Visiting an amusement park is one of my (and my family’s) favorite travel experiences!
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned after exploring parks around the world, it’s this: a little planning (well… a lot, to be honest) goes a long way. In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know before visiting an amusement park, so you can avoid long lines, save money, stay safe, and have an unforgettable day (or two).
Legoland Gunzburg
Whether you’re planning your first theme park adventure or you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker, these tips will help you plan the perfect visit to an amusement park, stress-free and full of fun.
Why Planning Is Essential for Amusement Park Trips
I used to think amusement parks were all about spontaneity—just show up and go! But that was because the amusement parks in my country are very small, and you can definitely go through one in one day.
After going to Prater (Vienna) almost 20 years ago (way before there were apps on the phone, way before people had money to use internet while abroad – myself included!), I saw that you need to know in advance many things. Getting stuck in lines or missing out on top rides, I realized that smart planning equals maximum fun.
Continue reading: If you’ve ever Googled “how to skip lines at amusement parks” or “best time to visit theme parks,” you’ll find the answers here.
Legoland Gunzburg
1. Choose the Right Amusement Park for You, Your Family or Your Group
Not all parks are created equal. I knew how this sounds, but it is true. There are themed-parks, there are parks for small children or for all kids, or with many rides for adults too. There are smaller and bigger parks. And all these details matter!
Ask yourself:
- Are you going with young kids or teens?
- Are you looking for adrenaline-pumping roller coasters or family-friendly attractions?
- Do you want themed experiences (like Disney, Universal, or Legoland) or more traditional rides?
My recommendation: Research the park’s top attractions, crowd levels, and guest age suitability in advance.
And I can give you 3 examples here: the small amusement park in Bucharest (my hometown) is not that big. You do not need to plan your visit to make sure you do not miss a ride. In fact, as an adult, you can go in just a few of the rides – the park is mostly for kids.
In Prater – OMG! I was there with my husband (our son wasn’t born yet) and… we barely scraped the surface. We stayed one day – but it was far from enough.
We planned the day at Legoland in advance – but not all the rides – because it was a surprise trip for my son, and he chose what to do. As he LOVES amusement parks, one day was not enough! We need to go back!
Yes, it makes a LOT OF DIFFERENCE if you/your family likes amusement parks or not!
Oh, and one more important thing: look on a map to see if there aren’t other parks nearby. For instance, at Legoland Gunzburg, when we arrived, there was a crossroads, and on the other side, there was a Peppa Pig-themed park! We had no idea! (Yes, my son was not the target for that, but other kids might be!) If you discover there the new park, it may change your plans – but if you know in advance what is where, it is easier to plan.
2. Buy Your Tickets Online (Always!)
This is one of the most important tips I can give you. Skip the gate lines and often get a discount by purchasing your tickets online. Many parks offer:
- Early bird prices
- Package deals (entry + meals)
- Multi-day passes
- Fast passes or express entry add-ons
As our visits to the amusement parks were part of longer vacations, we (I mostly) planned in advance.
Here, there is another important element to consider: different parks have different systems.
For instance, for Prater, the entry is free, but you pay for EACH thing you do there.
At Legoland, we paid for the entrance ticket, and we had free access everywhere. We paid for food, souvenirs, and there are a few (NOT many) extra things you can do that cost about 2-5 euros (YOU MUST HAVE CASH – as they do not accept cards at these things).
At Legoland we purchased the tickets in advance, from the official site. We knew exactly when we would go there – because it was my son’s birthday gift – so we bought the tickets + parking ticket. And that was it.
Check to see if the bundles are relevant to you. What do I mean by bundle? You can find on the official sites some offers: sometimes different levels (silver/gold) which allow you to skip the line (well, there will be a small line of people who chose the same option as you, but you will still avoid the bigger line).
Tip: Sign up for the park’s newsletter – you might get an extra promo code.
3. Pick the Best Day to Go
This is a recommendation in case you can take it into consideration. Because, if you plan waaaay in advance, you cannot check some of the elements below. But if you plan a trip to an amusement park close to you – like a short trip – then please consider what I always check:
- best option – Weekday vs. weekend (weekday wins!)
