Preparation and Tips - A Star Wars Celebration Packing List



So you're going to Star Wars Celebration! You've got your badges, you've got your hotel room, you've even got you transportation all figured out (will that be X-Wing or TIE Fighter?). You're pretty much all set. You just need to pack. So what should you be taking with you for this five day extravaganza anyway?

Everyone's list of Con essentials will be slightly different, we're all individuals after all, so I'm just going to try and make this list as comprehensive as possible. Will I get absolutely everything in here? Of course not! So please let me know if I'm missing one of your essential items, I'll add it straight to the list. That said, there are some items everyone needs to take, like deodorant - please take it and use it!

There's two bags you'll need to be thinking of - your main travel case and your convention bag that you'll be taking with you to Celebration each day.

Main Packing List

Important Documents and Travel Essentials
Wallet & Cash/Cards
Passport or other photo ID if not travelling from abroad
Plane Tickets
Hotel Reservation
Shuttle Bookings
Hire Car Reservation
Parking Permits
Glasses
Glasses Case & Cleaning Cloth
Contact Lenses & Lens Solution
Sun Glasses
Medication

Clothing
Jumper/Hoodie
Shirts - both long and short sleeved
Jeans
Cargo Pants/Cargo Shorts - more pockets are good for conventions
Belt
Underwear - take extra so you can change after a long day at Celebration & in the morning if you're planning on doing the overnight line
Socks - again make sure to include a few extra pairs
Comfy Shoes
Extra pair of shoes/sandals/flip-flops
Pajamas
Watch
Hat
Swimwear
Comfy Clothes for the overnight line up

Toiletries
Tooth Brush
Tooth Paste
Mouth Wash
Dental Floss
Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair Gel
Face Wash
Face Wipes
Body Wash
Body Lotion
Deodorant
Hair Spray
Make Up
Make Up Setting Spray/Powder
Razor
Shaving Foam/Gel
Aftershave
Tissues
Plasters
Blister Plasters
Aspirin
Throat Lozenges
Vitamin C
Lip Balm
Eye Drops
Sunscreen
After Sun

Convention Essentials
Star Wars Celebration Badges (if not collecting on site)
Lanyard
Cosplay Costume
Cosplay Footwear
Cosplay Weapons/Accessories
Mini Sewing Kit & Safety Pins - for cosplay repairs
Back Pack or Tote Bag
Poster Tube and/or Poster Sleeves
Itinerary (including Fan Events) and Map
Pen
Highlighter
Sharpie & Notepad - you never know who you might run in to!
Mints
Hand Sanitizer/Hand Wipes
Blanket - for overnight queue
Pillow(s) - or borrow from your hotel to save space in your luggage
Sleeping Bag
Small Collapsible Chair
Small Air Bed
Ear Plugs
Eye Mask
Refillable Water Bottle

Electrical
Phone & Charger
Tablet & Charger
Camera & Charger
Video Camera & Charger
Laptop & Charger
Spare SD Card(s) for Camera
Multiple Power Packs & Chargers - ideally 2 per person per day if you're planning on taking a lot of photos or using a lot of data
Power Strip - ideally with USB sockets as well
Fitbit
Headphones
Hair Dryer - your hotel may provide this, check before you go
Hair Straighteners
Nintendo DS/3DS/PSP/Switch & Charger(s)

Misc.
Umbrella
Snacks - may be easier to buy local
Water - may be easier to buy local
Books/Comics - reading material for on the journey and in line
Trash Bags - useful for separating dirty clothes
Money Belt
Shipping Boxes - if you want to post your haul home
Extra Suitcase - just make sure you book an extra hold bag for your return flight
Bubble Wrap - for packing exclusives
Freezer Bags/Ziplock Bags - for liquids on the plane & also good for parting out figures and accessories if you don't have space to take everything home in box


Convention Bag
Star Wars Celebration Badge & Lanyard - you'll be wearing this
Wallet & Cash/Cards
Phone
Back Pack or Tote Bag - good size, comfortable and secure and the main things you need
Poster Tube/Poster Sleeves - you'll want these with you if you're picking up an art print or attending a panel where a free poster is likely to be given out (like IX). The sleeves are also good for photo op pictures
Tablet or Laptop
Camera/Video Camera
Power Packs & Charge Cables
Headphones
Itinerary & Map
Pen
Highlighter
Sharpies & Notepad
Snacks (or even a full lunch if you want)
Refillable Water Bottle
Mints
Hand Sanitizers/Hand Wipes
Tissues
Deodorant
Mini Sewing Kit & Safety Pins (if cosplaying)

Overnight
Blanket
Pillow(s)
Sleeping Bag
Small Collapsible Chair
Small Air Bed
Ear Plugs
Eye Mask
Comfy Clothes
Change of Clothes & Underwear for the morning


I think that covers everything. Remember it's only a guide, don't take what you don't need, especially in your convention bag, it's better to travel light, you don't want to be lugging round too much stuff on the show floor .

One thing I would highly recommend is using these blank planning sheets that Jenn Depaola created for Celebration Orlando last year. You can create your own custom packing list, costume packing list, budget, and panel schedule.

Until next time, may the Force be with you.

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