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.
If you're hungry, the Pizza Hut buffet offers decent value for money at Thorpe Park. It may not be ultra-healthy, and it won't win any quality awards, but it will fuel you for a busy afternoon at minimal cost.
The Sun always run a two free tickets offer in March each year. Take advantage of this by collecting nine Sun vouchers and choose which week you would like to go (until closing in November)
If you can't afford to stay in the Alton Towers or Splash Landing hotels, there is a fantastic alternative.
The Chained Oak Farm B&B is located almost next to the park, so close that at the end of the b&b's drive way you can hear screams from Oblivion! This B&B is particularly good for a couple of reasons:
1) price and location (£65 for a double, including a really hearty breakfast in the morning) the proximity of the b&b means you can walk to the park (avoiding parking fees). If you ask the ownners (who are very friendly!) they'll give you directions to the security entrance to the park who will wave you through to the main entrance, saving you a good 30mins walk!
2) If you've been to the park before and have been on Hex, you'll know of the legend of the great Chained Oak. The Chained Oak Farm is named after this very tree and it is situated in their vast grounds!!! There are a couple of small sign posts off their drive way which direct you to the tree, it isn't advertised by the park at all and we only came across it by chance, but it's pretty creepy and is obviously not just something put in place to endorse Hex.
If you're interested in booking at the Chained Oak, I recommend booking in advance as they've only got a few rooms. Definately recommend the B&B, particularly for couples as it's a bit quieter and more mature than staying in either of the Alton Towers hotels.
Google chained oak farm for contact details!
We are all struggling recently with money due to the economy, but save yourself some money by taking treats/drink along to the parks with you. Theme parks can charge a fortune for beverages and food so if you take your own you will save money.
I recommend booking in advance to the Theme parks, visit their websites and book as far ahead as possible as the companies will give you a discount off the door price. Save more money book in advance!
Most companies offer a discount for groups of people. Get a gang of your mates together - book online and save even more money.
If you're looking for a good meal while visiting Thorpe Park, head back towards the main enterance and into Port Atlantis (The large dome structure before the bridge). Inside you will find GlassHouse Kitchen and Bar. This resturant serves up great food at prices which cannot be beat. Look out for their two meals for £10 deal, which can be find all year round.
Take sunscreen! You can spend a long time in queues with the sun beating down & its easy to get burnt
Even if you've already been to the theme park before, it's a good idea to acquire a copy of the map beforehand and study it with a buddy. Mark the rides and attractions that you want to go to, taking note of which ones are a priority. If available, check on show times. When you arrive at the park, you'll already be prepared and won't waste time trying to decide where to go first. This is also a good way to get excited about going to the theme park!
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