Tips for visiting theme parks

Theme Park Insider readers submit, and vote on, their suggestions for getting the most from a visit to the world's top theme and amusement parks.

Click the "Yes" buttons on advice you agree with, and "No" on ones you don't like.

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Most Recent Tips

All parks: [1 + / 0 -] Get a bit of motion sickness? Try Ginger Gum! It's natural and tasty, too. (Just don't chew them on rides.)

All parks: [7 + / 3 -] Never close your eyes when riding a roller coaster. That will just make you dizzier, as your eyes help your sense of balance adjust.

All parks: [13 + / 0 -] Use parks' free package check services to store what you buy in the park and keep your hands free while you ride.

All parks: [5 + / 1 -] If you're allergic to a certain food and are cautious about what goes into your food make sure to ask the server where or how will the food be cooked...saves you a trip to first aid.

Readers' Top 20 Tips

All parks: [1393 + / 109 -] Get to the park early to be sure you can get on your favorite rides before the park gets too crowded.

Universal Orlando: [722 + / 53 -] If you stay in one of Universal's three on-site hotels, the Royal Pacific, the Hard Rock or the Portofino Bay, you get free front-of-the-line access to all Universal Orlando attractions.

Cedar Point: [635 + / 52 -] Don't skip the park's smaller coasters. A few of them are actually pretty good rides.

Walt Disney World: [572 + / 69 -] Call 407-WDW-DINE or visit http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/ up to 180 days before your visit to make your dining reservations.

Disneyland: [569 + / 81 -] If it is hot, or crowded, go sit in the Tiki Room... A great place to cool down and rest the feet.

All parks: [511 + / 48 -] Bring your own water bottles. It will save you time and money!

All parks: [389 + / 86 -] Don't use lifts or other tricks to make your kids look taller than they are. Height and safety restrictions are there for a reason.

Epcot: [308 + / 13 -] As soon as the park opens, go either to get a fastpass for Soarin or Test Track ASAP

Walt Disney World: [321 + / 74 -] If staying at a Disney-owned resort, take advantage of the Extra Magic hours, where lines are short and crowds are small! It's the best time to visit some of the more popular attractions while feeling like you're the only ones in the park!

Walt Disney World: [229 + / 17 -] The Attractions you MUST get a fastpass for to save your sanity: Splash Mountain, Peter Pan's Flight, Space Mountain, Toy Story Mania, Test Track, Soarin, Rockin Roller Coaster, Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: [220 + / 14 -] If you're on hand for park opening and want to ride Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, make sure to get a FastPass for one of these before getting in line for the other.

All parks: [199 + / 16 -] Oldie but a goodie - Always work your way backwards through a park instead of stopping at the first attraction you get to. You will beat 60% of the crowds.

Cedar Point: [169 + / 13 -] Make sure you visit on a weekday early or late in the summer to avoid hour-plus waits for all the good rides.

Disneyland Paris: [162 + / 10 -] If you don't like the breakfast in your hotel, go to the Plaza Gardens in Fantasyland early; they give free breakfasts to people staying in the hotels.

Cedar Point: [157 + / 8 -] If you get in line for a ride just before park close, they will keep running the ride till the entire line is cleared before closing the ride for the day. Its a Great way to ensure that you get to ride the Maverick, or the Dragster.

Disneyland: [171 + / 23 -] Riding the steam train to the Main Street station can be a great way to get out of the park when Main Street and the hub in front of the castle are packed during parades and fireworks.

Universal Orlando: [150 + / 14 -] You can make advance dining reservations for Universal restaurants and character meals, including the Theme Park Insider Award-winning Mythos, by calling 407-224-4012.

Universal Studios Florida: [142 + / 8 -] On Men in Black, aim for the light at the top of the car on the other side of the track when you are turned face-to-face with it, and do not forget to hit the red button on your dashboard when it flashes and you are told to hit it.

Universal Studios Hollywood: [133 + / 17 -] When the park opens go to the Simpsons Ride first and by the time you're out, the lower lot should be open and you can ride Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy with little to no wait.

All parks: [120 + / 9 -] When approaching counter service eateries, review the menu and have your selections in mind before you get to the counter. The folks behind you and the cast member will be eternally grateful.

Other Tips for All Parks

All parks: [100 + / 9 -] If you're going to get an annual pass, add parking to at least one pass (if it isn't included already). It seems expensive at first, but at more than $10 a pop for parking at most parks, it pays off in the end.

