Theme parks across the world offer everything from white-knuckle rides and immersive attractions to live shows, shopping, restaurants and even onsite hotels.
And, for this reason, they’re becoming more and more popular for families.
In fact, 24 per cent of families now opt for theme parks when it comes to their holidays, according to American Holidays’ Family Fun Report.
But the cost of these resorts can easily add up, especially when you’re paying entry fee for multiple children and adults – and often for various parks.
To help families keep the costs down at theme parks, experts at American Holidays have revealed their top tips for getting the best out of the fun-filled destinations…
Time your visit right
To save money and avoid long queues, it’s best to visit theme parks during off-peak times—typically outside of school holidays, such as in May, early June, or September.
These quieter periods usually mean shorter waits for popular rides, better availability for shows and restaurants, and often discounted ticket prices or special offers on park entry and accommodation.
To help families keep the costs down at theme parks, experts at American Holidays have revealed their top tips for getting the best out of the fun-filled destinations. Pictured is Jurassic World: The Ride, at Universal Studios Hollywood
To save money and avoid long queues, it’s best to visit theme parks during off-peak times—typically outside of school holidays, such as in May, early June, or September. Pictured is Space Mountain at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, in Florida
It’s wise to steer clear of bank holiday weekends, the height of summer, and school breaks, when parks tend to be at their busiest.
If you are visiting during peak times, try arriving early and staying later in the day—queues tend to be shorter first thing in the morning and later in the evening.
Some parks also offer perks for on-site hotel guests, such as early entry or queue-jump options, which can help you make the most of your day.
Bring your own snacks
Food and drink costs inside theme parks can quickly add up, especially for families.
One of the easiest ways to save money is to bring your own snacks and a refillable water bottle.
Most UK theme parks allow guests to bring in food, though it’s always worth checking their guidelines beforehand.
Packing items like cereal bars, fruit, sandwiches, or crisps can keep everyone going throughout the day without the need to queue or spend extra at food outlets.
Experts recommend bringing your own food and drink to theme parks. Pictured is Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, found at Disneyland California and Disneyland Paris, France
Many parks now have water fountains or bottle refill stations available, making it easy to stay hydrated without constantly buying bottled drinks.
If you’re staying nearby, it’s also a good idea to stock up on essentials at a local supermarket—many are just a short drive or taxi ride away from major park locations.
Look at packages
Booking your tickets in advance is a smart way to save money and skip the queues at the entrance.
Many parks offer discounted rates for early bookings or online-only deals, which can make a real difference—especially for families.
If you’re planning a longer break, multi-day ticket bundles often offer better value than buying day passes separately, and some even include extras like free parking or fast-track access.
For bigger trips that include multiple attractions – such as pairing a theme park visit with a nearby zoo, safari park, or science centre – it’s worth looking into combination tickets or attraction passes, which can help you make the most of your time and budget.
Plan ahead
To avoid queues for rides like Alton Towers’ Nemesis (pictured), the experts recommend planning ahead and looking at the theme parks’ apps
Big theme parks can be overwhelming—some are even the size of small towns—so getting familiar with the layout before you go can save you lots of time on the day.
Most parks have interactive maps on their official apps or websites, so it’s worth spending a bit of time planning your route and pinpointing the locations of your must-do rides, food spots, toilets, and rest areas.
Watching YouTube videos, reading blogs, or checking out reviews can also give you a good sense of what to expect, especially when it comes to knowing which queue-skipping systems or ride reservation tools it’s worth spending money on.
A little prep goes a long way in helping you make the most of your visit without constantly checking your phone or wandering in circles.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .