Are you planning a trip to Orlando and debating the best backpacks for Disney World travel? There are always lots of debates about what to pack to take into the Disney theme parks, so there will be multiple options depending on whether you are traveling with young kids, alone, or with another adult.
Make sure whatever bag you choose to carry into Walt Disney World is comfortable with an adjustable strap (or two) and provides easy access for all of your important items. Before you travel and spend in a long day in the heat of Orlando, do a trial run and test out your day pack.
Fill your Disney World backpack with your personal items, your cell phone and cell phone chargers, snacks and water bottles. Determine whether there are enough side pockets, a wide enough main compartment, a front pocket for quick access to items like credit cards. You may also want to consider a bag with anti-theft pockets if you are traveling with credit or debit cards.
Take the time to research a great bag for the Disney theme parks! Whether you are a minimalist or you like to carry a lot of stuff, I hope this list of the best backpacks for Disney World helps you prepare for your trip.
Current Disney Guidelines for the Best Backpacks for Disney World
If you are planning to fill that backpack with goodies from stores like the Emporium, make sure you have a good choice to store all of those souvenirs! Disney World does have guidelines for bag and cooler sizes, which include no bags bigger than 24″ long x 15″ wide x 18″ high. You cannot bring wagons into the Disney World parks. Make sure you check the list of prohibited items (including selfie sticks) on Disney’s website before you travel.
Can you bring snacks and drinks to Disney World?
Yes! You can bring your own snacks and drinks into the parks. Make sure your Disney park bag includes water bottle pockets because Orlando can get hot and humid! Bring bottles of water, Goldfish crackers, granola bars, gum/candy, popcorn, pretzels, and special treats. If you are stuck in a long line, being able to pull out a yummy snack, a piece of gum or a sip of a drink can help lift your spirits.
What should I pack in the best backpacks for Disney World?
What should you pack in your Disney backpack for your day in this magical place? Essential items include a water bottle, cell phone, cell phone charger, driver’s license, a credit/debit card, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
If you are traveling with young children, consider packing a diaper bag-style backpack. Pack wipes, diapers, and baby food/snacks needed, favorite toys, bottles, pacifiers, a cooling fan for the stroller, and a change of clothes. You may also want to include an ice pack if you need to keep certain items cold.
Other optional items include cooling fans, ponchos/umbrellas, a change of shoes to protect your best shoes from getting wet on water rides, autograph books for Minnie Mouse (my favorite!), and gallon plastic bags.
What should I look for in the best backpacks for Disney World?
For the best backpacks for Disney World, make sure to look for a bag that has padded shoulder straps, plenty of storage space, interior zip pockets, and is made of a lightweight material. Consider a water-resistant bag to protect your items from water rides like Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom.
You may prefer a traditional backpack like a high-quality North Face bag with breathable mesh shoulder straps or Disney-themed backpacks like those from the Loungefly brand. Make sure whatever you choose is comfortable and allows plenty of room for all that you need for a full day in the amusement park.
What is security like for a bag check at Disney World?
Security and bag check at Disney World is much simpler and more streamlined than it was in the past. Simply pull out metal items like phone chargers, umbrellas, and metal cups to put in a basket for the metal detector. You may also want to remove anything cylinder-shaped like eyeglass cases to prevent the detector from going off. Then, enter through the metal detector and proceed to the parks!
Crossbody Bags for Disney World
KAVU Original Rope Bag Cotton Crossbody Sling
If you love crossbody bags, Kavu makes a good crossbody backpack. This one is a great choice for a single traveler, with two main pockets for clothes or water bottles. This is a super lightweight backpack with an internal zip pocket and two front pockets for smaller items. It comes in a variety of different colors, a great option for your Disney World vacation!
OutdoorMaster Sling Bag – Crossbody Shoulder Chest
OutdoorMaster Sling Bag is another great option for our best Disney backpacks. It has room for a small laptop or tablet, an anti-theft pocket, and a water bottle holder. It has a reversible strap for lefties and righties. The smaller pocket on the front is perfect for any small items that need quick access.
Maleden Sling Bag
The Maleden Sling Bag comes in a variety of colors and is a very functional backpack. There is a larger zippered pocket with plenty of space for a small laptop or iPad, a smaller zippered pocket for phones and chargers, and an open compartment with a nylon band to keep small items easily accessible. Perfect for park days or a day at Disney Springs!
Loungefly Backpacks
If you are looking for a classic favorite for many Disney fans, Loungefly makes many different Disney prints in their bags. You can find them throughout the parks, as well as online. They are made of faux leather with a small front compartment and adjustable shoulder straps. They are great for a short day in the parks, but the only downside might be that they are small, only measuring 9″ X 10.5″ X 4.5″.
Loungefly Disney Mickey and Minnie Backpack
Cooler Backpacks
Cooler backpacks are a great option for bringing some drinks and snacks into the park.
Coleman Soft Cooler Backpack
This cooler backpack from Coleman is perfect for days in the park. It keeps snacks and drinks cold for hours and the front pocket allows you to store more items like your phone, an umbrella, and a phone charger.
Columbia PFG Roll Caster 30 Can Insulated Backpack Cooler
Columbia also makes an excellent cooler backpack. It features a padded back with breathable mesh panels and adjustable, padded backpack straps. It also includes multiple exterior pockets, an insulated front compartment, and elasticized gear straps on the front. I love that it is easily wipeable after a day in the parks.
Fanny Pack
I love a fanny pack when I don’t want to carry too much into the parks. These are also fantastic for Universal. You can wear them on Universal rides instead of having to use the lockers. These are also a great option for younger children who want to take a few things into the parks.
JanSport Fifth Ave Fanny Pack
This fanny pack comes in lots of fun colors and features two zipper pockets. You can wear it across your chest or your waist. The fabric is super durable so it can hold up to a day in the parks. Perfect for girls and women.
Diaper Bag Backpack
If you are heading to the parks with a little one, you know how important a diaper bag backpack will be. Make sure the backpack fits nto your stroller basket space or hang from stroller hooks.
Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag Backpack
If you are looking for a diaper bag you will use beyond Disney, Itzy Ritzy is a great option. This is a vegan leather bag with 17 pockets! It has plenty of space for anything a small child might need at Disney World!
Lightweight Backpack
Lightweight backpacks offer an easy nylon option, easy to tote and clean off during your park days.
Eddie Bauer Packable Backpack
This lightweight backpack easily folds into a small built-in pouch. It has a 30-liter capacity with three zippered compartments. The two mesh side compartments are perfect for an umbrella and a water bottle. You might need both of those in the Florida weather!
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Backpack
This is another great option from Eddie Bauer. It is a bit smaller with a 20-liter capacity. It is water-repellant and easily packs away into your suitcase or carry-on bag.
I hope this list of the 13 best backpacks for Disney World helps you plan your next Disney trip. Make sure to check out my other Disney posts, including days in Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs. Have a magical vacation!
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