A visit to Disney World is one that you will treasure forever. However, days at the happiest place on earth can be long, requiring you to bring some essentials along in a backpack to keep your hands free. But with all the great backpacks out there, many people often wonder about the right type for Disney World.
The ideal backpack to bring to Disney World is one that is lightweight, has thick straps, roomy, built with compartments for easy organization, and water-resistant. There are other features to consider since some people prefer to pack light, while others have to pack for everyone in the family.
Choosing the best backpack for Disney World doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep reading; we’ll help you think about the factors to select the backpack that’s perfect for your needs and style.
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What Features Should A Backpack For Disney World Have?
Backpacks are the most practical and comfortable way for adults to carry all their belongings for a day at Disney World. After all, your days will be long and filled with meeting Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and going from ride to ride across the amusement park as well as a number of other activities such as eating and shopping at the magic kingdom. Backpacks ensure even weight distribution on your back as opposed to a purse or other types of luggage, while keeping your hands free.
There are so many backpack models out there, but here are the features and storage you should look for you and your child for a day at the theme park:
Lightweight
Empty backpacks weigh anywhere from 1 to 6 pounds, though those in the ultralight range weigh 1 to 2 pounds. It’s recommended to go with the lightest backpack you can find or afford so that you are comfortable even if your pack is full. Keep in mind that the recommended total backpack weight when full should be no more than 10% of your overall body weight to prevent the risk of injury or discomfort.
Thick straps
Thick straps, especially those that are padded, are the best choice for day packs that you will be carrying for long hours at a time. A thin strap will tend to dig into your shoulders, which will cause discomfort. Look for thick, padded straps that are also adjustable for maximum comfort.
Roomy
The appropriate capacity for a day pack to be used in Disney World will depend on whom you are packing for. If you are only packing for yourself and one or two people, you can opt for a day pack ranging from 20 up to 35 liters in capacity. If you are packing for your whole family including children, you can use a medium-sized travel or hiking backpack with a capacity of 35 to 45 liters.
It also helps to know that Disney World prohibits bags that are larger than 24in L x 15in W x 18in H in any of their parks, so be sure that your backpack is smaller than these dimensions. You can learn more about items prohibited inside Disney parks on their website.
Compartments
Strategic compartments located both inside and outside of your backpack will help you stay organized while in Disneyland. For example, a small pouch on the front exterior is perfect for storing commonly used but small things, such as hand wipes, hand sanitizer, your mobile phone, and wallet. It will help you save time accessing things you will need throughout the day, since if you pack them inside, these small things tend to fall to the bottom of the pack, causing you time and trouble looking for them.
Side pockets are an excellent feature too; they can be used to store your water bottles for hydration. If the side pockets are big enough, one can also keep an umbrella. If you find a backpack that meets all your needs but doesn’t have compartments, you can make use of extra pouches, but don’t go overboard because they can make it slightly harder to go through security checkpoints.
Water Resistant
A water-resistant backpack is always recommended for any vacation, most especially to Florida, which is notorious for unpredictable rain. But even if the forecast says there will be clear skies, a water-resistant backpack will be a practical choice because of the many water rides available within the park. It will give you peace of mind to know that your belongings are safe and dry.
If you are unable to find a bag to your liking that’s also water-resistant, simply use plastic bags to store your gadgets and prevent them from getting wet.
It also helps to use a backpack that’s airy and breathable. The hot and humid weather at Disney Land Florida means it’s easy to work up a sweat, and the last thing you need is a backpack that makes you sweat even more.
Our Recommendations for the Best Backpacks For Disney World
The best backpacks for Disney World come in all shapes, sizes, and designs to accommodate visitors of varying ages and needs. Below is a list of popular models in different categories to help you with your research:
Best For Families
Victorinox VX Sport EVO Wheeled Backpack: With all the essentials you and your family need for a trip to Disney World, you’ll need a significantly larger backpack. However, you don’t want to carry a heavy backpack for hours on end just to bring everything; not only will it be uncomfortable, but it can cause a strain on your back and neck.
