Theme Park Survival Guide - Planning Your Trip

School's wrapping up, the weather is getting warmer, and the radio is full of ads for theme parks.  Whether it's an afternoon at your local waterpark or a big Disney vacation, theme parks provide unique challenges for those with chronic illness.  Do these challenges mean we can't partake in this warm weather activity?  Of course not!  With a little planning and flexibility, theme parks can still be a fun part of your summer.

What does a perfect day at the park look like to you?

Are you caught up in the energy of bustling crowds or do you prefer breezing through short lines?  Are you envisioning yourself in a tank top or a sweater?  Do you want to spend a full day at the park, or cram as much fun as you can in a few hours?  Are you all about the thrilling rides?  The food?  The parades?  A perfect day will look different for different people, so it's important to know what your goals are.
 
Once you know that, use this post and you own research to figure out what you'll need to get as close to the perfect day as possible. 


When to go

Different parks will have different peak times, hours of operation, temperatures, and special events that may play a part in when you want to visit.

As much as I think summer when I think about going to theme parks, I personally find I do better when I go in the cooler offseason.



Weather

If you are going to a local park, odds are you will have a good idea of what to expect from the weather.  But pay special attention if you are traveling.  For example, one would think that going to the San Francisco Zoo in the summer would be a sweltering experience, but with the fog that comes in, you'll be more likely to wear a hoodie than a tank top!

Personally, I do ok with weather systems and pressure changes, but I'm not so great at tolerating heat and humidity.  So when possible, I plan to go to parks during cooler months.

Sometimes VERY cold months!

Here are some quick links for average temperatures at some top US theme parks:
-Disney World
-San Diego Zoo
-Universal Studios Orlando
-Universal Studios Hollywood
-Disneyland

Crowds

   Crowds can be exciting, but visiting a crowded park can lead to extra challenges.  Crowds mean a bigger chance of being bumped into, more sensory stimulation, and longer wait times (even with accomodations).

  If you have some flexibility, you can use apps or websites like Undercover Tourist to plan your trip for less crowded days.

Here are some crowd projection calendars for some popular destinations:

-Disney World
-Disneyland
-Universal Studios Hollywood
-Universal Studios Florida
-Six Flags Over Texas


You can use up to date apps and websites like Is It Packed to help plan what time of day to visit the parks.  This can be very helpful in determining when to take rest breaks to avoid the most crowded part of the day.

Special Events

  Most parks have special events that may be seasonal or catering to special interests.  The special events may be organized by the park, or by groups deciding to get together on a particular date.  These events may increase crowds, but they can also provide a unique experience with networking opportunities, unique performances, or special decorations.

Here are some special event guides:
-Southern California Parks 
-Orlando Parks

Also keep your eyes peeled for some fun unoffical events like a Cosplay Day or Gay Days.

Types of Tickets

If you are visiting an area that is dense with theme parks, there may be special ticket options worth looking into.  Generally, single admission tickets are least expensive and park hopper tickets allow more flexibility.  If you are going to multiple parks, it may be worth it to get a package like Southern California City Pass.



Just like in most areas of our life, some good planning can help ensure a great theme park experience.  See future blog posts for tips on what to bring, how to cope with some challenging aspects of theme parks, and plenty of personal anecdotes.

Have a question?  Did I miss something?  Comment below!