- School holidays (avoid them if you can) – if you are going with kids… the answer is obvious
- Weather forecast—a rainy day can mean fewer crowds, but storms can shut down rides.
When we went to Legoland it rained in the morning, so basically the park opened 1,5 hours later (it was open, but none of the rides worked). We could not foresee that – we planned all 3 months in advance + it was a special day and we HAD to be there that day.
Pro tip: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the least crowded days. We prefer Wednesday or Thursday for our visits.
Prater, Vienna
4. Study the Park Map & Must-Do Rides
As I mentioned, things have changed a lot over the last years, and it is great that we can use technology and have more control and options than back in the day. I always download the park map or app a few days before my trip. Then I:
- Mark the top rides I don’t want to miss
- Group them by location to avoid zigzagging, or rather create an itinerary of the park
- Look for height restrictions if traveling with kids
I also do a lot of research online. For Legoland, for instance, I watched videos with top rides, presentations of the rides (some of them), and there were still things I did not find out prior to my trip (that is why we have to go back). I share all my tips and experience here on the blog (article linked above – or just search Legoland and you will see the article).
5. Download the Park’s Official App
Almost every major park has a mobile app these days—and I can’t stress this enough: get it.
Apps help you:
- Check real-time wait times
- Locate restrooms, dining, and first aid
- Mobile order food
- See ride closures or showtimes
Here I have to add that it is a fine line between always cheking your phone and actally enjoyng the park.
I will also add that most of the parks have free maps – either like a leaflet you can take, or poster maps throughout the park that show you where you are and you can easily see where you want to go next.
At Legoland, we did not take a flyer – just used their maps and a little the app.
6. Pack Smart
Legoland Gunzburg
Here’s my go-to amusement park packing list:
- Refillable water bottle or more water bottles. We had 2 bottles of 2L each and I had a 0.5L bottle too (I dissolved an electrolytes pill, because it was sunny and hot, and on such days I need my electrolytes). We bought more water at Legoland – that was in our backpack in the morning
- Sunscreen & sunglasses
- Something to cover your heads – hats – especially if you are visiting the park in the summer to avoid a potential heat stroke..
- Portable phone charger – as I had my mobile data on, I needed this and I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have one with you!
- Snacks (if allowed)
- Poncho or light jacket (depending on the weather). You may also need light raincoats like we did at Legoland (they had them there to be purchased too)
- Comfortable shoes (trust me, you’ll walk a lot!)
- Anti-chafe balm (you’ll thank me later)
- Insect repellent spray (mosquitoes… )
Tip: Many parks offer lockers—check in advance if they’re free or paid.
7. Arrive Before Opening Time
This is one of my golden rules: get there early. Why?
- Maximise your day and experience!
- Beat the crowds.
- Have a great parking place (I have knee issues so it is important for me)
- Walk onto popular rides with zero wait or, at least, smaller lines
- Catch special character greetings or early parades (where these exist)
Tip: Try to tackle the top rides within the first 1–2 hours of arrival. For instance, at Legoland, my son did not make it to 2 of the roller coasters because, when planning the route, they were towards the exit. Well….
8. Don’t Rush – But Be Strategic
Start with the most popular rides, then take a breather mid-morning. I follow this loose pattern:
- Morning – Big thrill rides
- Midday – Food, shows, slower attractions
- Late afternoon – Water rides or second go-rounds
- Evening – Fireworks, light shows, shopping
Recommendation: Use wait time apps and live park updates to adjust your plan on the go.
And my other tip: check the schedule – because the closing time of the park is NOT the closing time of the lines – at Legoland they close an hour early – so did the Lego Factory
Legoland Gunzburg
Park food can be expensive and hit-or-miss. Here are my tips and recommendations:
- When researching the park, see what restaurants exist and where they are located. In this way, when planning your actual park itinerary, you can know what to do first to get to the restaurant you want for lunch or at least have a maximum 1-2 options.
- My extra tip: check online to see which of the places has a terrace/restaurant option (so that you sit and take a break from the walking.)
- Eat early or late to avoid peak lunch rush If you can, of course.
