The winter holidays are here, and if you’re getting ready to go to theme parks or other fan-friendly places, first read our guide to have the best experience possible. From packing those bags, to must-haves, to capturing the best memories—here are our tips on what you’ll need to maximize your trip. Check out our selection of pop culture inspired merchandise from Star Wars, Barbie, Evil, and more!
Before you leave home
Pack those bags! And trust me, it’s time to use something other than the outdated baggage you were given when you went to college. Learn from my mistake: I’ve had the bottom of my full roller, including one of the wheels, break mid-airport-to-airport. Lucky for me there was a Disney Store nearby so I could grab something at a manageable price—and lucky for you, these days there’s a new era of fandom-inspired luggage to choose from.
From the subtle They are not bad it comes down to you-better-hope-there’s-no-Imperial-Scout-about star Wars collection, here are some to consider ordering if your luggage is on its last leg—er, wheel.
While Traveling
Getting to your chosen place of entertainment or relaxation can be anything, especially if you find inspiration easily at the airport or among the crowds at the theme park. Make sure you have the right music, podcast, or book to read!
You are on your way and ready
Having the right things on hand is what can make or break a trip. Since there are many theme parks that use their online boarding lines or offer expensive multi-attraction passes to shorten the wait, a lot will depend on your phone and your patience levels.
Especially at the Disney Parks, keep an eye on the line passes and Lightning Lanes for availability. All are on a first-come, first-served basis, and with a few hot-ticket attractions, you’ll want to secure free or pay-as-you-go options as soon as possible.
Either way is to remove the battery. I can’t stress enough: get a separate camera and batteries for photos and videos, don’t do it Install more on one device.
When it comes to planning your meals, the parks offer plenty of food options—but mobile orders may be your best bet, especially if you’re short on snacks. Making sure they eat is just as important as feeding them. It’s very much the same idea as putting an oxygen mask on yourself first, and remember: ABS. Always. Be. Easy food. (And hydrating!)
- For phone charging, Casetify has a number of fandom power banks you can check out that they include They are not bad and Disney
- Hydration is important, and there is a Liquid IV flavor for everyone. I prefer lemon-lime shots at the beginning and end of long days spent at the theme park.
- For families with young children, I can’t stress enough how useful a bottle warmer is, especially the Ember Baby. It’s a hockey-shaped hub that heats bottles on the go with minimal hassle and fuss. It’s a complete game changer, but make sure you have it in an easily accessible place in your bag, because the TSA and any security point will ask questions.
- Navigating the parks with children can be overwhelming. Companies like Cybex have lightweight carts that can pack a good amount of gear and adapt to busy small space situations; Coya is compatible with continuity. For road passengers the company’s car seat line includes options like the full-rotating Callisto G 360 and tech-savvy upgrades for added protection.
- For a lightweight camera option with stills, vlogging compatibility, the ability to shoot straight into the frame, and direct social uploads to the Internet, consider the Lumix S9 from Panasonic. They come in beautiful colors but the big win here is the weight; even with the lens it is not a powerful camera to have to make memories.
- Be sure to check out the photo printing options from Vista Print to get those vacation and Disney travel books together. The company has some great year-end promos to get those souvenirs in your hands.
- Say “Hello, Barbie” with the Barbie x Kodak Printomatic instant digital camera, which allows wireless uploading to your phone and instant printing for low-resolution fun.
- There’s also the Barbie x Kodak Step Slim Wireless Portable Photo Printer.
- If you’re really messed up and want to throw it back, Retrospekt has 35mm Barbie and Ken cameras pre-loaded. You never know how the images will turn out until the film is developed. Mind blowing!
Have a great vacation!
Looking for more io9 news? Check out when you can expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe in film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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