All parks: [102 + / 27 -] Don't look like some clueless, sun-fried British tourist. Wear sunscreen whenever you visit a theme park.

All parks: [95 + / 20 -] Theme park walkways are designed for traffic flow, keep to the right and keep moving. If you want to gawk around, step to the very outside. If you drop something, step to the right and look around before coming to an abrubt halt. Courtesy people.

All parks: [80 + / 8 -] I have noticed that if you go on a day less than perfect between Monday and Thursday you don't have to wait in line much if at all.

All parks: [78 + / 13 -] Bring individual packets of Crystal Light etc, as all counter services in most parks will give you a glass of ice water free of charge. Make your own ice tea, lemonade etc!

All parks: [54 + / 4 -] If you are going to visit a park more than once in a year, look into buying an annual pass. Most include discounts on food, merchandise and parking and some can pay for themselves in as little as two visits.

All parks: [59 + / 14 -] take a backpack with snacks and water for you and the kids it can save you some serious bucks

All parks: [63 + / 21 -] Smoke in the smoking sections! Because it is really annoying for the rest of us!!! Plus, you can get a misdemeanor if you don't!

All parks: [46 + / 5 -] Strollers should be parked in areas designated for them, covering every bench seating area is rude to other guests that also need some time out. As a Guest, our courtesy and common sense can make or break someone else's day at the park.

All parks: [43 + / 5 -] Have a large snack about ten o'clock, then don't have a meal until middle of the afternoon. That way you avoid the rush between noon and two o'clock.

All parks: [27 + / 6 -] Be friendly and courteous, even when others are not. When that grumpy staff member at the front gate checks your bag, smile and say thank you. If someone drops something while walking on the path, pick it up and tell them!

All parks: [22 + / 2 -] Take a photo of where you park with your digital camera. Easy to remember.

All parks: [20 + / 1 -] Drink plenty of fluids on a hot day! The last thing you want is to become dehydrated. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible as well.

All parks: [26 + / 7 -] be polite to the cast members, most only make minimum wage and for some it is their first job. they may just be learning and if you are irritating to them they may make you wait longer, or charge you more.

All parks: [13 + / 0 -] Use parks' free package check services to store what you buy in the park and keep your hands free while you ride.

All parks: [13 + / 0 -] Freeze water bottles the night before and they will offer cold water for a few hours as they melt.

All parks: [14 + / 2 -] Want to avoid the big crowds? Try going when the kids are in school on a weekday if you're able to. Families tend to come on weekend and when the kids are out of school.

All parks: [15 + / 3 -] If you lost your hat/keys/sunglasses during a ride, it's possible that you'll be able to find it at Lost & Found the next day. Even if you are already back home, call and if they have the item, they will likely courier back to you free of charge.

All parks: [18 + / 6 -] Buy your tickets/book your hotel through AAA ,if you are a member. If you aren't join, you'll save the fee with one trip and you'll have someone to call if you get a flat on the Beeline.

All parks: [17 + / 5 -] If you want to get some great pictures of fireworks, make sure to use a digital camera with its night setting. Keep your hand still and you will have some great pictures!

All parks: [24 + / 12 -] Drawstring Bags are a great object to bring to a park. You can put all your stuff in it when going on roller coasters and wear it as a backpack.

All parks: [11 + / 0 -] bring a wet washcloth on hot days in a plastic baggy- good for a quick cool off on the back of your neck and you can keep it cool with a few pieces of ice in the baggy

All parks: [13 + / 3 -] Ask the human resources department at your employer if it sells discount tickets to theme parks. Many do, as well as discount tickets to local theaters, zoos and attractions. Check those prices against the parks' websites and pick the better deal.

All parks: [20 + / 12 -] Know the difference between a theme and amusement park and adjust your expectations accordingly.

All parks: [9 + / 1 -] If you got really bad sunburn, witch hazel is a good soothing treatment to get rid of that annoying pain.

All parks: [21 + / 13 -] Are your kids seat-kickers on airplanes? Take off their shoes. They'll be more comfortable, and not kick. Take off yours for comfort, too. Just, please, wear socks!

All parks: [8 + / 1 -] Don't EVER unbuckle your seatbelt while riding! The ride will stop, and YOU will be thrown out of the park!

All parks: [7 + / 0 -] If you are going with a group/family with older teens walkie-talkies are are good idea to have not everyone wants to do the same thing at the same time

All parks: [7 + / 0 -] Using a spray bottle to spritz yourself with a water mist will cool you down a lot!!

