Whether you’re going with the family or on a date, a successful amusement park visit depends on planning. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the park, its layout and attractions, when it opens and when it closes can save you from frustration.
Similarly, don’t make the mistake of going during peak days, which means more crowds and longer lines at rides. Instead, go anti-clockwise so you can hit the most popular rides first.
1. Plan Ahead
When it comes to an amusement park visit, planning is one of the most important things you can do. It can help you avoid any issues that may arise and ensure that everyone in your group has a fun time.
Having a clear plan before you go will also allow you to focus on the rides and attractions that are most important to your family. It will also help you decide which rides are best to skip, and which you can get fast passes for so that you don’t have to wait long.
Another important thing to remember is that you’ll want to plan your visit around when the parks are least crowded. During non-peak hours, such as lunch and dinner, there will be fewer visitors and shorter lines.
You can also plan your visit around the different events and shows that happen at the park. These can be a lot of fun and will leave you with some great memories.
If you’re planning on going to the park with kids, it is important to know how to handle them during a busy day. It is also important to be flexible and be prepared to take breaks so that your children don’t get tired.
Apps can be a big help when it comes to reducing frustrations and making the visit as smooth as possible. They can provide real-time feedback to you, which will help you identify any problems that need to be fixed before the end of your visit. They can also let you create custom offers and recommendations for your guests, so they have the best experience possible.
2. Avoid Peak Days
The best way to avoid waiting in line for rides and amusement activities is to visit on a non-peak day. This will make your visit less crowded and allow you to get more out of your experience.
One great way to do this is to go on a Tuesday or Thursday, which are usually slower days for most amusement parks. It can also be helpful to research available discounts, like a reduced admission for students or members of certain organizations.
Another tip is to check the queue length times before your visit, this will help you plan a route around the park that ensures you can get on a variety of different rides. It is also worth experimenting with the different closing times of each ride – some queues shut an hour before the actual park does so it can be worth queuing up for a ride just before it closes to maximize the number of rides you can do in a day!
You will probably find that the main attractions are still pretty busy at this point but once you’ve done a few smaller ones it won’t take as long to wait for the big rides. You’ll want to save the big attractions for last so you can really maximize your fun.
3. Go Anti-Clockwise
It’s no secret that amusement parks are a popular destination for families on the go. The latest incarnations of the classics are a lot of fun and a whole lot cheaper (if you can squeeze in some last minute bargains). But the biggest challenge is keeping your kids entertained while you enjoy your well deserved vacation downtime. The good news is that there are plenty of onsite attractions and activities to keep you and your crew busy.
4. Get on Rides First
When it comes to amusement park safety, your best bet is to keep your kids seated, keep your head and hands inside the ride, and be sure to observe all posted rules. While you’re at it, talk to them about what to do if they get scared or feel like they can’t stay seated.
When a ride is coming to a stop, pay attention to how the operator loads and unloads riders. If you see something that looks unsafe or doesn’t seem well maintained, report it immediately.
Another thing to keep in mind is that most rides have a capacity limit – which is the number of guests they can accommodate per hour. If you know what that is before you arrive at the park, it can help you decide which attractions to prioritize and go on first.
One way to avoid long waits is by taking advantage of single rider lines. These options allow parties to add a solo rider with a group of other guests who can fill the extra seat in the attraction.
Typically, these lines are shorter than traditional queues and can also save your party time in the park by reducing their wait times. This strategy can be especially helpful if a ride has a high capacity, like an air coaster or roller coaster. It can also make for a better overall experience as it allows guests to experience the attraction without the stress of having to wait in a long line.
5. Stay on Top of Park Rules
Park rules are intended to prevent disruptions, and maintain an atmosphere of safety and comfort. However, we can’t police every detail of your visit.
You are responsible for being aware of and following all park rules. This includes keeping your possessions secure and out of the way of others, and respecting other guests’ right to do the same.
Please leave your bags, backpacks, and other loose items in designated lockers or if they are too heavy for you to carry, in an appropriate area, such as the bathroom. By taking them with you, you may create a trip hazard for yourself and others.
Also, keep in mind that Parks are crowded places. This means that people are moving about, stumbling and falling into a variety of different spaces (tree roots, elevations in surfaces, landscaping, etc).
Avoid leaving items lying around the park, especially shoes or towels, as these can easily be discarded on the walkways and stairways. This can cause trip and slip hazards for yourself and others, causing injuries.
Minors under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by their parents or guardian at all times. If you have a child with special needs, they should be checked for health and medical conditions before being admitted into the Park.
6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
When you visit a theme park, you should always be aware of your surroundings. This includes the rides you choose to ride and the people around you. It is important to ask questions and not be afraid to do so if you have any concerns.
For example, if you have back problems and are worried about getting on a roller coaster, ask your doctor to make sure you can safely experience the ride. You may find that a ride’s health restrictions are not appropriate for your condition, which could lead to unnecessary stress or even injury.
If you are concerned about a specific attraction, do some research online and talk to friends who have experience with the ride. You can also get advice from the park’s guest relations staff.
Then, make sure to follow the ride’s safety instructions. This can include not standing out of the way while the ride is in motion, ensuring that you do not remove your seatbelt before the ride is over and keeping your hands, arms and legs inside the seats at all times.
