I know a lot of people are into carrying backpacks to the parks, and I used to be one of them... but I no longer feel like I have to have every little thing with me. If you have kids and need to pack snacks and diapers or other necessities it probably still makes sense, especially if you don't have a stroller with you, but I think most people will be perfectly fine with a good quality
cross-body bag.
LeSportSac is usually my go-to brand and with the It's a Small World line that's been releasing every couple months it makes a perfect Disney bag. I used the Tahiti bag from the Small World line this summer when I was out in California. It was a great park bag and is featured in my "
In the Bag" post if you want a closer look. It is a slightly larger option and has two zippered outside pockets. I was able to carry everything I needed in here and had room to tuck maps and guides. The fact that LeSportSac has now partnered with Disney makes their bags a superior choice for your park bag go-to! You can choose your favorites and even collect the adorable charms!
I have a Lesportsac outlet not far from my house (about 40-45 min) so I usually choose the smaller version of this same cross-body style. I think cross-body is essential not matter how large you go because no one wants to fumble with the straps of a regular purse while touring parks. Being hands free is essential to me for pictures, checking out my times guide, and generally having the easy to grab and go when I am making my way through the parks. In 2011 for 2 of my trips I used the smaller version. Unfortunately this is the best pic I could find. I love that you can choose different patterns and that if you are looking for a bag on the cheap you can just purchase from an outlet or on sale get last seasons designs.
LeSportSac bags are also super easy to clean and very durable. Similarly,
Vera Bradley bags are worth every penny as well and you can get similar deals on them (its def worth following both brands through email and through Facebook to get up to date sale and clearance info).
Vera Bradley also makes a handful of bags that can be extended into crossbody. I actually got the Stephanie bag in Lemon Parfait for my birthday and hadn't used it yet so decided to give it a try last May when I went to Disney as a chaperone and LOVED it. I was even able to tuck some of the Flower and Garden Festival merch I got in its many pockets (lol... I actually lost the pin I bought by tucking it in there for MONTHS!).
What is so nice about the Vera bag is the comfort level since they are softer cotton and even when you weight your bag down (which, lets face it, we all do sometimes while touring) it never cuts into your shoulder. I especially love that I can put my Sony Nex camera in my Vera and feel like it is still protected! Its a compact DSLR and I keep the zoom lens on nearly all the time! Like the LeSportSac bags, you can through these in the washer when you get home if they get dirty and getting wet won't kill them. They also have lots of pockets!
And one of my go tos for my my bags is being able to hook a Mickey shaped caribeener I picked up a few trips ago onto the strap so I can hook my refill mug on-- and both of these are soft enough or have small enough straps that they fit no problem!
What is your favorite park bag? Have you ever rocked a cross-body? I think they are cute, stylish, and an easy park choice!
My favorite park bag (and camera bag in general) EVER is my Lowepro Passport Sling: http://www.lowepro.com/passportsling
ReplyDeleteOn our recent trip to Disney, I actually had two bags. I have two kids and there were 4 adults, so quite a bit to carry. The first I carried was the Casual Cargo Purse from Thirty-One. It was nice because it was large enough to fit everything we needed, had lots of pockets and was easy to squish under the stroller. I had any of the extras we needed - sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, etc - stashed in there. I also had the Essentials Crossbody (only available for another few days, unfortunately) from Thirty-One that was the best thing ever. It is about the size of a small wallet with a crossbody strap. I carried my key cards, credit and gift cards, ID, cash and my phone in there. It stayed with me the whole time and was small enough and light enough I barely noticed on rides. It kept me from having to deal with a larger bag on times when I wanted my stuff secured on me. I also love the Organizing Shoulder bag and would probably use that if I didn't need as much stuff for the kids and wanted to keep it light.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a bookbag from Thirty One! I havent used it yet but its really awesome!
DeleteI just love your site! You are absolutely right about the Vera Bradley and the 'It's a Small World' LeSportSac being the best cross-body bags for Disney (Parks or Cruise Line). Your top photo made me smile SO much. Believe it or not, I recently posted a style board at a site I blog on and I paired the Ariel Shirt with the LSS Tahiti bag because both have basically been my summer uniform. Looking forward to more of your site!
ReplyDeleteAwww! We are kindred Disney style spirits! :D
DeleteThe last trip, sans kiddo, I used a Vera hipster (very small), which was perfect for a little point and shoot, my cell and cards. With my kiddo I'm still using a diaper bag but I can't wait to ditch that!
ReplyDeleteThe best bag I've had so far in the parks is one I picked up in Animal Kingdom; just a long, canvas tote. Cross bodies often make my neck pinch and I've found the tote works great. We don't carry as much in the parks as families with younger ones, but I like to have my wallet, cellphone, camera (now those are combined), wipes, and bandaids. I've got tons of left over room for the souvenirs and maps of the day.
ReplyDeleteI got a great tote in Disneyland Paris. I had bought a bunch of souvenirs and was afraid I wouldn't be able to carry them back on the long train ride into Paris. It was perfect. Also for Disney state-side I have used Ameribags. They have warehouse sales twice a year in Saugerties with incredible buys!
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