Trying to take less into the parks

[Robindianne]

Here's what we plan to take to the parks (not BB and TL). Do you think any of it can be eliminated or are there items not on the list that we really must take? We are DH54 and me44.

• Itinerary page on notecard or UG page
• Times guide and park map
• Cell phones on belts
• Camera baggies in pockets?
• Cell phone baggies
• Baggy or wallet w/ cards, ids, park pass
• Baggy w/ 1 Moleskin piece, 2 aspirin pks, Purell
• Water bottles on clips?
• Cameras w/extra batteries
• Sunglasses on chains
• 2 ponchos
• Contac rewetting drops
• Flip-flops or socks
• Sweater
• Chapstick

TIA so much.

 

[JRawkSteady]

Honestly, I try not to bring any bags int othe parks if I don't have too. Again, I am male, so it may be different. I usually just bring my cell phone and my wallet in my pockets. I wear my sunglasses all day.

Everyone is different though. The only thing I would not eliminate is the sweater, because it's usually always warm in WDW during April/May. But then again, I am not prone to being cold even here in NY. If you really wanted to eliminate something heavy, you could always take away the water bottles and just make frequent trips to the water fountain. But otherwise, I think you're all set!

 

[UGAFan0829]

Actually carry a tote bag or backpack, or any kind of bag into the parks??
I usually hate to tote things like that around when going somewhere, but I think we'll be better off with one since I want to take my camera and also to keep chapstick and maybe a poncho in. Just wondering if there are a lot of others who do this!
Sorry, I just realized that I posted this here instead of as a totally new post...Sorry about that!

 

[Robindianne]

Thanks!

Ugafan, no need to apologize. It's relevant and all in the conversation imho. I take a wdw sling bag because of camera, sweatshirt, etc. I don't mind taking the bag but want it as weightless as possible. For example, this time we have those weightless collapsible water pouch bottles and will probably use a bottle holder belt thingy when they have water in them instead of tossing them in the bag. The back of the bag and the strap are well padded and it distributes across my/DH's back nicely so no aching or discomfort.

So, if it's really warm in May, does that include during Illuminations and Wishes? I get cold when it's 70 with a breeze if it's been nice and hot all day.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

We bring nothing into the parks. Just our money and passes. If we need a sweatshirt or it starts raining we head back to our room (we always stay on property). We've done this the past three times we go. There's usually four of us (me24, brother 27, mom-ravishing 29), dad-old ) and we have never missed having anything. I feel sorry for people with strollers packed down and huge back packs. Not to mention not having to go through baggage check, I like having freedom to just run around like a crazy person.

**I should also mention we go for 7-9 days and we're in no rush to go anywhere, so it doesn't bother us at all to go back to the room (of course we don't go back lots of times and some days we don't have a need to go back at all).

 

[JRawkSteady]

Thanks!

So, if it's really warm in May, does that include during Illuminations and Wishes? I get cold when it's 70 with a breeze if it's been nice and hot all day.

You probably will need the sweater/sweatshirt then. It will most likely be around that temp with a slight breeze. At least it's not something heavy!

 

[dreamalittledream]

I would only bring the flip flops/socks if you are set on doing Kail/ SM. If it really rains, go back or seal with it. (unless I am missing something)

 

[Robindianne]

I was just bringing socks/ flip flops in case of feet bottoms hurting but maybe body glide before leaving the room will make the change of footwear unnecessary.

 

[daisyduck123]

Haven't read all the posts but...

we never carry water bottles...but then, we never go in the dead heat of summer...except this August we will (see my sig.) because we couldn't resist the Free Dining.

It doesn't look like you're going in the middle of summer since you listed "sweaters".

water bottles would just be too much stuff...besides...all that drinking means more bathroom stops.

 

[cruislovin]

We always take water bottles on straps. You can buy the straps there if you don't own them. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of illness at a very hot place when you are in the sun for hours, especially if you are not used to it.

Depending oh how long we plan to stay in one park we pack differently each day. If we are staying all day in one park we take a backpack with extra shoes, socks, ponchos, etc. and rent a locker. This saves a TON of time vs. returning to your resort unless you are staying at a resort close to the park you are going to that day. We also include small snacks - quick and inexpensive!

I always take a fanny pack for sunglasses, sun tan lotion, cards, etc. Also those string backpacks that you can purchase at sporting goods stores are fantastic - lighter than a regular backpack but they still hold essentials. Put your foot through the strings on rides to secure them and make sure the are waterproof.

