Thrills and Relaxation: How to Make the Most of Your Theme Park Day
Everyone looks forward to theme park day. From families having a fun weekend to tourists ticking off an item on their bucket list, lovers of theme parks always have the best time. But these must-see and must-do destinations are immense. With several rides and multiple attractions, a day is sometimes not enough to get the full experience.
When you’ve scored the best theme park deals, you want to make sure you enjoy every bit of what it has to offer. These deals typically give you and the family access to all the rides and attractions at an affordable rate. Can you fit all of it in a single day? More importantly, can you experience everything without falling flat on your back from exhaustion when you get home?
Yes, you can. When you find a balance between high-energy activities and relaxation opportunities, you and the family will have a well-rounded experience at your favorite theme park.
Here are a few ways to help you achieve that balance.
Plan for activities.
Never walk into a theme park and wonder which ride to do first, especially when the park is crowded. A strategic plan lists the rides you’ll be going on, where you might have lunch and snacks, and which attractions or shows to take.
Your list must contain an order. What’s the first ride and what follows after? It can be tempting to get on all the roller coasters, but that could use up all your energy early in the day. Instead of riding on thrilling rides consecutively, mix high-energy rides and more relaxing ones. For example, you and the family could start with the Ferris wheel followed by a roller coaster or try the bumper cars then do the drop tower.
Apart from mixing the thrilling with the relaxing rides, plan for who can go on which rides. Talk it out with the family a day before your trip to the theme park.
Stay hydrated and cool.
Most theme parks are outdoors, others feature indoor attractions, and a few are entirely indoors, like most parks in the UAE. Whether you’re going to be out in the sun or indoors, you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Make sure everyone has their water bottle with them; theme parks will have water fountains at certain sections, so you can refill water bottles.
When doing most of your activities outdoors, make sure the kids have sun protection, including sunglasses.
Use the relaxation areas.
In your plan, include time for relaxation. Theme parks will have shaded areas with benches where you and the family can recharge. Some will have designated relaxation areas with cooling mists, so you don’t have to head back to your hotel to rest if you’re visiting from out of town. Most parks may have a no re-entry policy, so these places will likely have resting areas for visitors.
Another option would be to take an hour of quiet time in a coffee shop. A designated adult, like an older sibling or another family, can go with the younger kids to explore other parts of the park while you take a break.
Enjoy low-key attractions.
Many theme parks present shows, which offer up the best entertainment while providing you with downtime. For example, theme park events in Abu Dhabi feature live shows with the most popular characters in animation and movies.
Other theme parks will have scheduled parades throughout the day, so those could be good opportunities to take a breather between thrilling rides.
Use technology.
The best way to anticipate crowds, lines, and shows is to use the theme park’s app. An app can also feature a map, so you can navigate through the park, know where your favorite rides are, and find your preferred dining places. When you know the park’s layout, you won’t have to spend a lot of time looking for rides and attractions.
Listen to your body, and pay attention to how the kids are behaving.
When you're tired, you know. When the kids are tired, you’ll hear it. When everyone has run out of energy, throw away the schedule. It doesn’t matter if you weren’t able to go on all the rides or see the shows on your list. It’s important to know your limits. You can always go back and experience the theme park all over again.
Eat Well, Eat Right
The usual theme park food can be fried, doughy, and sweet. You’re not going to find a lot of fruits and vegetables at most stands, so maybe you can pack along healthy snacks for the kids. Come prepared with nuts, fruits, or granola bars to sustain everyone’s energy. Yes, eating the hot dogs, pizza, and other theme park food is also part of the whole experience, but some may make you feel queasy when you get on a ride.
If your children easily get nauseous or have motion sickness, consider a bland and light breakfast before heading to the theme park. Plain cereal, scrambled eggs, or toast settle in your stomach when you’re in a thrilling ride.
Rides, attractions, and theme park seasonal events are always fun. Make sure everyone in your family enjoys a thrilling and relaxing time with the right plan and periods of rest.