If you’ve ever walked down Main Street, U.S.A. and thought, “Wow, there are a LOT of cute backpacks here,” you’re not wrong. Those adorable, themed mini backpacks you see everywhere? Those are Loungeflys—and at this point, they’re basically part of the Disneyland experience.
As your Disney-obsessed planning duo here at Mickey Planning, we’ll just say it:
We are full-on, unapologetic Loungefly people.
Whether you’re planning your very first Disneyland trip or you already have a small collection sitting on a hook at home (hi, same 🙋♀️), here’s everything you need to know about using Loungefly backpacks at Disneyland—and why we think they’re one of the best park bags around.
What Is a Loungefly, Anyway?
A Loungefly (in park language) usually means a mini backpack with:
- A fun themed design (characters, attractions, snacks, seasons, etc.)
- Sturdy faux leather material
- A main zip pocket + front pocket
- Comfortable straps and just enough room for your park essentials
They’re small enough to feel cute and light, but big enough to hold everything one person needs for a full Disney day.
Why Loungeflys Work So Well at Disneyland
We’ve tried big backpacks, crossbody bags, fanny packs, and everything in between. Loungefly minis have absolutely earned their spot as our go-to park bag for:
1. Hands-Free & Ride-Friendly
They sit comfortably on your back and stay close to your body, which is perfect for:
- Getting on and off rides quickly
- Navigating crowds with kids and strollers
- Having both hands free for snacks, photos, and tiny humans
- Grabbing your essentials for a ride off the stroller
On most attractions you can keep your Loungefly with you—either at your feet or beside you—without any stress.
2. Perfect Size for One Person’s Essentials
Is it going to hold the entire family’s gear? Nope.
Is it perfect for your things? Absolutely.
A Loungefly usually fits:
- Phone
- Small wallet/card holder
- Sunglasses
- Portable charger + cord
- Chapstick / lip balm
- Travel sunscreen
- A small snack or two
- Tissues / hand wipes
- Water bottle
- Sweatshirt
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to haul around a giant bag but still needs more than pockets can handle, this is the sweet spot.
3. Great for Stroller Families
One of our favorite hacks:
💡 Full-size backpack on the stroller + Loungefly on you.
Keep diapers, wipes, extra outfits, blankets, and “backup” everything in the larger stroller bag. Then use your Loungefly for the high-value items you don’t want to leave behind when you park the stroller:
- Wallet
- Keys
- Phone
- Tickets / ID
- Battery pack
- Medicine
- Emergency snacks
You can hop in line, grab food, or go into a ride building quickly with just your Loungefly, while the big bag waits with the stroller.
4. Kids Love Having Their Own
Older kids and tweens love having their own Loungefly:
- They can carry their own snacks and small toys.
- They feel “grown-up” and responsible.
- It frees up space in your bag (win!).
Just keep an eye on the weight and remind them not to overpack—those mini bags can get heavy with water bottles and a pile of trinkets.
How Many Loungeflys Should You Bring?
Short answer: you only need one.
Long answer: we will never judge you for matching your Loungefly to your outfit or park day theme. 😂
Some ideas:
- One classic favorite you love with everything
- Holiday-themed Loungefly for Halloween or Christmas trips
- Character-themed Loungefly if you’re doing a special After Dark event or Disneybound
If you’re flying, remember they pack best inside a carry-on with clothes stuffed inside to help them keep their shape.
What to Pack in Your Loungefly for a Disneyland Day
Think of your Loungefly as your personal essentials kit. Here’s what we often pack:
Must-Haves
- Phone with Disneyland app downloaded
- Small card wallet (ID, credit card, health card, a little cash)
- Portable charger + cord
- Lip balm
- Travel-size sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer or small wipes
- Tissues
Nice-to-Have Extras
- Mini first-aid: a couple of band-aids & blister patches
- Hair ties / scrunchie
- Sunglasses
- A granola bar or small snack
- Mini fan (in hotter months)
Everything else—extra layers, full first-aid kit, multiple snacks, water bottles, ponchos—can live in the bigger family backpack or stroller basket.
Loungefly vs. Full-Size Backpack
So which should you choose: Loungefly or big backpack?
Choose a Loungefly if:
- You’re going solo or as a couple.
- You don’t like carrying heavy bags.
- You want something cute for photos that still works practically.
- You’re using a stroller and just need a “grab-and-go” bag for your essentials.
Choose a Full-Size Backpack (or both) if:
- You’re carrying gear for multiple people.
- You need room for jackets, snacks, ponchos, etc.
- You’re the designated “pack mule” for the group (we see you, moms).
Our personal favorite setup:
👉 Full-size backpack for the family + Loungefly for each adult or older kid.
Are Loungeflys Comfortable for a Full Park Day?
Yes—as long as you pack smart.
Tips:
- Don’t overload your Loungefly with heavy water bottles and piles of snacks.
- Adjust the straps before you leave your hotel so it sits comfortably between your shoulder blades.
Where to Use Your Loungefly in the Parks
Besides “everywhere,” here are some fun ways they sneak into the magic:
- Ride photos – That little Loungefly in the ride basket shows up in so many shots.
- Character meets – Characters often react to your bag if it matches them or the theme.
- Photo ops – Castle pics, churro shots, and “what’s in my bag” content all look extra cute with a themed backpack.
Where to Buy
- Official Disney Parks & Downtown Disney stores
- Loungefly’s official site
- Amazon
Final Thoughts: Is a Loungefly Worth It for Disneyland?
If you love a little extra magic in your outfit and want a practical but adorable park bag, a Loungefly mini is absolutely worth it.
They’re:
- Cute
- Functional
- Perfectly sized for your essentials
- Great for stroller families using a “big bag + mini bag” system
- A fun way to show off your favorite characters, attractions, or seasons
Whether you bring one beloved classic or rotate through a tiny Loungefly wardrobe, these mini backpacks are one of our favorite tools for a smoother, more magical Disneyland day.
Have a favorite Loungefly you always bring to the parks? We’d love to see it—come share a picture in the Mickey Planning community! 🎒✨
We’re so proud to be an affiliate with Loungefly because of our absolute love of them! Clicking our links lets them know that not only to we love them but our online family does too!
