Carry your stuff to the Happiest Place on Earth in style
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There’s nowhere on the planet quite like the Disney theme parks, where dreams really do come true for grown-ups and kids alike. But making sure you and your family have the best time possible on your visit requires some planning—starting with what to take and how to carry it all. The best bag for Disney leaves your hands free, is comfortable enough to wear for hours of walking and standing in line, and is organized enough to accommodate everything you need without being overly large or bulky.
Whether you opt for a backpack, a fanny pack, or a crossbody sling bag is up to you. To help you make the right decision, we tested no fewer than 108 popular options both in our New York City lab and out in the real world. Each one was scored for quality, capacity, ease of use, value, and fit. We also included two researched options. Here are our choices for the best bags and backpacks for Disney.
Easily adjustable for maximum comfort
Padded divider limits packing space
We loved the Patagonia Atom Sling Bag so much that we wore it on almost every day of the test period for everything from shopping to music festivals. Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory from 100 percent recycled polyester with a PFC-free DWR finish, it’s water resistant (perfect for those rainy Disney days) and impressively strong, leaving us confident that it will last for many years to come. It offers eight liters of capacity and uses an asymmetrical harness to distribute weight evenly across the body, offering maximum comfort as you add more snacks and merch to your day. We found the strap intuitive to loosen or tighten, with plenty of flexibility for all body types.
This sling bag also stands out for its superior organization. The main compartment is separated by a padded divider, which we appreciated for keeping our tech safe (although we did feel it took up a little too much packing space). We could fit a lot of small items—from sunglasses to chapstick—in the large front pocket and found that they were kept easily accessible thanks to the pocket’s flat layout and long zipper. Our favorite feature? The tiny compartment on the strap itself, big enough for keeping cards handy at a moment’s notice. Tuck-away lash straps also let you attach an extra layer to the outside of the bag for those unexpected Orlando showers.
Whether your Disney outfits center around cute dresses or casual jeans, this bag goes with everything and comes in six colors from shine yellow to belay blue.
Size: 13.5 x 9 x 3 inches | Weight: 12 ounces | Materials: Recycled polyester with a non-PFC DWR finish
Roomy pockets with zippers on both sides
Extra-length strap suits most body types
Sturdily built from quality materials
Not as comfy when worn over the shoulder
We wore the Jansport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack virtually nonstop throughout the test period and took it hiking, city sightseeing, and to the coast on a trip to Oregon. It’s made from high-quality, 600-denier recycled polyester and showcases the durability that Jansport is known for. We found that even when it got dirty, it was easy to spot clean or throw in the washing machine. Although it’s meant primarily as a fanny pack, the bag’s adjustable strap also means you can wear it as a crossbody sling. We found it more comfortable to wear around the waist simply because the straps are not the softest.
We loved that the 50-inch strap extends far enough to accommodate a full range of body types. We also appreciated that once adjusted, the strap stayed in place throughout the day. The pack offers two zippered compartments, both of which are surprisingly spacious. We were able to fit all the essentials you’d need for a trip to Disney, from wallet and cell phone to sunscreen and sanitizer. And, whether you’re a pastel lilac or a surplus camo kind of person, you should find a colorway to suit your style.
Size: 10 x 6 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 4.5 ounces | Materials: 600-denier recycled polyester
Makes a full bottle feel weightless
Excess strap comes loose easily
Drinking from the bottle requires some effort
For the minimalist packer whose main concern is staying hydrated throughout a long day in the park, we present the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack. Your purchase includes an Ergological SpeedDraw bottle with a push-pull cap and 18 fluid ounces of capacity, which fits seamlessly into the angled and insulated bottle holder. The bottle is held in place by an elastic strap, which we found easy to operate one-handed (great if you’re taking photos or wrangling kids with the other hand). Meanwhile, the flared opening enables returning the bottle to its holster without looking.
The pack’s tight, contoured fit made it super comfortable—so much so that even with a full water bottle, we were barely able to notice the extra weight. The padded strap features a moisture-wicking mesh lining to keep you cool in the Florida or California heat, while an external shockcord system lets you attach a light raincoat to the outside of the pack just in case. The strap is fairly inclusive, fitting waists of between 26 and 44 inches. Although it’s primarily a water bottle holder, the strap also features an expandable zippered pocket just big enough for your phone, cards, and keys.
