Parenting in the Parks: Packing It Up: Families and Their Bags on Disney Vacations

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Packing It Up: Families and Their Bags on Disney Vacations by Adrienne Krock

The Parenting Panel discusses the bags they use and how they pack them for spending their days at the Disney Parks

Read it here!

[megzrg]

I pack around a small purse (7"x3") and that's it. It has become to be known as my park purse and is currently 1/10 the size of my normal purse. It is large enough to carry the financial essentials, first aid needs, cell phone and digital camera; with room still left over for the small souveniers that we take home.

We have a 12-year-old son, but I have been packing this way for Disneyland visits from Idaho since he was 4. If it doesn't fit into my park purse or pockets it doesn't go. If a purchase doesn't fit into my purse, it gets purchased at the end of the day.

I hate packing things around, after you get used to packing light and enjoying how much easier the park it this way you will never want to go back.

[red chicken]

One tip that I might add for anybody with a Star Wars aficionado child. I bought my son (11) one of the Chewbacca backpacks. It doesn't have a huge cargo area, but enough to hold four bottles of water and a couple of snacks. He loves wearing it and I love having a lighter load in my pack. We tried fanny packs, but I passed a mirror and made everyone throw them away.

[ericles]

I hate packing things around, after you get used to packing light and enjoying how much easier the park it this way you will never want to go back.

I couldn't agree more. We didn't start going to WDW till our youngest was 5, so we never had to worry about the diaper bag or stroller issue. The most I take is a small sling bag that is about 5"x9" (it expands) - holds my sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen stick and some $$, ID & park tickets, and my phone if I bring it with me. That is it. I far prefer a hands-free experience. My husband will sometimes carry a back-pack style camera bag for his big camera. The kids? Now that they are older they don't need much - Thanks to the cargo short they dont' need to take a backpack. They shove a toss-away poncho in a pocket if the days weather calls for it and that is about it. Some $ & park tickets in their wallets.

[DisneyGator]

I always have ponchos, sweaters, water, sunscreen, and kids clothes in my backpack. My wife has the diaper bag which usually goes under the double stroller. One thing we'll be bringing on the next trip is a booster chair with tray for the 1yo. It fits under the stroller as well. It's a real pain hauling all this on the bus system, and have thus stopped getting park hoppers because of this.