All parks: [10 + / 3 -] Your kids are going to get cranky no doubt about it. Carry crackers for when they get hungry an hour into a line.

All parks: [7 + / 1 -] Try ordering items from the kids menu. You will be surprised how full you get and you'll save a lot of money.

All parks: [6 + / 0 -] Make Lunch your biggest meal of the day. Light eating (popcorn, pretzels, etc.) no big deal in the later evening.

All parks: [9 + / 3 -] Wear a wallet sized purse with long strap that just fits tickets, digital camera and cash. You can stash it in pocket of cargo jeans or inside your shirt when you go on roller coasters. No need for lockers.

All parks: [6 + / 0 -] Wear shoes that are comfrotable and that have proper support. Most parks will have you doing a lot of walking. A lot of folks get really fatigued (or hurt) due to wearing cheap sandals or flipflops. Good shoes make for a good day.

All parks: [16 + / 10 -] most parks are less busy meaning shorter lines Monday-Friday

All parks: [7 + / 1 -] Crokies (adjustabel eyeglass holders) are indispensable if you're a roller coaster fan. Get them at a pharmacy or gas station, and make sure they tighten to your head. Great for sunglasses, too.

All parks: [7 + / 2 -] To treat sunburn, apply a heavy amount of aloe vera gel, maximum strength formula. Works wonders.

All parks: [5 + / 0 -] Always try to buy your tickets online! They're usually cheaper and save you the headache you'll get waiting to purchase at the gate.

All parks: [5 + / 0 -] dont wear jewlery on the rides they come off during the ride... also dont bring extra things like a bag to the park or anything that you cant bring on the ride they get annoying when you have to put them in lockers or worry about it the entire time.

All parks: [7 + / 3 -] Never close your eyes when riding a roller coaster. That will just make you dizzier, as your eyes help your sense of balance adjust.

All parks: [5 + / 1 -] If you're allergic to a certain food and are cautious about what goes into your food make sure to ask the server where or how will the food be cooked...saves you a trip to first aid.

All parks: [4 + / 0 -] For all Six Flags parks: When buying merchandise, be sure to flash your SF season pass if you have one for a 15% discount (or something around there).

All parks: [4 + / 0 -] Best time to get on the rides is during a parade or other main event show. Lines are significantly shorter!

All parks: [4 + / 0 -] If you feel dizzy on a ride or have a feeling the ride will make you dizzy, pretend you are driving the ride. Don't let it toss you around.

All parks: [4 + / 0 -] this is really all six flags, buy a 12.99 sport bottle. You get free refills the rest of day and 99cent refills rest of season. Great for season pass holders

All parks: [13 + / 9 -] Write your cellphone # in sharpie on your childs upper arm on the inside. If you get separated they can get someone in a store or a security person to find you.

All parks: [4 + / 0 -] Buy a cheap folding stroller and tie a colored bandana to it for a quick and easy find in a sea of strollers. Also take some Climbing Clips and attached them to the stroller, for carrying items. Beware of too much weight!!

All parks: [3 + / 0 -] If you feel a little sick after a ride, take a break and chew on some Ginger Gum. Just don't chew it on the ride!

All parks: [3 + / 0 -] Wear comfortable tennis shoes. The day, and walk, is long, and you will lose flip-flops on some coasters.

All parks: [4 + / 1 -] For Six Flags park. Use your re-fillable drink cup for ice water. Instead of re-filling with a soft drink each time, ask for ice water. It is free, more refreashing than bringing your own bottle water (and cheaper).

All parks: [5 + / 2 -] Knoebels: Camp there! It is clean and close. Park your car and enjoy the time with your family!

All parks: [5 + / 2 -] You have to know you restrictions. Not sure about about the ride's speed rythem ask a ride mate or the conveyor. Just ask.

All parks: [9 + / 6 -] If you are flying, save time and checked-bag fees by carrying on your luggage and buying sunscreen, etc. at a store (not the hotel!) when you arrive.

All parks: [4 + / 2 -] The water rides are great but you get soaking wet on the big flume rides and the rapids so bring a change of clothes and keep it in a locker. Watching people freak out who didn't bring a change of clothes is fun!

All parks: [4 + / 2 -] If the park has a lagoon in the middle (Epcot, IOA, Freestyle), go clockwise (go left around the lagoon).