Weight: 6 ounces | Materials: Polyester, nylon
Stows into an egg-sized stuff sack
Amazing capacity for such a light bag
No dedicated water bottle holder
Straps may be uncomfortable if overpacked
If your Disney vacation involves a flight and packing light is therefore top priority, you’ll love this highly technical, ultralight daypack from Sea to Summit. Made from ultra-sil fabric (30-denier siliconized Cordura), it offers incredible strength-to-weight performance and impressive durability. This water-resistant material showed no signs of wear and tear after our test period. Best of all, the bag folds down to the size of an egg and packs away into an included stuff sack with an attached carabiner. It adds just 2.5 ounces to your luggage and saves your shoulders by keeping things as light as possible.
Despite its lightweight packability, the bag offers 20 liters of capacity. On every outing we took it on, we packed a large range of items and still had plenty of space leftover. There is one drawback: the no-frills design means no organization features, so you might have to rummage around a bit to find what you want between rides. The shoulder straps are reinforced but unpadded, so the maximum load recommendation is 15 pounds. We found the straps comfortable, with a full range of movement (albeit limited adjustability). Choose yours in high rise gray, spicy orange, or atoll blue.
Size: 18.9 x 11 x 7.9 inches | Weight: 2.5 ounces | Materials: 30-denier siliconized Cordura fabric
Folds away into a tiny travel pouch
We love the mini version of Paravel’s popular full-size backpack. It’s designed to meet TSA requirements for personal items and folds up flat into a tiny, zippered pouch, yet despite its lightweight packability, it offers an impressive amount of storage. We were able to fit an iPhone Max, sanitizer, a wallet, keys, a flask, and two T-shirts. In particular, we loved that this backpack offers an exterior and interior zippered pocket (unusual for a mini) to aid with organization and keep valuables securely accessible. All of the zippers operated smoothly and the bag held up well during our durability tests.
It’s made from negative nylon using 10 recycled plastic bottles and is water resistant (a major plus if you get caught in a downpour or for keeping your belongings dry on Splash Mountain). We found the backpack comfortable to wear for extended periods of time, and although the straps are unpadded, they’re made of a super-soft material that feels great even on bare skin. There are six colors to choose from to suit every aesthetic preference, from safari green to canyon yellow. Up your style game by adding custom embroidery to your backpack at checkout.
Size: 12 x 10 x 6 inches | Weight: 7 ounces | Materials: Negative nylon
Padded shoulder straps and sternum strap
Multiple pockets to keep things organized
Range of gorgeous Disney prints
Some reviewers mention issues with zippers
The Simple Modern Kids Backpack comes in three sizes and a host of different prints and materials. One of our team members’ 7-year-old daughter tried a Disney princess print in polyester, while other Disney-ready designs include Moana’s Village, Mickey Mouse Retro, and Frozen Elsa’s Snowflake. We found our version easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth and were impressed by its reinforced stitching; thick, shape-holding lining; and weather resistance. It was comfortable for our little tester to carry with adjustable, padded shoulder straps, while the sternum strap was a particular highlight that made her feel extra grown-up.
We fit two folders, a pair of shoes, a water bottle, and a lunchbox in the medium-size backpack and had space leftover for an extra layer or two. It’s the ideal size for a day out in the park without being too big or heavy for kids to carry themselves. We also liked that it was easy for a child to zip and unzip one-handed. Features include a padded tablet sleeve, a zippered front pocket and stash pocket, and two expandable bottle sleeves. The backpack stayed in place when our tester ran with it, and she couldn’t get enough of the bright color and fun print.
Size: 15.3 x 12.5 x 5.3 inches | Materials: Various including polyester, vegan leather, and clear plastic
Felt-lined back pocket protects fragile items
Some reviews mention quality concerns
If you’re taking your small children to Disney for the first time and want a themed diaper bag to match, we love the Ace Backpack Diaper Bag from Petunia Pickle Bottom. This was one of our researched options, and we fell in love with the Disney Princess and Shimmery Minnie Mouse prints, both of which feature whimsical character portraits on a pastel pink background. The first option has a leather tag with Cinderella’s castle printed on it, while the latter has a Minnie Mouse tag and cute metallic gold accents. Both are made from naturally water-resistant leatherette fabric that’s easy to clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent—great for those inevitable spills.
The extra-wide opening makes it easy to load the bag with all your baby’s essentials, from diapers and snacks to spare changes of clothes. Organize your smaller items in one of two zippered front pockets, and keep your sunglasses or phone safe from inquisitive hands in the felt-lined back pocket. Worried about keeping juice bottles cool or milk bottles warm throughout a long day in the park? Insulated exterior pockets help with that. Other perks include a washable changing pad and comfy, padded backpack straps for lightening the load of traveling with little people.
