What kind of tote do you take into parks/what do you pack?

[ILuvDisney!]

Walmart has the best sale on some backpacks right now. I bought 3 or 4 just because they were so cheap. All different sizes too!

One was originally $19.88 and I think I got that one for $5.00. The others were only $3.00 and they were really nice looking. Eastpack? I think was one of the brands and looks surpisingly nice. My hubby even said he would help me carry some stuff around this year!

 

[Hopefully]

In October, I alternated between a "big" fanny pack and a small, lightweight backpack. This backpack is one I bought from a travel website, and folds into its own pouch, it is just nylon and mesh and was perfect because it was lightweight.
I carried a small, self contained first aid kit which included bandaids, gauze, ointment etc., moleskin and small scissors, lip balm, small sunscreen, small Purell, small bug spray, and on backpack days (depending on the forcast) rain ponchos. Ponco days dictated the backpack, other days the fanny pack. I also carried one credit card, KTW card and AAA card, some cash and a little change. Depending on our plans, I sometimes added a ziplock to protect my camera if I thought we would get wet.
Each bag had an outside mesh pocket and I carried a bottle of water each day.
I also had a SMALL camera bag for my digital camera that I could also wear on my waist.
I was never uncomfortable, and this combo worked for us (I am the human Mule, if you will )
Hope this helps.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

We often don't take any bag, but when I do it is a very small backpack or purse type bag (no bigger than 8 x8 in) containing: camera, extra batteries, memory card, autograph book & pen, and a hair brush. Last year I did get 2 compact umbrella's and ponchos and carried them in the bag the whole trip and never needed them.

We always stay onsite and it's not that much of a problem for us to go back to the resort if we forget something or need something.

 

[AngieInOH]

I kind of thought the bag was too big, so now I'm convinced it's too big. Thanks!

 

[mhingher]

During a WDW trip a few years ago, I bought a Mickey "tote". It's a small shoulder bag, and I've used it for the parks ever since. I usually carry:

wallet
camera
extra batteries for the camera
sunglasses
brita water bottle
ibuprofen and/or tylenol
sunscreen
tissues
Ziploc bag (to put my camera in if I'm going on a ride where I'll get wet!)
Some snacks/gum
band aids

Before I had to little tote bag, I used a mini backpack. This can get annoying if it's really hot and humid though.

 

[Disneyof3]

Two years ago I bought a bag at the Kissimee super walmart with the disney gang on it that says "have a disney day".It is blue and is very light. I pack in it
camera
chapstick
water bottles x2
map of park
pen

That's it for the whole day

 

[tmt martins]

We just went down with DW carrying our new Camelpac backpack it has 1 large area for sweatshirts and ponchos ,1 smaller area for purse, klenex,cigs (I know what can I do about that ) Then a 2lt.hydro in the back area for water .
It's was great because it held all we needed but is thinner then regular backpacks making it easier to take on the rides.Plus we had water all day just filled as needed.

 

[egoldber]

I use a Timbuk2 messenger bag. One of the main attraction is that it is completely waterproof. I carry:

cellphone
room key (with charging privileges)
cash
very small tube of sunscreen (lipstick sized)
water bottle (a Dasani type bottle)
snack for DD4 (like Goldfish or a Nutrigrain bar)
autograph book & Sharpie
if it looks like rain, Goretex jacket for me and rain jacket for DD4
digital camera
spare shorts and underwear for DD

 

[spot28]

Check out this cool one at disneydeals right now at $2

 

[FourFlans]

We're going to WDW for the first time in just 22 Days . I've probably way overthought all of this, but.......

I just received two nice daypacks that I ordered from LL Bean. The one for me is made for ladies, with padding in just the right places. I figure between me, DH and my parents we will trade off lugging during the day.

I just thought I needed a place for the essentials (band-aids, migraine pills, money, etc.). Plus we'll need a place to stash two princess dresses on two different days (Epcot and MK) and water shoes I bought for the wet rides.

We're thinking we might rent a stroller just to haul stuff around .

 

[joshsmom]

I've done the monster backpack thing--never again!! I bought a Tinker Bell backpack at Walmart that is on wheels. It has a smaller "backpack" attached to the front of it. The smaller one is about 8X10x3, but it holds:

Passes
Money
CC's
sunscreen
sunglasses
camera, film, cell phone (all in ziploc bags)
hats
small first aid kit (bandaids, moleskin, Tylenol, Josh's meds)
keys
wipes and hand towel
Germ-X
tissues
PONCHOS (in Florida, you NEVER know!!)

I know I'm forgetting stuff. Yes, it's packed, but it's small, portable, and doesn't get in my way.

When we've gone in cooler weather, I have taken the bigger one that is on wheels and packed it with extra clothing/sweatshirts and used a locker to put it in. Works like a charm!@!!

 

[Ziva]

Nothing, everything I need fits in my pockets.

