Surviving Theme Parks

Although theme parks are so exciting and invigorating for kids, they are so nerve-wracking and problematic for so many adults. Here is what you need to do when you are getting ready to bring the family down to a huge theme park:

Step 1-You can't do everything in one day, so certainly opt for at minimum a 3-day pass for the park. The hotels and resorts inside, or right next to, the parks are sometimes a little pricey. However, you can save a few dollars--sometimes upwards of 50%!--by staying at nearby, but not right at, the theme parks.

Step 2-Ask for advice from people who have been, and from your travel agent, about the least crowded times of day, week, and year. School vacations, of course, are VERY busy and should be avoided if at all possible! Often, Sunday mornings and evenings any day are the best times to visit.

Step 3-Before you go, create an itinerary or schedule. Or, at least, make a list of things you A-must do, B-want to do, C-would like to do if there is sufficient time. Use the park maps and literatures to help decide what to do, and perhaps to stay in the same area for each day.

Step 4-Arrive thirty minutes before the park gates open.

Step 5-Eat hearty breakfasts, carry snacks, and eat lunch from 11-12 or 1:30-2:30 to avoid the most people.

Step 6-Dress in layers, at least if you won't be returning to your hotel room until that evening. Avoid high-heeled shoes. There just is no place best to walk in them. And remember to take sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and hats with you.

Step 7-Make sure everyone knows where the lost and found area and the bathrooms are. Note what each of your children are wearing and take a picture of them with you, just in case.

Still, the most important part of surviving theme parks is to prepare ahead of time. And part of that preparation involves a stop at www.kingarthur.myttn.com today!