16 Tips And Tricks To Make The Most Of Your Theme Park Trips

Summer is here and that means family vacation. These 16 tips will help you and your family get the most of your trip to any theme park.

1. Parenting tip, take a photo of your kids before heading out.

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If they get lost you will have an accurate description of what they're wearing at that exact moment.

2. Eat Local Before or After the Park

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Not only will you save money, you'll get a chance to eat unique foods and help the local economy.

For instance, if you're heading to Disney World check out some of the local seafood or alligator. You can find all the best places here.

3. Amusement park vendors that serve fountain drinks will give you free ice water on request.

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This will save you a lot of money from having to buy bottled water.

4. Bring a ziplock bag for your electronics.

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Many rides will feature water or at least the possibility of getting splashed. Avoid ruining your electronics by simply placing them in a ziplock bag before getting on the rides.

5. Start off with the water rides.

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This will allow you to dry off and enjoy the rest of the day. It also prevents a wet car on the ride home.

6. Place your contact information via pen on your child's wrist then cover it with liquid bandaid.

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If your child gets lost this acts as an easy way to have your contact information on them at all times. The liquid bandaid keeps the information waterproof and from rubbing off.

7. When traveling alone, look for the single riders line.

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There are plenty of other people at the park like you looking for a buddy to go on the rides. Use this line to move faster to the front. You might be sitting with a stranger, but it will save you time.

8. Take a photo of where you park.

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It's going to be a long day in the amusement park . . . so don't be ashamed if you forget where you put your car. Taking a picture of the section number or letter that you're parked in will help spark your memory.

9. Or just drop a pin when you park.

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Either will work, it just depends on how much you trust your GPS.

10. Pick an emergency meeting place.

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Make it the easiest and most recognizable part of the park. If people get separated simply instruct them to meet you there.

11. Print a map out of the park beforehand, and plan your route in advance.

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Don't waste time being lost around the park. Have a plan and stick to it.

12. Find smaller lines by going on rides during parades or shows.

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Most parks have two parades per day. So hit up one while exploring during the other.

13. Avoid peak days and holidays.

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If possible, visit the park during a week day and avoid holidays. Lines will be shorter and it will be much less of a hassle.

14. Avoid the Food Prices

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Check to see if the park allows outside food. If they do, prepare some sandwiches and bottle drinks and place them in a bag. Keep the bag in a locker until lunch time.

15. Save Money on Souvenirs

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Keep in mind that most of the local stores will carry the same toys as the theme park. If you can convince your child to wait a few hours you can pay almost half the price for the same things.