I need tips for lugging around stuff

Yeah... there is no other way of getting around it. I bring my backpack that I use for my 17 inch laptop, so its pretty big. If it gets heavy... I usually either attach it someway to the stroller, or put it in the stroller like you said. The other option is renting a locker.

I usually always bring a backpack to carry everything around and also a small cooler. We always have a stroller though that has a large basket underneath.

I see a lot of older kids in stroller sometimes, could you look into renting a stroller from a rental company since you're there already?

Here's a list I found!

Orlando Stroller Rentals

My advice would be to get a good backpack....I have a Northface that has been a lifesaver during many trips (not to mention to carry these beastly law books to school and back) and you can secure it so that it doesn't bounce around.

I always have to carry a bag at WDW, there's just no getting around it. Shuttersisters.com has some really cool camera bags.

I love my husband's Adidas one shoulder backpack for the parks. It goes over one should and under the other arm (near your waist) to velcro in the front. In the parks, I usually have my little camera, DD6's autograph book, a bottle of water, snacks, gum, sunscreen, lipbalm, and wallet, and this works. I do normally have a stroller, too, since we have a toddler, to throw everything in the bottom of the basket. Have you thought about renting a locker for the snacks and water, thereby lightening your load a bit?

I have a backpack with lots of compartments for snacks, crystal light singles, maps, phones, etc.

DH carries our big camera in a nice camera shoulder bag.

We also bought hooks to clip in his belt loops to carry water bottles.

Because I have fibromyalagia even the emptiest of backpacks ends up getting heavy so he ends up lugging that too. Poor guy, he calls himself the Porter.

To top all that off on our last trip we got into pin trading so now we have a trading bag to lug too.

I'm hoping to find a pin bag with compartments for our next trip to eliminate the backpack, but nothing has worked as of yet.

don't forget to have all purchases sent to your resort. I do this for everything including postcards...they can add weight too ya know.

I'm with this suggestion. I live with a backpack in the parks.

What do you do with the backpack or bag if you get on a ride?

Put it between your legs, or ask a cast member to hold it. Its all good

This is always my dilemma going to the parks. I want to bring my DSLR so I can take photos, but after a couple of hours lugging around a backpack big enough to hold it when I go on rides, it feels like I'm carrying around a bowling ball. AND my back is soaked in sweat. Yuck. I'm thinking about bringing my pacsafe shoulder bag this time.

Great. I wasn't sure if they would let you on a ride with a bag hanging around your neck or shoulder.
Another member mentioned carrying in a cooler and snacks. Do they let you do that?

You can bring a cooler in as long as it's certain size. There are restrictions of what can be brought in. I'll see if I can find the link and post it here.

Edit - found the information. Click here and select "Are there any personal items I should not bring with me into the theme parks?"

Yeah I put mine between my legs and hold on for dear life!

Yeah and that is on the Dumbo the flying elephant ride.

For sure! You can bring an entire picnic lunch if you'd like. That's one thing I love about Disney; they don't restrict outside food.

Great link Joann C.
Good to know the size limitations. I'll just be bringing in something large enough for a small video camera, regular camera, and probably some fruit rollups or other compact snack (my man purse should do fine, LOL).

We got the WDW recommended ddp so we should be pretty good on food.