We all know that a day out with the family can turn to mayhem if you don’t plan every last detail… Well fear not, ahead of the Easter holidays we have put together a survival guide for those family days out, specifically if you’re planning to visit a theme park. Be sure to follow these steps and you will have a brilliant day ahead of you!
Stage One: Preparation
Your mission, should you choose to accept it…
The best family days out start well before the day itself. With a little research and planning in the weeks leading up to your family day out, you could save yourself a whole lot of hassle – and money.
Here are a few questions to ask before you set off:
1) When does the theme park open on the day you’re planning to visit?
2) Are there any special events taking place that might affect ticket availability during the times you want to visit?
3) Are there any major roadworks or diversions in place that might affect your arrival time?
4) Is it a school holiday? If so, you might want to plan to arrive early to beat the crowds and queues.
Stage Two: Departure
Next, it’s time to move on to getting out of the house and on your way to the theme park.
Here are a few backpack essentials you should take with you:
- Plasters– Don’t let blisters get between you and your favourite rides.
- Snacks– Planning on eating lunch at the theme park? Be sure to pack a few grab-and-go snacks, just in case.
- Sun cream (if it’s a warm day)–A family day-trip essential, especially when you’ll be outside all day.
- Booking details– If you’ve booked online, make sure you have a physical note of your booking number, just in case your phone runs out of juice and you’re left without access to it.
Stage Three: Arrival
You’ve arrived! Congrats! Once you’ve made it through the gates, be sure to grab a copy of the park’s map. If you have teenagers with you who will be exploring the park alone, make sure that they take their own copy of the park map with them, just in case they lose their way. Here are a few things to remember.
1. This may sound silly and rather simple, but your map will contain loads of really useful information for your day ahead, including the location of…
● Toilets and baby-change facilities
● Food and beverage stalls
● Disabled access for certain areas and rides
● Rides and amusement arcades
● Each section of the park
● Exits and entrances
● Meeting points
2. Meeting areas
- Theme parks are busy places, so it’s easy for people to get lost. Plan ahead for this kind of scenario by picking a designated meeting spot as soon as you enter the park. Try to choose a landmark that’s easy for everyone to find, such as the ticket booth entrance or the entrance for the biggest ride in the park.
Stage Four: Time to have fun!
Now’s the time to let your hair down and enjoy the park. If you can hold yourself back from running towards the closest ride when you enter the park, try to take a look at the map and plan a route. Not only will this stop you from missing certain areas ,but you’ll also give yourself the opportunity to get familiar with all of the rides and the layout of the park.
Beat the queues…
Want to beat the queues? If you’re visiting during peak times (school holidays, bank holiday weekends), check to see if the theme park you’re visiting offers fast-track tickets. Although this type of ticket typically costs more, you may be able to book at a reduced rate if you plan ahead.
Stage Five: Time for Home
You did it! And, thanks to our theme park survival guide, the day went smoothly, with no sunburn, empty tummies, lost family members, or arguments about which rides to try first. YAY!
Not yet planned your Easter day out? Don’t forget to check out our Blackpool Pleasure Beach reader offer for a discount off your entry tickets!
