Backpacks, Purses, and Fanny Packs at Disney…Oh My!

While MagicBands take care of the need to carry a room key, credit card, Walt Disney World park ticket, and FastPasses by combining them into one bracelet, there are still a plethora of other theme park survival items lying around your resort room that you may choose to take with you to the parks.

These include park maps, a cell phone, sunscreen, bandaids, ponchos, sunglasses, diapers, snacks, a camera, and so on! Where will you put everything?

Here are ten basic examples of theme park travel gear to suit different Guests’ needs and styles:

1. Pockets

For the few and the brave (and lucky), pockets provide protection for the basics, including room for a wallet, a cell phone, and a pack of gum (which you must bring from home, since Disney Parks don’t sell any). Pockets allow you to bypass the often-busy security bag check and head straight to the park entrance!

2. Waterproof Wallets

These plastic cases are great to take to the water parks or just out to the pool. They keep keys, cards and cash dry using a rubber seal that latches shut. They are also ideal for a light day at the parks if you don’t have pockets. Waterproof wallets are sold at the Disney Parks and resorts, as well as places such as Walmart and Target.

3. Money Belts/Travel Pouches

Great for those who like to play it safe, a money belt is similar to a flat fanny pack, but is worn against the body, underneath the shirt or jacket. This type of travel gear is hassle-free for boarding and riding attractions, especially intense thrill rides, since it allows the safety bar to fit snug against you and doesn’t require you to store any of your bags. It also allows you to keep your money and ID out of sight and secure from Scrooge McDuck.

4. Fanny Pack

Ah, the infamous fanny pack. Sometimes known by its proper name, the “waist pack” is often seen as the ultimate cheesy tourist asset. The fanny pack is actually a great hands-free way to navigate the parks if you’ve got a park map in one hand, a Mickey bar in the other, and a cell phone in your third hand (as you book your FastPass+ experiences on the My Disney Experience app). Fanny packs with embroidered Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Tigger and Pooh are often sold in the parks. For the thirsty traveler, some of these stylish packs include an added compartment for a water bottle (which can be found at places like Walmart), and can be very handy during the hot summer months.

5. Purses

Purses come in all shapes and sizes, including clutches, cell phone purses, shoulder bags and safari bags (to name only a few). Women often like to be prepared for any situation that may come up, whether it’s for a cut finger, headache, snack break, sunburn, or magical moment, so the size of the bag may vary depending on who’s in your travel party and what your personal needs may be. For those who carry less, shoulder bags with long straps can be worn cross-body for more security and hands-free usage.  These tend to distribute weight more evenly than larger safari-style purses, which are shorter and worn on one shoulder (which can cause aching muscles at the end of a long day).

Vera Bradley and Dooney and Bourke are two of the companies that have expanded their line of purses to the Disney Parks featuring various fashions and designs to fit every theme park style.  Organizing inserts with various pockets are great for larger purses and can be purchased from Amazon. These expanding pockets help organize all your accessories for quick access. (Please note: the more zippered pockets the bag has, the longer it will take for you to go through security. You must have all compartments unzipped and ready for inspection).

6. Camera Bag

The camera bag carries camera essentials, with room for various lens attachments and other accessories. Some Guests’ favorite activity at the parks is taking photographs with their professional cameras. Often, the camera bag is paired with another bag, as it does not have a lot of room for extra Disney Park survival items.

7. Messenger Bags

“It’s called a satchel. Indiana Jones wears one.” The messenger bag is worn cross-body and is usually flat. This bag is large enough to carry all the basic park essentials, often including bigger items like a camera, a sketch book, and a Macbook for the artsy, hipster theme park nerd.

8. Basic Tote Bag

The basic tote bag is often square-shaped and has short handles. If you don’t choose to have your merchandise purchases delivered to your resort room, a tote bag is often a great option. Some totes are made of a polyester material and can be easily rolled up inside a backpack or other bag. Sturdier options, such as bags made of thick canvas, are great for carrying the whole family’s park accessories. Cheaper totes are sold at the Disney Store for as low as $2.00, but be warned that these are made of recyclable material and are prone to rip with weight.

9. Diaper Bag

For the busy mom (or dad), diaper bags are often a necessity at the parks. Diaper bags often have multiple compartments with room for formula, diapers, a change of clothes, a blanket, and just about any other park essential that your little one may need during a busy day at the parks. Diaper bags are often paired with strollers and mid-afternoon naps.

10. Backpack

The mother of all travel packs, the backpack is usually reserved for Super-Dad or Mega-Mom. The backpack is the ultimate bag for the all-day traveler and can include a family’s change of clothes, ponchos, Goldfish crackers, fruit snacks, Mad-Libs, stuffed animals, and autograph books. Some backpacks double as a cooler or a hydration pack with a straw and water compartment, although these are limited in storage space.

So many choices! For those staying on property (and without little kids), lighter, hassle-free bag options such as the money belt or fanny pack often work well and allow you to board attractions with ease. Families staying just for the day or staying off-property often choose larger bags.

Lockers can take the burden off carrying around heavy bags. They are available for rental at all theme parks, water parks and Downtown Disney. Large rentals cost $9 and small cost $7, with a $5 refundable deposit. If you’re park hopping, just show your receipt at the next park to continue your locker service for no additional cost.

What type of bag do you take to the parks?