What do you with all your "junk" without a stroller?!?!

[pixarmom]

When we were done with the strollers, we cut back significantly on the amount of things we brought into the park. We also started taking afternoon breaks, making it less necessary to bring all the daytime and nighttime stuff with us in the morning. Finally, several etsy sellers make great mickey head string bags embroidered with kids' names. For a few years, our kids would get new ones on arrival day - as a fun surprise with some goodies, and so that they could carry what they believed to be "essential" with them in the parks. Interestingly, these bags caused them to redefine "essential" . . .

 

[helenb]

When your kids are old enough to walk around the park without a stroller, they are old enough to carry their own snacks! Get them a fanny pack and a refillable water bottle on a strap (or better yet, one of those combo drink cups with a snack section attached). Then they can snack as they desire between meals. You can bring a few powdered drink packets and have the kids refill with ice water in the park, which is free at the CS places.

And speaking of that, your Mom can get free cups of ice at the QS places for her drinks.

You don't need to bring 'medical' items, because the First Aid stations will provide if you need something like bandaids or aspirin, etc. Sunscreen can be purchased in those small containers with clips that can attach to a belt loop or fanny pack or even a lanyard. Changes of clothes aren't necessary. If you think you'll get drenched on a ride (like Kali) then bring disposable ponchos, which are quite small and easily fit in the pocket of cargo-style pants/shorts. If your kids like to run through water play areas, then have them wear quick-dry clothes and water shoes to the parks (Land's End makes great stuff).

Cut out the junk.

 

[wdw71]

We just quit carrying junk. You can buy snacks and waters and just about any thing you might need there and wipes fit easily in a purse if you need those still for dirty little faces and hands. Once you stop the junk you will love it!!!

 

[Baklava]

so, every time we've gone to Disney, we've had a stroller and the next time we plan to visit, my daughter will be almost 4 and even now, at 2 and a half, she HATES using the stroller most of the time, we asks to walk so i know by then, she'll be fully walking, which is great, BUT, we always bring a snack bag, a small lunchbox cooler of drinks and a bag for her change of clothes, wipes, emergency things, etc...how can I get all that inside the parks without me actually carrying it all like a pack-mule? I'm not going to carry it all, so, what do you guys do when your child no longer needs a stroller, but you need the "junk" in the parks? thanks in advance!

Everyone who is able-bodied and too old for a stroller hauls their own stuff. That automatically reduces the amount "needed" by like 50-75%.

 

[maxiesmom]

I wouldn't be so sure you won't need the stroller. There is a huge difference between say a day at the zoo and multiple days walking around Disney World. Your little one may appreciate having a stroller to rest and chill out in every so often.

As far as what to do with all the stuff without a stroller, rent a locker.

 

[kj2mom]

Sorry, I had to smile a little about the squirrels! When we were there in July it was crows. They were sitting right on the strollers taking bags of Cheetos out of a diaper bag and having a grand old lunch.

I have a backpack that fits everything I need for the parks and my children and I take turns carrying it.

 

[GPC0321]

If I may, while we're on the subject of cutting out the junk, how little does everyone think you can get by with? It will be just three adults, 42 year old me and 72 and 73 year old parents who are reasonably healthy and active. We will be taking mid-day breaks, and would prefer to travel light. We'll have Magic Bands (of course) and are on the QSDP, so no need to have a means to pay for meals. I'm assuming we can charge souvenir purchases through the MB to our room too (though we're not likely to buy much, honestly, but one never knows!). So, what else do we really NEED for a 4-5 hour stretch in a park? Poncho? (I'm thinking of getting several $1 ones to use and discard as needed) Are water bottles necessary? Can't you get ice water for free at Quick service places? And aren't there drinking fountains? We can put sunscreen on before heading out.

I originally thought we'd need a "park bag" but the more I read about the waits at bag check and think about hauling around a lot of stuff, the more I like the idea of getting some cargo shorts/pants/capris, putting a few small necessities (phone, ponchos, ??) in my pockets, and strolling around free as a bird!

What do you guys think? Will it work?

 

[maxiesmom]

If I may, while we're on the subject of cutting out the junk, how little does everyone think you can get by with? It will be just three adults, 42 year old me and 72 and 73 year old parents who are reasonably healthy and active. We will be taking mid-day breaks, and would prefer to travel light. We'll have Magic Bands (of course) and are on the QSDP, so no need to have a means to pay for meals. I'm assuming we can charge souvenir purchases through the MB to our room too (though we're not likely to buy much, honestly, but one never knows!). So, what else do we really NEED for a 4-5 hour stretch in a park? Poncho? (I'm thinking of getting several $1 ones to use and discard as needed) Are water bottles necessary? Can't you get ice water for free at Quick service places? And aren't there drinking fountains? We can put sunscreen on before heading out.

