Traveling to the biggest attractions in the country can be a fun experience or a real hassle depending on the planning and the smarts of the parents. And seeing the attractions can be equally fun or not also depending on the planning. Now, I have been to Disney World with a child. It can be a pain sometimes. But it can work. So, here are some tips for having a good time at the theme parks of your choice:
Tip: Before you ever start, either call or get online and contact the attraction of your choice for their very best packages for families with children. You can sometimes order a video of attractions, brochures, park schedules and a map of those attractions when you sign up for your park package. If you did not receive the maps and/or the schedule, call and ask for them. If after all that, you have no maps or schedule, get them at the gate. Be sure to have a map and schedule. That way you can plan your entire day with attractions, food and games.
Tip: Usually, parking is going to be far, far away so you would use the tram service, if they have it. It is less aggravation in the long run, when you have little children with strollers, to rent the stroller inside the park. It is a minor expense. Fill a backpack with the needs of the small children instead of lugging your own stroller and stuff around. They have lockers inside the park at the gate and a few other places around the park. By the way, don’t leave stuff in the car for later. The last time I was at Disney World, it was WAY WAY too far to get back to during the day.
Tip: In the plan you make, include favorite rides and shows for each person. Also include favorite food choices. It would not be a problem if people want different things. Just share each person’s experience with them. Then, decide when you are leaving and keep to it. A day at an attraction is very tiring for the very young, the parents and older folks. If possible, plan for more than one day since there is simply too much to see and do for that short a time.
If I recall correctly, Disney, for instance, has a great discount on more than one day that might include more than just Disney World. Please check to see. Many attractions and parks have something like that if they are really big places. NOTE: This is not a sponsored ad for Disney, just some tips that you can use for any attraction.
Tip: Some parts of an amusement park are always more popular than the others. Plan that one at the times least busy like in the early mornings. You can ride the other rides like that too. Get the riding in at the times most likely to be less busy like when most people eat or when the shows or parades happen.
Tip: For Disney only. This is something I have only read about because it was a while back when I was at Disney World but they now have what’s called Fast Pass. The way this works is you take your pass into the park to the Fast Pass machine. Make certain that you have all the passes at once. It only allows you to sign up for one ride at a time. The machine will give you a ticket with a time for your ride. That way, you do not waste precious time in a line a half hour long like we had to do when we went.
Tip: Bring bottled water with you. When they’re empty, simply fill at a drinking fountain. Saves on cokes and sugary drinks that cost an arm and a leg. If you want to give the kids a pick-me-up drink, you can bring powered drink mixes to put into the water.
Tip: One more thing. All kids love getting the souvenirs but they are so expensive. Unless you are a millionaire or won the big lottery, suggest that the kids each get one fun thing instead of buying tons of stuff that you would have to carry everywhere. I know that your little girl promised to carry the bear all the way BUT that was before she spotted the “real” ride she wanted. You know that either you or your spouse will end up carrying that bear. In my experience, buying the souvenirs near the end of the day is the best way to go. Ah, but they want that hat! Okay, that one is wearable. LOL!
I hope that helps you in getting to and around a theme park. Not all work this way. Most do. I’ve been to a couple different Six Flags, Disney World and Knots Berry Farm for example.
Happy Shopping!!
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when we spotted a nifty little place in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. It’s called The Pancake Shop. Now, that doesn’t sound all that different from a hundred others, does it? Actually, it might be. The local atmosphere is impressive in the establishment. There is an old town feel about it. The servers are all very attentive and extremely helpful. Norma was our server. I was not ignored or treated in any manner other than the nicest possible way. 
