To Phannyback or not.. That is the question

[Carrieannew]

Thank you everyone. I did stop by walmart at lunch and saw the ones with the extra long strap. Those will work. There is a nice simple black one that I think I can deal with. I just think it will be much easier than a backpack.

 

[disney_me]

FANNYPACKS A MUST!!For a hands free day in the parks. I laught at my sister the 1st time we went to WDW. She bought a fannypack and I laught at her and called her a nerd The next day, we both were nerd! I bought one. What a great way to spend time in the parks with out worrying about losing your purse or bags. Fannypack it !!

 

[Webln]

Hi,

Planning our first trip to WDW. Read a lot about fannypacks. If you carry a backpack, can you take it with you on rides, or do you have to leave it at some kind of counter/closet?

Thanks!

 

[DiznEeyore]

Hi,

Planning our first trip to WDW. Read a lot about fannypacks. If you carry a backpack, can you take it with you on rides, or do you have to leave it at some kind of counter/closet?

You keep it right with you. Depending on the ride, I either place mine in the seat next to me, on my lap, or between my feet.

 

[Thinktinknpixiedust]

When our family of 5 went in July we used a back pack. That back pack got a nickname. The killer.
EVERYONE threw what ever in it without regard, until "they" were the one that had to carry it, then it was a problem. even "almost' lost it a couple of times with my DS 15 was so pooped he set it down for a second... then forgot about it. Next summer we will all be using our very own fanny packs that santa is bringing for christmas!!

 

[FWDisFan]

I am a BACKPACK gal -- I have a smaller sized backpack I got at Costco and it has now been to the Panama canal, Disney, etc. It comfortably holds a few well-chosen snacks, camera, tickets, ponchos, etc. and I think it works wonderfully. I take it on all the rides -- sometimes I even wear it on the rides (it is small and compact). I have done the fanny pack but after wearing the backpack that is the most comfortable to me (and no one carries it but me...no lost backpacks!)

 

[Kellywellywigwog]

I always carry a backpack and I carry it on every ride with me. I've never had a problem with it going with me on any ride. Even on Tower of terror, splash mountain, rock'n'rollercoaster, all of them. It's bigger than a fanny pack and its not as much of a pain as a shoulder bag. On the rides where I can't wear it, I put my each of my legs in the straps and like that it wont come off. It's really a preference thing though.

 

[fan_of_wdw]

I did a large hip-pack the fist trip, but then switched to a very light weight JanSport mesh back pack.... it weighs NOTHING, and you can go through security in a flash... just hold it up and twirl, the guards send you right through.

 

[Lady Belle]

I've carried both fanny packs and backpacks to WDW.

Backpack wins, hands down.

It's been on every ride, roller coaster, and attraction there with no trobles.

I keep my wallet in my front hip pants/shorts pocket (it's a small thin leather one, has space for about 6 plastic cards and some cash) and my camera, water bottle, snacks, hat (if I'm not wearing it) and sun screen go in the bag. Also comes in handy for small purchases that I don't want to bother having Package Delivery take to my room. I can also store my hat and trading pin laynard in it when I'm on roller coasters or other rides where they could be lost or damaged.

 

[mamacatnv]

I found the coolest solution it is called a "Wallet Bag" by Baggalini. It can be worn around the waist, strap is very (plus size no problem) long and adjustable, or over the shoulder, it is small, slim and lightweight, it zips open like a wallet so everything doesn't fall out. It will hold, money, credit cards, digital camera, cell phone, lip balm and ponchos - I test drove it at the baggage store and then ordered online. For my DH & DS we got shorts and Addidas pants that have the velcro pockets at the knee for their wallets and cell phones.

We also have a camera bag fanny pack that holds all our equipment that we use periodically(not everyday) when we are taking all the cameras (large SLR, smaller digital and the Handycam).

 

[Disney Girlie-Wirlie]

If it's the idea of a fanny pack itself, I know there are some very sleek ones. I have a Rand McNally that I can wear under my clothes and noone can even see b/c it's so thin. But I know Jansport also has some nice thin ones that aren't overwhelming either. Look at Amazon, you'll find something that suits you. But I have to say, as an avid former fanny pack boycotter, I can't go to Disney anymore without mine.

 

[Mom2R&D]

I would rather take a beating than wear a fannypack.





Until I get to WDW.

All four of us have our own fannypacks (me, DH and two DS's). I keep everyone's tickets and the others are responsible for a myriad of other items. The boys keep snacks and a bit of loose change (for the penny press machines) as well as a little fan or other incidental items.

The DH puts the camera bag on his fannypack strap so he hauls twice as much.

I've found a few really cute fannypacks that help alleviate the "ohmigod-I-can't-believe-I'm-wearing-this-in-public" feeling. But then again, there are 20,000 other people who are sporting the very same accessory.

I don't like backpacks because I felt like I was constantly taking it off and putting it back on. I'm also prone to setting it down and forgetting about it. Oops. Last year we kept the backpack in a locker. Next year we're planning on getting rid of it altogether.