Who doesn’t love a theme park visit? It’s the easiest way to entertain the kids and spend time with other adults. But you may want something more out of this time-honored recreation. How do you turn a typical theme park outing into a truly magical experience?
Here’s your guide to enjoying a one-of-a-kind day at a theme park.
Take in a show or two.
The biggest theme parks offer more than adrenaline-pumping rides.
For example, events at Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, feature shows designed for specific seasons. They’ve got shows for summer, winter, and Halloween, among many others. And since this is the Warner Bros. World™, the theme park also has scheduled shows for the DC Super Hero Season. It’s a wonderland for fans of DC’s iconic characters, from Superman and Wonder Woman to Batman and Green Lantern.
Check with your theme park of choice for show schedules before making that visit. Get the tickets in advance as well because the popular ones will likely be sold out before you even arrive.
If you’re heading to the theme park during peak season, come to the park early. Alternatively, arrange a visit when it’s not so crowded.
Get VIP tickets for skip-the-line access.
An even better alternative to enjoying a theme park is to book VIP tickets. Depending on which park you choose, your VIP theme park experience can begin even before you walk into the park. You might even get free valet parking. A personal tour guide might meet you at the gate. The guards will let you walk through a VIP entrance, which means no lining up.
Skip-the-line access gets even more appealing when you want to get on the park’s most popular roller coaster, tower rides, or water rides. With this exclusive access, you never have to rush through the park because you and your group can zip to the head of the line on busy days.
Although you’ll get a personal guide, plan your rides. Which one do you want to try first? Does everyone in your group want to go on all the same rides? Not all kids want to get on the carousel, and not all adults get a thrill out of tower rides. A plan organizes your visit so that everyone gets to enjoy what they came for at the park.
Alternatively, the theme park guide could create your itinerary and have it prepared when you arrive. You don’t even have to worry about it.
Some theme parks offer different packages for their VIP experience. You might be able to save a few bucks if you choose a VIP package that pairs you with another guest who also opted for the package. But if you prefer the exclusivity of the experience, go with a private package where you don’t have to share a tour guide.
Go on a behind-the-scenes tour.
Your VIP ticket not only gives you skip-the-line access but also allows you to peek behind the scenes. This type of tour could be very exciting for the kids in your group.
They’ll discover how a theme park runs. You’ll all learn how the shows are put together, especially the pop-up ones that are so well-choreographed. You might even be allowed to walk through secret tunnels that could be used for storage or logistics. Basically, you’ll have exclusive access to areas that are off-limits to the average theme park visitor.
Join a character meet-and-greet.
A character meet-and-greet can come with your VIP park experience. You can also schedule your visit to the park to coincide with these fun experiences.
The best theme parks go beyond brief interactions. Many of these dedicated park talents take time to really get into character so that you, especially the kids, get the full experience. You can take photos, have a chat, or request autographs.
Some meet-and-greet opportunities can turn into a full-on event, which typically happens indoors. Others take place in certain areas of the theme park. A few might occur during a scheduled parade.
Start at the back of the park.
If you’re going to the theme park on a whim with a few friends or family members, your visit can still be organized. One way to see and do everything at the park is to explore it from the back to the front; head to the very last rides and attractions first and work your way up to the entrance.
Some parks offer free cart rides or shuttle rides, allowing you to navigate the park without walking.
Make your dining experience count.
Finally, no theme park day is complete without indulging in park food. Although the typical food might not be healthy, some of the better theme parks offer a variety of options. You can have lunch or dinner without resorting to something fried or too sweet.
Modern theme parks typically offer the best dining experiences, featuring a number of cuisines to meet every guest’s preference or diet. Whether you’re craving Mexican, Italian, or Asian, you’ll find delicious fare at the right theme park.
