backpack question...

[alilprincessmom99]

I think someone else mentioned that an actual backpack is a pain. I agree. You keep having to take it off your back to get anything out of it. I always carry a messenger type bag and have found it to be much easier than when I used to carry a backpack.

[kakn7294]

You name it, I've probably carried it. I've used a small child-sized backpack and 2 different drawstring backpacks but wasn't happy with any of them. On the plus side, I was hands-free but on the negative, they tend to be hot on my back, I found that I had to carry everyone's stuff because it fit in the backpack, and I didn't always feel my belongings were secure being on my back. I also still had to carry a separate camera bag because I take a lot of pics and I hated taking the backpack off every few minutes to get to the camera and mine won't fit in a pocket.

[VolMickey]

Ditto on the backpacks.

Just a bit of advice...
Don't forget to close your bottled water completely before you put it in your backpack that also holds your camcorder... oof!!! Been there, done that.

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

If you are carrying around a bunch of stuff for "just in case" you can always rent a locker in the parks and put what you don't immediately need in there.
Most of the time I use a fanny pack, you are still hands free, and it's easy to reach into. I don't even care that it looks dorky!

[TikiGoddess]

I am happiest when I have the least amount of 'stuff' to carry around the world. When I'm by myself I will carry just my camera bag with my room key and my credit card. When I have used a backpack, I've found that I'll put lots of stuff in it that I really don't need. Plus we're usually there in the summer and bags feel awful on your back in the heat.

That being said, things are different when I'm there with the family. We share carrying the backpack if we're not using a stroller.

TikiG

[Pirate Granny]

We bring a largist backpack but store it in the locker...only at EPCOT is this a problem due to the area of the park...sometimes we'll move it from the front to the International gateway lockers if we are going to be leaving by that gateway.

[Simba'sBud]

Cargo shorts, anyone?

No, I can't fit everything in my shorts, but here's what I've found that works for DW and I. We have a small 'Happiest Celebration' messenger bag that is perfect for us.

The largest compartment is just big enough to hold our ponchos and an autograph book. Next to it is a small zip pocket that we put pens, extra rechargeable batteries, and some various medicine in a ziploc bag. On the other side of that are slots for our keys to the world, DL, etc. The flap that covers all this also has a zip pocket that holds our park maps, cheat sheet for ADR's and tentative schedule for the day. So this is very light to carry and fits well in all the compartments on the rides.

As far as our camera, if you have one small enough, utilize your cargo pockets(if you have them). I like to be quick on the draw with a camera, but I don't want to carry it in my hand the whole time. I learned that cargo shorts are the best solution for that. And you can keep extra kleenex/napkins in the other cargo pocket.

JUST DON'T OVER PACK FOR PARKS! Everything we take can fit into a gallon size freezer bag and it still close. It helps if you try to use something like that as a guideline.

Enjoy your trip!

[MickeyMousse]

Fortuntately since my DS's have gotten older the size of the backpack and the amount brought has decreased dramatically. But we still bring one if we are planning to spend alot of time in one park, or are park hopping without a stop at the resort.
We usually pack 2 drinks (make sure those tops are on tight, even in ziploc bags!), small snacks (granola bars, goldfish) and our camera.
I will say that I always end up carrying it....my oldest DS dubbed me as "the pack mule" a few trips ago!
And yes, there is always a place to put it on rides...whether it's next to you or at your feet. Although it is sometimes a tight squeeze!

[Imagineer1981]

backpacks are easy. And if you get tired of it, rent a locker. I have the camera, snacks, a few other essentials and a jacket for my wife, its cold in some rides/restraunts for the ladies

[Young@Heart]

I carried a backpack for our first family trip, and it wasn't too bad. But I had more space than I needed. Now I just carry a messenger bag.

[MississippiDisneyFreak]

My sister ALWAYS takes a back pack and wouldn't go to DW without one....she is not going with us this year and I am considering taking one...it didn't seem to be too much of an inconvenience for her to stop and take things out, but I've never carried a back pack before and can't really say for sure

[RaRaRoundTheWorld]

If you'd like something that's sort of a hybrid - there are rolling backpacks with handles. That way, if your back tires, you can pull?

[Figment52]

If you'd like something that's sort of a hybrid - there are rolling backpacks with handles. That way, if your back tires, you can pull?

That's a no-no. Anything that you pull behind you - backpacks, luggage, wagons - is not allowed in the parks.

[Sharon1026]

yes to the backpack. You can bring in water, sunscreen and some snacks if you like. If you have kids, it's good to bring wipes. Sometimes I bring advil, lol.We've never found it to be a pain. You can refill your water bottles in the park - there are fountains near any restroom.

[Camping Mom]

Even on RNRC, I've never had a problem.

Ditto .....never a problem.

[luvmyboys4ever]

We all had fanny-packs on our first trip-Me, DH, DS(7 at the time), and DS(5 at the time). The boys' packs each had a water bottle, autograph book & marker(they were a little leary of the characters, so my DH had to get all of the autographs), MP3 player(filled with Disney tunes ), ID and a snack or 2. I had a first aid kit, sunscreen, wipes, water bottle, money, tickets, the kitchen sink...etc. DH had all of the electronic equipment, water bottle, more snacks, sunscreen, lanyards & pins...etc. We were a little crazy. We were a little better the second trip. My DH had a medium size back-pack, which carried water bottles, snacks, cameras, autograph books, passes, pins and money. Oh yeah, and all of our assorted Disney hats...poor guy! This trip we are going with a small back-pack that goes over 1 shoulder. It will have 2 water bottles(we can share & refill as needed), a few snacks(Disney snacks are half of the fun), cameras, tickets, money, IDs, autograph books & markers, photopass cards, sunscreen and most important....trading pins!We packed way too much the 1st trip, but it's a rookie mistake! We've since learned to pack light. We are too busy seeing and doing to worry about snacking, besides we eat a character meal once a day and that's enough to keep us going all day. Disney has first aid, so I don't need my kit. We stopped wearing hats and started wearing headband type ears for the boys and a crown for me, silly I know, but where else can a grown woman wear a pink crown and get away with it? Happy planning....which is almost my favorite part!

[Gator]

I've always found it quite easy to backback. It holds all you need and I just set it on the ground of any ride and put my leg through a shoulder strap to hold it.

[Ladyvader]

I have gone both sides of this spectrum. It never fails that if I lug a backpack around with weather gear, it never rains. I would never bring anything larger than a medium backpack. Remember less is best! By the end of the day it will feel like you are carrying bricks.
And also remember if you don't have a bag to check you skip the lines at security.
Have fun at the park all you Theme Park Sherpas.