- Share meals if portions are large – and do NOT stuff. Thrill rides may make you sick after lunch if you eat too much!
- Look for dining passes if staying all day (check to see if it is worth it, of course)
If outside food is allowed, pack:
- Sandwiches or wraps – for a small brunch, if you travel with kids
- Fruit, nuts, and granola bars. We had some bars, nothing else (summer – hot – everything melting.)
- Refillable bottle with electrolyte powder or pills (I mentioned it above, I need electrolytes, but it is not only me!)
I’ve been to parks with my son – different ages, obviously, and here’s what worked best:
- Measure your child’s height before you go – some rides require a minimum height.
- Plan downtime – a shady break or nap time if it is a small child.
- Bring small toys or stickers for long lines
Bonus tip: If is he/she is a small child you may write your phone number on his/hers wristband or use a temporary tattoo. For an older child, let them have their phone with them.
And no matter what happens, be relaxed. Yes, they may be scared by something. They may skin their knees. Things may happen. They may even decide they do not want to try any rides. It is all ok. It will all be Ok. Remember that!
What To Do if You Find a Lost Child
Surprised to see this segment here? Me too.
But it is inspired by a personal experience. Last year, at Legoland, we found a small German girl who was lost. She did not speak English (I know a bit of German, but not much).
We asked her (in German) about her parents, if she knows where they are or her name. She knew the name, but pointed her little fingers towards an area of the park where there were no parents.
So I stayed there with the girl (being the only one in my family speaking a bit of German and NOT moving her from where she ended up, hoping that her mom/dad would show up).
My husband and son went to look for a guard – didn’t find so they went inside Lego Factory – it was close AND there are multiple employees there. My husband explained what happened, and one of the guys came to me and started to talk to the girl. He announced through the station – and he took it from there.
How To Make Sure Your Child Does Not Get Lost
Amusement parks are big and it is VERY easy for anyone to get lost – not only a child.
So make sure your child (if old enough) knows their names, your names, your phone numbers and that he or she knows to stay on put or go to an official (security or person from a ride) and ask for help. English is a must.
If your child has a phone, make sure they have roaming activated and you can reach them. Make sure the volume is at the maximum level.
When getting to the park, pick a HIGH spot – an attraction or a pole or something visibile – and set it as the place to go to if someone gets lost.
What To Do if Your Child Gets Lost
If you are traveling as a family, one of the spouses remains where they are – looks closely in the area – the other one tries to contact an official representative of the amusement park – security or from a ride or a an official store (like we did at Legoland with Lego Factory personnel) – something that can communicate further down the chain.
Obviously, call your child – if they have a phone. Send a text/Wa/discord message.
If you previously set a meeting point, go there.
I am not an expert and do not know much to say – but these would be what I would do if my son would get lost.
Getting There: Do Your Research Ahead of Time
Usually, transportation is easy – all the parks I visited had several ways to be reached. That being said, you still need to do your due diligence so that you arrive there as fast as possible.
So here’s what I do now – every single time:
- Research options ahead of time:
- Train or shuttle service: Many large amusement parks (like Disneyland Paris or Universal Studios Hollywood) have direct train or shuttle routes. They’re usually fast, stress-free, and well-timed with park hours. Check in advance to see if you can find the program, how to et to the station from your hotel, and, of course, the cost.
- Driving: If you’re renting a car or driving your own, check the parking costs (some parks charge $20–$40+ per day, while others have more accessible offers like it was for us at Legoland.)
- Distance from your hotel
- If there’s priority or preferred parking for closer spots
- Rideshares and taxis: Uber and Lyft are great for flexibility, but surge pricing after fireworks can be brutal.
- Hotel shuttles: Many partner hotels offer free or low-cost shuttles straight to the park gates. I always check this before booking!
My tip: Choose the transportation method that fits your budget and schedule. If you’re traveling with kids, convenience might matter more than saving a few dollars.
For instance, Prater is in Vienna – so we actually had a hotel nearby and it was within walking distance. For Legoland Gunzburg, we chose to get there by car (we traveled from Romania to Germany by car so it was easier for us).
