If you're heading out for a day at one of Disney's parks (especially with a large group, and especially if anyone in that group in under the age of five), you're probably going to want to bring a lot of things with you: Sunscreen, phones, wet wipes, snacks, water bottles ... some people even pack a family lunch and extra clothes for the kids.
And unless you're planning on wearing Cargo pants (which I most definitely am NOT), you're going to need some sort of bag to put everything in.
But what kind of bag? There are basically four main types to choose from:
1. Backpacks
This is one of the most popular options, especially for families who have lots to pack. They even make backpack coolers if you're bringing in your own food and drinks (yes, that's totally allowed) and want to keep it all cool.
2. Sling Bags
These are very similar to backpacks, but instead of two straps that go over each shoulder, a sling bag has one strap that goes across your body diagonally.
Some people find these bags more comfortable than a backpack. They also like how you can just sort of swing it around to get something out of it, whereas with a backpack you have to take the entire thing off each time.
3. Crossbody purses
This has been my bag of choice for our last couple trips. I like to travel as light as possible, and carrying a backpack all day long would drive me insane. I also like how the crossbody purses have a bit of a pretty, stylish look to them, as if they're part of your outfit and not just something you're bringing because you need it to haul your stuff around in.
Specifically, I've been using the Vera Bradley Mini Hipster, which comes in a ton of different colors and designs. I've heard people rave about the Kipling Aisling crossbody bags. I currently have one of these on my Amazon Wish List -- not for a Disney trip, but just for life in general.
4. Belts and Waist Packs
On our first couple family Disney trips, I used a fanny pack.
I had no idea that this was a shameful, embarrassing thing that could get me completely shunned from society until my daughters were old enough to inform me that they would die of embarrassment if my husband and I wore them to Disney again.
I just recently learned about two more modern, socially acceptable, variations on the fanny pack (or "waist pack," which might cause you to get shunned from society a little less quickly): the Flipbelt and the SPIbelt.
Both are belts designed for runners and people going to the gym (which means they are not intended for me). The SPIbelt has zipper pockets, making it look a little like a super-slim fanny -- err, waist pack. The Flipbelt, on the other hand, is just an elastic band you can slip things into, then flip it around so the openings are against your waist.
From what I've read, the SPIbelt is a little less expensive, but the Flipbelt is more comfortable (and, some say, more stylish, although I suppose that's a matter of opinion).
These two options would be great for people who like to carry only the essentials, especially if they are runners in real life and would use them on a regular basis.
I hope this article has been helpful!
For more detailed help on choosing a bag for Disney, I do cover both reviews of individual bags and a Disney park packing list (including the option to get a printable checklist) in my post on the best bags for Disney World and other theme parks.
Jen
Three Kids, Three Cats, and a Husband
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