Theme Park Tips
Listed below are a wide range of theme park tips submitted by Theme Park Tourist readers and editors. Do you have a tip that could help other theme park visitors save time, save money or just have a better time on their next theme park trip? Why not add it now? You'll need to register first.
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If there is a thunderstorm in the afternoon then don’t be put off from visiting in the late afternoon/evening. Usually most visitors would have left and you can get on loads of rides with hardly any queues!!!
This may seem extreme but if you don't book as early as you can then don't be surprised if you can't get into the restaurants you want to. It pays to read up on the numerous restaurants (The Unofficial guide has loads of good information) and plan which park you are likely to be in on each day of your visit. Early booking will avoid disappointment.
Disney's Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom
Bring a bottle and fill it up at the water fountains in the parks, saving money and time queuing at concession stands. Also, although you aren't technically allowed to bring your own snacks, Disney will usually turn a blind eye to a few small items which you can nibble on during the day.
If you're after a wand from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you don't have to join the (often very long) lines for the Ollivander's Wand Shop show. If you're happy to skip the show, you can go straight into The Owl Post or Dervish & Banges to buy a wand.
Many of the animals at Disney's Animal Kingdom are more active during the morning, when the weather is less hot. Try heading to the park early to catch them at their most playful.
The attractions in the Traffic area of the park (Boating School, Driving School and Fire Academy) are hugely popular. To avoid a long wait, try and hit them early - it will take other guests a while to work their way through the park to reach them. All three will be swamped by lunchtime on busy days.
On busy days, it's essential to arrive early at Thorpe Park - ideally, 45-60 minutes before the park opens. This is particularly true if you need to buy tickets on the gate (e.g. if you are using a 2-for-1 deal). If you arrive later than this, you risk not being in the park when the gates open, by which time attractions such as SAW - The Ride (which processes queues very slowly) will already have a long wait.
Six Flags America, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Six Flags New England, Six Flags New Orleans, Six Flags Over Texas, Six Flags Over Georgia, Six Flags St Louis, The Great Escape
Six Flags season passes can offer great value for those who are able to travel, since they include entry to all Six Flags parks - often for roughly the same price as a single-day ticket for one park.
Although FASTPASS is a great option for avoiding the lines on Expedition Everest, try and see the full queue line at least once (go early in the morning to avoid the crowds). It's incredibly detailed, and almost a walkthrough attraction in itself.