That’s where wheeled backpacks come in: they provide benefits the best of both worlds – a roller suitcase and a backpack – all in one. You can choose to wear it as a backpack, but there is also the option of carrying it as a suitcase on wheels when you need to give your back a break. The Victorinox VX Sport EVO Wheeled Backpack merges both very well.
Victorinox is a Swiss brand that is well-known worldwide for top-tier quality products. While they are most famous for their Swiss Army knives and watches, Victorinox has already expanded into the world of travel gear and their bags are among the best.
The 32L backpack offers plenty of room to store the belongings of a family of up to 4 or 5. The main compartment is spacious enough to pack light jackets, snacks, toiletries, sunscreen, and medications. The side pockets can hold a small water bottle and umbrella. The bag is constructed from tough water-repellent polyester for extra protection in case of rain.
The VX Sport Evo Wheeled Backpack is the ideal family companion for Disney World. Measuring 21.2 x 10.2 x 14.9 inches, this roller backpack is versatile and can even be used as a travel backpack. An organizational panel inside the main compartment helps you organize both small and large gear.
The front panel, in particular, opens up to several smaller sleeves which you can use to organize your mobile phone, passport, and battery pack. The presence of airflow channels behind the backpack helps promote breathability when used as a backpack, so you can use it on warm, sunny days without worrying about sweat accumulating on your back. Victorinox made sure to use generous padding in the shoulder straps for extra comfort as well.
Victorinox has an outstanding warranty program for up to 11 years. According to our testing, this bag is strong enough to withstand the needs of traveling families, plus the wheels glide effortlessly and it’s really easy to use.
It would have been nice if the side pockets could expand in order to fit larger water bottles, but that’s not a deal breaker, since this is a fantastic overall bag. You may want to use a fanny pack to keep smaller essentials within easy reach.
Best Overall For Adults
Osprey Daylite Backpack: Active and fun-loving adults need something reliable and versatile when it comes to a backpack for Disney World. The Daylite series is one of Osprey’s best-selling bag series; they have several simple and lightweight designs to choose from including a sling bag, fanny packs, and many others.
The Daylite Backpack in particular is a tremendously practical backpack that can be used in many situations: as a carry-on, hiking, everyday bag, or commuting. With a volume of 13L, the capacity is just right to hold anything you need for a trip lasting a few hours. Plus, it only weighs a pound, making it among the lightweight bag options on this list.
You can choose to carry this backpack as a tote as well. The shove-it pocket located on the back panel and front is ideal for keeping the tote straps when not in use. These compartments will also help you organize your MagicBand, Fast Pass, and other touring essentials, while the water-resistant fabric will protect all your belongings.
The main compartment is accessible through a panel-loading design for ease. Other useful details found throughout the backpack include side water bottle pockets, a multipurpose interior sleeve that can be used for either a 13” laptop or a hydration reservoir, an internal reservoir sleeve, and a harness grab handle that also functions as a luggage sleeve. All of these are practical features for anyone traveling to Disney World.
The Daylite is priced at just $65 at the time of writing, which is a terrific value considering the high quality of materials and hardware used. Just like Osprey’s other bags, it was made to withstand years of use, so you can be sure that you are spending your money on a durable backpack.
Upon testing, we found that the Osprey Daylite has all the most important features you need in a backpack for a theme park. However, the 13L capacity could be too small, especially if you need to pack a change of clothes, or are staying overnight such as at the Walt Disney World in Orlando. If you like the Daylite’s features but need extra storage, check out the Osprey Daylite Plus, a larger version with 20L of storage plus a padded laptop sleeve and front shove-it pocket.
Chrome Industries Ruckas 23L Backpack: If you prefer a backpack with a utilitarian yet professional design and more storage, the Ruckas 23L Backpack is for you. This lightweight backpack weighs just 1.63 lbs., and has ergonomic and customizable features that can be used by both men and women. Its dimensions are 19.5 x 10 x 6 inches.
