Amusement Park Tips
Make The Most of Your Visit
How to make the most of your theme park stay
Buy your tickets before you go.
You usually get a better deal than buying them at the gate. You can enter
the park immediately without standing in lines, and get a jump ahead of others
for your favorite rides and attractions.
Don't buy more ticket than you
need. There are "park-hopper" and
multi-day tickets. Unless you're absolutely sure you're going to use these
tickets, it could be over-kill and wasted money. Many of the rides will be
off-limits to very small children, making one day at the park enough.
Get Organized before you go.
If you can get a map of the park ahead of time, study it and map out your
favorite rides and attractions. This will save you from waiting in long
lines. Let each child choose their favorite rides and attractions ahead of
times.
Check
to find out where the first aid stations are located. Accidents do happen.
Most of the first aid stations will have band-aids for feet that have become
blistered,
Go early in the week.
The earlier in the week you go, the less crowded it will be. If your
vacation time can be arranged, avoid going during holidays. The lines (if any)
will be shorter the first two hours of the day.
Travel
after peak season. This might not be an option if you have school-age
children. But families with infants and toddlers can take advantage of
discounted rates by traveling in the fall.
Wear comfortable walking or athletic
shoes - Wearing comfortable shoes is essential when spending hours of
vacation time on your feet. Comfortable shoes can help to alleviate the
discomfort caused by corns and calluses and help to prevent blisters. If
shoes do not have enough padding or support, improve the performance of your
shoes by adding inserts. There are a variety of over-the-counter inserts
that provide additional cushioning and support. Wear shoes that won't fall
off on the rides if your feet hang down.
Wear lightweight layered
clothes. By dressing in layers you can add or remove clothing items for
comfort. A hat that keeps the sun off your face is advisable.
A light-weight jacket may be needed for nighttime and may be stored in a back
pack. Wear clean, dry socks. Take along an extra pair of socks
to change into in the middle of your day. This will refresh your feet.
After all, you're probably walking several miles a day.
Don't forget to use sunscreen- even
if you go in winter. It may need to be reapplied several times a day,
especially of you're perspiring a lot.
If you're going on a ride where
you get soaking wet, bring a plastic rain cape that folds up small and
flat. They're usually available at the $1.00 Store.
If
families get separated, make sure Children know what to do. Create a
meeting place immediately. Tell them to stay where they are, or ask a park
staff member to be taken to lost and found. With older children pick a time and
place to meet if they are enjoying the park on their own.
Dress children in bright colors
so they can be seen easily. Make sure every member of the family has some
sort of identification. Even the smallest child can have a card pinned
inside their clothing with their name, phone number and address. (Make sure it's
inside and not outside where any "stranger"- or the wrong person could know the
child's name.)
A stroller is essential if you
have a small child. Bring your own or rent one at the park (most parks
have them). If you don't have a small child, a stroller is good to
carry souvenirs and other items to keep your hands free. A back-pack is an
ideal method to keep your hands free, but make sure it is securely closed- to
prevent theft.
Drink Plenty of water while
you're at the park. Choose water over juice and carbonated drinks
whenever you get thirsty to avoid dehydration. Don't drink alcohol
until you are done with rides for the day. Water fountains and
refreshment stands are scattered around most parks. Bottled water is
sold in most parts, but you'll save money if you bring your own.
Take a break.
Kids get tired. Young children can't keep up the pace of adults. Tired
kids make parents even more tired. Plan a mid-day break, perhaps a swim
back at the hotel, to avoid mid-day heat and crowds. You'll be much more
refreshed to enjoy the evening entertainment the park has to offer.