8 tips for maximizing your experience at a theme park

"Entering a theme park is no simple feat."

Alright, I might be slightly misquoting Boromir from "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" — but bear with me here.

Having explored theme parks since childhood, I've gathered plenty of insights over the years. I’ve learned to avoid Disneyland on Christmas if you're not fond of crowds and where to snag the best Dole Whip cocktails at Disney World. Most importantly, I’ve figured out what essentials to pack, the ideal attire, and the necessity of prior planning for an enjoyable visit.

If you're hoping to enter Mordor, I'm afraid I won't be much help. However, if a theme park is on your agenda, here’s everything you should consider before heading out.

Do your research

When friends or family express their dislike for theme parks, I first wonder if we’re truly meant to be in each other’s lives — then I dig deeper to understand their aversion. More often than not, it stems from visiting without a solid plan in place.

It's essential to know the park's hours (including parade and fireworks schedules), how to utilize skip-the-line options, any special festivals or after-hours events occurring during your stay, and which rides you absolutely can’t miss.

Theme parks offer some truly mouthwatering dining choices, though some may need reservations in advance. If your schedule allows, check online for crowd prediction calendars to identify the best times to visit with fewer lines.

You don’t need to schedule every minute of your day or reserve a table for every meal if you prefer a more spontaneous approach, but doing a bit of research before your visit will significantly enhance your experience.

Avoid unnecessary expenses

There's no denying that theme park vacations can be pricey. Between tickets, food, souvenirs, and accommodations, the costs can be quite shocking. However, there are several strategies to keep your spending in check.

Most parks offer various ticket options, and you can often save money by buying your tickets in advance rather than at the entrance. I've discovered discounts for Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and more through AAA and the T-Mobile Tuesdays app.

Some credit cards provide extra rewards for theme park travel, and if you have a Target RedCard, you can use your 5% discount on Disney gift cards, which can then be used for tickets, dining, and shopping in the parks.

I usually arrange for grocery delivery on my arrival day to ensure my hotel room is stocked with snacks, beverages, and any essentials I might have forgotten. You'll appreciate this when you discover that the sunscreen you typically buy for $10 is being sold for $20 at the hotel gift shop.

Get the app

Most theme parks offer a smartphone app that lets you check wait times, navigate the park with maps, and find out when the next parade is scheduled. Some apps also allow you to save payment methods for in-park purchases, mobile food orders, or to make dining reservations. With features like Disney Genie and Genie+ at Disney World and Disneyland, having the app is nearly essential if you want to avoid spending your day in line.

Download the park's app in advance to familiarize yourself with its features and know where to access key information. Knowledge is empowering, and knowing where to locate the nearest churro stand is a valuable skill.

Maximize your time

Time is incredibly valuable when you're trying to fit in all the excitement that theme parks offer. Beyond skip-the-line options, there are several other strategies I employ to save time during my visits.

If you're visiting with kids, many theme parks provide a child swap service. At Universal Orlando, for example, several attractions feature a "family room" where one parent can wait with those who aren't able (or don’t want) to ride while the other parent waits in line. Once the first parent finishes the ride, they can "swap" without the second parent needing to queue again.

If you’re without young children or with older kids, consider using the single-rider line to save time. Most popular attractions offer this option to fill all available seats, but keep in mind that your group may be split up. While it's a trade-off, single-rider lines generally have significantly shorter waits compared to the standard standby lines.

One of my favorite ways to save time is by combining a meal with a character meet-and-greet through character dining. Typically, you can meet four or five characters during your meal, allowing you to enjoy your food while waiting for them to stop by your table instead of standing in a long line for a photo.

Being an early riser or a night owl can really pay off. When we rope dropped Legoland Florida last May, we managed to enjoy four or five of the top rides before the crowds arrived. Similarly, we jumped in line for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at Disney's Hollywood Studios just 15 minutes before closing and walked right in, while earlier the wait had been over an hour.

Dress appropriately

My theme park outfits usually land somewhere between the athleisure I wear at home and what I’d choose for brunch with friends. I aim to look stylish, but comfort is key. You can easily walk over 10 miles in a day at a theme park, so breathable fabrics and supportive footwear are essential.

In Central Florida, the weather can shift from sunny to stormy and back again in just an hour. Be ready for anything and prepare for surprises. Check the weather forecast before you leave home and take another look before heading out from your hotel. Bring a poncho or umbrella just in case, and consider packing an extra pair of socks. Even on bright days, those socks could be useful if yours get drenched on a log flume ride.

Get Equipped

Going to a theme park is like trying out a new sport; it requires the right gear to have a successful outing (and all that walking definitely counts as exercise!). I always carry essentials like sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, plenty of sunscreen, a portable fan, and an external charger for my phone. I even found a portable fan that doubles as an external charger, and it’s the only one that has lasted me through multiple uses.

A few years back, I randomly tossed a gallon-size baggie and some sandwich-size baggies into my suitcase before flying to Disney World. With three kids, you never know when you’ll need a bag. Now, I always make sure to have some on hand. They’re perfect for half-eaten snacks, protecting your phone from water rides, and for those wet socks I mentioned earlier.

Bring your patience (and a smile)

Despite all your planning, things might not unfold as you envisioned. A ride could close unexpectedly while you’re waiting, the parade might be canceled due to rain, or it could take longer than anticipated to get around the park.

If things don’t go as planned and you find yourself needing help, a cheerful attitude and a bit of patience can make a big difference when interacting with theme park staff. While you can't control everything during your vacation, you can control your response. Stay adaptable and don’t let minor hiccups spoil your fun.

Enjoy yourself!

Arguably the most important tip on this list is to remember to have fun. Theme parks are all about excitement, laughter, joy, and indulging in giant soft pretzels. So, wear your biggest smile — and bring an even bigger appetite — and you’re sure to have an amazing time.