bringing a water for themselves, and do that again after midday room breaks. There are also bottle refill stations around the parks - https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/bottle-filling-stations/

 

[reddog21]

I am having second thoughts now about the backpack

For Universal, it might depend on which attractions you’re aiming for, but with Disney, it’s incredibly convenient and not the slightest bit of a hassle.

We still bring ours with us at Universal, I would rather deal with the inconvenience rather than not having it at all.

Ditch the backpack - and get cargo shorts/capris for everyone

that's hysterical, cargo pants would be useless for what we bring

 

[piglet1979]

My question is :
1. how do you guys survive carrying a backpack all day (we plan to take a midday break at the Boardwalk resort? won't hurt? sweaty backs? lol, any strategies to not feel bothered by it all day?
2. what about the rides? which rides do not accommodate backpacks? the only one I can think of is Tron.
3. is renting a locker worth it? my fear is having to go back and forth frequently to get stuff out of backpack frequently, defeating the purpose of the locker lol
4. What about at Universal? is it more or less backpack friendly?

We just use a typical school backpack. We typically go the week of Labor day.

1. We share the duty of wearing the backpack. We also sprinkle in inside rides/shows with ones outside so that we get a chance to cool off. We rope drop (it is cooler, still hot though), head back to the resort at about lunch (getting hotter out and more crowds), head back after dinner (starting to cool down and crowds get lower again).

2. I have been taken it on all the rides with me. I don't go on bigger roller coasters (space, everest, tron, Guardian, Rock N roller coaster and tower of terror). DH and kids will go on them and I keep the backpack. I take the backpack on rides with me as I am much shorter then DH (I am only 4'9") and much more leg room on my end. We do put it in a locker for Kali.

3. We have never gotten a locker except for the ones at Kali. I don't want to have to go find the locker every time we need it. We always had to have snacks with us because DD gets Hangry. We learned this on our first trip. We had about 10 minutes to get her a snack when she said she was hungry or she would have a melt down. I also tend to get cold inside so I always have a hoodie with me in the back pack.

4. I have never been to Universal so I don't have any input here.

We never had the kids take their own backpack. That was more for me to keep track of. DS would have lost his the first day. At 19 I can't even tell how many times he has lost his keys and his wallet. DD would be fine but I would still have to keep track and I wasn't willing to.

We went to Disney when the kids went with there marching band. We still brought the backpack with us. It was Easter week and on the cold side, so there were a few times we didn't bring it with us. DD got herself a fanny pack one that she used at Disney that year and when she went with my sister to Universal. DS didn't want anything and just kept his wallet in his pockets that zipped.

 

[Lou'sMommy]

We always bring one backpack to the parks. My daughter has type 1 diabetes and has to have quick sugar on hand at a moments notice, plus insulin and various other medical supplies. In addition, we bring a couple of plastic bottles of water to share which we can refill during the day. We also bring ponchos if rain is being forecasted, a small sunscreen, a small bottle of Motrin, a tube of Benadryl for bug bites, and some trail mix to munch on while waiting in lines. Oh, we might also throw in some ears and a cap. Truthfully, the only thing that is heavy is the water. We use an old JanSport backpack that has several compartments. It's nice to keep the medical supplies in a separate compartment, plus the water goes in side pouches where it's easy to get to.

My husband, daughter and I take turns wearing or carrying the backpack. Yes, it can get hot, but we need the stuff with us. Since we can take turns, nobody gets too hot. I don't ride Kali so I keep the backpack while they ride. It goes in a locker inside the ride at FOP. Otherwise, we have no problem riding with it.

Universal is another matter. We have gone a couple of times and had a terrible time with the bag. The locker area is crowded, the lockers are small, and they were hard to use (at least for us!). Because my daughter has to have some of the medical supplies with her while waiting in line, we were actually put in a separate line a couple of times where she could have her bag with her right up until loading then recover it immediately after the ride. It was stressful!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

