Travel tips for visiting theme parks

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

Be sure to visit our pages with additional money-saving tips and safety tips, too.

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

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Most Recent Tips

Dollywood: [2 + / 0 -] Go just after 3:00 the day before you were planning to go, because the next day is free, and you can use that extra time to go on more rides.

All parks: [5 + / 1 -] Use Backpack Etiquette - Be aware that your 'personal space' has now increased and your "load" is now in another child's face. Don't turn from side to side abruptly or Swing your backpack up on your shoulder - Place it there gently

All parks: [3 + / 0 -] If carrying a child in a crowd be aware their feet may be in another child's face - Don't turn from side to side and tell your child not to kick!

All parks: [3 + / 3 -] If wearing flip flops, put them on your wrists when on a coaster!

Readers' Top 20 Tips

All parks: [2130 + / 149 -] Get to the park early to be sure you can get on your favorite rides before the park gets too crowded.

Universal Orlando: [1255 + / 103 -] 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: [881 + / 73 -] Don't skip the park's smaller coasters. A few of them are actually pretty good rides.

All parks: [909 + / 102 -] Bring your own water bottles. It will save you time and money!

Walt Disney World: [867 + / 104 -] 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: [858 + / 131 -] If it is hot, or crowded, go sit in the Tiki Room... A great place to cool down and rest the feet.

All parks: [645 + / 156 -] 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: [485 + / 20 -] As soon as the park opens, go either to get a fastpass for Soarin or Test Track ASAP

Walt Disney World: [494 + / 106 -] 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: [392 + / 26 -] 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.

All parks: [372 + / 37 -] 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.

Disneyland Paris: [312 + / 27 -] 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.

Disney's Hollywood Studios: [263 + / 20 -] 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.

Cedar Point: [223 + / 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.

All parks: [228 + / 21 -] 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.

Disneyland: [241 + / 39 -] 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: [215 + / 18 -] 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.

Cedar Point: [200 + / 16 -] Make sure you visit on a weekday early or late in the summer to avoid hour-plus waits for all the good rides.

Universal Studios Florida: [182 + / 11 -] 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.

All parks: [202 + / 37 -] Never try to make a crying child go on a theme park ride.

Other Tips for All Parks

All parks: [166 + / 18 -] 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: [167 + / 19 -] 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: [162 + / 23 -] 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: [171 + / 43 -] 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: [165 + / 50 -] Don't look like some clueless, sun-fried British tourist. Wear sunscreen whenever you visit a theme park.

All parks: [117 + / 9 -] Take a photo of where you park with your digital camera. Easy to remember.

All parks: [170 + / 66 -] 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: [123 + / 22 -] take a backpack with snacks and water for you and the kids it can save you some serious bucks

All parks: [80 + / 5 -] 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: [75 + / 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: [63 + / 1 -] Use parks' free package check services to store what you buy in the park and keep your hands free while you ride.

All parks: [68 + / 8 -] 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: [68 + / 15 -] 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: [55 + / 3 -] If you plan on going on water rides, bring a zip lock sanwhich bag for your cell phone.

All parks: [52 + / 5 -] Freeze water bottles the night before and they will offer cold water for a few hours as they melt.

All parks: [58 + / 18 -] 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: [39 + / 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: [38 + / 5 -] 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: [37 + / 7 -] Please treat the park employees as people. They do not personally see your 80 plus dollar admission. They are working usually for very little. Plus a little niceness goes along way.

All parks: [36 + / 6 -] 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: [34 + / 5 -] stay close to park, go early and in afternoon leave so kids can swim and nap then go back in early evening when everyone is rested not cranky and its cooler. Day will be much happier for all!

All parks: [29 + / 2 -] Re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours. Your skin will thank you! Re-apply even more often if you sweat a lot or get soaked. Make sure there's coverage of both UVA & UVB

All parks: [30 + / 3 -] Bring your own poncho if you don't like getting soaked on water rides. You can find them for less than $1 at stores like Wal-Mart. They often cost $8 in the park. Plus you don't feel obligated to have to carry them around when you are done with them.