The Ruckas 23L backpack is constructed with water-resistant recycled material, a combination of durable 300D Polyester dobby with 900D Polyester. Meanwhile, the liner is made with 15D polyester. While many backpacks lack expandable side pockets, this one uses a stretch gusseted pocket design that can fit larger water bottles than most.
Based on our research, this backpack stands out with the sheer comfort offered by their ergonomic and padded shoulder straps. The chest strap is useful for helping disperse extra weight if you are bringing a lot to Disney World – or if you’ve purchased souvenirs to take home. Either way, this backpack ensures you are always comfortable.
The Ruckas 23L is a versatile and multi-purpose pack. Take it to and from work, since the padded laptop compartment on the back panel can fit computers up to 15” while the interior slip pocket can hold tablets and e-readers. The front zippered compartment helps you organize small belongings, while the slip pockets inside neatly arrange your tech and other items.
The ¾ zipper opening makes packing and unpacking this backpack extremely easy too. In fact, it can holds a lot more than it looks. A small zip pocket inside the interior is handy for keeping cables too.
While this is a fantastic backpack, there are a few things that Chrome Industries could improve on. One is the use of only one interior zippered pocket; with all the space available, they could have added one or two more. Another is that the shoulder straps could be beefed up in terms of using more padding.
Regardless, the shoulder straps are still comfortable as they are, even if they are rather thin. Despite that, the Chrome Industries Ruckas 23L Backpack is highly recommended for adults going to Disney World.
Best Disney-Themed Backpacks For Kids
Loungefly Minnie Mouse Backpack: No other Disney characters are more iconic than Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Little girls will enjoy using this comfortable and fun pastel polka dot backpack for Disney World. With dimensions of 9 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches, it’s the ideal backpack for toddlers – though it works well as a mini backpack for teens and adults too!
Featuring a blue 3D Minnie Mouse bow and ears, enamel zipper, and rose gold hardware, kids will love showing off this pack. This unique Minnie Mouse bag is constructed using premium vegan leather and makes use of adjustable shoulder straps for comfort and security. The front zippered compartment is perfect for storing your kids’ Fast Pass+ plus some wipes and snacks, while the main compartment can hold a light jacket and a small water bottle.
The Loungefly Minnie Mouse Backpack is a fantastic choice for Disney lovers. Our testing confirms that the pack isn’t made from waterproof material, so this may not be the best choice to bring to a water park or rides. That said, it’s still a wonderful backpack for small girls aged 4 and up.
Kanken Me Mini: For parents who want to invest in a quality backpack for pre-teens or young adults, the Kanken Me Mini is highly recommended. It fetches a much higher price, but it’s one of the best options out there when it comes to quality backpacks for Disney World and beyond.
The Kanken Me Mini is a customizable backpack, so it’s easy to see why it’s popular among kids. You can create your own colorways plus it’s constructed with durable Vinylon F, which doesn’t get dirty easily and is tough enough to withstand years of use. The shoulder straps can also be tailor-made for the perfect length when you order from the website.
The high price can also be justified by the bag’s versatility. Convertible straps are provided so you can wear them on your shoulders or as a crossbody backpack, which is always handy. The soft PE foam seat pad found in the interior back pocket provides extra protection from items inside, which may poke your back.
The Kanken Me Mini isn’t just for kids; adults can use this backpack too. There are four pockets, including an interior compartment, exterior zipper pockets, and side pockets to help you organize your belongings. The front zippered pocket, in particular, is convenient for keeping your wallet, mobile phone, Magic Band, FastPass, and other essentials within easy reach while in Disney World.
When it’s time to clean up your backpack, simply wipe it down using a gentle brush dipped in lukewarm water. Take note that this backpack is not washable, so only spot-clean when needed.
Our research confirms that the Kanken Mini Me is a fun yet high-quality kids’ and adults’ backpack, definitely worth investing in. However, the side pockets are quite small and do not stretch, unlike other backpacks, so they will likely not fit the average water bottle. Hopefully, Kanken improves on this in future models, though it doesn’t cancel out the many other benefits of this backpack.
