It’s Theme Park Season! Families across the country are loading up their minivans and heading out with dreams of a picture-perfect day conquering their local theme park. From Canada’s Wonderland to the Toronto Zoo, Walt Disney World to Bush Gardens the goal is clear. Squeeze in as much family fun as possible in one day. So what’s a Mama to do? Snag your tickets, charge your phones and hope for the best? Wrong! If you want to make the most of your hours at the theme park you must be prepared – here are our best tips and tricks to make the best of your next Theme Park Visit.
Make A Plan. Take a minute to find a map and make a plan of attack. All the big parks have maps available online and many have social media sites dedicated to best ways to tour the theme park of your choice. Hint, with most theme parks it’s best to get there early – as soon as the park opens- and head right to the back of the park, then work your way around to the front!
Save Time. Buy your tickets to the park in advance, this will save you time standing in line when you arrive and may even help you hunt down a deal!
Wear Good Shoes. Nothing ruins a day at the parks faster then aching feet. Wear comfy shoes and consider leaving a “backup” pair of shoes and socks to change into in the car. The universal truth about all theme parks, you will be walking a lot. Prepare accordingly.
Pack a great bag. Never underestimate the power of a well-packed bag. Things you will want in your perfectly packed bag; sunscreen, Advil or Tylenol, Bandaids, Powerbar/Cliffbar, a rain poncho, Gravol, Ziplock bag (to protect your cell phone on any water rides you might encounter) and Purell or Wet Wipes. If you have room, a couple of frozen bottle of water is also a great idea.
Go Early. Being an early bird allows you to head straight to the most popular rides first with fewer people in the parks!
Take Breaks. Rest your feet and feed your people. Hungry people are not happy people, avoid hungry people. Note: The best time to eat is during off times, think lunch at 11 am or 2 pm or dinner at 4 pm or 8 pm!
Layer Up. Will it be hot, cold, rainy? The weather forecast is never 100% right. The best way to be prepared for a perfect day at the park is to dress in light layers and throw a rain poncho in your bag.
Be Flexible. Things don’t always (almost never) go as planned. Even best-laid plans can come unfurled. Learn to go with the flow, live in the moment and enjoy the ride.
Consider a Hotel Stay.
Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and many others offer hotels right on site. Up the magic and extend the theme park fun by staying right at the park. This is also a fantastic way to take advantage of incredible hotel/theme park packages. Insider tip! Thinking about a trip to DisneyWorld? If you book now through July 7th – Enjoy a FREE dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a ticket with a Park Hopper® Option. (all the details can be found at DisneyWorld.com)
Happy Travels!
Great tips! I’m all about avoiding crowds!
It has been so long ago that I have been to a theme park!! Guess I’m overdue, but the hubs is not a big fan on that stuff but he will go if I realllllllllly wanna go. 🙂 I’d love to go back to Florida to all the parks there like Disney, Bush Gardens etc. And he’d love it cause he’s never been to Florida. Love all the great tips and advice on traveling above. I always try to go early to avoids long waits but sometimes it doesn’t work out…
We all can use some extra help in getting through the lines and everything else that comes with going to a theme park.
I am trying so hard to be early when we go out,your right being early gives you better options!