Winter vacation is upon us, and if you’re getting ready to head out to theme parks or other fan-tastical destinations, first read our guide to having the best experience possible. From packing those bags, to trip must-haves, to capturing the best memories—here are our tips for what you’ll need to maximize your journey. Take a look at our curation inspired by pop culture merch from Star Wars, Barbie, Wicked, and more!
Before you leave home
Pack those bags! And trust me, it’s time to use something other than the outdated luggage that was handed down to you when you went off to college. Learn from my mistake: I’ve had the bottom of my packed roller, including one of the wheels, crumble off mid-airport sprint to the terminal. Lucky for me there was a Disney Store nearby to grab something within a manageable price point—and lucky for you, these days there’s a whole new era of fandom-inspired luggage to pick from.
From a subtle Wicked drop to a you-better-hope-there’s-no-Imperial-Scout-about Star Wars cargo collection, here are some to consider ordering if your luggage is on its last leg—er, wheel.
While Traveling
Getting to your chosen point of fun or relaxation can be anything but, especially if you get overstimulated easily in airport or even amid theme park crowds. Make sure you’ve got the right music, podcast, or book to read!
On-the-go ready
Having the right things on hand is what can make or break a trip. With a number of theme parks operating their ride line queues online or offering pricey multi-attraction passes to make waiting a little shorter, a lot will depend on your phone and your levels of patience.
Particularly at Disney Parks, always keep an eye on the time that virtual queue boarding passes and Lightning Lanes go up for availability. They’re all based on first-come, first served basis, and with several attractions still a hot ticket, you’ll want to secure the free or pay as you go options as soon as you can.
Either way it’s a drain on the battery. I cannot stress enough: get a separate camera and batteries for pictures and videos, do not put too much on one device.
As far as planning your meals go, parks offer a lot of food options—but mobile orders can be your best bet, especially if you have littles in tow. Making sure you eat is just as important as feeding them. It’s very much the same idea as putting the oxygen mask on yourself first, and remember: ABS. Always. Be. Snacking. (And hydrating!)
- For phone charging, Casetify has a number of fandom power banks to check out including Wicked and Disney
- Hydration is key, and there’s a Liquid IV flavor for anyone. I prefer to shotgun lemon-lime at the start and end of long days spent at the theme park.
- For families with littles, I cannot stress enough how helpful a bottle warmer is, especially the Ember Baby. It’s a hockey-puck-shaped base that heats up bottles on the go with little hassle and mess. It’s a complete game changer, but make sure to have it in an easy-to-reach spot in your bag, because the TSA and any security point will ask questions.
- Getting around the parks with kids can be a lot. Companies like Cybex have lightweight strollers that can pack a good amount of gear and adapt to hectic small space environments; the Coya is even carry-on compatible. For road-trippers the company’s car seat line includes options like the Callisto G 360 with full rotation and tech-savvy upgrades for extra protection.
- For a lightweight camera option with photo, vlogging compatibility, the ability to shoot vertically in frame, plus direct online social uploads, consider the Lumix S9 from Panasonic. They come in cute colors but the big win here is the weight; even with the lens it’s not an overwhelming camera to have on hand to make memories.
- Be sure to check out photo printing options from Vista Print to get those holiday vacation and Disney trip books together. The company has great end of the year promos to get those mementos in your hands.
- Say “Hi, Barbie” with the Barbie x Kodak Printomatic instant digital camera, which allows wireless uploads to your phone as well as immediate prints for lower maintenance fun.
- There’s also the Barbie x Kodak Step Slim Wireless Instant Portable Photo Printer.
- If you’re really chaotic and want to throw it back, Retrospekt has pre-loaded 35mm Barbie and Ken cameras too. You won’t know how the pics come out until the film is developed. Mind-blowing!
Happy holiday traveling!
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
