Ok,,, first trip to DW the first week of September. I have read, read and READ about what to pack, where to go, what time to go etc etc. But my question is this,, if i have got all this crap in my backpack in the parks,,,, what do i do with my backpack when i wanna ride a ride?????
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So,, what do ya do with all that stuff??
- Thread starter msthunder
- Start date
hammysammy59
New Member
You know what? On my last trip, I didn't know there was a fan community or online resources for WDW'ing, so I didn't follow any of the "rules."
And I had an awesome time.
I never used sunscreen (and never got burnt and didn't have to screw around with reapplying it or feeling greasy) and I only carried three things with me:
-my wallet
-my cell phone
-my crappy lil' disposable camera.
All of which fit comfortably in my pockets. No bag checks to waste time on, no underseat storage compartments to search for (and potentially leave stuff in there by accident after leaving the ride), and no bulky bags to heave around.
Granted, I'm 22, and I was usually only with my 15 year old brother, so we didn't really NEED anything else. When we rarely did need a snack, we could just sit down and grab an ice cream sandwich from a cart.
Sadly, I probably won't be able to follow this run'n'gun philosophy on my next trip, since I now have a nice digital camcorder that I'm going to want to use.
And I had an awesome time.
I never used sunscreen (and never got burnt and didn't have to screw around with reapplying it or feeling greasy) and I only carried three things with me:
-my wallet
-my cell phone
-my crappy lil' disposable camera.
All of which fit comfortably in my pockets. No bag checks to waste time on, no underseat storage compartments to search for (and potentially leave stuff in there by accident after leaving the ride), and no bulky bags to heave around.
Granted, I'm 22, and I was usually only with my 15 year old brother, so we didn't really NEED anything else. When we rarely did need a snack, we could just sit down and grab an ice cream sandwich from a cart.
Sadly, I probably won't be able to follow this run'n'gun philosophy on my next trip, since I now have a nice digital camcorder that I'm going to want to use.
tink81
New Member
I pack light when you go to the parks: wallets, sungalsses, tylenol, hand sanitizer and tickets. When we go on rides like RNR, I put me feet through the armstraps and let the bag rest at my feet. For rides where there are no inversions or G-Forces, I just set it at my feet inside the ride, you can't leave you bags at the loading/unloading areas if that is what you're getting at. Mostly because of liability and also a lot of rides load and unload in in totally different places (Space Mountain, RNR, ToT, etc). Have fun!
Lucky
Well-Known Member
You only need all that crap if you're traveling with young kids. There's usually a place on the ride (e.g. net in front of you) to store a backpack. I've never had a problem with it. If you're rich, there are lockers in every park to store stuff you don't want to carry around on a hot day.
Uponastar
Well-Known Member
I used to use a " pack" for all sorts of junk that I finally decided I didn't really need. Last trip I purchased one of those little water-tight boxes that swimmers wear around their neck. The box is just big enough for my ticket and room key, and others cards (ID, medical, etc.) and a little pill box. Plus cash and band-aids. The box is attached to a lanyard around my neck. It is easily accessible and is not heavy or in the way. I also attach an eyeglass case for my prescription sunglasses. This is really all I need for the day.
And an added bonus. . . no need to go through bag-check!
And an added bonus. . . no need to go through bag-check!
ZapperZ
Well-Known Member
A backpack is, to me, the most convenient thing to carry. As has been mentioned, putting your legs through the shoulder straps works all the time on all rides, except for Kali River Rapids where it can get wet (use the storage area in the middle).
What do I have in my backpack? I have (i) a camera pack (I usually have the camera itself in my pocket) that contains extra batteries and SD card) (ii) a bottle of water (iii) a large beach towel (perfect for staking a place to sit for parades or fireworks, especially IllumiNations), and, depending if we are planning on doing video taping, (iv) a compact tripod.
Surprisingly, I can carry all that in a rather compact backpack, and it doesn't weigh that much at all.
Zz.
What do I have in my backpack? I have (i) a camera pack (I usually have the camera itself in my pocket) that contains extra batteries and SD card) (ii) a bottle of water (iii) a large beach towel (perfect for staking a place to sit for parades or fireworks, especially IllumiNations), and, depending if we are planning on doing video taping, (iv) a compact tripod.
Surprisingly, I can carry all that in a rather compact backpack, and it doesn't weigh that much at all.
Zz.
