What's the best "Mummy Bag" for days out?

bargainaholic

We've booked our holiday - 2 weeks in Orlando in August, & we're very excited :j

Obviously, it's gonna be hot, but still with a 6yr old & a 4yr old, the theme parks etc will beckon.

Considering I'm going to have to carry passes, mobile phone, money, wipes, water bottles, packamacs, camera etc etc I'm looking for a really good bag with plenty of compartments so that I can find what I want when I want it.

Not too big, because I'm expecting long days with lots of walking.

I don't want a backpack, as I think it'll be too hot, so I was thinking perhaps a messenger bag

It's the holy grail of bags, so if anyone has any recommendations/suggestions I'd be very grateful. So would DH, as we can then stop amassing the "not quite rights", that I've been trying since my boys were babes.

Winifred

There is a wide range of Kipling bags which are well-designed, strong and attractive but they are not easy to find in shops. It might be a good idea to find them on the website and look for stockists with a good range. They have an 'outlet shop' at Bicester but the stock varies though they usually have some of the larger ones.

Louisa_Jane_2

It might be worth looking on the QVC site (https://www.qvcuk.com ?!), I remember watching a demonstration of a bag that had loads of pockets/compartments.

Bennifred

Something we saw quite often in the themeparks was people using small pull-along suitcases ( the ones with long pull-out handles). I remember thinking that was a really good idea because you are quite right, there's always loads you need with you for small children, and you really don't want to be carrying it all about in the heat and humidity. HTH.

pavlovs_dog

when we have gone, we've either taken a drawstring backpack (the ones all the chavs used wear ), or a very light weight backpack.

when my auntie goes, she takes a bumbag (or fanny pack, as they are called over there :eek: or large shoulder bag

some things to bear in mind:

1) all bags are subject to search before entry to parks. there can be queues for this, especially in high season. the bigger the bag, the longer it will take to get through security and into the park.

2) dont know if you are planning on going on big/wild rides with the kids, but lockers are only available in certain parts of the parks. choose something that will be easy to hold onto if you end up taking it on a ride with you.

3) similar to the above, try to choose something that is waterproof, in case you go on a water ride, or the heavens open.

4) if you will be wearing strappy vests, beware of things with straps if you want an even, all over tan

5) dont forget to allow space for things like suntan lotion, sunglasses, park maps, drink bottles, light jackets for the kids in case it gets cold etc

may be an idea to split the load with your OH/DH, or leave non essentials in the car (eg jackets if staying for firework shows) and go collect them when needed (just dont forget to get your hand stamped for re-entry).

6) shop for souveniers before leaving the park, not during the day, so as to avoid having to cart extra weight around with you. if staying on the disney resort, you can get things delivered to your room, so this isnt such a problem.

7) when you first validate your tickets, it is not uncommon to be asked for ID (same applies for re-entry if you have a multi-day ticket), so make sure you have a secure means of storing passports/driving licenses etc.


if you do go for a messenger bag, choose any colour but black. try out your local sports shop, perhaps? if any of your kids are young enough to require you to hire a pushchair/buggy, dont rule out the backpack idea, as you can hang it off the back of the pushchair, and just remove it when you go on rides.

most of all, have fun, im very jealous!!!

boatman

After two weeks of theme parks i wish i could have had a golf cart or someone pushing me round the park!!!!!

diamond57

I would also suggest going with a buggy idea, and a bag that looks like a changing bag. In most places there is somewhere that pushchairs are left (but not bags on their own), the bag can be left in the pushchair, and who would steal a changing bag (could hold dirty nappies/clothes etc). Also, if you are doing a full day it will provide someone for the 4 year old to have a nap/rest, and 2 seats for the parades (the seat and the footrest).

When I took dd to Eurodisney (at 3 and 4) I took the buggy each time, likewise to Legoland to carry everything primarily. I have a rain cover for the buggy that is not famed and dark (think it was called a "pushchair raincape") and would leave that on the buggy with the bag hidden under it - although in August it may seem strange with a rain cover if you line it you may be able to make like an extra layer to keep the seat and bag cool.

jordylass

Definately a buggy for the parks, I would either take one with you or buy one at Walmart as it will cost you $25-20 a day to hire at the parks. I really miss using it to lug everything around the parks now that mine are older.
I don't need to take as much stuff and just have a shoulder bag with a top up of sun cream and my camera and a bottle of water, it has pockets though to keep my money, passes and credit cards.

You can buy a strap thing to fit around the neck of the water bottles and your children will be able to carry their own, or get the spray bottles with the little fan on them (again from Walmart $10 cheaper than the parks), no reason they can't drink out of them as well.

I always freeze bottles of water overnight to take to the park, drink it as it melts, and top it up from the fountain while it is still frozen in the centre to make the fountain water instantly cooler and better tasting.

The other thing I've read that people do, is leave their stuff in a locker...take one waterproof with you then when/if it rains one person can go get everyones out.

Hope you have a great time.

pavlovs_dog

some really good ideas here

i wanna go again, i miss florida