[staceyheis]

This will be our first trip without a stroller (or so I'm hoping - DD turns 6 while we are there). I am so used to throwing a bag or two under the stroller, I'm at a loss as to what type of bag to bring. I will want to bring a snack or two and maybe a change of clothes for DD. Plus camera, autograph book, sunscreen, etc. Help!! Also, we will have the resort mugs for the first time. While I know you can't refill them in the parks, I thought we would take at least one full to get us through the am. Trip is 9/28.

Thanks!!

[DisneyTeacher]

We were still using a stroller when my son was 6, half for him and half for me so we could use it to carry stuff in. We didn't take a full sized stroller, we took a cheap umbrella stroller with a place for a bag or two. At the end of our trip I would find a family who looked like they could use a stroller and handed it off to them.

I would leave the mugs at the resort, I don't think it's worth hauling them around all day for the tiny bit they hold.

[hanwill]

Take a back pack... use it with both straps, and you will not notice it is there. I usually do not carry heavy bags for a living, and I had a black backpack- in June, and I did not notice it was there.

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by hanwill

Take a back pack... use it with both straps, and you will not notice it is there. I usually do not carry heavy bags for a living, and I had a black backpack- in June, and I did not notice it was there.

That's what we do. We always take a backpack and trade off carrying it. I don't even notice it.

[mickeysgirlz]

I use the large hipster by Vera Bradley . . . lots of room!

We bring our mugs just to split the HUGE drinks you get on the DDP. I refill them and we drink out of them all day. They attach easy to a lanyard around your neck or get a keychain with the cababiner clips on them and then clip them to your bag. Of course you have to carry them when they are full.

I still bring the umbrella stroller and DD is 5.5 . . . she still needs it. Heck, DD9 would climb in if she could! (but this stroller doesn't have anywhere to hold a bag)

[lisalovesmickey]

In past trips without DS I used an over the shoulder sling bag. For some reason the backpacks annoy me after a while as both shoulders get sore at the same time. This way I can switch sides as I feel necessary. Plus I feel more secure with my stuff up front on my thigh/hip instead of behind me when I can't see whats goin' on back there!

Have fun!

Lisa

[beatman23]

We still bring our full size stroller for DD(5) and, like others have posted, DD(8) will sometimes take a break and ride while her sister is on my Shoulders. It just seems easier to bring the thing. Yes it is a bit of a hassle at the airport AND on Disney busses, but man it is so convenient.

That is my two cents. If you opt not for the stroller, the backpack is your next best bet.

I hope you post what you decide, I would be interested.

[mommyof2]

We have a Lowepro camera backpack. It holds ALL of out camera gear on the bottom, then it has a roomy top with little organizers in it. My DH carried it the entire time and never once complained about it!!

[missymouse]

Our upcoming trip will be our first without a stroller too. We'll see how it goes! We drive down, so I'm trying to convince DH that we should at least stick it in the car just in case we get there and decide we still need it. He says DD10 and DS were both walking the whole time when they were 5, so our youngest can too.

As far as bags, I think if you want to keep all of your stuff in one bag, then go with a regular sized backpack. My kids each have a little tiny backpack of their own and we roll a change of clothes up and put it in a large ziplock bag in the bottom of each backpack. They also carry their autograph books and pens in there. That way DH and I are not having to always go digging around for 3 autograph books when we come to a character meet and greet. I carry the large Vera Bradley hipster, and it holds all of my necessities like my camera and small package of wet wipes, etc. DH hates carrying anything, and I love my accessories, so he just lets me have at it!

[CaraMia]

We use a backpack. Since ds is now too big to fit in the rental strollers we are going to have to carry it around as opposed to throwing it on top of the stroller. I plan on bringing as little as possible in it to keep the weight down.

My sister recently bought a Vera Bradley backpack . She said it is really light weight and has 3 expanding compartments. I didnt get a chance to see it but I will check it out before we go to WDW in August. It was pricey but it may be worth it. She bought it to replace two good size diaper bags (she has a 1.2 yr old, a 3 yr old, and a 4 yr old).

[staceyheis]

Ok - now I'm rethinking the whole stroller thing. We are only in the parks 5 days so I thought she might be able to handle it. I thought if it was bad, I could always rent one towards the end. Would love to hear what others do - when did you give up the stroller? I certainly can't carry her around the parks as it's just the two of us! Thanks!

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally Posted by staceyheis

Ok - now I'm rethinking the whole stroller thing. We are only in the parks 5 days so I thought she might be able to handle it. I thought if it was bad, I could always rent one towards the end. Would love to hear what others do - when did you give up the stroller? I certainly can't carry her around the parks as it's just the two of us! Thanks!

We took a stroller until my son was 7. He didn't have to have it but we were all happier for it.

[tinkerbelle24]

My DD7 hasnt used a stroller in WDW since she was 5 so I have been using a back pack. Often I leave the backpack in the room and just use a coach wristlet for park passes and cash.
This coming trip I will use my backpack because I plan on a change of clothes for when we get wet on river rapids so I wont have to spend $80 on 2 sets of clothing like we did in Dec

[Mickey Mom]

Like most others, we too have started using backpacks. My husband has one, lightweight, comfortable, many compartments etc. And I have a small one for any extra essentials.

[CaraMia]

Originally Posted by DisneyTeacher

We took a stroller until my son was 7. He didn't have to have it but we were all happier for it.

My motto was "if his butt fits in it..he can ride in it"

Unfortunately, my DS's butt doesnt fit anymore! lol