All parks: [28 + / 2 -] Ride rides during meal times.

All parks: [25 + / 1 -] Make sure you always choose a place to meet in case someone from your family gets lost.

All parks: [29 + / 6 -] Have kids wear bright colors so theyll stand out if they happen to get lost and you are looking for them.

All parks: [22 + / 0 -] Standing so close that you touch the person in front of you won't get you there any faster. Be considerate of others.

All parks: [25 + / 6 -] Two people can split most meals on vacation. You'll save money, avoid leftovers and save calories, too!

All parks: [23 + / 5 -] Start at the back of the park.

All parks: [22 + / 4 -] 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: [23 + / 5 -] 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: [20 + / 2 -] 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: [26 + / 8 -] 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: [19 + / 3 -] Using a spray bottle to spritz yourself with a water mist will cool you down a lot!!

All parks: [20 + / 4 -] 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: [22 + / 6 -] 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: [33 + / 17 -] 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: [16 + / 1 -] Night before going make list of all the attractions everyone has to experience... get map of park online and plot out day beginning at back of park.... stay at hotel near park and with free breakfast, morning of eat and go to park when it first opens

All parks: [27 + / 12 -] Ask someone to take a picture of your entire family/group on your cell phone, in case someone gets lost, you can show the pic and ask for specific help finding them.

All parks: [25 + / 10 -] Don't EVER unbuckle your seatbelt while riding! The ride will stop, and YOU will be thrown out of the park!

All parks: [16 + / 1 -] Best time to get on the rides is during a parade or other main event show. Lines are significantly shorter!

All parks: [20 + / 5 -] 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: [15 + / 1 -] If you decide that you want to come back to the park you're visiting, look into upgrading your ticket to a multi-day or annual pass before you leave. Almost all parks will allow you to apply the cost of that day's ticket to the new pass.

All parks: [20 + / 6 -] Bring plastic grocery bags to use as trash sacks in the car on road trips.

All parks: [17 + / 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: [18 + / 6 -] Use the single riders lines whenever possible and pick a spot in the exit area to reconnect with your party. It will allow you and party members to ride several times over a short period of time.

All parks: [19 + / 9 -] When traveling to a park by air, have everyone wear slip-on shoes, to go through the security line faster.

All parks: [19 + / 9 -] Give kids a fixed amount of spending money before going to a park. (Or have them earn it.) This way, you'll avoid whining and begging over souvenirs.

All parks: [14 + / 5 -] Flying to a city during peak travel times? (For example, holiday weekends.) Give yourself an extra day to get there. If a flight gets overbooked, they'll ask for volunteers to take a seat on the next flight. You'll get a free ticket for your next trip!

All parks: [12 + / 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: [10 + / 2 -] Moleskin = life saver! Put on the balls of your feet and it will cushion them with all walking but save your feet from scrapes from the pool bottom as well. I buy a package and bring cuticle scissors to cut to appropriate size.

All parks: [33 + / 25 -] Know the difference between a theme and amusement park and adjust your expectations accordingly.

All parks: [11 + / 3 -] 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: [9 + / 1 -] 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: [9 + / 1 -] 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: [31 + / 23 -] 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 -] Darien Lake- incorporate a general admission price for parents/grandparents who do not go on rides = happier grandparents spending more money on food and snacks at Darien Lake Theme Park thank you

All parks: [12 + / 5 -] Make sure small children wear a dog tag around their neck with full name and your cell phone number on it. Where you are staying helps a lot too. (by former cop.)

All parks: [7 + / 1 -] If you are a annual or seasonal passholder, make sure to show your pass when buying food or souvenirs.

All parks: [9 + / 3 -] If you have a small GPS, take the position of your parked car and enter it as a POI (point of interest.) Then remember to take the GPS with you! If lost, it will lead you right back to the car.

All parks: [9 + / 3 -] Ride single on popular rides even knowing you and family might be seporated it is only for the lenght of the ride you will get a lot more done that way

All parks: [9 + / 3 -] 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 + / 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: [9 + / 3 -] To treat sunburn, apply a heavy amount of aloe vera gel, maximum strength formula. Works wonders.

