Top 13 Backpacks for Your Disney Adventure in 2024

Top Choice Overall

Don't let its lightweight design fool you: this backpack, weighing under a pound, is perfectly sized to hold all your Disney essentials—and more. The main compartment easily accommodated a light raincoat, accessories, and snacks, with ample space for an extra sweatshirt and various items (including all those Disney treasures). The outer pocket can fit a pair of sunglasses, lip gloss, wallet, phone, keys, and tissues. We even managed to stash a 32-ounce water bottle in one of the side pockets, with room for a larger one too. 

This backpack not only excels in storage capacity but also prioritizes comfort. The L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack features adjustable shoulder, chest, and hip straps, with light padding on the shoulder straps. Even though it's incredibly lightweight, it offers sufficient support to prevent the straps from digging into your shoulders when carrying heavier loads, while the hip straps add extra stability. A great feature is the back panel's perforated design, which helps keep your back cool—ideal for those hot Florida or California days. 

We appreciate that it comes in a variety of colors, ensuring there's a style for everyone. With a budget-friendly price, this backpack is perfect for any financial plan without sacrificing storage, comfort, durability, or style. 

Specifications: 19 x 10 x 7 inches | 14 ounces | 22-liter capacity

Top Choice for Anti-theft

Safety is key in bustling places like theme parks, and we appreciate that this bag is secure, durable, and budget-friendly. This compact yet stylish anti-theft mini backpack serves as both a fashionable and secure option for everyday use. The main compartment has a single, smooth zipper and includes three smaller slip pockets plus one zippered pocket for efficient organization. Positioned against the back for anti-theft purposes, the main compartment may be slightly less accessible, but it ensures peace of mind. We love that the straps can be adjusted to wear the bag in three ways: as a tote, on your shoulder, or as a classic backpack. During testing, we found this bag so lightweight that we hardly noticed it, making it perfect for a long day at a theme park. 

Specifications: 12.6 x 12.6 x 5.9 inches | 1.4 pounds

Top Choice for Waterproofing

Whether you're visiting Florida during hurricane season or planning to enjoy the water rides on a hot California day, getting wet at Disney is always a possibility. To ensure your valuables stay dry, consider this Stubble & Co. backpack. We tested it in our T+L lab and found it to be a favorite in our best waterproof backpacks test, subjecting it to multiple showerheads to assess its performance. The robust PET material and lined zippers kept everything inside completely dry, making it an excellent choice if you find yourself caught in a rainstorm while waiting for Peter Pan.

This bag boasts numerous features that make it perfect for Disney. It's a dream for organized packers, with a variety of internal and external pockets of different sizes. We found the straps comfortable for extended wear, and the back is fully padded for added comfort. Our only issue was that the adjustable chest strap came off during testing, and we struggled to reattach it. The back padding took longer to dry compared to the rest of the bag, but we didn't see this as a major concern since it rests against your back, out of the rain. Overall, we love this bag for providing peace of mind for your electronics and valuables, allowing you to focus on enjoying your vacation.

Specifications: 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | 20-liter capacity | Waterproof

Top Convertible Bag

No matter how supportive a backpack is, wearing it in the same position all day can lead to discomfort. This Baggallini convertible backpack offers the versatility to be worn as a backpack, shoulder tote, or crossbody, letting you adjust as needed. During our tests, we discovered it was impressively spacious—ideal for a day at the theme park packed with snacks, water, sunglasses, portable chargers, and more. Plus, it includes numerous pockets to keep everything neatly organized.

Switching between the three carrying styles is a breeze. The tote and crossbody straps are permanently attached, allowing you to grab them whenever necessary. The backpack straps can be detached and tucked into the back pocket when not in use. We found the bag most comfortable as a fully packed backpack, though the tote straps felt slightly short for over-the-shoulder carrying. While it was comfortable as a crossbody, it could be awkwardly sized when fully loaded, so we recommend using this option with fewer items inside. Overall, this bag is perfect for those who appreciate multiple pockets and the flexibility to switch between a backpack and a tote or purse.

Specifications: 11.5 x 14.5 x 7 inches | 2.25 pounds

Chic and Trendy

During our search for standout bags, this elegant backpack emerged as a top choice for expressing Disney love. Featuring understated Minnie ears with her signature red bow, it adds a charming splash of color. The design includes a drawstring secured by a magnetic snap closure, balancing security with ease of use. Whether you're exploring Disney parks or navigating city streets, this Kate Spade backpack embodies both sophistication and playfulness, making it an essential accessory for any Disney fan.

Product Specifications: 10 x 9 x 5.9 inches | Water-resistant

Top Diaper Bag

This diaper bag is designed to turn heads while maintaining practicality. In our tests, parents appreciated its smart layout and useful features. The Zealous Backpack includes a spillproof changing mat and has multiple pockets for easy organization, featuring two outer zipper pockets (one with dividers and a key ring) and four mesh pockets inside. Its generous capacity can hold all your essentials (even a blanket), making it perfect for your baby's first visit to Disney. Compact enough to fit into a stroller cargo or comfortable enough to wear thanks to padded straps when the stroller is parked, this diaper bag is a smart investment for parents who want both style and utility. Available in neutral colors and vibrant prints like Disney and Star Wars (though these styles tend to sell out quickly).

