Kids Backpacks with the "leash"

[Jeri]

We are going to be getting my daughter one of these, and I figured I would get a monkey or whatever they have at the store.

But I was thinking I would wait till we get there to buy one if Disney sells them with like Minnie or something on them.
Does Disney sell these kinds of backpacks, and if so are they available at most gift shops or would I do better finding it at World of Disney?

[Itchy]

We tried something similar when my youngest was 5. She just turned 28 yesterday....

Well it was a harness with the leash, well we did not use it very long as when we got into heavy crowds people kept walking into the leash. We just would have her hold our hand / finger, or we would carry her.

I would consider an umbrella stroller and use it when she get tired. When she is not in the stroller you could use it to carry your stuff.

Hope this helps...

[Jeri]

We are bringing her stroller, but I know she is going to want to get out once in a while. She will only be 2 1/2 at that time and has Down Syndrome. She is a runner & is quick. But, because of her DS she doesn't totally understand things like a typical child her age & isn't very good at holding hands.

[Itchy]

I understand. I would just keep the distance close to you when in crowds. But I do not have to tell you that... Sorry.

You probably have the best idea. You may find the backpacks in the resort gift shop.

Come to think of it I see a lot more stuff in stores such as Walmart that carry Disney stuff like that.

Either way have a wonderful vacation...

[Jeri]

Oh, thanks for the idea about Walmart. I don't go there often and sometimes forget they have Disney stuff.
Yeah, the crowds worry me with her, and I think we won't let her out too much. Just wanted it for when we find a quiet area to let her stretch her legs.

Thank you for your help.

[Madame Leona]

Ebay has some and Amazon has a Winnie the Pooh one.

[DisneyDawgette]

Was just in DTD at World of Disney and did not see any harness buddies! Your best bet will probably be WalMart or online!

Happy traveling!

[BrerGnat]

We had these when our boys were younger. We used them at Disneyland often, particularly for my youngest who just had to keep up with his older brother.

I suggest buying well in advance of your trip and practicing with it. We had the soft puppy one, and our son would cuddle with the puppy at home (you can un clip the leash part and it becomes a stuffed animal buddy). He also loved that there was a little pocket in it, and he would keep his Lightning McQueen car in there. That came in very handy.

Both of our sons are on the Autism spectrum, so I know what you mean about the difficulty with hand holding and "knowing" not to wander or run away. That's why we used it too, and it was really great. I liked the stuffed animal one (we got it at Target) because the leash part was really soft as well. Some of them have a nylon leash and that ends up being really rough on YOUR wrist.

[Jeri]

We had these when our boys were younger. We used them at Disneyland often, particularly for my youngest who just had to keep up with his older brother.

I suggest buying well in advance of your trip and practicing with it. We had the soft puppy one, and our son would cuddle with the puppy at home (you can un clip the leash part and it becomes a stuffed animal buddy). He also loved that there was a little pocket in it, and he would keep his Lightning McQueen car in there. That came in very handy.

Both of our sons are on the Autism spectrum, so I know what you mean about the difficulty with hand holding and "knowing" not to wander or run away. That's why we used it too, and it was really great. I liked the stuffed animal one (we got it at Target) because the leash part was really soft as well. Some of them have a nylon leash and that ends up being really rough on YOUR wrist.

Oh Thanks for the idea of trying it at home first. I would have never thought of that. This is all such a new and ever changing "journey" with her.
My oldest (15yrs old) has Aspergers, but he is a real cautious and nervous one, always has been so we never had to worry about him getting more then a few inches away & never let go of our hands.

[Splash_Lover]

we took one for our daughter on her first trip and it worked well. Be prepared for those who will give you looks for using one and for those who might vocally tell you how wrong it is to use one. My answer to those who disaprove was and still is that my childs safety is more important than anyones opinion.

The first night we were at Disneyland that trip I had to reunite a lost child with his mother after he became seperated from her in the crowd push after the fireworks. Not happening with my child. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

[Davy Crockett]

We used one with our DD on our first trip to WDW when she was 2 1/2. It was the monkey style and to this day I get a laugh remembering us sitting at the Muppet fountain taking a rest and we won't let her off the "leash" and she gets angry, spins around and tells us in her most forceful voice "GET THIS MONKEY OFF OF MY BACK". Everybody in earshot spin around and break out laughing.
In all seriousness those little devices are a God send especially in a crowded park.
I've never seen a Minnie or Mickey one though.

[PinKy]

I have seen some disney themed ones online (although look at Walmart! I agree - good option!)

We just bought the monkey and the dog harness that Target sells. (I think they might be Eddie Bauer brand?) Anyway - my kids loved them and they felt very "big" that they could wear a backpack. My boys always used them as pillows in the stroller too - bonus. We have one ASD child and two neurotypical children. Don't forget that you can pick up a separate line pass from the service areas at the very front of the parks if you may need an alternate waiting/line area for your special needs child.

(should anyone make any comment to you regarding the harness, try not to let it bother you - safety first!)

Oh - and my DH just mentioned - if you sew at all, you could just buy a disney stuffed animal and sew on the straps and harness yourself - they sell that kind of sturdy material at most fabric stores. (we had to modify a stitch backpack once and replaced the straps)

Anyway - have so much fun!!