Few sartorial inventions have changed the fashion game quite like the ubiquitous belt bag (which, let’s be honest, is just a well-placed fanny pack with a better name). And when it comes to theme park vacations like Disney World or Disneyland, you can’t go ten feet without seeing a fellow park-goer rocking the shoulder-slung look—and for good reason. Belt bags are a compact and secure way to carry your belongings while out and about. They provide easy access to all your stuff with the convenience of a hands-free design, so you can whip out your phone to take a selfie with Goofy and then store it away to freefall on Tower of Terror. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which version is right for you. Here are the three best belt bags to wear in the parks, according to editors who *live* for a Disney vacation.
The 3 Best Belt Bags to Wear in the Disney Parks, According to Editors Who’ve Logged Major Mickey Miles
Hands-free fashion never looked so good
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How I Chose the Best Belt Bags to Wear in Disney
I fancy myself a Disney fanatic. I’ve been to the parks over a dozen times (in both Orlando and Anaheim) and love to stay up to date on all the best gear and new releases as they make their way through the zeitgeist. In addition to my recommendation, I tapped two fellow Disney experts—who also happen to be PureWow editors—to share their tried-and-true belt bags that have never let them down. So, before you book your next family vacation, keep reading for our top three options you won’t regret buying.
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A classic for a reason, this lululemon belt bag has joined me on numerous trips to the self-proclaimed “happiest place on Earth.” It strikes the perfect balance between comfort and practicality—thanks to the adjustable strap and 1-liter size—and I love that I don’t have to scrimp on any park-day essentials. It may look small, but it can easily contain all of my daily must-haves, including my cell phone, credit cards, driver’s license, cash, hotel key, hand sanitizer, lip balm, mini mineral sunscreen, charging cord and a handful of first-aid supplies (Band-Aids, cough drops, daytime cold medicine, Benadryl and an Epi-Pen). You can’t go wrong with the classic black shade; it pairs perfectly with almost any outfit (and mouse ears). But for my next trip, I may spring for the limited-edition Disney x lululemon version in white for a little extra Mickey magic.
“This Uniqlo shoulder bag is everything,” Beauty and Cultures Editor Chelsea Candelario raves. “It’s my go-to crossbody for traveling, especially on a recent trip to Disneyland (at least half of my travel group had one in various shades). It’s so spacious and I can fit absolutely all of my essentials, including a water bottle (!), portable fan and charger.” Candelario also loves how many fun colors the cult-favorite shoulder bag comes in (that sunny yellow just screams California), not to mention its under-$20 price tag. The bag is also water-repellent to help protect against the occasional sunshine sprinkle—or ya know, a subtle soaking while riding Grizzly River Run and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
As a Disney mom of two, a hands-free bag is a non-negotiable for our VP of Editorial, Candace Davison. “I need my arms free to chase and carry around the kids,” whether that’s when they inevitably protest any form of walking or to hoist them up during the nighttime firework display. “Oh, and to hold a turkey leg, of course.” This trendy hip pack from Patagonia is her main go-to, and despite its smaller appearance, it can hold a surprisingly large amount. “I preload everything on a Disney MagicBand, so I don't need to carry a lot around, and it's just the right size to hold my keys, wallet, lip gloss, cell phone, fold-up poncho for water rides or sudden downpours, Band-Aids and a snack.”
