Necessities for Vacation Journeys to Amusement Parks and Fantasy-filled Spots
Vacation time is here, and if you're planning to visit amusement parks or fascinating places, read our guide for an unforgettable experience. From stuffing your bags, to trip essentials, to preserving precious memories—here are our tips to maximize your outing. Check out our collection inspired by pop culture merch like from Star Wars, Barbie, Wicked, and more!
At Home Departure
Image: Heroes & Villains
Pack those bags properly! And let me warn you, don't rely on the outdated luggage handed down to you in your college days. I made the mistake of using one, only to have the bottom of my roller bag and a wheel disintegrate during a mad dash at the airport. Lucky for me, there was a Disney Shop nearby to buy something affordable – and luckily for you, there's a vast array of fandom-inspired luggage now available.
Choose from subtle Wicked patterns or distinct Star Wars cargo collections. Here are some recommendations if your luggage is on its last leg – or wheel.
- *Heroes & Villains Star Wars* carry-on collection featuring Rebel, Imperial, Jedi, Clone Trooper, and Mandalorian emblems**
- *Beis x Wicked*: Inspired by Glinda and Elphaba's pink and green color schemes, this collection includes weekenders, backpacks, toiletries, and accessory holders**
- *Casetify Travel Bounce Luggage: The phone and tech accessory brand's popular Bounce phone case now has a roller bag to match; it comes in vibrant colors with the option to personalize*
During Travel
Image: Casetify, Penguin Books, Loop, Sonos
Getting to your desired destination can be a challenge, especially if you are easily overwhelmed in crowded airports or theme parks. Prepare with the right music, podcast, or book!
- *Protect your tech gear with the One Piece* x Casetify collection for your pirate adventure**
- Stay updated with the latest volume of Lore Olympus or become meditative with the official coloring book****
- Relax on flights or vehicle journeys with the new Wicked soundtrack on the Sonos Ace****
- Reduce environmental noise with Loops earplugs****
- If you cannot travel with your pets, consider getting their likeness on a travel blanket inspired by a legendary galaxy or a comic-book superhero from Crown & Paw****
On-the-go Needs
Image: Disney Experiences
Ensure you have the right items on hand, as they can make or break your trip. With many theme parks offering online ride line queues or expensive multi-attraction passes to lessen waiting times, a smartphone and patience will be essential.
Especially at Disney Parks, monitor the availability of virtual queue boarding passes and Lightning Lanes, as they work on a first-come, first-served basis. With numerous attractions still being popular, secure the free or pay-as-you-go options as soon as possible.
Remember, your battery will drain quickly. I cannot stress enough—bring a separate camera and batteries for photos and videos, rather than loading everything onto one device.
As for meals, theme parks have numerous options—but mobile orders can be beneficial, especially if you have children. Keep in mind the importance of eating, even if yours do. It's like putting the oxygen mask on yourself first and remembering – ABS: Always. Be. Snacking. (And hydrating!)
- When it comes to charging your phone, Casetify offers a variety of fandom-themed power banks to explore, such as the ones themed around Wicked and Disney.
- Staying hydrated is crucial, and for that, there's a Liquid IV flavor for everyone. Personally, I prefer to chug down lemon-lime at the beginning and end of long theme park days.
- For parents with young children, I can't stress enough the importance of a bottle warmer, especially the Ember Baby. It's a small, portable device that heats up bottles on the go, making it a lifesaver in hectic situations. Just remember to keep it easily accessible in your bag, as security might ask questions.
- Navigating theme parks with kids can be challenging. Companies like Cybex offer lightweight strollers that can carry a lot of gear and fit into tight spaces; the Coya even fits in carry-on luggage.
- For a compact camera that can take photos, videos, and has vertical shooting capabilities, consider the Lumix S9 from Panasonic. It's available in fun colors and is surprisingly lightweight, even with the lens attached.
- Vista Print is a great option for printing photos to make holiday vacation and Disney trip books. They often have special offers at the end of the year to make those keepsakes more affordable.
- Say hello to Barbie with the Barbie x Kodak Printomatic instant digital camera. It allows for wireless photo uploads to your phone and instantly prints photos, reducing the need for maintenance.
- Another option from Barbie and Kodak is the Step Slim Wireless Instant Portable Photo Printer.
- If you're feeling nostalgic, Retrospekt offers pre-loaded 35mm Barbie and Ken cameras. You won't know how the photos turn out until they're developed, adding an element of surprise.
Wishing you happy and safe holiday travels!
Looking for more io9 news? Check out the latest expected release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek. Learn about the future of the DC Universe on film and TV. And stay updated on the progress of Doctor Who.
After your trip, you can relive the memories by creating a vacation book using photos printed from services like Vista Print or the Barbie x Kodak Printomatic camera. Embrace the future of technology during travel by utilizing features like online ride line queues and mobile orders at amusement parks.
As you plan for the future, you can look forward to anticipated releases of popular franchises, such as Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and Doctor Who, as reported on io9.
