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The winter holidays are upon us, and if you have prepared to go theme parks or other fan-tastic destinationsfirst read our guide to have the best possible experience. From packing these bags, to travel must-haves, to capturing the best memories – here are our tips for what you need to maximize your trip. Check out our curated selection of pop culture merch Star Wars, barbie, wicked, and more!
Before leaving the house
Pack those bags! And trust me, it’s time to use something other than the outdated baggage you were handed when you went to college. Learn from my mistake: I had the bottom of my packed roller, including one of the wheels, crushed from the middle of the airport sprint to the terminal. Lucky for me, there was a nearby Disney Store to 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 a thin Bad down to a you-better-hope-there-is-no-Imperial-Scout-about Star Wars cargo collection, here are some to consider orders if your luggage is on its last leg-er, wheel.
While traveling
Arriving at your chosen point of entertainment or relaxation can be something, especially if you are too stimulated easily in the airport or even in the crowd of theme parks. Make sure you have 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 queue lines online or offering expensive multi-attraction passes to make the wait a little shorter, a lot will depend on your phone and your patience levels.
Especially in the Disney Parks, always keep an eye on the weather as virtual queue boarding passes and Lightning Lanes increase for availability. They’re all on a first-come, first-served basis, and with many attractions always a hot ticket, you’ll want to secure the free or paid options as you can.
In any case, it is a battery drain. I can’t stress enough: get a separate camera and batteries for photos and videos, do not put too much on one device.
As for planning your meals, the parks offer plenty of food options, but mobile ordering may be your best bet, especially if you have little in tow. Make sure you eat it is as important as feeding it. It’s very much the same idea as putting the oxygen mask on yourself first, and remember: ABS. Always to be. Snacking. (And moisturizing!)
- For mobile charging, Casetify has a number of fandom power banks to check out, including Bad and Disney
- Hydration is key, and there is a Liquid IV flavor for everyone. I prefer to shotgun lemon-lime at the beginning and end of long days spent in the theme park.
- For families with small ones, I cannot emphasize enough how useful a bottle warmer is, especially the Ember Baby. It’s a hockey puck-shaped base that warms bottles on the go with little fuss and mess. It’s a complete game changer, but make sure you have it somewhere easy to access in your bag, because the TSA and any security point will ask questions.
- Finding parks with children can be a lot. Companies like Cybex have lightweight strollers that can pack a good amount of gear and fit into busy small space environments; the Coya is also compatible with transportation. For road travelers, the company’s line of seats includes options such as Callisto G 360 with full rotation and technological upgrades for extra protection.
- For a lightweight camera option with photos, 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 optics it is not an excessive camera to have on hand to make memories.
- Be sure to check out the photo printing options from View Print to bring together those Disney vacations and travel books. The company has great year-end promotions to get those memories in your hands.
- Say “Hello, Barbie” with the Barbie x Kodak Printomatic instant digital camerawhich allows wireless charging to your phone as well as instant prints for lower maintenance fun.
- There is also the Barbie x Kodak Step Slim Wireless Instant Portable Photo Printer.
- If you are really chaotic and want to throw back, Retrospekt also preloaded the Barbie and Ken 35mm cameras. You don’t know how the photos will turn out until the film is developed. Brilliant!
Happy holiday travel!
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