The Importance of a Fanny Pack at the Parks

I often get asked what kind of bag I use at the parks.  While it’s great to have a backpack so you can bring everything you need, that can get a little cumbersome for a full day.  Knowing that the days are long and active, I like to keep it as comfortable and simple as possible. People are really shocked when I tell them I carry a fanny pack.  Yes, a fanny pack. And I LOVE IT!

Why a fanny pack?  Well, having it is easy.  It’s much gentler on the back and shoulders since I’m not worried about a bag getting too heavy and weighing me down.  It’s accessible. No crazy tan lines. It’s cute in a dorky way. I can fit a surprising amount in it (and with Magic Bands at Disney World I don’t need much).  While we like to have a lot with us in the parks, there are definitely times when less is more.  If we are just doing a few hours, are kids free or know we won’t need as much with us, it’s so much easier than a backpack.  Truth be told, even if my husband is carrying the backpack full of stuff, I still rock the fanny pack proudly.

Honestly, as cute and easy as it is, I also found it necessary at Universal!  Universal’s thrill rides require that you have no bags with you that can fly loose.  There are lockers to keep your bags, but using one at every single ride can add up if you go past your time limit.  With a fanny pack, I was able to keep what I needed on my person without having to worry about which locker I threw it into!  Also, when my lanyard broke I was able to easily access my ticket and Express Pass card. When I needed a credit card or my ID (a drink at Hog’s Head felt like a must do!) it was easy to grab since it was right there.

Worried you’ll look totally dorky rocking the fanny pack?  Nope, there are a lot of them and some are pretty wild! I choose to keep my fairly simple (basic black or sometimes a Mickey one) so it’s fair inconspicuous.  I’ve seen glittery ones with bows on them, ones covered in fur (I kid you not) and even one with a 3D Dobby face. So if you want to rock the fanny pack (trust me, you do), go for it!  You’ll be happy you did.

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About the Author:

Morgan Sheena, Global Travel Advisor
A Disney vacation makes Morgan Sheena "irrationally happy!" She's passed that love onto her entire family, having done seven Disney vacations personally in addition to being known by friends and family as a "Disney Expert". Morgan is a pure Bostonian, running the Boston City Moms Blog, but still has the native New Jersey in her. She married her college sweetheart, is a mother of three, and a graduate of Brandeis University and New England Law | Boston.