Specifications: 16 x 11 x 5 inches | 2.1 pounds | Machine washable

Best Mini

What makes this Loungefly backpack stand out are its whimsical design touches. Adorably perched on the bag are iconic mouse ears along with a signature bow, embodying Minnie Mouse's timeless charm. After all, can you visit Disney without a tribute to its cherished characters?

Featuring a dazzling silver sequin exterior, this backpack will shimmer and shine with each step through the parks. This eye-catching surface is not just aesthetic; it’s also durable, keeping your belongings secure throughout the day. With several storage compartments, it provides ample space to organize your essentials. While this wasn’t part of any official evaluations, I’m well-acquainted with Loungefly backpacks and can vouch for their distinctive style, durability, and comfort. Since it’s a mini backpack, it’s crucial to evaluate your personal storage needs and whether a smaller backpack can accommodate everything you intend to bring to the park.

Specifications: 10.5 x 9 x 4.5 inches | 1.65 pounds | 6-liter capacity

Top Choice for Large Capacity

The Osprey Daylite Plus Pack demonstrates that you can have a spacious backpack without overspending or straining your back. During our month-long evaluation, we were amazed that even when fully packed, the backpack remained impressively lightweight, allowing for an easy weight distribution that felt comfortable on the shoulders and back. The snug fit ensured stability without limiting movement, and the light padding on the shoulder straps and back panels added to the overall comfort. Although it's among the largest bags on our list, it still complies with Disney's size regulations for backpacks.

Specifications: 19 x 11 x 9.5 inches | 1.3 pounds | 20-liter capacity | Water-repellant

Ideal for Children

In our search for Disney backpacks suited for children, we selected this option due to its thoughtful design for young kids, particularly those aged two to seven. Although we didn't test it personally, this lightweight (under 1 pound!) expandable backpack features a travel-friendly design, making it perfect for school, daily adventures, and longer trips, allowing your little one to carry their essentials effortlessly. With reflective elements for enhanced safety and visibility, parents can feel at ease. Made from water-repellent materials that are easy to clean, this durable backpack showcases an adorable Mickey Mouse pattern, complete with a zippered expansion panel for extra storage and a pull-out seat pad for added comfort during travels. 

Specifications: 10.2 x 8.7 x 4.7 inches | 12.8 ounces | 6-liter capacity when compact; 8-liter capacity when expanded | Water-repellent

Ideal for Teens

Combining style and practicality, this option is perfect for teens seeking a vibrant, eye-catching look. Showcasing a lively allover print featuring beloved Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto, this full-sized backpack prioritizes functionality without unnecessary bulk. Ideal for a day at a Disney park or daily activities, it features a roomy zip compartment with a mesh pocket and a padded section for a laptop. Four exterior pockets provide quick access to essentials, and a mesh pouch for a water bottle keeps hydration close at hand. With padded back and adjustable shoulder straps, this backpack guarantees comfort throughout long days. 

Specifications: 18 x 13 x 7.5 inches

Top Prints

Vera Bradley is celebrated for its stunning prints, and these Disney-inspired designs are no exception. With a lively exterior and practical layout, this backpack makes for an ideal companion on your enchanting adventures at the parks. Featuring numerous storage options — including a hidden zip pocket at the back that I particularly love — there's ample space for all your essentials for the day. Designed with padded shoulder straps and a contoured back panel, this backpack focuses on your comfort, which is essential for long days spent exploring. Although we didn't test this backpack directly, I've owned several Vera Bradley Campus Backpacks and can attest to their comfort, ample space, and stylish appeal. 

Specifications: 12 x 16.5 x 7.5 inches | 1.65 pounds | 23-liter capacity

Top Sling

Sling bags offer a fantastic solution for those who prefer not to haul a bulky backpack in a theme park while keeping their essentials close at hand. The Isabella Sling allows for freedom of movement, easy navigation through crowds, and quick access to belongings. During our testing, this water-resistant sling excelled in terms of capacity, usability, and fit. We appreciate its well-organized compartments, including a strap pocket for easy access to items like your wallet or phone, a soft-lined pocket that’s perfect for tossing in your sunglasses without a case, and a spacious main compartment. The bag's curved design and adjustable strap, featuring a handy buckle, make it ideal for those who seek a comfortable, tailored fit. 

Specifications: 14.5 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches | 12 ounces | 9-liter capacity | Water-resistant

Best Cooler

We're excited that Igloo introduced such a stylish and practical bag. Although we didn't test it personally, many reviewers mentioned that this cooler kept their food and drinks chilled all day, even maintaining ice until park closing. Its foam-insulated lining ensures prolonged cooling for both meals and beverages. Featuring delightful Mickey Mouse designs, with a playful peek from the front and signature ear icons on gold-brushed zipper pulls, this backpack cooler captures the charm of the classic character. It also offers a spacious design with a front zip pocket, expandable side pockets, leak resistance, and an antimicrobial liner, making it practical and easy to care for.

