If there’s a nerdy version of a functional item, I’ll try to get that over something plain. So of course, when it comes to travel gear, you know I want all the geeked out gear I can get.
Explore the Galaxy in Style: Star Wars Travel Must-Haves
stormtrooper
2019: Goals and Plans
We’re heading into a new year, and with it, I’m steadily working on plans to make it a great year for Wandering NerdGirl. This is a rough idea of how I aim to approach next year, and there is always room to add or remove things.
Wizard World St Louis 2018
Before I say anything, I will immediately give Wizard World STL credit for one thing:
This was definitely an improvement on several of my disappointments from last year, specifically:
- The celebrity guests were better organized, like they used to be, and not in some weird maze of tables in the middle of the room.
- There were considerably more vendors – of comics, as well as a variety of others. This was a pretty big deal to me, last year. I was on a mission to buy comics, and only had a handful of vendors to choose from.
So, bravo for that, WW! Thank you for making that aspect more enjoyable.
Moving along…
Gift Ideas for Intergalactic Travelers
It’s the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars. The geek community is buzzing still from Star Wars Celebrations. We’re a few months from The Last Jedi. Disney World and Disneyland are hard at work on the Star Wars expansion. It’s an amazing time for any Star Wars fan.
And, with all of this, is the knowledge that there are LOADS of Star Wars merch out there, including some that are perfect for those of us that travel quite a bit, or even folks heading to Disney sometime in the near future, that want to be as decked out in geeky things as possible. I always do! (Seriously. All the way down to Star Wars shoes for Star Wars Weekends 2015)
So, here’s a list of some handy items for any travelers heading to a galaxy far, far away:
Star Wars Boba Fett Mimopowertube 2 Portable Charger: Tired of your phone dying while you’re on the go? I know these things are SO helpful for trips to Disney, for me. I kill my battery before my day is halfway over. But with one of these babies in your bag, you can keep your phone alive well into the night.
Gods and Monsters
Last fall, during my most recent trip to Orlando, Florida, I had a brilliant idea. I decided that, on our last day in town, before we started our trip home, we’d locate this shop I’d heard about called Gods & Monsters.
Now, at the time we went, Gods & Monsters was located in the Artegon, which was one of the coolest mall type buildings I’ve ever been to. However, it unfortunately closed in January of 2017, which meant Gods & Monsters – among other stores and shops – had to relocate. Now, Gods & Monsters has a lease with Orlando Crossings Mall, and has since reopened, I believe.
Anyway…
I knew I’d heard glorious things about the size of this place and the HUGE amount of nerdy delight it contained. But I was still massively overwhelmed the moment I stepped inside.
There is such a HUGE spectrum of amazing things inside this shop. While they do have quite a few current books, they don’t really have much in terms of comic back issues. HOWEVER, that’s totally fine, given the massive amount of other things they did have.
There were older and newer collectibles and toys, ranging from sci fi to fantasy, comic related to horror, etc. Honestly, I wish I would have spent less at Universal and Disney, so I could have made a massive haul in Gods & Monsters – because there were some treasures I desperately wanted.
But aside from just having loads of cool things, they also had a gaming area set up in the back, if I remember correctly, as well as some insanely cool decor going on. My particular favorite? Anything and EVERYTHING Batman related. The Arkham games themed check out counter area was PHENOMENAL. 
If you’re in the area, go check out Gods & Monsters at their new location. I’ll be heading back for sure the next time I make my way to Orlando!
Have you ever visited Gods & Monsters? Have you seen the new location yet? Comment below and let me know!
~Angel
Disney World: Star Wars Weekends 2015
Last year, we took my nieces to Disney World for their first trip, and specifically planned it to be during Star Wars Weekends in May. This is a family of Star Wars nerds, so this was a must-do for the kiddos first time there.
Legends of the Force Motorcade
Ian McDiarmid – PALPATINE!
The Legends of the Force Motorcade, or as we called it, the Star Wars Parade, was probably the highlight for our family. But for more reasons than just enjoying a motorcade of people in costumes and celebrities from various different Star Wars movies and shows. When we came into the park that day, slightly later than we intended because we were trying to run to get the girls signed up for Jedi Training, an employee stopped us. She noticed that we were all decked out in Star Wars, including the adorable two little girls, and asked if the girls would want to be in the parade as little padawan representatives of the Jedi Training Academy. Of course, we said yes. And they needed one adult per child to go with them behind the scenes at Disney before the parade and walk behind them during the parade and wave to the people. Uh. Yeah. I definitely volunteered to go with my brother.
Geek on the Go: Gift Ideas
The season of gift giving is upon us, and everyone is stressing about getting the perfect gift for the special people in their lives. I know everyone that has to buy for me has a terrible time figuring out what to get. So, I spend a lot of time looking for my own gifts for other people.
Do you have a nerdy traveler in your life? Because I have some ideas for you!
This Stormtrooper luggage from American Tourister is seriously perfection. It’s on my own personal wish list! It also comes in Darth Vader and R2D2.
For the Tolkien fan in your life, or anyone looking to share in an adventure, you could pick up the Hobbit Location Guide.
There’s a variety of cool, nerdy passports out there, like this Marvel Comics passport holder.
While you’re picking up the Marvel passport holder, you might as well grab them this cool Captain America travel pillow. It’s also available with Iron Man and Spider-Man.
Road trips? Train rides? Chilly airports? This Survey Corps Snuggler blanket is the perfect way to bundle up on the go. Also available as a female Survery Corp member, or a Titan!
Any Gryffindors on your list? This Gryffindor luggage tag will help them spot their bags next time they head to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Does your Geek-on-the-Go head into chillier weather often? Bundle them up in this Supernatural Anti-Possession Scarf from Hot Topic.
I hope these gift ideas help you with any last minute shopping for anyone with wanderlust on your list. Let me know how you like the products! I may go after a few for myself.
~Angel
Wandering NerdGirl 