KnK
New Member
My husband, as silly as it may look, wears a pack. I would not be caught dead in it, but he always has little things that I end up needing. Also, we tend to carry one camera bag. Anything extra we need can go into it.
We also carry water bottle's that have clips on it. They attached to the camera bag.
We also carry water bottle's that have clips on it. They attached to the camera bag.
well we are travelin with my 7 year old boy, and i am not rich so a locker is out.
I plan on carrrying a bottle of water, a few snacks, rain ponchos, travel first aid kit, camera, and few other odds and ends. Its a small backpack.
I just REALLY PRAY that there isn't a hurricane when we are due to go down there!!!!!
I plan on carrrying a bottle of water, a few snacks, rain ponchos, travel first aid kit, camera, and few other odds and ends. Its a small backpack.
I just REALLY PRAY that there isn't a hurricane when we are due to go down there!!!!!
CoffeeJedi
Active Member
i have a small single strap backpack (the kind that were popular a few years ago that go across your chest), its big enough for my camera, water bottle, sunscreen, eyeglasses, small towel, medication, and rain jacket. it even has a cell phone pocket attached to the strap in the front. its really slim and i've never had a problem with it on any rides. i also generally wear cargo shorts to carry any little odds and ends (my glasses in their case usually slip into a pocket)
brich
New Member
I'm often amazed at how some pack for a day at the Parks as if they're crossing the Sahara with no contact with the outside world... 
Keep it simple so it's enjoyable. Do you pack a backpack to go to the mall? I have a pack that holds my video camera, my digital camera, a little thing of sunscreen for the kids and, hmm, that's it.
I wear the same sneakers I wear to work everyday. I wear clothes that are good for the temperature of that day. If it rains, get wet, buy a poncho or go on a ride to stay dry. If it get's cold, buy a sweatshirt. If they seem to expensive to buy just because your cold, then maybe your not that cold. Pack light with bare necessaties so you don't spend half your day lugging stuff. You are in civilization while in the parks, as strange as it may seem. Just carry a smile and have fun...
Keep it simple so it's enjoyable. Do you pack a backpack to go to the mall? I have a pack that holds my video camera, my digital camera, a little thing of sunscreen for the kids and, hmm, that's it.
I wear the same sneakers I wear to work everyday. I wear clothes that are good for the temperature of that day. If it rains, get wet, buy a poncho or go on a ride to stay dry. If it get's cold, buy a sweatshirt. If they seem to expensive to buy just because your cold, then maybe your not that cold. Pack light with bare necessaties so you don't spend half your day lugging stuff. You are in civilization while in the parks, as strange as it may seem. Just carry a smile and have fun...
amykissangel
Member
We always took a small backpack with my little sister because my mom felt it was necessary.
Had to have the sunscreen, ponchos, snacks, towel, etc. My dad always took it on rides, and here was the verdict:
Also, if you buy things in the park, and you're staying on property, have them sent to your hotel. If you're not staying on property, or won't be at the hotel for more than 2 nights (it takes them a while to get to you sometimes), scout out what you want, and buy the last half hour you're at the parks to minimize carrying time.
Have fun!
Had to have the sunscreen, ponchos, snacks, towel, etc. My dad always took it on rides, and here was the verdict:
- RRC - wrap around your legs and make sure everything's zipped. If it's thin enough, wear it.
- BTMR- tuck it between you and the side, with your arm through one strap.
- Splash - wrap around your legs. It could basically sit in your lap the whole ride until the drop.
- Space - tightly around your legs; it's all open.
- Tower of Terror - used to be nets in front of or below you. Can't remember if they're still there. It can sit on the floor otherwise, wrapped around a foot.
- MS - hated that ride, can't remember.
- Test Track - by your feet, wrapped around a foot.
- Soarin' - they give you a spot for it, I believe beneath your feet.
- River Rapids - in the middle.
- EE - haven't ridden it yet.
Also, if you buy things in the park, and you're staying on property, have them sent to your hotel. If you're not staying on property, or won't be at the hotel for more than 2 nights (it takes them a while to get to you sometimes), scout out what you want, and buy the last half hour you're at the parks to minimize carrying time.
Have fun!
ilovejr71292
Member
ok just a bit of advice if your travelin with small kids if your gonna make a list of EVERYTHING ur gonna do allow chill time cause if you try to plan EVERYTHING out its not gonna be any fun just go with the flow the no stress way
ilovejr71292
Member
for MS there are little compartments in front of you that close
bandtrumpet
New Member
when i went i used a fannie pack, shure it may not look great but it works. easy to find stuff, light, and if you r on a roller coaster(ex. rockin roller coaster) you can just slide it to the side.
