Winter break is upon us, and when are you getting ready to go theme park or other fan-tastical destinationread our guide first to have the best experience possible. From packing bags, to travel essentials, to capturing the best memories – here are our tips on what you need to maximize your trip. Check out our curation inspired by pop culture merch from Star Wars, Barbie, evil, and more!

Before you leave the house

Pack those bags! And trust me, it’s time to use something other than the old baggage you were given when you went to college. Learn from my mistake: The bottom of my packed roller was destroyed, including one of the wheels, from the mid-airport sprint to the terminal. Lucky for me there’s a Disney Store nearby to pick up stuff at a manageable price—and lucky for you, these days there’s a whole new era of fandom-inspired luggage to choose from.

From a subtle BAD drop a you-better-hope-no-Imperial-Scout-about Star Wars cargo collection, here are some to consider ordering if your luggage is on the last leg—er, wheels.

While Traveling

Arriving at your chosen point of entertainment or relaxation can be anything, especially if you are easily overstimulated at the airport or even among the crowds at the theme park. Make sure you have the right music, podcast, or book to read!

On-the-go ready

Having the right things on hand can make or break a trip. With many theme parks operating their ride lines online or offering expensive multi-attraction passes to shorten the wait, a lot will depend on your phone and your level of patience. .

Especially at Disney Parks, always be on the lookout for times when virtual queue boarding passes and Lightning Lanes go up for use. They’re all on a first-come, first-served basis, and with many attractions still a hot ticket, you’ll want to grab the free or pay as you go options as soon as you can.

Either way it’s a battery drain. I can’t stress enough: get a different camera and battery for photos and videos, do not install more than one device.

As far as planning your meals, the parks offer plenty of food options—but mobile orders may be your best bet, especially if you have small items. Making sure you eat is just as important as feeding them. It’s pretty much the same idea as putting the oxygen mask on yourself first, and remember: ABS. Always. May be. Have a snack. (And hydrated!)

• For phone charging, Casetify has several fandom power banks to check out including BAD and Disney
• Hydration is key, and There is a Liquid IV flavor for everyone. I prefer the lemon-lime shotgun to start and end long days spent at the theme park.
• For families with young children, I can’t stress enough how helpful a bottle warmer can be, especially Baby Ember. It’s a hockey-puck-shaped base that warms travel bottles with little fuss and fuss. It’s a complete game changer, but make sure it’s in an easy-to-reach place in your bag, because the TSA and any security point will ask.
• Touring parks with kids can be overwhelming. Companies like Cybex have lightweight strollers that can pack a lot and adapt to small-space environments; the Coya is also compatible with carrying. For car trippers the company’s car seat line includes options such as Callisto G 360 with full rotation and tech-savvy upgrades for added protection.
• For a lightweight camera option with photography, vlogging compatibility, the ability to shoot vertically in the frame, plus direct uploading to social media online, consider Lumix S9 from Panasonic. They come in cute colors but the big win here is the weight; even with the lens it’s not a great camera to use to make memories.
• Be sure to check out the photo printing options from Vista Print to combine vacation rentals and Disney travel books. The company has many end-of-year promos to get the mementos in your hands.
• Say “Hi, Barbie” with Barbie x Kodak Printomatic instant digital camerawhich allows wireless uploading to your phone as well as instant prints for lower maintenance entertainment.
• Barbie x Kodak is also available Step Slim Wireless Instant Portable Photo Printer.
• If you’re really messed up and want to return it, Retrospekt comes pre-loaded with 35mm Barbie and Ken cameras as well. You won’t know how the photos will turn out until the film is developed. It’s confusing!

Happy holiday travels!

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