A coworker of mine just returned from a trip to Disney World with her grandchildren. As we discussed the highlights of her vacation, I was reminded of our theme park vacations and how each trip teaches me something. A veteran of Disney World, Universal Studios, both Busch Gardens (Tampa & Williamsburg) and their respective water parks, Adventure Island and Water Country, and the roller coaster capital of the country – in my opinion – Cedar Point, along with a many smaller amusement parks, I’ve gathered some tips that might help you in planning and executing a successful theme park adventure.
Packing:
1. Though it’s tempting to buy new clothes for your kids for vacation, don’t overdo it. A day in a theme park is filled with drink spills and sticky fingers. The rides have been ridden by lots of people, no matter how clean the park, and all the stuff you lean on, hang onto, grip for dear life, and rest your weary butt on tend to get grimy. Tears and snags are part of it all, as are the stains and sweat. Just have fun and don’t worry about staying clean or looking perfect.3. Speaking of spending the day wet, many parks have cooling stations and rides that get you wet. While it feels wonderful to get that cool blast on a hot day, you might end up sitting, walking and generally spending time wet and soggy for a while. This can equal some pretty uncomfortable chafing which can lead to a cranky kid (or husband). My tip here: wear clothes that dry quickly. Even if you’re not planning on swimming, some of those swim shorts and tanks, as long as they’re not too revealing (some parks have rules about dress – a good thing to check in advance), might be a good choice.
4. Perhaps it’s unnecessary to remind you to pack sunscreen, but perhaps it’s helpful to suggest packing not only the big industrial size sunscreen to glaze over everyone, but also bring small container to fill and bring with you in the park, so you can put more on as the day goes on and sweat and water wear it off. You’ll find that sunscreen is incredibly expensive to buy in the parks. Don’t forget to cover the tips of your ears and the tops of your feet.5. Ditto for batteries and film and memory cards. Just bring plenty. It’s cheaper to buy them down the street at Walmart or somewhere other than the park.
6. other items to consider:
a. hats for everyone – a must in the sun.
b. a pedometer – you’ll be amazed at how much you walk
c. cargo pants or shorts – the more pockets you have, the less you have to carry in your hands
d. waist packs for everyone – you can put stuff in the kids packs if they’re not using them. many rides don’t allow you to take your things with you and have a holding area for stuff like backpacks, handbags, etc. make sure you can take the stuff off you fast, because others in line behind you get mad if they have to wait for you to unclip, unhook, unwrap stuff from your body.
Research:
1. Do your homework about the park you’re going to. I already mentioned the clothing rules, but it’s also helpful to know the basics like when the park opens and closes.2. Height restrictions on rides. If you have kids that want to ride the big rides, you should know how tall they need to be to go on and have them measured before you wait in line for a ride.
3. Remember that some rides are scary for kids, so be clear about what each one is, as best as you can, and tell them before you get in line and find them terrified to go on.
4. find out if the park offers a ride jumping kind of system, like at Disney, it’s the FASTPass. It’ll save you time and waiting.
5. As part of doing your homework, check out whether the park has any special events going on during the time you’re planning on attending. For example, on our upcoming trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA, the B52’s are playing there the first night we’re there. Since we want to see the show, we’ll plan on getting over to the show venue in time to see it.
Other things:
1. Don’t try to pack everything in to one day. You’re just setting yourself up for frustration and disappointment. Spend the extra few bucks for passes that let you park hop or come and go over a period of a number of days. You won’t feel so rushed to
2. At some parks, it’s worth it to buy the season pass, even if you’re only going to the park once in the season. Many parks’ season passes give you free parking or free drink refills or early entry privileges. It’s well worth it in some cases.
3. Lastly – Relax and have fun. Expect that there will be crowds and lines. Expect that food will be expensive and that the bathrooms will never be where you need them to be. Allow more money and more time than you think.