Where to Stay: Hotel Options & Insider Tips
Picking the right hotel can totally transform your amusement park experience – especially if you’re planning to stay for 2 or 3 days.
Here are your main options:
1. On-Site Resort Hotels (Official Park Hotels)
Full disclosure here: we did not use one at Legoland. We thought a day at the park would be enough and, as our vacation was in Munich, we thought we were covered. Well…. we discovered we need at least one more day at Legoland – if not 2. So yes, I would recommend considering booking 2 nights at a resort hotel.
Perks include:
- Early park access (you get to enter before general admission! – Disneyland offers an hour)
- Late-night entertainment like character dining, themed shows, or park-view rooms
- Exclusive ride reservations or early FastPass/Lightning Lane bookings
- Free park shuttles (where necessary – at Legoland the hotel is next to the park)
- Themed rooms (great for kids!)
- Perfect for: families, theme park lovers, and anyone planning a multi-day visit
2. Partner Hotels (Off-Site, Nearby)
If the official resort hotels are out of your budget, nearby partner hotels are the next best thing.
These often include:
- Free or low-cost shuttles
- Park ticket bundles
- Breakfast included
- Clean, comfortable rooms at a lower price
Mu tip: Look for hotels labeled as “Good Neighbor” or “Partner Property” on the park’s official website.
3. Budget Hotels or Rentals
If you’re road-tripping or just doing a quick one-day visit, a budget motel or Airbnb within 10–20 minutes’ drive can do the job.
Warning: Check reviews carefully for cleanliness, security, and location—especially for late-night returns.
4. A Hotel in a Nearby City
If you are only visiting the park for a day, and if the park is within 1-2 hours from the hotel, reachable by bus/shuttle, etc., then you can easily plan your vacation in the city and just take a trip to the park.
My Travel Pro Tips for Booking Your Hotel:
- Book early during holidays or peak seasons—these places fill up fast! – we booked our hotel in Munich in March for end June.
- Read cancellation policies in case your dates change (we always prefer options where we can cancel, Never did, but… better safe than sorry)
- Look at a map before booking, being “5 miles/8km away” may take 30 minutes (or more) in traffic!
- Pack a small overnight bag for the park days if staying nearby, but changing hotels
Final word: Stay close to the action if you’re planning a longer trip. The time and energy you save by being near the park – especially with kids – might totally worth the extra cost.
Legoland Gunzburg
- Use hand sanitizer frequently and pack extra
- Bring cash AND cards – some places are cashless, others are not
- If staying multiple days, consider on-site hotels for early park entry
- Check refund/weather policies before you go
- Be flexible—some rides break down or get delayed
- Download or purchase your ride photos (they cost extra – but if you want fun moments and can afford, it is a nice thing to have especially if you print them and have albums)
- If you loved it, consider season passes or return visit discounts.
- Share your trip on your blog (if you have one) or social media to relive the fun and inspire others to go there.
Amusement Park vs. Water Park: Are They the Same?
Short answer: Nope! They’re not the same. But they’re often found together, or near each other, especially in big resort complexes.
Amusement Park
- Think: roller coasters, shows, arcade games, character meet-and-greets
- Usually dry rides (usually, because at Legoland there is a roller coaster where you get… wet!)
- Perfect for all seasons, especially spring, autumn, and cooler summer days
Water Park
- Features water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones
- Most are seasonal (summer only)
- Swimwear required; you’ll get soaked!
Tip from me: If you’re visiting in summer and the park has a water park section (like Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Universal’s Volcano Bay), bring swimwear, a waterproof phone pouch, and flip-flops.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Magic
No matter which park you’re visiting, planning ahead makes everything smoother and more enjoyable. I’ve had the best days when I arrived early, knew what to expect, and kept things flexible and fun.
So, whether you’re heading to Disneyland, Prater, Legoland, Six Flags, or a local gem, these tips will help you plan the perfect amusement park visit—from start to finish.
If you’ve got any questions or want to share your best amusement park tips, let me know in the comments. And don’t forget to check out other family-friendly travel tips right here on Earth’s Attractions!
Photo source: Prater – Ferris Wheel, Disneyland Paris
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