FloridaTix

Tips for Theme Parks in Florida

Always arrive at the park early, especially in the busy months

Check the daily attendance records and go on the lighter days. Surprisingly, the weekend may be less crowded since many are using the weekend as traveling days for their weeklong holidays.

Find yourself a map, most theme parks have them. Plan out your day deciding on the best route to take around the park

Don't follow the crowd. Many people will go to the right and work round the park anti-clockwise. Head off to the left if this looks to be the clearer option.

Try and eat at "off" hours many people will stop for lunch between 11.30 and 1.30 if you can hold out try taking a later lunch to minimise waiting times in the restaurants increasing time spent in the park

When entering the park look through the restaurant guide and set a time that all the group agrees on. If there is a particular place you want to eat, you don't want to waste all your time walking across the Park to get there. Make a plan that will leave you in that area when it is time to eat.

Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. On hot days make sure you find regular shade to take a break from the sun and remember to cover up during the hottest parts of the day.

On colder days - if you plan to go on water rides make sure you either carry a spare set of clothes or buy a water proof poncho, there's nothing worse than walking around the rest of the park soaking wet and cold. Remember jeans do not dry quickly and tend to hold water in.

You may want to wrap your valuables such as mobile phones, wallets and cameras in plastic bags whilst going on the water rides or leave them with another party member who is not riding

Look for the tip boards. Most theme parks have tip boards around the park displaying the waiting times for some of the more popular rides. If the ride you are heading for has a long waiting time try something else.

Agree on a meeting place if you get separated. In the busy months it is easy to become separated from your group. Make sure everyone in your group knows where to meet up if anyone gets lost, especially young children. Choose a large central landmark so it's easy for people to make there way back to.

Making the most out of the parades Some parks will put on parades, use this list for tips on how to enjoy the parades

If you love a parade, stake out your spot early since they usually draw crowds.

Check the tip board or Park map to find the parade route.

Picking an incline might allow you a better view of the whole parade. This way you can look down on the whole parade as it comes toward you.

Picking a spot toward the beginning of the parade will provide you a jump on everyone else. You will have finished watching the parade and made it to the most popular rides while most of the crowd is still watching the parade.

Make sure to check out your spot with a Park employee, you don't want to wait half an hour, only to be moved to the back of the crowd because your perfect spot is in the middle of the parade route.

Pick the side of the street you want to be on when the parade ends. The parade route may block your access to areas you want to be in until after the parade is over

Will parking be a problem? This will depend on which Park you attend. Many Parks charge for parking, so make sure to include this in your budget.

Most Parks have enough parking, so your biggest problem probably won't be finding a space, but finding your way back to it at the end of the day.

Theme Park's parking lots tend to be filled with lots of similar looking rental cars write down or remember your registration number to stop any confusion.