11 Essential Tips to Ensure an Exceptional Amusement Park Adventure

Amusement parks are more popular today than ever before. The shutdowns during Covid broke the hearts of millions of park lovers. Now that they are back to normal, parks are seeing record numbers flocking to their gates.

I have a mild obsession with amusement parks. They have something for everyone; families, lovers, adrenaline junkies, tv show and movie fans, foodies, and let’s be honest, anyone with some cash to blow.

If you aren’t accustomed to parks and how they operate, your first trip can be pretty intimidating. Just keep in mind that most parks are basically the same. During my trip to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA, USA this week, I came up with a list of tips from my observations.

Don’t “Just Wing It”

It is not recommended to plan every minute of your amusement park trip because it's impossible to stick to a minute-by-minute schedule.

I recommend going in with a plan of action, but still be flexible. Make a list of the rides that are “musts”, those that you’d like to experience, and those you choose to skip. Start in the area that contains most of the musts.

If There’s an App, Download It

Trust me, this is the ultimate time saver. The best feature that all of the apps have is the map. If you aren’t familiar with the park, you can waste a lot of your day walking around in circles trying to figure out where to go. Those that show wait times for rides are GOLD.

Most apps contain filters that display information such as attractions, shows, restaurants, restrooms, and services. Using these rather than guessing which way to go will save you time, frustration, and from doing the peepee dance when you really gotta go.

Be Prepared

No one likes to be weighed down with a bunch of stuff to drag around, but a little pre-planning can make or break your day. I use a small, crossbody bag to take my necessities into the park.

It usually contains sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, medication, a granola bar or two (if allowed), hair ties, a cooling wet towel, a hard copy of my tickets, a plastic storage bag, a portable phone charger, money, my ID, ponchos, and of course my phone. Extra points if your bag is waterproof.

ALWAYS Bring Ponchos into the Park

It doesn’t matter if there is absolutely no rain anywhere on the radar, or if the park is in the middle of a desert, bring a poncho for everyone in your party. You will thank me for this. I have used a poncho on almost every single amusement park trip that I have ever been on. Even if it doesn’t rain, they can be used on water rides, or even be made into an additional bag to hold souvenirs.

If you get stuck in the rain and don’t have one handy, be prepared to spend anywhere from $10 to $25 per poncho in the gift shops.

Pack Extra Sunscreen and Reapply Regularly

I am extremely Caucasian, so it doesn’t take long for me to turn into a lobster when outdoors. If you tan easily or have dark skin, sunscreen is still a must! Even if you apply it before entering the park, take extra with you and reapply it about every two hours. You don’t want to spend the rest of your vacation “ouching” and covered in aloe vera.

For Those with Long Hair — Pull It Back!

If you plan to ride any attraction, pull your hair back securely. If not, you will be blind most of the ride, not to mention the tangled mess you will have afterward. If you have super long hair, you can blind those around you, and they will not be happy. Nothing like spiraling down on a rollercoaster with a wad of a stranger’s hair in your mouth. Blah!

Have Back-up Tickets

If possible, keep a photo of your ticket/ticket receipt on your phone and the e-mail confirmation if you purchased online. Also, bring a printed copy. There is no worse feeling than to put your blood and sweat into planning a trip only to get to the gate and ask, “Where are our tickets??” Prevent having a major suckfest.

Wear Comfortable Clothes and Shoes

This is not the time to look likely a runway model. I promise, nobody is going to judge you for not wearing make-up, not styling your hair, or for wearing clothes that look like they’ve been slept in. If you are a super-pro park hopper, they very well might have been.

Be comfortable! Wear shoes that you have worn before and have been broken in. Do not wear the tennis shoes that you bought the day before. Your feet will hurt, and you will regret it. I prefer hiking sandals, simply because they are the most comfortable for me, and I’m not walking around in soggy socks if my feet get wet. My son learned this the hard way after walking through a monsoon to get back to our vehicle this past week.

If you go during warm months, wear clothes that breathe and stretch. Moisture-wicking options are awesome. Be aware of chaffing and plan accordingly, because you will be walking, a LOT! It doesn’t hurt to layer for those cooler mornings and evenings.

With all the athletic options available nowadays, it is very possible to be stylish while still being comfortable.

Always Over-Budget

No matter how strict you are with your spending, you will spend more money than you think you will. Meals, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs will add up quickly. While a credit card is easier to keep up with than cash, it is also much easier to spend outside your means. Cash will keep you more grounded since you can physically see how much money you have spent and how much you have left.

Be Aware of Others

Remember that you and your group are not the only ones in the park. Everyone else paid money to be there and expects the same courtesies you do. If you’re in a bad mood and plan to take it out on park staff or other guests, stay your hiney at home.

Be flexible, because stuff happens. Mistakes are made, the weather can’t be controlled, mechanical failures occur, emergencies happen, and prices are outrageous. Get that in your head before you walk in. More than likely, the people around you have no control over the situation and are probably as stressed out about it as you are.

Pay attention to your surroundings. For the love of God, do not stop in the middle of a walkway to get something out of your bag, tie your shoe, fix your hair, or scold your kid. Take notice of people around you and step off to the side to do your business. Making sudden stops cause collisions, which can ruin everyone’s day.

Have Fun!

This is the most important! Make the decision to enjoy the time with your group. Don’t let others control your happiness. Take lots of photos and make tons of memories. Bask in the little moments and consider yourself blessed that you are able to experience them with those you love.

***Story previously published on Medium.com by the author***