I originally thought we'd need a "park bag" but the more I read about the waits at bag check and think about hauling around a lot of stuff, the more I like the idea of getting some cargo shorts/pants/capris, putting a few small necessities (phone, ponchos, ??) in my pockets, and strolling around free as a bird!

What do you guys think? Will it work?

The dollar ponchos are junk unless it is a very light rain. You are better off investing in some nice ponchos that will last. And it is always smart to have some cash on hand as the registers have been known to crash in the parks. I have been at WDW more than once where I wanted to pay for something and they were only able to accept cash at the time. You also need to have some ID on you and a medical card is wise too. And depending on how light skinned you all are, applying sunscreen once a day may not be enough. I would be a lobster if I tried to get away with doing that!

I would honestly go with a park bag. Especially now with the more stringent security. It is not unheard of for people with no bags but a lot of stuff in their pockets to be made to have them checked.

 

[ArwenMarie]

I think for a 4 yo I would bring an umbrella stroller that has a basket. Your mother can push her drinks around in the basket, and your little one can sit in it when she's tired. Everyone wins

 

[IceSkatingPrincess]

Get a locker. Easy peasy, done.

 

[loves to dive]

If I may, while we're on the subject of cutting out the junk, how little does everyone think you can get by with? It will be just three adults, 42 year old me and 72 and 73 year old parents who are reasonably healthy and active. We will be taking mid-day breaks, and would prefer to travel light. We'll have Magic Bands (of course) and are on the QSDP, so no need to have a means to pay for meals. I'm assuming we can charge souvenir purchases through the MB to our room too (though we're not likely to buy much, honestly, but one never knows!). So, what else do we really NEED for a 4-5 hour stretch in a park? Poncho? (I'm thinking of getting several $1 ones to use and discard as needed) Are water bottles necessary? Can't you get ice water for free at Quick service places? And aren't there drinking fountains? We can put sunscreen on before heading out.

I originally thought we'd need a "park bag" but the more I read about the waits at bag check and think about hauling around a lot of stuff, the more I like the idea of getting some cargo shorts/pants/capris, putting a few small necessities (phone, ponchos, ??) in my pockets, and strolling around free as a bird!

What do you guys think? Will it work?

I usually wear sundresses so I have to take a small crossbody for my phone, even most of my shorts don't have big enough pockets for my Droid Max. I only take my phone, a rain cover of some sort (either a poncho, rain coat or umbrella according to my mood) a little cash, my ID, a cc of some sort and my AP card (discounts baby). My reading glasses go on a magnetic holder on my shirt and I wear a cap, when that is not on my head it gets attached to a belt loop or my bag. I get free water at QS locations. MBs don't always work for charging things back to the room, the machines can and do go down. Sunglasses are on my face or in the holder if my glasses are on my face. Sunscreen goes on before I leave the room.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

By the time my sister was 4, my sister didn't want the stroller. So, the junk didn't come with us. She didn't need the same stuff as when she was 1 and 2. Didn't bring an extra outfit because she was potty trained and a cleaner eater by then. My mom brought her purse with some wipes, band aids, sunscreen. Honestly no other gear needed for a 4 year old. We did take a midday break and often changed clothes then, cleaned up though.

 

[bc7ate9]

Get a locker. Easy peasy, done.

I realized on our last trip that the lockers outside the parks, by the buses, have lockers that only cost $1. I'm personally not willing to pay $7-$10 for a locker inside the park, but $1 I'll do! Anyway, just a money saving tip for anybody considering a locker.

 

[fla4fun]

So, what else do we really NEED for a 4-5 hour stretch in a park?

I originally thought we'd need a "park bag" but the more I read about the waits at bag check and think about hauling around a lot of stuff, the more I like the idea of getting some cargo shorts/pants/capris, putting a few small necessities (phone, ponchos, ??) in my pockets, and strolling around free as a bird!

What do you guys think? Will it work?

Five hours is pretty much my limit in the park due to back issues. I do a mix of park bag and no bag, depending on conditions. On days with a low chance of rain, I put my iPhone, compact wallet (id, cash, AP for discounts), and a couple individually packaged Wet Ones in my pocket and off I go. If it's supposed to be a rainy day, then I put my poncho, wallet, phone, wipes, and a couple Ziploc baggies in a small crossbody bag. If I am taking a camera, it's usually on a neck strap, but I have been so often that I usually don't carry a dedicated camera unless it's a special occasion (like the last viewing of the Osborne lights). Snapshots with the phone are OK.

I had to learn to live without the "junk" as a teenager when my back just couldn't handle carrying extra weight (doesn't seem to matter whether it's a backpack, crossbody, handheld, or what - it's still hurts). I do have cargo capris specifically for vacation, but being women's the pockets are smaller and more streamlined. They aren't as baggy and bulky as men's cargo wear tends to be. I haven't had to empty my pockets at security, but I don't overload them either.