All parks: [4 + / 2 -] If your traveling as a solo rider or a couple use the single rider line. The queues start at the exit of some rides. Keep walking until you find a cast member.

All parks: [2 + / 0 -] Plan for heat in summer months. Stay hydrated throughout the day (water or sports drinks, not soda) and dress sensibly. Light colored athletic wicking shirts can make a huge difference. They repel the heat, allow quicker cooling, and dry quicker.

All parks: [2 + / 0 -] Food and drinks can be a real money drain. If you're in a group (or better yet, a couple), share meals. Many park restaurants have sampler platters (Epcot, BGW). Sharing makes meals cheaper and you can try more things throughout the day.

All parks: [1 + / 0 -] Get a bit of motion sickness? Try Ginger Gum! It's natural and tasty, too. (Just don't chew them on rides.)

All parks: [3 + / 2 -] Join a Coaster Club if your focus is roller coasters. For a small fee you can attend events with Exclusive Ride Time. Best Event-Cedar Point CoasterMania 1st weekend in June.

All parks: [6 + / 5 -] Hate out-of-staters and South American tour groups? Go on September - it's a bit quiet!

All parks: [2 + / 1 -] A little bit of air conditioning can go a long way. Even if you're on a serious coaster quest, take a few minutes to step into a shop to cool down. Rides will be more enjoyable if you aren't sweltering.

All parks: [11 + / 11 -] Never eat before you go on a ride

All parks: [3 + / 3 -] If a new good ride has opened within one year go to the other side of the park to where the new ride is as it will be much quiter

All parks: [19 + / 19 -] Forget going to the front of a roller coaster, the real thrill is a the back!

All parks: [6 + / 6 -] To help find your car in a big theme park parking lot, put a ribbon or crazy antenna topper on your car so that you can pick it out from a distance

All parks: [11 + / 11 -] Eat BEFORE you are hungry. This will make your day more enjoyable

All parks: [1 + / 2 -] If you are looking for a great digital camera get the Kodak M763. Not only is it prety cheap, but it has these settings: Fireworks, Manners (for attractions), and panoramic.

All parks: [1 + / 2 -] If your bringing alot of kids for a birthday party or something, bring a couple of adults and split into groups like slow rides, medium rides, and fast rides. It really helps.

All parks: [11 + / 12 -] If you have little ones, get them inexpensive fanny packs to carry their stuff around. They can put a disposible camera, little toys, and autograph books in it. Its better if you have water bottles as well.

All parks: [1 + / 3 -] if you are flying from the UK, try not to fly with a tour operator - always go with a scheduled airline. its less money, the service is better and you get lots of 'freebees'!

All parks: [9 + / 11 -] No dangling straps and laces they get caught . Don't wear skirts as they blow up.

All parks: [7 + / 9 -] If you didn't go on a ride and regret it there's still next time. Bring a braver ride mate with you. Take your time and make sure your ready. Tell someone to not let you off

All parks: [5 + / 8 -] Don't ever try to only look at cheap hotels to stay in. Look for quality hotels to stay in. It's much better if you stay in one of the park's owned hotels just because they are much more closer to the park.

All parks: [0 + / 3 -] Most know that being further back on a train=more air, but most take it too far. Remember visuals. Sitting in the front row of the back car gives great air and won't leave you with a seat back in your face. Woodies are smoother here to boot.

All parks: [2 + / 7 -] If you feel a little lightheaded after a ride, drink lot's of water. It might help.

Get, and vote on, more tips about a variety of topics, including those not related to theme parks, at TipReel.com.

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Reader Reviews, by Theme Park

United States/Canada Top 20 ^*

• Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
• Disneyland
• Epcot
• Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Disney's Animal Kingdom
• Universal Studios Florida
• SeaWorld Orlando
• Disney's California Adventure
• Universal's Islands of Adventure
• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Busch Gardens Tampa
• SeaWorld San Diego
• Knott's Berry Farm
• Canada's Wonderland
• Cedar Point
• Kings Island
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg
• Hersheypark
• Six Flags Great Adventure
• Six Flags Great America
• ^* By 2008 attendance

Other U.S. parks

• Holiday World
• Kings Dominion
• Legoland California
• Silver Dollar City
• Six Flags Magic Mountain

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• Tokyo Disneyland
• Disneyland Paris
• Tokyo DisneySea
• Universal Studios Japan
• Hong Kong Disneyland

Water parks

• Aquatica
• Blizzard Beach
• Typhoon Lagoon

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