All parks: [8 + / 3 -] 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: [8 + / 3 -] Make Lunch your biggest meal of the day. Light eating (popcorn, pretzels, etc.) no big deal in the later evening.

All parks: [5 + / 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: [10 + / 5 -] If you got really bad sunburn, witch hazel is a good soothing treatment to get rid of that annoying pain.

All parks: [5 + / 1 -] Use Backpack Etiquette - Be aware that your 'personal space' has now increased and your "load" is now in another child's face. Don't turn from side to side abruptly or Swing your backpack up on your shoulder - Place it there gently

All parks: [4 + / 0 -] Buy tickets online so you don't have to wait long.

All parks: [4 + / 0 -] (Specifically water parks), parks may close during the regular storm in the afternoon but if you go back after that you will find the park is almost empty!

All parks: [27 + / 23 -] 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 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: [7 + / 3 -] 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: [26 + / 22 -] Forget going to the front of a roller coaster, the real thrill is a the back!

All parks: [16 + / 12 -] 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: [6 + / 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: [3 + / 0 -] If carrying a child in a crowd be aware their feet may be in another child's face - Don't turn from side to side and tell your child not to kick!

All parks: [4 + / 1 -] Do the park's lower capacity rides first.

All parks: [6 + / 3 -] Go to the waterpark when it first opens or when its closing.

All parks: [4 + / 1 -] When buying a drink, ask for no ice. That way you'll get a full cup and not a third, with two-thirds ice.

All parks: [6 + / 3 -] Get a bit of motion sickness? Try Ginger Gum! It's natural and tasty, too. (Just don't chew them on rides.)

All parks: [4 + / 1 -] 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: [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: [5 + / 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: [3 + / 0 -] Wear comfortable tennis shoes. The day, and walk, is long, and you will lose flip-flops on some coasters.

All parks: [7 + / 4 -] Knoebels: Camp there! It is clean and close. Park your car and enjoy the time with your family!

All parks: [4 + / 1 -] 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: [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: [9 + / 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: [2 + / 0 -] if you like to save money then bring your own lunch/snack and some water so you can have apicnic at one of the picnic shelters

All parks: [5 + / 3 -] Combine fast passes with child swap tickets so the whole group doesn't need to have fast passes for the same rides at the same time.

All parks: [4 + / 2 -] do not where flip flops most likely they will fall of

All parks: [3 + / 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: [6 + / 4 -] 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: [2 + / 1 -] get to the park 30 mins. before it offically opens

All parks: [6 + / 5 -] If you're going w/o kids, take only what you need to survive (ie. cash, ID, debit card, spare car key). No need for cell phones, bulky keys, expensive watches or George Constanza wallets.

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: [3 + / 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: [16 + / 15 -] Eat BEFORE you are hungry. This will make your day more enjoyable

All parks: [3 + / 3 -] If wearing flip flops, put them on your wrists when on a coaster!

All parks: [0 + / 0 -] for cedar fair parks these parks are known for their roller coaster collections, so when you are at one of these parks(i.e. cedar point, kings dominion) be sure to ride the famous ones first because they are usually busier

All parks: [1 + / 1 -] feeling thirsty ...go to any place thats serving drinks and ask for a cup of ice or ice water and its free!

All parks: [13 + / 13 -] 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: [2 + / 3 -] If you have a condition such as diabetes (like I do), carry or wear a medic alert and inform park first aid. ALWAYS keep an emergency glucagon kit with you and make sure everyone in your party knows how to use it.

All parks: [2 + / 3 -] Go opposite of all crowds in theseme parks eventually you will get to everything but you are just starting where the crowds normally end for the day

All parks: [4 + / 5 -] 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: [17 + / 18 -] Never eat before you go on a ride

All parks: [5 + / 7 -] If the park has a lagoon in the middle (Epcot, IOA, Freestyle), go clockwise (go left around the lagoon).

All parks: [9 + / 12 -] On water rides, bring something to cover your clothes or they will get wet. This would not be the case during the summer. If necessary, bring extra clothes with you.

All parks: [3 + / 7 -] 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.

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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