The Details: 15 x 12 x 8 inches | 14 ounces

You Might Also Consider

As you prepare for your enchanting Disney getaway, here are some extra items to think about including in your packing list for a smooth and unforgettable experience.

Corkcicle Disney Minnie Mouse Canteen: This charming canteen not only features an adorable Minnie Mouse design but also keeps beverages hot for up to 12 hours and cold for 24. Fill it with ice in the morning, and you’ll enjoy refreshing cold water all day long, even in the summer heat of the theme parks.

Apple AirTag: Keep tabs on your belongings with the Apple AirTag. Just attach it to your essentials and use the Find My app to effortlessly locate them, giving you peace of mind in case you misplace your bag.

Anker Nano Power Bank: Don’t let a dead battery ruin your magical day! This compact power bank features a built-in Lightning connector, enabling you to charge your Apple devices on the go without needing an extra cable. It ensures at least one full charge, allowing you to snap photos and use the My Disney Experience app throughout the day.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid & Black Girl Sunscreen: No matter if you’re visiting Disneyland or Disney World, shielding your skin from the sun is essential. This Little Mermaid-themed sunscreen goes on clear and is enriched with aloe, squalane, and shea butter for added nourishment.

Disney Princess Sunglasses: Keep your eyes safe while showcasing your favorite Disney princess! These fun sunglasses let you represent Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, or Belle with various styles and features.

Tips for Choosing a Backpack for Disney

Focus on Comfort

Embarking on a magical journey to Disney is truly enchanting, but let’s be real: the wrong backpack can turn your fairy-tale adventure into a less-than-happy experience. Choose a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a supportive back panel for optimal comfort, especially during long days in the park and in potentially warm weather. Look for adjustable straps to tailor the fit to your body, and consider extra features like chest and hip straps for enhanced stability. A comfortable backpack lets you fully enjoy your day without the burden of discomfort.

Choose the right size for your needs

When picking a backpack for your Disney trip, make sure to select a size that fits your requirements. Think about the essentials you want to carry, such as water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, souvenirs, and personal items. A backpack that's too small might not fit everything, while one that's too large can become unwieldy. Aim for a size that balances spaciousness with ease of carrying, letting you transport your essentials comfortably without feeling burdened. Whether it’s a compact daypack or a slightly larger model for extra items, you’ll appreciate choosing the right size.

Seek out water resistance

Disney parks are full of surprises, including sudden weather changes. A water-resistant or waterproof backpack is a smart choice to shield your belongings from unexpected rain, spills, or water rides. Look for materials with water-resistant coatings or built-in rain covers to keep your essentials dry and secure, as well as weatherproof features to handle unexpected downpours. Many options here are at least water-resistant, ensuring your experience remains enjoyable despite weather surprises.

Consider insulation

Considering insulation can be a valuable addition to your Disney backpack, especially if you're bringing snacks, drinks, medications, or any perishable items. Look for backpacks that feature dedicated insulated pockets or compartments to keep your items at the right temperature. This not only enhances convenience but also ensures your refreshments remain enjoyable, particularly during warm days in the park. Remember, loose or dry ice isn't permitted; reusable ice packs are recommended instead.

Common Questions

• Is there a size limit for backpacks at Disney?

  Yes! Make sure to check the dimensions of your backpack (this applies to other bags like coolers, totes, suitcases, etc., with or without wheels) to ensure a smooth start to your Disney adventure. Backpacks should not exceed 24 x 15 x 18 inches to enter any Disney park or water attraction. Choose any backpack from this list, and you're set! 

• Can I bring food and drinks into Disney parks?

  You're allowed to bring your own food and nonalcoholic drinks into Disney theme parks and water parks. However, glass containers (excluding small ones like baby food jars) are not permitted. Any food needing heating, refrigeration, or that may have a strong odor isn't allowed. Additionally, loose or dry ice isn't permitted, so stick to reusable ice packs.

• What essentials should I pack in my backpack for a Disney park?

  A well-packed backpack can significantly enhance your Disney park experience and ensure you're ready for a fun day. Tailor your backpack's contents to your needs and preferences, while keeping in mind the park's regulations on certain items and the weight of your backpack for comfort. Top essentials include a portable charger, your phone, wallet, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and any necessary medications. If your bag has extra space, consider adding a water bottle, snacks, a light jacket or sweater, rain gear or a small umbrella, and a hat. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t forget to fill diaper bags and larger backpacks with activities, small toys, or a tablet to keep them entertained.

Why Trust Dinogo

With expertise in shopping trends and a long-standing passion for Disney, Maddie Michalik has been reviewing products professionally since 2014. For this article, she thoroughly examined T+L’s extensive testing insights on various backpacks, referencing product descriptions and additional research to curate a detailed selection of the best backpacks for a Disney theme park or water park visit. She also owns a Loungefly mini backpack.

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