Hi Theresa,
I'm SO EXCITED to hear you'll be visiting the Walt Disney World Resort for the very first time! You are going to LOVE experiencing "The Most Magical Place on Earth!"
You'll find about a million different ways that people do Disney. Some Guests will have multiple bags with them, and they'll either carry them, keep them in a stroller, or
rent a locker for them while some Guests hardly bring anything and use their
MagicBands for everything they need. I admit, when all five of my kiddos were little, we were that family with two double strollers and lots of "just in case" gear, but these days, we keep things much simpler. I usually bring a crossbody sling bag with me to keep sunscreen, water bottles, lip balm, medicines, and sunglasses with me. If rain is in the forecast, we also bring a drawstring backpack with ponchos in it, and if it's going to be chilly in the early morning or late evening, we tie sweatshirts around our waists. I'm happy to share that you'll be able to keep a small bag with you on all of the attractions either in a small pouch for personal items or down at your feet (with the exception of
Avatar Flight of Passage where you'll keep your things in a bin on the wall right behind you and your banshee). Here's a tip for you...If the attraction is a more thrilling one, I'll usually wrap the bag's strap around my foot or leg just to make sure it stays put!
As for tracking your
Disney Dining Plan entitlements, you'll be able to see your balance on your dining receipts or by pulling up your Disney Resort hotel stay under "My Plans" within the
My Disney Experience mobile app and clicking on "Check Dining Plan." You may also feel free to ask a Cast Member at the Concierge desk of your Disney Resort hotel and he or she would be happy to check for you, too, and can even print a report for you, if you'd like.
Thanks so much for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Theresa, and please come back and see us again if we can help with anything else as you're
planning your first visit. I hope that you have a truly magical vacation!
Missy