[Jane K]

I just love all the good tips in this forum.

Now I have a question --with bags being searched at WDW, do you just plain skip taking a backpack, rucksack, purse, daypack, or whatever? If not, what's your preference as far as type, size, etc? Being female, it's of course very hard to part with the handbag!

[preidel24]

Jane welcome to DC!!!

I take a daypack. Take whatever bag your use too. Just have it ready for the guards to check and you'll be fine. Everyone still bring bags to WDW. Like I said have it out and opened, pull and zippered areas open so it's easier to check. That way you'll save time getting through the security line.

Paula

[Cheryl]

When we were there a couple of weeks ago - it literally took all of 10 seconds for them to "search" the bags. I have 3 kids so I had a pretty big one in my stroller. No biggie - it didn't take any time at all.

[DisneyTeacher]

Welcome to DC, Jane K,

We always take a bag, check or no check. It doesn't add any time to getting into the parks. If you have your bag open ready to inspect when you walk up it takes just seconds and you are on your way to the turn styles.

Have fun planning! :)

[Jane K]

Thanks for the replies! I was thinking that going through a security check would take away "precious" Disney exploring time! Glad to know that it won't be too time consuming. What's the best sort of a bag to carry that's not too cumbersome? Is a backpack the best way to go? I have the feeling I'm going to be the "pack mule" and I like to travel light!

[DisneyTeacher]

We like a backpack so we have room for a couple of snacks and our rain-gear.

[mickaholic4077]

A backpack is the way to go. You can put your own sodas in them and not pay the ridiculous $2.50 every time you want something to drink.

[Metalfan]

Yeah, it doesnt take them long to search the bags. I'd say bring it, it's easier to carry things. I don't carry one mainly because I just dont want to, but most people I know do and they have no problems with it!

[tinkerbell]

since all of us are carrying some kind of backpack .. I get all the bags and have them open and ready while the rest of my family goes on through ..if you do not have any bags they have a seprate entrance.
It really doesnt take that much time if you have the bag open, make sure every pocket or zipper is open

[disneydana]

Welcome to DC!! I don't know if you have kids or not. When it is just DH and I, we usually only take a fanny pack. It's just easier. If I have the kids with me, we have a backpack. We need the extra room for snacks, drinks, sunscreen, camera, etc.

[llama]

Welcome to DC. I always make my husband carry the backpack. I find this to be an excellent solution:laugh We actually bought one that just goes over one shoulder (like a shoulder bag) and he says that it's way more comfortable than a regular pack.

[pixie_1999]

when dh,dd and myself r on vacation we usually opt for the back pack....last year we had a standard 2 strap,but this year i think i will purchase the single strap and maybe a little smaller...althought the room is nice for all those extras,it is a bit cumbersome in shops,etc

[Dana]

On my trip (jan/feb), I brought a backpack the first two days. I then bought myself a waist pack and used an oversized WDW bag to carry jackets, sweatshirts..etc. I put the big bag in a locker and walked around with the waist pack. If we got cold or hot I went back to the locker and chaged accordingly. It worked out well for me in Jan/Feb with the weather changing temps every 5 mins. I was loaded down like a pack mule.

[Jane K]

Are the lockers pretty centrally located? How is it having to make your way back to lockers all the time? And are they relatively theft-proof?

[llama]

Originally posted by Jane K
Are the lockers pretty centrally located? How is it having to make your way back to lockers all the time? And are they relatively theft-proof?

The lockers are located just inside the entry to every park. And I would say they are theft-proof. We certainly have never had a problem. Making your way back? Well, I guess that would depend on where you were in the park. If you're in Tomorrowland at the MK, it's just a short walk. If you're in "Italy" in the World Showcase at Epcot, you've got a hike. My best advice is to really think out what you'll be needing - jacket, water, camera, etc. - and just take the essentials. Leave all the extra "maybe I'll need this" behind.