Expert Tips for Surviving a Day at the Amusement Park

April 15, 2013— -- There was something about them that made me uneasy, some longing and at the same time some deadly fear. –Bram Stoker, Dracula

Perhaps I'm being just a tad melodramatic in using that quote, but it expresses very well my ambivalent feelings about amusement parks. Yes, I love watching my kids have fun at Disney, and I love roller coasters. But I loathe crowds, spending ridiculous amounts of money on junk food, and waiting in line for over an hour for a ride that takes all of two minutes. So I spoke with some experts who had some great advice on surviving—even enjoying!—your next outing at the amusement park.

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Do Your Research

Virtually all of our experts recommended travelers go online and explore the park's official website. That's where you'll find opening times and information—like height restrictions—about the rides. "Knowing in advance what rides your child can't go on means you can try to avoid it or simply nip any possible disappointment in the bud," says Corinne McDermott, founder of HaveBabyWillTravel.com. Park websites also sometimes offer discounted tickets. You can learn about special offers by following the park on Facebook and Twitter. As Robert Niles, editor of ThemeParkInsider.com, says, "Many parks are using social media to advertise last-minute deals."

When to Go to Avoid the Crowds

"Avoid Saturdays and Mondays. Saturdays are the busiest day of the week at a park. Mondays are often the second busiest and busier than Sundays since many others… thought Sunday would be worse. The least crowded days to visit are Tuesdays and Wednesdays," Niles says. Holidays can also be surprisingly good days to visit, says Dave Altman, president of American Coaster Enthusiasts. "People expect it'll be overly crowded, but sometimes that's not true."

What to Bring

Lissa Poirot, executive editor of Family Vacation Critic (a subsidiary of TripAdvisor Media Group), suggests packing extra clothes for everyone in your party. "Accidents happen, rides can be extra-wet, and temperatures can be sweltering. Packing a change of clothes can help keep everyone comfortable and happy," she says. Poirot also recommends bringing your own rain ponchos, because they "cost a fortune at the park."

Eric Gieszl of UltimateRollercoaster.com tries to minimize what he carries to avoid having to use a locker when he's on rides. However, he says, "Sunscreen has become the thing I never forget. It's too easy to get a bad sunburn when you're standing out in the sun all day."

McDermott says a stroller is essential if you have a small kid. "Even if your child is past strollers on your usual outings, amusement parks are long days with lots and lots of walking. A stroller will help you all if little legs get tired and… patience gets stretched a little thin," she says.

"Next to remembering your tickets, the most important thing to remember to bring to the theme parks would be your camera to capture all the magical moments," says Beth Haworth of DW Insider.

Take Breaks

"Probably the worst mistake a parent can make in planning a day at the amusement park, is trying to cram too much in—especially if your kids are little," McDermott says. Poirot concurs, saying, "Young kids cannot spend 12 hours in a park without getting cranky and tired." Haworth agrees: "Head back to the resort in the early afternoon for a nap or cooling mid-day swim."