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
the force awakens
Star Wars: Our Family Saga
I was raised by a nerd, with a nerdy brother, in a home where being into geeky stuff was acceptable and embraced, before it became more normalized like it seems today. At least, that’s how it seemed to me.
And that is the home my nieces have, today: a home where being passionate about things you love is acceptable and encouraged.
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.
Nerd in New York
I recently went on a last minute trip out of town, and had a free day to run around in New York. It’s been eight years since I’ve been in the Big Apple, and I’ve missed it quite a bit. I’m from small town, middle of America, and big cities are always fascinating to me. It’s a constant feeling of go-go-go, where there is always something to do or somewhere to go — pretty much the opposite of how it works where I live! And I hate to be bored, sooo…
I took the train into the city, and headed straight for Times Square. I was greeted with comforting images:
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.
The Force Awakens at the Omnimax
Photo from the Science Center’s website.
If you’ve never been to an Omnimax theater, check out this excerpt from the Science Center involving all the technical stuff.
I haven’t seen a ton at the Omnimax since I live around an hour or so from the nearest one. But I do have a Science Center membership, and that’s motivated me to see more stuff there over the last year. The interesting thing about the Omnimax is that, unlike regular theaters and IMAX showings, you feel immersed entirely into the movie. It’s happening around you. The sound of explosions rattle your seat. You’re suddenly INSIDE whatever you’re watching. And while this is super awesome, it can also be somewhat overwhelming. I know my first few times caused quite a bit of anxiety.
I went with my family to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens at the Omnimax a little over a week ago (the same day I saw Marvel Universe Live, actually), and it was definitely a different experience than the other times I’ve seen the film! As expected, the first little chunk of the movie, I was a little overwhelmed. I blame a large part of it to the loud sounds, because I don’t do well with super loud stuff. However, I had the forethought to bring ear plugs that reduce the loud stuff while still allowing me to hear what was going on, and that helped.
The action sequences were WONDERFUL in Omnimax, and for that alone I’d recommend seeing it in that format.
It was an excellent group experience as well. Everyone was quiet and respectful. These were fans wanting a unique experience. No crying babies and noisy people complaining or mocking it because they were forced to come along. It may not make a lot of sense, but it’s true. Especially the clapping at the end of the film. We had went on this journey together.
I know The Force Awakens won’t be at the Omnimax theaters much longer, so if you’re planning to catch a showing at one near you, I suggest you do so soon! If you’re a Star Wars fan, especially of the new movie, you’ll love it. Just, uh, make sure you sit more toward the middle or top rows. The bottom row will leave you with an extremely sore neck!
~Angel
Wandering NerdGirl 