For both Disney and Universal we now bring this
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/82300168/stowaway-packable-20l-backpack?ch=pla&color=Deep Sea&gad_campaignid=21762971508&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADfq0xwf3Kd-8CIk-XqXGzRsWDW9A&gclid=Cj0KCQiAvtzLBhCPARIsALwhxdofyKcqf8Nj2W-6SM1IqahD-R90YGafQPk_ia9ZiWsNIpmFnv7DvLYaApAnEALw_wcB&size=ONE SIZE&sizeType=Regular&sp=1&utm_campaign=tin_eb_shp_ggl_cvr_dr_b_pmx_usa_bau_gen_unisex_na&utm_content=6520823664-brand-pmax-all-products-evergreen-pause-for-big-promo&utm_id=21769433702&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_term=0230168147000000



It is small enough, it does have a lot of padding and in experience any backpack worn in heat will get hot and sweaty (at least the multiple ones different brands, different types, etc) but the padding is nice for your back. The one above IMO isn't one I would stuff full to the max, you could of course but it will get heavy and for Universal the more important aspect is the size of their lockers for rides.

The one backpack we don't pack super full but have put multiple water bottles (to start the day from the hotel), sunscreen, portable chargers, umbrellas, rain jacket, etc in it and for being able to stuff it into the lockers at Universal for the rides not having it super full is better and it's quicker when you don't have to work super hard to get it to fit. The lockers at the rides at Universal are not super big. We have in the past brought a foldable refillable water bottle that we use carabiner clips to clip onto the front of the backpack which is an alternative to the heavier and bulkier weight of water bottles.

For our purposes years back when we bought the backpack we were wanting one that folds up so it can travel. It has been to Japan including Disney there, it has been to other international destinations, it has been domestic used as a day bag for being out and about.

We're just two people but for sunscreen don't bring with you to the parks some big bulky one, bring a small travel-sized one. If you're doing checked luggage bring one or two bottles (depending on how long you're going to be gone) and just refill the travel sized one as needed. We just use an empty 3oz container for the sunscreen and fill it up as needed.

At Universal you could if you wanted get a paid all-day locker for the bulkier items and then take a bag for the smaller stuff. It's more convenient there to do that. We did that the last time we were there so we could ride the water rides at IOA all back to back then change clothes, we had changed into water shoes before the rides. Ordinarily we just tough it out in wet clothes or don't go on the water rides but just giving that as a scenario.

IMO at the end of the day you're going to want to look at whether you want to continue the stroller purely for your perceived convenience or whether you want to move away from that. Eventually you're going to have to move away from stroller if you continue to go to the parks (I mean this like eventually your kids will be teens, will be adults, etc). Millions go to the parks without strollers so at least know people can do it, the parks can be toured without them.

Also don't try and overcompensate by forcing yourself to do all the heavy lifting of the park bags. For your kids depending on their ages a sling backpack can work for them without putting too much in it. And be aware you likely really don't need everything you think you need, it's just the habit of having storage that can make you not think about it. Souvenirs yes that is a bummer especially without Disney doing the package pick up at the designated location at the park entrance.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

They have these on Amazon for kids (called string back packs)







DH uses one like this



For women

https://www.baggallini.com/crossbody-handbags/

Fanny Packs

https://www.rei.com/c/fanny-packs

ETA Also something like this on EBay, search: Large fanny pack. I don’t particularly care for how people wear these today (across the chest) but it would be very easy to slide it around to the back and wear it that way. Super easy to slide back to get things out of it. Not sure how comfortable it would be if overfull, but probably not bad for lighter things. Finding one with, or adding, a shoulder pad, would probably help.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/126616242942?_skw=large+fanny+pack&itmmeta=01KFY593WVX8C0CAYAYKJKKZ7V&hash=item1d7aea8afe:g:CCYAAOSwTERmtTs0&itmprp=enc:AQALAAAA8O7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/o4ewniEgbuKl0f5CSHBWrAZFUeZ8bHv4tbk+fKOiJx3UdFVWlm7xz6UtfNxTU9LK0+coFFk00mc/QEc7ZuPT8lvHv7yqC4r7dJdGtKhrD6ZWfTdpRNpCOMcv6yw6KiTeUpoo6C+IIT3oVPMbkT7DW3BnZI5nhON04NIY/jm5aiGuzTFHedeoZW6WxBha/2TZACMeIEgFPDlOROSHiMJCjqyyZz+WFzNrgssvrb9YJrwxnwvAsp10bNAX3vnxaUNPa1DA7PskZE4MdDPgxpTIbi0GyExXqhF5mRBncCWxcM5w==|tkp:Bk9SR-S-pMX_Zg