Living in Orlando, Disney days are a regular thing for our family. And as a photographer, I'm always bringing a camera. But there's no single best camera bag for Disney World. The right bag depends on what kind of day you're having.
I go back and forth between a few bags, and the decision comes down to three questions.
The quick list
- Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II: my pick for all day trips, with a hydration reservoir pocket
- Think Tank Urban Access 8 sling: my pick for a few hours, with an outside water bottle pocket
- Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L: my other sling, same idea, different feel
Question 1: How long are you staying?
This is the big one.
An all day Disney day: I bring my Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II. It holds a small camera, snacks, a change of shirt, and has a hydration reservoir pocket so I've got water all day without hunting for a refill. It's all weather, too, which matters when the afternoon storms roll in.
Just a few hours: I'd rather carry a sling. One of my two everyday slings holds a compact camera, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and the little stuff. Less on my back, less to dig through, and a lighter, easier day.
Question 2: Are you bringing the stroller?
The stroller changes everything, because it has cargo space underneath.
With the stroller: the stroller basket can handle the bulky stuff like snacks, extra clothes, and water. That frees me up to carry less on my body, and a sling with the camera is usually plenty.
Without the stroller: I'm carrying everything. That's when the backpack earns its spot, because it keeps all of it on my back and my hands free.
Question 3: Who's carrying what (and who)?
If I'm walking with my son, there's a good chance I'm going to end up carrying him at some point when he gets tired. Kids don't care how much gear you've got on you.
That's another point for the backpack on long days. A backpack keeps the weight centered and my arms free for a kid who wants to be picked up. On shorter days with lighter loads, a sling is easy to swing around and stays out of the way.
The Lowepro is my usual all day pick, but my Peak Design Everyday Backpack has pulled plenty of Disney days too, especially when I wanted a bigger lens along.
My Disney camera bag cheat sheet
All day, no stroller
Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II. Water, snacks, camera, and a change of shirt, all on your back with your hands free.
All day, with stroller
Stroller basket takes the bulk. Backpack if you want water on tap, sling if you'd rather travel light.
A few hours, no stroller
A sling. Camera, keys, wallet, sunglasses, and the Think Tank's outside pocket holds your water.
A few hours, with stroller
A sling for the camera and essentials. Everything else rides underneath.
A few Disney camera bag tips
- Keep it simple for security. Every bag gets checked on the way in. Fewer pockets to open and a bag that isn't stuffed to the brim makes that go faster.
- Plan for rain. Florida afternoons can turn fast. An all weather bag, or at least a plan to protect your camera, saves a lot of stress.
- Hydrate. Whether it's a reservoir or a bottle in an outside pocket, make water easy to get to. You'll drink more of it.
- Bring a small camera. A compact camera like my Fujifilm X-T30 III fits in any of these bags and won't weigh you down for 20,000 steps.
The bags
Lowepro Photo Sport 200 AW II
My go-to for full park days and bike trail rides. Camera section, room for snacks and a change of shirt, and a hydration reservoir pocket so water is always within reach. Read my full post on it here.
See it on Amazon →Think Tank Urban Access 8 Sling
The sling I use just about every time I leave the house. Holds a compact camera and the essentials, and the outside water bottle pocket is perfect for a Florida day.
See it on Amazon →Peak Design Everyday Sling 6L
The middle of Peak Design's three sizes, and the one I alternate with the Think Tank. Same setup inside, a different feel, and color options that match whatever you're wearing. Here's how the two slings compare.
See it on Amazon →Prices on Amazon change often, so click through to see today's price.
Want to be in the photos for once?
When you're the parent with the camera, you're usually the one missing from every picture. If you want photos of the whole family, you included, that's exactly what my family sessions are for.
See Family Sessions →