12 Insider Tips to Surviving Theme Parks

You may know all about strategy in terms of business dealings, football plays, or getting dinner for ten on the table. But visiting a theme park with your grandchild? This requires another level of brain power. Rule 1: Have a plan. Check out our strategies for getting the most out of your trip and creating memories that go well beyond the thrill of a roller coaster.

1. Pick your top three rides/attractions in advance. Before leaving home, go online and look at the park’s map. Ask your grandchild which rides and attractions top his list. (Make sure to give him enough leeway and time to take in both.) Many of the major theme parks' websites offer suggested itineraries geared to various age groups. For example, at Busch Gardens, click on Williamsburg or Tampa, then click on Visitors 50+, then click on Visiting with Grandkids. Similarly, at SeaWorld, click on Plan Your SeaWorld Trip, then click on Family. If you take the time to pick your favorite activities, you'll be assured a good time.

2. Know the weather. Want to avoid shelling out big bucks on the spot for theme-park sweatshirts for the entire clan? Find out the average daytime and evening temperatures before arrival, so you can pack sweaters if the nights are likely to be chilly. Just because you’re heading to a warm-weather state doesn’t mean it’s short-sleeve weather 24/7.

3. Be an early bird. That means getting to the park as soon as it opens to avoid crowds. This may seem obvious but you’d be surprised at how many people tuck into a long, leisurely breakfast at their hotel before heading out. Don’t be one of them — save the French-toast indulgence for when you return home; have a quick breakfast at your hotel, then hightail it over to the park. The lines will be short or nonexistent. Purchase your admission tickets in advance (online or by phone), which will speed up your entry into the park.

4. Bring or rent a stroller. These days most SUV-chauffeured kids don’t know how to traipse on foot for any length of time. And since there’s a lot of walking involved at a theme park, having a stroller can make or break the trip. Even 8-year-olds have been known to gladly climb into a roomy double stroller when their tootsies are hot, tired, and achy. Before parking your stroller, which you’ll need to do before entering most rides, tie a distinctively colored or patterned scarf or other marker around it — you’ll be able to spot your wheels more easily when you return.

5. Go back on that ride—now. If your grandchild gets off a spinning teacup and says, “I want to go again!” or “It’s over already?” get back in line immediately. Chances are, if you wait until later, the line will be longer or it will be time to head back to the hotel.

6. Take advantage of express lines. Disney has FastPass and the Universal Orlando Resort has Express Plus Pass, which are reservation systems that allow you to avoid long lines at the most popular rides and attractions by reserving tickets for a specific time that day. If anyone in your family is disabled or designated as special-needs, it's worth heading to the guest-relations window when you arrive in the park. Explain your situation, show some back-up paperwork affirming the diagnosis, and you may receive a tag that allows your group faster access to rides and special seating to view shows or fireworks. We don't advocate lying, but mentioning that your recent back surgery gives you tremendous pain when standing too long — and having the medical records to verify it — may prove fruitful.

7. Strike a balance between outdoor and indoor attractions. The latter are air-conditioned and will give you a chance to sit and cool off. Getting out from the scorching sun is the key to surviving an entire day in the park.

8. Take breaks. If your grandchild says, “I’m tired,” find a bench, have a drink or snack (surprisingly, some parks like Six Flags and Disney World sell fresh fruit at outdoor stands), and watch the people go by. Or go back to your hotel for a nap or a dip in the pool. Return to the park later in the day when everyone is refreshed.

9. Wear sneakers. Flimsy footwear (like flip-flops) offers no support and isn’t meant to be walked in for hours at a time. When worn with cotton socks, sneakers or other comfortable walking shoes will keep your feet cozy and comfortable.

10. Go to age-appropriate attractions. You may want to ride Men in Black: Alien Attack at Universal Studios, but your 4-year-old granddaughter? Probably not. Some rides are too loud, too fast, and too terrifying for a youngster. Even if she passes the height requirement, factor in her temperament and preferences before deciding to go in.

11. Sit near an exit when watching a live show. This way, you can make a quick escape when it’s over and beat the crowds. Alternatively, you could ask an employee about special seating (usually upfront) for young children so they have the best view.

12. Get a good night’s sleep. Another obvious tip but well worth saying. Theme-park days are long and overwhelming for most children (and adults!). And while you may want to get every penny’s worth of your admission ticket by staying at the park until closing time (typically 9 p.m. in the summer), you’ll be better off leaving at a reasonable time so the young ones can get much-needed shut-eye. Your waking hours will be much more fun if everyone is relaxed and energized — and having fun is, after all, the whole point of going.