 

[GoofyGirl1717]

I would explore renting a stroller for a four year old. They get tired, stepped on, and distracted easily. it gives them their own space and a place for a nap if they get too tuckered out. Plus you don't have to worry about toting your own stroller on and off the Disney transportation.

But less stuff is always a good idea when you are walking all day.

 

[SunnyKYLake]

If I may, while we're on the subject of cutting out the junk, how little does everyone think you can get by with? It will be just three adults, 42 year old me and 72 and 73 year old parents who are reasonably healthy and active. We will be taking mid-day breaks, and would prefer to travel light. We'll have Magic Bands (of course) and are on the QSDP, so no need to have a means to pay for meals. I'm assuming we can charge souvenir purchases through the MB to our room too (though we're not likely to buy much, honestly, but one never knows!). So, what else do we really NEED for a 4-5 hour stretch in a park? Poncho? (I'm thinking of getting several $1 ones to use and discard as needed) Are water bottles necessary? Can't you get ice water for free at Quick service places? And aren't there drinking fountains? We can put sunscreen on before heading out.

I originally thought we'd need a "park bag" but the more I read about the waits at bag check and think about hauling around a lot of stuff, the more I like the idea of getting some cargo shorts/pants/capris, putting a few small necessities (phone, ponchos, ??) in my pockets, and strolling around free as a bird!

What do you guys think? Will it work?

My sister and I thought we needed a park bag for our trip this past March...1st day: full backpack, 2nd day: much lighter backpack, 3rd day: medium crossbody bag, rest of the week - no bag.

We realized that unless there was a very good chance of rain - we didn't even want to bring a poncho. Our trip in November was so perfect without bags. We perfected what we needed to have with us on a regular (sunny) day:
smallest possible tube of strong sunscreen
chapstick
phone wallet - with id, ticket card, CC, cash, insurance cards
caps
sunglasses - my sister wears hers on head or top of cap, mine are prescription so I have a hard case that goes in my pocket

We drive so in the car we have a "car bag" - change of shoes, ponchos, extra socks, and other junk that may or may not be needed. At the pace that we go, it isn't a big deal to head back to the car for a change of shoes or moleskin or whatever. If we stayed on property, we'd just leave it in the room and head back to get whatever we needed.

 

[ChloesDaddy]

Our next trip will be our first without a stroller since we've had kids. I have a small backpack (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0065PK2HU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00) to carry ponchos and a few other items in for our family of five. It's not going to be loaded up with drinks and snacks. We'll get those in the parks. It will contain a battery charger for the phones, wet wipes, cooling towels and a small first aid kit. I know there is first aid available in the parks, but I don't want to go on a trek for a band-aid just because someone gets a boo-boo in a ride line or at lunch or wherever.

I recommend making a list of the things you think you need. Then think about how much weight you really want to carry. Then review your list of items critically and ask yourself how long you can go without each item, whether and where such things are offered in the parks, and what other options you have. You will probably end up with a fairly small list, or at least a list that includes very few bulky items.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Once DD was out of the stroller we went bagless. We don't miss anything. Actually once we went bagless and without a stroller I realized how much more energy I have. Lugging around all that weight is exhausting.

If I'm paying thousands on vacation I'm not going to start skimping on buying water. Carrying water bottles is heavy. And annoying for me. We just buy water bottles in the park.

 

[Dug720]

Then she gets to carry it. You want to bring it, you carry it. If she can't do it, then she needs to figure out something else.

I agree with this! Once my sister and I were around 5, the rule in our house and on all group trips was "if you want to bring it, you carry it". And that mentality is still with me.

There is little that annoys me more than someone who has a loaded cart on the subway - obviously loaded with their purchases from stores - and will stand there at the bottom of the stairs whining (yes, I've heard them whining) for someone to help them carry it up. Either figure it out, or get an unlimited metrocard and make more than one shopping trip - I've had to do it more than once with grocery stocking-up trips because I refuse to be "that person".

And on the flip side I've had people look at me in utter shock when I haul my butt up and down shy subway stairs carrying my luggage for week+ long trips (for Alaska with stays in Seattle, that involved one checked bag and one carry-on plus my backpack). It's like they're amazed that someone ISN'T begging for help with stuff. If it's my "junk" I need to be the one to take responsibility for it - not depend on someone else to do it for me.

 

[aretha30]

We reduced what we carried when our 7 yr old stopped using a stroller all the time. We each carry a small bag; my DH and 12 yr old carry a small cinch sack with a few essentials and I carry a cross body bag. I would caution you on thinking you don't need it at all though. It comes in handy after you've been walking all day and their little feet are tired. We still bring the umbrella stroller for the last few days of the trip (we go for 9 days) and he is usually really worn out by the end and wants to be pushed