Pure Travel
  • About
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Guide
  • Travel Writing
  • Cookie Policy (UK)
  • Conservation
  • Privacy
  • Travel Writing Competition 2025
  • Reviews
  • Travel Resources
  • T&C
  • Contact Us
  • Conservation
  • Privacy
  • Travel Writing Competition 2025
  • Reviews
  • Travel Resources
  • T&C
  • Contact Us
Pure Travel
Pure Travel
  • About
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Guide
  • Travel Writing
  • Cookie Policy (UK)
  • Lifestyle
  • Tips & Advice

The Dos and Don’ts of Planning a Theme Park Trip

  • June 3, 2024
  • Robert

There’s a reason why theme parks are considered the happiest places on earth. From soaring roller coasters to meet and greets with your favorite characters, they offer an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages, contributing to their popularity.  

One perfect example of this is the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, which was visited by 12.69 million people in 2021 due to its popular rides. Other theme parks also see massive crowds like this. (1) 

But with so much to see and do, planning a theme park trip can be challenging. Fear not, fellow adventurers! This guide will equip you with the essential dos and don’ts to make sure your vacation is exciting, memorable, and – most importantly – fun! 

Dos 

An amazing theme park trip requires a little planning. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

Plan ahead 

As highlighted earlier, theme parks can get crowded. Therefore, booking your accommodation, resort, and any dining reservations in advance is best. This will save you time and stress upon arrival, allowing you to dive straight into the magic. For a hassle-free arrival, consider booking a Disney World car service.

Most importantly, secure park tickets early on as it may run out, especially during peak seasons. But where can you easily find one? 

Disney World ticket deals 

If you’re looking to save money on Disney World park passes, then you can do so by pre-buying tickets ahead of time. Orlandoattractions.com has a great range for all of the Disney and Universal parks in Florida (visit them here). 

On the other hand, if you plan on jumping from one theme park to another, you must secure tickets for both, especially if you want to cater to all age levels and interests of your travel companions. 

For example, if you want to go to Universal Orlando Park next, you can check this reference on how to secure amazing ticket deals. This will not only give you the complete theme park experience, but it will also save you some money. 

Consider your travel style 

Do you want to experience thrilling water rides and dazzling shows? Or do you imagine a more relaxed pace filled with leisurely strolls?  

Knowing your and your companions’ travel styles will help you structure your itinerary and choose the right theme park.  

So, whether you crave action-packed days or prefer a laid-back atmosphere, you can plan an adventure that caters to everyone’s adrenaline.  

Pack the essentials 

Trips to amusement parks involve a lot of walking, so prioritize comfort over fashion. Pack well-broken-in sneakers or supportive sandals.  

The heat can also be intense, so you should dress according to the temperature. Bring lightweight clothes that are quick to dry and breathe well. Pack layers for unexpected temperature changes, and consider a compact rain jacket or poncho for afternoon showers. 

While packing, remember to put nausea-relieving pills just in case you need them. If adrenaline-inducing rides are part of your itinerary, you or some of your companions may not be able to handle what happens after every ride. So, you must pack these pills with you. (2) 

Schedule breaks 

While theme park adventures can be exhilarating, it can also be exhausting. So, plan for midday breaks back at your resort to avoid burnout. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or simply relax in your room. Returning to the park refreshed will allow you to experience the magic to the fullest. 

With careful planning and these handy dos, you’re all set to create lasting memories on your park trips.  

Don’ts 

While these types of trips are all about fun, a few common mistakes may hinder your experience. Here are some simple don’ts to keep in mind for a smooth and enjoyable trip. 

Over/underbooking your days 

Some theme parks are vast, and it’s impossible to see and do everything in one trip. So, avoid underbooking or overbooking your days. 

Underbook your stay, and you might not be satisfied with your trip. Trying to cram in too much will leave you feeling rushed and stressed. Overbook it, and you may waste your time and resources.  

Therefore, prioritize the experiences that are most important to you while considering the chances of unexpected moments that can make your trip more exciting. 

Forgetting about hydration 

Most people visit theme parks during summer peaks. In fact, one study noted that 46% of theme park visitors usually go during summer, and 18% said that they visit during summer evenings. (3) 

And yes, while summer is the ideal time to enjoy parks, it’s also the time when heat waves occur more often. Therefore, staying hydrated is key. Bring a refillable water bottle and keep sipping throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to headaches and fatigue, hindering your ability to fully enjoy the park. 

Ignoring height restrictions 

Measure your little ones beforehand to avoid disappointment at the ride queues. Knowing your child’s height in advance will help you plan your park days and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. You can find height requirements on the websites of the theme parks you chose. 

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can make the most of your time and ensure a stress-free, magical theme park vacation.  

In closing 

There you have it! With a little hard work, you’re well on your way to planning a theme park adventure that’s bursting with laughter and memories of a great time.  

Remember, planning goes a long way, but don’t forget to leave some room for spontaneity – after all, the most unexpected moments often become the most cherished. Now, get out there, pack your sense of wonder, and get ready to experience the magic of theme parks! 

References

  1. Amusement and theme parks worldwide – statistics & facts
  2. How to Prepare for and Enjoy an Amusement Park
  3. Impact of summer heat on urban park visitation, perceived health and ecosystem service appreciation
Share
Tweet
Related Topics
  • theme park trip planning
  • theme park trip tips
Robert

Robert has worked in travel for over 35 years, running tour operators in Pakistan, Italy & the UK, writing guide books and articles and running a conservation charity that fights species extinction and habitat loss worldwide. He's trekked coast to coast across Borneo, climbed to 6,500 metres in the Himalayas, travelled the the length of the Silk Road and been chased out of a bar in Lesotho by a Warthog.

Previous Article
  • Tips & Advice

Protecting Yourself While Traveling: A Complete Legal Overview

  • June 3, 2024
  • Robert
View Post
Next Article
  • Travel Resources

Up North

  • June 3, 2024
  • Robert
View Post
You May Also Like
Fun-Filled Family Holidays
View Post
  • Tips & Advice

Fun-Filled Family Holidays: Destinations for a Memorable Summer

  • TotalSEO
  • June 9, 2025
Must-Do Treks in Nepal
View Post
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice

Top 7 Must-Do Treks in Nepal to Explore the Beautiful Himalayas

  • Jules
  • May 29, 2025
Private jet
View Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Tips & Advice

The Evolution of Private Jet Travel: From Ownership to Membership

  • Jules
  • May 27, 2025
Cycling
View Post
  • Lifestyle

Why Equipment Protection Belongs in Your Cycling Budget

  • Jules
  • May 21, 2025
Relocating - a family in new home
View Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel Resources

Trading Zip Codes and Time Zones – What It Really Takes to Relocate Across State Lines

  • Jules
  • May 19, 2025
Four women celebrating after completing a fundraising challenge
View Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Tips & Advice

Adventuring with a Cause: Fundraising Tips for Ethical Explorers

  • Jules
  • May 19, 2025
Luxury fishing lodge
View Post
  • Lifestyle
  • Tips & Advice

Where To Go For The Ultimate Catch? Top Destinations With Luxury Fishing Lodges

  • Jules
  • May 16, 2025
The Best Destinations for Independent Travelers
View Post
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice

Solo Summer Adventures: The Best Destinations for Independent Travelers

  • TotalSEO
  • May 12, 2025
Pure Travel
  • About
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Guide
  • Travel Writing
  • Cookie Policy (UK)
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Pure Travel
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}