HAVE FUN!
HAVE FUN!
RonAnnArbor
Well-Known Member
Every ride will allow you to take a small backpack on - most you just keep it at your feet, some you put it into a basket or bin in front of you - the mesh cloth kind with a rubber elastic closure that keeps things in.
I find that an investment in a 34.00 pair of cargo shorts with 4 - 6 pockets is way more practical than carrying any kind of bag -- point-and-shoot camera, wallet, keys, extra battery, spray sunblock and cellphone all go in the velcro-shut pockets (hence they don't fall out on rides either) and nothing to carry, nothing to check.
It is VERY popular to carry a backpack around the World...you will find it easy to use, but one extra thing that you are lugging around all day long.
THe other benefit of bringing no backpack -- with a bag, it is too easy to just buy more stuff and put it in...without the bag, you go out of your way to NOT buy more stuff and NOT carry even more with you.
By the way -- I think that person that said "if you are rich" you can rent a locker was joshing -- the lockers are a couple bucks and would be a great place to store your stuff for at least part of the day.
I find that an investment in a 34.00 pair of cargo shorts with 4 - 6 pockets is way more practical than carrying any kind of bag -- point-and-shoot camera, wallet, keys, extra battery, spray sunblock and cellphone all go in the velcro-shut pockets (hence they don't fall out on rides either) and nothing to carry, nothing to check.
It is VERY popular to carry a backpack around the World...you will find it easy to use, but one extra thing that you are lugging around all day long.
THe other benefit of bringing no backpack -- with a bag, it is too easy to just buy more stuff and put it in...without the bag, you go out of your way to NOT buy more stuff and NOT carry even more with you.
By the way -- I think that person that said "if you are rich" you can rent a locker was joshing -- the lockers are a couple bucks and would be a great place to store your stuff for at least part of the day.
DisneyDragon
New Member
When I used to be able to travel light, I used to use a pack, but one meant for athletics. It sinched up perfectly at sat at the small of one's back comfortably. However, the majority of the time, I kept it slung over my shoulder. I would clip my umbrella to the pack using carbiners.
These days, with kids in tow, it's a bit different. We haven't been when the kids are in diapers, but we do carry a backpack with a sippy cup for beverages, a spill-proof snack cup (and baggies of goldfish crackers, etc). The standards - digital camera, umbrella (for more), ponchos (everyone else), sunscreen, etc. I'm a backpack fiend thanks to years of expedition travelling - so I have one for every occasion. My WDW pack is relatively small, with three outer pouches, and lots of interiors for managing stuff.
I do a lot of traveling so I tend to think a lot before I go anywhere. The goal - travel as light as possible. My wife can load up a pack in no time, so I stay in charge of that...
Carbiners can be really helpful - I use one to clip together bags of purchases. It makes grabbing your bags to go on an attraction very quick, and you can clip it to a stroller easily. Being able to clip a wet umbrella outside of a pack is also helpful.
These days, with kids in tow, it's a bit different. We haven't been when the kids are in diapers, but we do carry a backpack with a sippy cup for beverages, a spill-proof snack cup (and baggies of goldfish crackers, etc). The standards - digital camera, umbrella (for more), ponchos (everyone else), sunscreen, etc. I'm a backpack fiend thanks to years of expedition travelling - so I have one for every occasion. My WDW pack is relatively small, with three outer pouches, and lots of interiors for managing stuff.
I do a lot of traveling so I tend to think a lot before I go anywhere. The goal - travel as light as possible. My wife can load up a pack in no time, so I stay in charge of that...
Carbiners can be really helpful - I use one to clip together bags of purchases. It makes grabbing your bags to go on an attraction very quick, and you can clip it to a stroller easily. Being able to clip a wet umbrella outside of a pack is also helpful.
shoppingnut
Active Member
I put my sunscreen (SPF 50 waterproof) on before I leave the hotel every day and I'm fine without reapplying, so don't have to carry it. Don't be so foolish to think that you don't need it down there like so many people do, just because one person happens not to burn doesn't mean you won't. I've seen soooooooo many people burnt badly because they don't use sun screen, and many of those folks are from the UK where they think the sun in FL will be good for them. Well it's not good for you when you don't see much sun most of the time and your skin burns and turns to sunpoisining.