What to use at the parks

[josh0208]

We already have fanny packs for both DS's but I'm just wondering what else I should bring. I'd like to carry in some snacks (to relieve the cost at the parks) but what does everyone recommend. I was thinking a backpack but I would want it to be something that's not to big. What styles do you recommend? What do you do with it when you go on the rides? Is there room to bring it with you? Questions Questions Questions.

Can you tell I'm going in 2 months and starting to freak out a bit.

 

[flapjack71]

As a mom of 2 and planning our first family trip I know how you feel and can't wait to see what people say- but don't panic. If you forget something Orlando is the home to stores and malls abound. There are great grocery stores near by and lots of malls to buy anything you really, really need. If you rent a car it will be easy for you to jump in and get what you want. If you don't get a taxi - money worth it. Diseny also sells many neccessities and you can always get by. There is even a grocery store that will delivery to your resort. Many options!!

Best advice I can give you - relax and enjoy!! Deep breathes!!!

 

[josh0208]

Thanks Flapjack71! I needed to hear that. I was actually fine up until now. I think it's just a little nerves and tons of excitement. I just want to make sure this is the best trip ever since it's the first for DS4 and DS6. They are so excited already and I want them to be as excited throughout the entire trip.

We are renting a pool home which is near a Walmart so I know I have a that to fall back on if I forget anything. I'm a huge planning person so I like to have everything in order before we go.

I look forward to getting some advise about the backpacks.

 

[jme829]

Now that our kids are all out of diapers this trip, I found a small (think purse sized) backpack at Walmart for about $6..It has a few pockets, a mesh holder for a water bottle (or maybe 2..I don't have it in front of me ). I;ve used it for trips to other places and its perfect for the camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, small dollar store ponchos, some snacks (fruit snacks, nuts, etc) park maps, medicines (tylenol, etc..) and other odds and ends. Its not big but it holds a lot and its still pretty lightweight...We've always taken a big fullsize backpack and have never had a problem on the rides but this one is way smaller so there really shouldn't be any issues. The one I have is pink, I think they may have had a light blue or maybe purple...I also bought the kids a workout type Nike backpack combo (small nylon bag with "string" type straps) at Dicks on clearance for $5 that was the bag, socks and a water bottle. Just small enough that they can each carry their water bottle, a few snacks and sunglasses in it without being super heavy for them. Not sure if they still have them but worth a look.

 

[josh0208]

Thanks. I'll have to check out Walmart to see if they have anything like that. It sounds perfect for us. I can even check into getting DS6 a small backpack to hold some things.

I'm making them both an autograph book so I need something to carry them in. That sounds exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[jtopp]

I bought a large fanny pack at Wal-mart in Florida. The small one I had did not fit the snacks and water bottles, and a backpack was just too large to easily carry on rides(and too HOT).

 

[PrincessNancy96]

A small backpack will be fine.. We had a family of 7 last year.. I was able to get all the dollar store rainponchos in there, sunscreen, meds, bottle water, snacks (remember nothing chocolaty..it will melt), sunglasses, camera, extra film... I was able to get all 5 of the kids autograph books in there and extra pens... I also hung our hats on the back pack when the kids didn't want to wear them. We had plenty of room.. And if it gets to be too much.. You could always rent a locker under the trainstation and just make your way back to it during the day... I didn't have any trouble with it on rides.. I just put it between my feet on rides..and when I got tired of it.. I passed it off to dh or oldest stepson..
We also had a rule (Mom's rule) that if you had the bottled water you had to carry it.. I found some nice insulated bottled water holders at Walmart that have a strap to them.. they were niced for soda pop too...

I loved our pool home last year.. We were near Walmart too..and it was great!!
Just remember enjoy your trip.. It's fun and magical..don't stress!!!