Size: 15 x 15 x 4.7 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Materials: Leatherette fabric
All organization pockets are open
One of our researched options, the LeSportSac Mini Phone Crossbody is the ultimate accessory for teens who view a visit to the parks as their own personal fashion show. There are multiple solid colors and patterns to choose from, including two Disney styles (Disney100 Mickey Mouse and Disney100 Friends). Meanwhile, the sleek shape and minimalist design of the bag go well with any outfit. Your teen can even switch up their look from one day to the next by using the top handle to carry it handbag-style or by wearing it crossways using the adjustable, detachable strap.
Eco-conscious teens will appreciate that the bag is made from recycled ripstop fabric, which also scores points for durability. The main compartment is roomy enough for even the largest cellphone make, with a zippered closure to protect it from pickpockets or inclement weather. The bag also has three open slip pockets for storing small essentials, from tickets and credit cards to maps and hair accessories. These are located on the exterior front and back, and on the bag’s interior back wall.
Size: 7.6 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches | Materials: Ripstop recycled fabric
Products for this round-up were selected from a number of different testing projects carried out by TripSavvy’s team of experts. Methodology differed slightly between tests, but the same basic principles were the same: we began by assessing the quality and durability of each bag’s materials, construction, and hardware, while also checking the inclusivity of any adjustable straps. Next, bags were packed with a list of items appropriate for their size and purpose so that we could evaluate capacity and organization.
We then tested all possible carrying methods multiple times over the course of a set testing period to determine the bag’s comfort, fit, and functionality. The testing periods varied from at least two hikes of at least an hour each for our hiking daypacks tests to every school day for a month for our children’s backpacks tests. Mini backpacks were subjected to lab testing as well as real-life testing. In total we tested 108 different bags, each of which was scored on a scale of one to five for quality, capacity, ease of use, fit, and value. Overall scores determined our category winners.
In order to be allowed in, your bag or backpack must measure less than 24 x 15 x 18 inches, which is just a few inches larger than a regular carry-on. We recommend taking a much smaller bag if you can, though: the average visitor to the Disney parks walks several miles each day and overpacking can quickly result in sore shoulders. Bulky bags are also inconvenient when queuing. Consider the essentials you have to take and then choose the smallest bag that will fit it all in. Solo travelers and couples are likely to be able to get away with a much smaller bag or fanny pack than parents of small children, who will need space for all their kids’ stuff, too.
A great day out at Disney hinges on being comfortable. An overly heavy bag that pinches or chafes will quickly turn the Happiest Place on Earth into one of the most miserable. So, look for padded straps that can be adjusted to suit your height and body type. If you’re opting for a backpack, a padded back panel is also key, as is a moisture-wicking, breathable mesh lining (there’s nothing worse than taking off your bag to reveal a T-shirt drenched in sweat). Bags that offer multiple carrying methods—including tote, backpack, and/or sling-style—are great because they let you switch position when the first method gets tiring.
Imagine missing your favorite float at the parade because you’re busy rummaging around for something in the cavernous maw of a backpack that could give Mary Poppins’ carpet bag a run for its money. That’s why choosing a bag with great organization features is so important: with a place for everything, you can find what you need at a moment’s notice. We love bags with a mesh water bottle holder, external and internal pockets in a range of sizes (at least some of them with zippers for your valuable items), and perhaps a bungee or daisy-chain system for lashing your raincoat and other layers to the outside.
At both Disneyland Parks and Walt Disney World, any bag you bring with you (from backpacks and purses to coolers and suitcases) must measure less than 24 x 15 x 18 inches. Restrictions may differ at other Disney parks around the world. For example, Disneyland Paris restricts bags to 55 x 40 x 25 centimeters (roughly 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 inches). This includes wheels, pockets, and handles.
You may bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks into the parks, provided you adhere to a few simple rules. Food should not require heating, reheating, processing, or refrigeration and must not be stored in a glass container. The exception to this last rule is small jars of baby food. You should inform staff of food and drink when your bag is searched upon entering the park.
While your complete packing list will depend on your specific circumstances, we recommend the following essentials: weather protection (an anorak or a poncho, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat); a water bottle; snacks; and a charger for your cell phone. Traveling with small kids? Add wet wipes, spare clothes, diapers, baby food, and bottles to the list. Ziploc bags are great for protecting your valuables on water rides and separating any damp items of clothing, while those that prefer to use a “proper” camera will need space for that, too.
Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy’s Africa travel expert and Commerce Updates Editor. She has visited Disneyland Paris twice and knows exactly what it takes to enjoy the parks both solo and with family in tow. Products on this list were selected according to hours of internet research and the results of multiple real-life tests carried out by TripSavvy’s team of travel experts.
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