 

[freakylick]

Fortunately when we went, we drove and thus were able to bring a selection of packs of different sizes, shapes, and styles. This luxury allowed for two things: 1-Trial and error on which ones worked best for us, 2-Pick and choose what packs we wanted to bring each day depending on what we felt we needed for the park that day. Some days, we had no water rides planned and the forecast said sunny all day..and even though Florida weather can be temperamental, we chanced it and just brought a fanny pack with no change of clothes or poncho. Some times, nights and mornings were very cool, so we would need to bring sweatshirt and have to pack it mid-day in the hot sun.

We weren’t traveling with children, so we probably needed less because of that. But as a couple, in general a good combination was one backpack and I always wore cargo shorts that held quite a bit. We would alternate who carried the backpack so that no one had too much stress put on their backs.

One little trick that I found help out was to not put our camera case into the backpack or fanny pack. Our camera is just a little too big for pockets, but I wanted easy access to the camera in case a good shot suddenly became available…so I had a carabiner that I hooked onto the camera case and onto my belt loop…At times, I also had it hooked onto the backpack strap.

All of that being said, which size pack you take really depends on what you feel that you need in the parks. One good thing about WDW is that there is no ride that we were told we couldn’t bring our backpack on…so you are never required to put it in a locker. Many people discourage backpacks because of their size, but I feel more comfortable knowing that I have things that I might need. Some go with the philosophy of “if I need it, I’ll buy it”, which is great if you have the funds. Either way, come with a list of things you may want to have in the parks with you (you got lots of ideas from folks on this thread) and determine what size pack you can put that stuff into. No matter what you decide to bring, do a test run with it before you go..make sure it is comfortable for a long period of time. There’s nothing like buying a pack that seemed comfy in the store, but then when you got to WDW and packed it full of stuff, it was totally uncomfortable.

 

[FourFlans]

freakylick, thanks for the post! You're right, we won't need to carry water shoes or princess dresses every day so we might not need both daypacks every day. And we're also driving down, which will give us some flexibility in packing what we think we'll need and doing the trial and error process you talk about.

 

[ImagineerVelasco]

Did I read something about sunscreen wipes? That's awesome! I've never heard of those before. Which company makes them?

Much like Ziva I just want to carry everything in my pocket and get the stuff I buy sent to my room.

Usually when I go (to disneyland) I have a really cute hobo bag with a long strap. It holds a lot and just loops over my shoulder and looks good.

 

[mickeysaver]

We take our tried and true backpack. This thing is dang near indestructable. I purchased it almost 20 years ago, it survived my years in college and many trips around the south, including WDW. It's nothing fancy, but for a $3.50 bag from the camping clearance aisle at Walmart, I can not gripe a bit. The bag also had a run in a few years ago with a can of Scotchguard, so it's pretty water resistant too now.

In this bag, I usually carry most of the following in Ziploc bags....
A clean shirt and dry socks for each of us
rain ponchos (2/$1 from Dollar Tree)
my inhaler
Motrin/Tylenol
feminine hygene supplies
camera/film/batteries
quarters and pennies for the presses
laminated itinerary

Ok, we also have a pin bag, very small holds extra pins for trading. This bag has an over the shoulder strap and is very easy to keep up with. In this bag, of course, it's all pins and pin backs.

We sometimes will carry the camcorder, but it's an older model that is sort of bulky. It has it's own bag. We of course carry extra tapes and batteries for it too, when we do take it with us.

I usually carry a small coin purse in my pocket with our roomkey/charge as well as other necessary ID. I usually carry about $100 in cash/Disney Dollars for any other purchases that can not be taken care of with the card. My partner usually carries her wallet too.

Ok, that's about it for us. Maggie

 

[stemikger]

I bring one of those tiny backpacks.

I go in August so I bring three Brita water bottles to fill throughout the day. When I leave the hotel I fill them with ice. I bring a washcloth that I wet throughout the day and three ponchos for those day time downpours.

 

[dreamalittledream]

I too am on the quest for the perfect backpack. I need one to carry 2 bottles of water, camera, camcorder, cell phone, change of pants for DD and assorted cards, pens, autograph papers, snacks, meds...
I have bought 3 so far but not found the right one. I have a small one that is "nearly" parfect but a bit on the heavy side because of the padding. So I am looking for another one. I'm going to check out all of your suggestions, I have a year to find it so I will continue to hunt!

 

[Savin4Disney]

This is the tote I'm thinking about buying.

http://www.ebags.com/ebags/urban_explorer_2_0/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=59013

http://www.ebags.com/columbia_sportswear/cozi_mountain/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=41166

I tested out this week and I love it. I can fit in all my stuff plus a light fleece jacket. It is just what I wanted.

 

[Kat913]

Where can you find the Nylon disney backpack many have mentioned on this thread?