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!
Your tips and advice are great and will help everyone so they have a fun filled day
Always buy tickets ahead it sure saves time and patience!
Great tips! Making a plan and wearing comfortable shoes are very important when I go to theme parks.
These are great tips for our next trip to Disneyland thanks for sharing.
These are great tips. I prefer going to Disney during the off season to beat the crowds.
Great tips and Good Shoes is a must,there is nothing worse than blisters they can ruin your vacation
Great tips!
These are some very important tips. I just need to book a trip to a theme park in order to use them :).
Do you think walkey-talkeys would be useful with older kids/teens? Might be a nice way to stay connected when family members want to split up to do different rides yet keep in touch.
There is nothing better than wearing a good pair of shoes that you have broken in and are comfy.
I would LOVE to visit Disney with my boys and hubby one day. I love your tips for visiting. I also love the fact that there is a deal now.
Pack a great bag. is full of gret advice – such as the ziploc bags. I bought a small cross the shoulder bag and hope it will fit all I need – I want the items but not the weight on my back so I went with a mid size bag. (gender neutral in the hopes I won’t be the only one carrying it).
Yes, comfy shoes are a must!
Love anything Disney! Good tips.
Really love your tip to buy tickets prior in order to avoid lining up. Also like your tip to get a map of the theme park. We are constantly getting lost so this would help immensely