So you’re going to a theme park, huh?
More than most, I know you need to make the most of your trip!
I am a theme park junkie! Some people think I’m just a Disney fanatic (more on traveling to that location in other blogs). In reality, however, I just love a day at any theme park. It is so completely different from a vacation to visit family, or hit the beach, or take a hike. It’s an active, busy type of vacation that requires advanced planning, and a completely different mindset.
So, without getting too specific about one theme park giant or the other, how about some tips to make most of your trip — and your budget!
Are zoos theme parks?
I think we need to define the term “theme park.” Many people think the definition is the number of thrill rides—roller coasters with inversions—at the location. I disagree with that definition, because I consider it too narrow. For me, anything that invoices a full-day dedicated to it, tons of walking, and potentially overpriced everything qualifies as a theme park.
Last month, I took a trip to the San Diego Zoo, for example. I didn’t ride anything except the bus tour around the park, but I still consider it a theme park experience.
It was an all day event that required advanced planning, and really great sneakers. Dining was limited and pricy, and the gift shops were plentiful, with the big ones being attached to the exit area! Lincoln Park Zoo (going again this month!) is an excellent example of the anti-theme park theme park! It does, still, require significant walking, has minimal dining and souvenir shops. While you pay nominally for parking, the zoo itself is FREE and open to the public.
So, whatever definition you use for theme parks, read on to see how to maximize the day—and minimize the expense—at these all-day or all-week locations around the country.
Packing tips For Your trip
Let’s get this straight right up front: We are backpack people.
I’m not comfortable if I don’t have an extra light windbreaker, a Vitamin Water, and reading glasses on me while touring a park. I see tons of people walking around with their arms and backs free from any type of baggage, but that ain’t us! If that is you, great! Many pieces of advice I offer rely on you carrying a few things with you, both for convenience and cost factors, but you do you!
I’m going to guess if you’re reading my blogs, you’re a budget-conscious travelers, so you will absolutely not mind carrying a few things. Let’s list some essentials:
#1: That Extra Layer
While I bring a light jacket, Sweet Husband actually brings a base layer to put on under his shirt. Either way—layering is good in most circumstances. No matter how you plan for your trip, the weather will always be a little unpredictable!
My favorite example of an extra layer is to use a “packable jacket.” Find a jacket that can fold into itself to save space.
#2: Bring The Bev!!!
We absolutely, positively bring our own beverages to theme parks—at least to get us started. In Florida in the summer, we go through a LOT of drinks during the day, so we will reuse the water bottles. Buying one bottle of water for my family of six will run about $25 in a theme park. NO WAY I’m spending that! Bring your own beverages on your trip. For a change, or for kids, get those powdered drink mixes if the fountain water is not to your liking.
#3: Very Basic First Aid
I sometimes get those blisters on the back of my heel, and a Band-Aid has been my best friend. Trying to find one in a theme park is not only expensive, but uses up at least 30 precious minutes! Definitely bring headache relief, especially if you are in extreme, or unfamiliar weather conditions on your trip.
Other than that, a little forethought could save you time, discomfort, and money. Consider allergy pills, antacids, cough drops/syrup, and other simple over-the-counter remedies.
#4: Hats/Umbrella/Ponchos
If it rains, the fainthearted will leave the park—making it a paradise for us water-resistant diehards!!! I like a hat and umbrella for rain, but many people like ponchos. Buy a few small packaged ones for a dollar at a dollar store before your trip, and put them in that backpack you decided to carry! Ponchos in a theme park will easily run you $10-$12 each!
Tips for the day of Your Trip
The “day of” actually starts the evening before your visit. It’s important that everybody is A) on the same page in your group and B) well rested and well fed.
We have a very brief meeting in the evening to agree on a wake-up and leaving the hotel room time. We also review the breakfast plan, so there are no disagreements or misunderstandings in the morning. Are we grabbing and going from the hotel room fridge, or hitting Starbucks on our way to the park? My suggestions for you include:
#1: Communicate Your Expectations In Advanced
There’s NO chance of getting people up early if you haven’t warned them in advance. Same things with the shower schedule! If it isn’t discussed the day before, there will be fighting in the hotel room! Avoid that with a quick discussion the night before!
#2: Pack Your Bag The Night Before
You don’t want to have to get it ready while you are trying to shovel in a quick breakfast—that’s stressful! My bag is repacked/reset in the evening before going to bed. The only things I add to the bag in the morning are the cell phone and frozen Vitamin Water.
#3: Wake. Up. Early.
The benefits of being at your theme park at opening can not be overstated. The majority of people will not wake up early on vacation out of principle. Be the outlier, and get your people moving early! In January, I did three headliners in a Disney theme park before it even opened to the public! It’s totally worth it.
#4: Bring a Portable Phone Charger
We lucked into seeing a tiger eating a special Sunday meal of a lamb carcass (seriously!). If I hadn’t brought my portable charger for my phone, I might have missed that once-in-a-lifetime video.
Make the most of your Trip On Your budget
If it wasn’t clear: the theme for this week’s blog is organization.
I’m trying to help you NOT be surprised by mundane details, so you can focus your time enjoying the magic and wonderment of your vacation location. Nothing can cause more stress than going over budget. Here are a few ways I’m avoided getting sticker shock:
#1: Advance Planning Will Help
Use the internet to find out about the restaurants and snacks places at your destination, so you can create a reliable and realistic budget for meals.
#2: Plan To Leave The Park
We usually have one big meal in a theme park. The other meal is later in the evening, or we can snack our way through the day.
#3: Bring Your Own Snacks
Like beverages, you can bring your own snacks (and we’re back to the use of a backpack!!). We don’t bring a ton of things, but definitely some granola bars, and some sweet and salty snack items for when we are standing in line. Don’t go crazy—plan to enjoy a special snack here and there—but bring something so people won’t get hangry in that Hagrid’s coaster line at Universal!
#4: Try The Envelope System
We used to put cash in envelopes for every day of our vacation, plus an envelope for souvenirs. When the envelope was empty for that day, we snacked out of the backpack or back in the hotel room. It really helped us stick to what was a very tight vacation budget years ago.
What souvenirs are really worth it?
I don’t know. That is an entirely personal decision. I’ve become a coffee mug person over the years, purchasing less and less hats and shirts. I still do buy the occasional item of clothing—like Disney villains sweatpants a few months ago that I love—but I’ve cut way back. This is another area you can research before going to your destination, to help you keep the budget in check.
Don’t underestimate the value of photos from this family vacation of yours. Take lots of pictures with your phone/camera throughout the vacation, so that you can print them very cheaply at home. Hang it on the wall, and you can enjoy the memories for years to come. That is my favorite souvenir of all.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS FAR
Hey, since you’re here! You may as well check out some other travel strategies, here, where we talk about planning a Disney trip in 1 week! Or, check out our other topics here! Either way, I appreciate you!
Please leave a COMMENT about any tips you may have!! Or comment what your favorite tip of mine was! Where to YOU plan on traveling next? Let me know.
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