Best Diaper Bag Backpack
Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack: Traveling to Disney World with babies or toddlers in tow can be challenging without the right backpack. Dagne Dover’s Indi Diaper Backpack was created with busy parents in mind: it’s equipped with everything you need to make trips to a theme park or waterpark hassle-free.
There are three backpack sizes to choose from: small, medium, and large. The small size (10.73L, 10 x 6 x 11 inches) is ideal for parents of older kids since you’ll need significantly less. Meanwhile, the medium (16.39L, 11.75 x 6.5 x 12.75 inches) is recommended for post-nursing parents and the large (17L, 12.25 x 6 x 13.75 inches) is best if you have a newborn.
Attaching the backpack to a stroller is simple with the use of buckles, which gives you a break from carrying it all day long as you visit several attractions and rides. Additionally, the backpack already comes with a changing mat as well as extra pouches. The front zipper opening is the perfect place to stash your wipes.
The Indi Diaper Backpack is a complete travel bag with several thoughtful and useful features. The luggage sleeve allows you to attach it to your suitcase, but it’s also compact enough to be used as a carry-on or personal item for flights. An interior laptop compartment is provided; the small version can accommodate an electronic reader, while the medium and large can fit laptops.
Even when you have to pack plenty of stuff for your kid, the main compartment has ample room. This pack can be used by both men and women, as it’s available in several elegant colors and has a gender-friendly design. And speaking of design, this is definitely one of the most stylish and elegant diaper backpacks out there!
We can tell that each pocket and compartment was carefully considered in the pack’s design to be extremely useful in organizing all your essentials. In fact, the Dagne Dover Indi backpack has a loyal following even among travelers who don’t have children. That’s just how practical it is.
The recycled neoprene fabric is easy to clean and water-resistant, too. One thing we did notice was that it lacked an insulated pocket, which would have been helpful for milk bottles.
This may be out of budget for many moms, given that it costs over $150, though we think it’s worth the investment considering this can also be used as a travel or everyday backpack.
Best For Bringing Food And Drinks
Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler: A full day of eating and drinking can rack up a serious bill in Disney World, especially if you’re two or more. That’s why many guests prefer to bring food and drink into the park since it's allowed as long as you don’t need to reheat or refrigerate it.
Keep your food warm and your drinks cool for hours by using the Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler. After all, if there is one brand that knows coolers best, it’s Coleman! Their TempLock insulation technology ensures freshness and cooling for at least 12 hours, which is impressive since many other backpack coolers on the market can only insulate for half that time.
This comfortable backpack cooler has robust features that are perfect for a day out. The insulated cooler backpack was designed to hold up to 28 drink cans, while the cavernous main compartment has enough space to pack lunch and snacks as well as a few drinks. This is just right for two or three adults, or a small family, depending on the size and amount of perishable goods you are bringing.
The Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler is both portable and comfortable. The waist and shoulder straps are generously padded so you can bring your refreshments and snacks all day without issues. They added welded seams too, which are extremely effective in preventing leaks.
The backpack dimensions are 18.8 x 13.8 x 3.66 inches and it weighs 2.75 lbs., making it compact and portable enough to be used as a daypack for your goods at Disney World. Non-insulated storage is available in the side and front pockets, where you can keep your mobile phone, a power bank, sunscreen, a small umbrella, and FastPass+ tickets.
Based on our research, the Coleman Soft Backpack Cooler is an excellent option for anyone who wants to save money by bringing food and drink to Disney World. However, it isn’t 100% leak-proof as it claims, so it’s always best to avoid spillage as much as possible. Furthermore, a chest strap would have been a nice touch on top of the existing waist belt.
Despite minor design flaws, this affordable and high-quality backpack cooler is a fantastic buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to pack in a backpack for Disney World?
There are certain essentials that should you should have in your backpack when visiting Disney World. These include:
- Hand sanitizer/hand wipes
- Tissue paper
- Refillable water bottle
- Snacks
- Umbrella
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Small towel
- Basic first-aid supplies
- Portable phone charger
- Portable fan or small misting bottle
Last but not least, don’t forget your keys, wallet, sunglasses, identification, and other valuables and especially don't forget your Disney World passes!