Which type of bag do you use?

[tlhenley]

Vera Bradley back pack all the way...I can fit a couple of diapers, small pack of wipes, my camera, and wallet. It's not a huge bulky school-type backpack, so it fits well against my back and really is comfortable! I use this all the time, not just in parks!

That is good to hear. I am planning to take my Vera backpack and my DD(6) has the older style backsack that she will be taking. We are going in August so I was worried about them being too hot on our back. Since they are cotton and not too bulky I am hoping they won't be too bad.

 

[tinkgurl]

Every year, we have always used our DVC back-pack we got when we joined. It is a pretty good size and we can fit a TON of stuff in it!

 

[scoolover]

back pack

 

[dawnball]

I use a photographer's vest. Ok, I think mine is technically a fishing vest, but it's the same idea. I carried... diapers, wipes, change of clothes for the toddler, shoes for the toddler, 4 take and toss cups, extra bendy straws, snacks galore, a raincoat for myself, a raincoat for the toddler, my park notes, a notepad and pen, a small duffle bag, sunscreen, misc medications/bandaids, antiseptic wipes and who knows what else. It all fit in the pockets which zipped, velcroed and snapped closed. We would put a dozen bottles of water in the basket under the stroller and stroll our way through the "no bags" line at security.

When I got tired of wearing the vest (it was hot, or I'd packed it badly so that it was uncomfortable on rides, or I was tired and it felt heavier than it had in the morning) I'd take off the vest and put the armholes over the handles of my stroller. If we were going to collapse the stroller, I'd pull out the duffle and we'd put our mountain of water bottles in the bag for easy carrying.

 

[DrTomorrow]

DW has a great purse with a strap that unzips to form backpack straps. It is just big enough without being a dead weight.

 

[videogal1]

Dog pack...

 

[BeckWhy]

When I went in January I carried a backpack which actually worked best for us (then). But I wouldn't suggest it if the temperature is over 65. It weights a lot and tends to make you sweaty and more tired faster.

Other than that I carry a bag that is just big enough to carry everything I need. In 2002 that was a small camera bag. This year I am carrying a mini-backpack purse and my camera is in a micro-camera bag so if it gets bashed around it won't sustain any damage.

 

[The Sweetness]

I agree with 1 backpack (not too big)& 1 fanny pack

 

[shyjade]

Wow, thanks for all the great advise! Not sure which route I'll take but thanks to you I now have some educated ideas.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I've always been a backpack girl, but on this past trip I bought a small messenger bag at WDW that I *love*. It holds the same as my small backpack, it's just as secure and comfortable, and it's easier to take on and off. Plus, I don't have to take it off every single time I sit down or to get things out of it... I can just shift it around to my front or side.

I think this is my bag, but it was *much* cheaper in the park. I think $28, but maybe even a little less.

http://laughingplacestore.com/Product-5820.asp

 

[JuneDisney]

We decided to invest in a Camelback backpack. It carries 70oz of water/ice. And the backpack part is large enough to fit our camera bag when not in use, rain ponchos, autograph books, bug spray and sunblock. It has a cooling channel on the back which should cut down on some of the back sweat, plus with all of the ice in there it should keep the water cold for hours. It is to refill and leaves us hand free from carrying water bottles around all day. We were able to find it in our local bike store. With 2 small kids we wanted to have water on us at all times so they do not become dehydrated and over heated in the park in June. Plus the fact their timing for things is always bad. I can just see standing in line for a ride and one of them screaming for something to drink!!!!

 

[Chuck65]

I used a fanny pack. Essential items were:
sunscreen
water bottle
travelers checks
tickets
chapstick
A lot of parents can attest to this: the strollers that you rent in the parks are an excellent way to help move your gear. To me it was worth the 10 bucks you pay for a double stroller. Plus, it makes it a lot easier to keep an eye on your kids when moving through the crowds. And believe it or not, you can actually take a nap in one We stopped at a McDonalds frie stand along World Showcase in EPCOT to get the kids a snack. When they finished eating, we bought some more fries to feed the ducks. My daughter discovered that the ducks at EPCOT like fries Any way, I sat down in the stroller to stretch my legs, put a sweatshirt behind my head, pulled the stroller cover over my head and took about a 15 minute nap. I probably would have slept longer, but my wife heard me snoring

 

[LISAMWDW]

I prefer a shoulder sling. It's much easier to carry than a bulky fanny pack or backpack. I have a Patagonia sling and it's just perfect!

 

[WI_DisneyFan]

Before our last trip, we bought one of those new-fangled backpacks that only have one strap, so it eases the burden on your shoulders. It worked out well for me (the pack mule in the relationship). But for our next trip, I'm thinking about buying one of those safari vests with all of the pockets. I want to try to fit everything we need into that vest, and what ever doesn't fit will hopefully fit in the camera bag that my DW carries around. I'm hoping that'll make accessing things a lot easier, and it'll also help when going on different attractions because I won't have to worry about taking the back pack off before sitting down.

 

[Barbers2005]

I have one of those backpacks with just one diagonal strap (think beauty pagant sash). It's small, so it isn't too much of a pain to wear, and you can slide the bag part around to the front without taking it off, so it's pretty convenient for rides. Mine is big enough for sunglasses, toddler wipes, a couple granola bars, digital camera, cell phone and a bottle of water. I'm not sure where else you can get them, but they do sell them at Target in the luggage section.

 

[Goofy_4_WDW]

My DH and I each used this fanny pack http://www.ebags.com/high_sierra/titan/product_detail/index.cfm?modelid=18415


It worked out great for us! Yes, I know fanny packs are not "cool" but boy, do I hate carryng things around all day!!!!!!! This was large enough to carry our camera, and lots of stuff. They each hold 2 water bottles so it worked out great (so I was able to hold DD's water and DH held DS's water) We look foward to using the again in August.

 

[izzys4]

We use a Disney sling bag when we go to the parks.....we have two kids. Everything seems to fit just fine.

 

[Sunkissed]

Since we go in early Dec., I pack a Disney tote with change of clothes, which I leave in a locker until needed. While in the parks, we use a teardrop, diagonal sling bag which I bought at Target for around $10. It is quite small, but as two adults without kids, we do not carry much into the parks. The size keeps it from being bulky and the diagonal strap keeps the pressure off my back, plus it is a snap to take off and secure as you step onto a ride.

 

[smep013]

Where do they even sell fannypacks?
We use a small Nike bag/backpack, but I would CONSIDER a fanny pack.

 

[Tam1067]

The Ameribag sling in microfiber. It's the coolest bag ever, especially if you've got to carry more "stuff" than just your ticket and camera.