 

[DisFlan]

I only take a small purse with a long strap that I can sling over my head and carry "cross chest." Then I can just let it hang and not worry about it. I take the digital camera, passes, cc, ID, a little money, a small tube of sun block and stuff for possible upset tummies.

My DIL carries a very small digital camera bag with camera, passes, ID and a little money. My son likes to wear pants or shorts with "leg" pockets. He keeps whatever he needs there. My DH carries nothing that won't fit in one pocket. And we all wear visors or hats. That's it. Our hands are free and we're ready to enjoy!


DisFlan

 

[DisFlan]

Double post. Weird.

 

[Robindianne]

Haven't read all the posts but...

we never carry water bottles...but then, we never go in the dead heat of summer...except this August we will (see my sig.) because we couldn't resist the Free Dining.

It doesn't look like you're going in the middle of summer since you listed "sweaters".

water bottles would just be too much stuff...besides...all that drinking means more bathroom stops.

LOL. You are so right about water and bathrooms. I drink water all day, and so, you know the results of that. I have to carry water (or stop and buy bottles at the stands like we did last year in April) even more than I need to eat. Funny huh? My DH swears we (well I) have been in every restroom in each park at the World at least once. We'll be there in May this year. I did discover bringing Purell or some such saves waiting in line at busy restroom sinks so that's a good thing.

 

[Robindianne]

Thanks for the suggestions. We do stay at the park from open to close so maybe a locker isn't a bad idea. Also, I was thinking of trying to find one of those mickey bottle cap holder things that clips onto your belt band or something. When our water bottles are empty they collapse flat and weightless and I can roll mine up and put it in a pocket or pack but when full it's like a reg bottle. If I can't find that clippy thing, maybe I'll get that neckstrap you mentioned.

Hey, we will have leg pockets in our shorts too. Mmm. This could work out well!

I'm so excited to go I just can't stand it!!!

 

[MouseEarsJenny]

Maybe everyone on here is blessed with perfect tans, lol - you don't have sunscreen on your list, and as far as I can see, no one mentioned it. With super fair skin, we need frequent reapplications or we're crispy critters. Just a thought...

 

[rejobako]

If I had my way I'd go with shorts, a t-shirt, flip flops, sunglasses, a credit card, and nothing else. But . . . . with my neurotic wife (I do love her so) and our little DDs, a trip to the parks always ends up being planned like the invasion of Normandy. If we developed a need for a gas-powered turtleneck sweater, I'm sure my wife could dig one out of the bottom of the diaper bag.

 

[rlovew]

W always bring a backpack that is loaded at the beginning of the day. There are 2 of us and normally we bring 1 poncho- fiuguring we can share it to wait out a small storm or head back if it will be longer, a jacket/sweatshirt for each of us, sunscreen (though we use a small refillable bottle that we refill each evening, snacks, camera and extra batteries, a book for DH when I am on thrill rides, and a bottle of water for each of us for every 2 hours we plan to be in the park.

We don't usually plan to stay for an entire day, generally we go to a park at opening and then head back to the hotel after luinch. We switch who is holding the pack back and forth and we have decided it is worth the money to carry all of it with us. Beside I only drink water and can't stand Disanni which is all they offer at most of the places onsite.

 

[jtnsami]

The more I read these posts, the more excited I get about WDW.

WDW vacation[br]

 

[DisFlan]

Actually carry a tote bag or backpack, or any kind of bag into the parks??

Nope. I'd be the one who had to carry it. And my DH doesn't like to be weighed down with a lot of stuff (actually, neither do I). If we need water, we find it. If we need food, we buy it. If it doesn't fit into a pocket or a VERY tiny tote-along of some sort, we leave it behind.

And you know what? We've been going to Disney World for a long time (29 years), and I've never missed anything all that much, even when our son was young. If we've needed anything THAT badly, we hop back to the room for it or find it in a shop.

DisFlan

 

[Robindianne]

Maybe everyone on here is blessed with perfect tans, lol - you don't have sunscreen on your list, and as far as I can see, no one mentioned it. With super fair skin, we need frequent reapplications or we're crispy critters. Just a thought...

Oh! You are right! We are pasty white (in fact just posted another thread asking for help with a self-tanning product so we don't look quite so pasty when we arrive) and I will certainly add sunscreen to the list! Thank you.