How to Make the Most of an Amusement Park

So you only have one day to see and do it all? Here are some tips that will help you get the most out of your day at the park.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Athletic Shoes
• Straps For Sunglasses
• Sunglasses
• Warm Jackets Or Sweaters
• All-terrain Strollers
• Strollers
• Amusement Park Maps
• Moleskin
• Sunscreen
• Amusement Park Tickets
• Fanny Packs
• Small Backpacks
• Water Bottles

Planning Ahead

1. Buy admission tickets in advance to avoid ticket lines.
2. Make reservations for a hotel near the park to take advantage of shuttle services.
3. Check to see if you should bring a stroller for your infant or toddler or if the park will provide one.
4. Set up a timetable that includes arrival, lunch, rest at the hotel, return, dinner, shopping and departure. If you have young children, make sure that your schedule includes a midday nap.
5. Obtain a park map (call guest relations or visit the park's Web site) and decide in advance which attractions you want to see or ride. Work this itinerary into your schedule.
6. Set a limit on the amount of money you will spend on food and souvenirs.

The Big Day

7. Wear comfortable shoes.
8. Arrive 30 minutes before the park opens; eat breakfast beforehand so that you can start the day immediately.
9. Arrange a meeting place in case someone gets separated from the group.
10. Turn left instead of right when you enter the gates, and start at the back of the park.
11. Begin the day with older attractions; newer rides tend to be more crowded earlier on.
12. Eat before or after typical mealtimes to avoid crowds at restaurants, and go for the rides during typical mealtimes or during parades to avoid longer lines for rides.
13. Visit air-conditioned shows during hotter midday hours.
14. Save games for later in the day so that you won't have to carry prizes during most of your visit.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow for flexibility in your schedule.
• Bring some essentials along with you stored in a fanny pack or small backpack: sunscreen, moleskin strips for potential blisters, and water bottles. If you'll be wearing sunglasses, attach straps so that they don't fly off during the rides.
• Entertain children with games such as "Twenty Questions" while waiting in long lines.
• If you can, avoid peak visiting months, holidays and weekends.
• Rainy days make for smaller crowds, so don't let a few rain clouds chase you away from an amusement park.