Leave time for the shows.
So many first-time visitors to many of the parks seem to forget the amazing stage shows so many of the parks have to offer. Shows such as Turn It Up at Busch Gardens Tampa, the Frozen Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and The Country Bear Jamboree at Disney’s Magic Kingdom are skipped by first-time guests because they aren’t always a part of the attractions they’re told about by family members and friends who have been to the parks before them. But these shows house magic that you will love trip after trip (and BONUS: you get to hide out from the Florida sun!).
Take time to Recharge
Now for this, we aren’t just talking about your mobile devices. Your bodies will need a recharge a few times during your day in the park. A stop at a quick service location for a meal with your party will put most in a better mood and allow your party time to reevaluate your day if necessary. In addition, take many water breaks! At every Florida theme park featured on our page cups of ice water are free upon request so make sure you stay hydrated!
Going to the park with one main goal in mind.
Sometimes going into the parks some unfortunate elements such as overwhelming crowds, weather changes, and shortened park hours can seem to ruin your park day. Instead of focusing on how much you could have done, we suggest coming to the park with the mindset of doing one big thing. This could be reaching your dining reservation or jumping on a ride known to have a longer wait time. Then continue the rest of your day at the park considering everything else you do at the park as an extra to release the tension of having to cram as much as you can into one day. Who knows with a relaxed party you may even see yourself doing more than you would on a rushed park day.
Treat Yourself!
Sometimes frequent visitors get caught up in the normal routines they enjoy each time they go to the parks, skipping gift shops or table service restaurants. Treat yourself sometimes! Buy that refillable cup sporting your favorite thrill ride at Busch Gardens Tampa! Buy that pair of mouse ears you’ve been eyeing at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Or try that Krusty Burger at Universal Studios Orlando! Get yourself out of that bubble and find new favorites in merchandise, food, and experiences!
Find a calm place for yourself in the parks.
Sometimes the parks can get overwhelming with failed expectations, weather changes, or sudden crowd surges. Try and find yourself a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the park you’re in. Have a snack in the back of the Canada Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot, or try some of the claw machines by the Manta coaster at SeaWorld Orlando. Whichever you choose, give your party a quick moment to rest their feet, go through some photos and take in the fun they’ve already had before continuing through your day.
Don’t be afraid to divide your party!
Trips to the parks in larger parties usually carry multiple opinions on what to do next. Not everyone in your party may want to ride with Dumbo and those unwilling may want to re-ride the Tomorrowland Speedway. Don’t be afraid to split up (ensuring that young children do have an appropriately aged guardian near them at all times) and experience different things at the parks.
Give your party time for those smaller experiences.
At Busch Gardens Tampa Bay a small scavenger hunt can be done around the Edge of Africa area of the park. And at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, there are two more scavenger hunts being Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, and the Wilderness Explorer Scavenger hunt inspired by the Pixar movie “Up!”. Whichever park you choose each has small activities like this available for your party to enjoy.
Find a place to keep having memory shots in the park.
As the years go on many memories from your trip may fade. If you’re an annual visitor or even a pass holder, find a unique place for you and your party to be photographed as the years go on. Whether it's a funky chair in Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or a Big Bird statue at SeaWorld Orlando. Have your party gather in and have that photo spot where you can watch everyone grow.
Don’t be shy about grabbing your free souvenirs.
Throughout the different Florida theme parks, items such as maps or buttons are ignored by guests after they’ve already grabbed one during their last trip not too long ago. But things in the Florida theme parks are always changing. Pictures of guests with masks featured on recent maps at Walt Disney World, new rides at Universal Orlando Resort, and upcoming attractions or modified dining experiences at SeaWorld Orlando. These maps can be markers for what was around on your previous trips and what wasn’t so you can experience something new on your next trip.
Download the apps that correlate to the theme parks you are visiting.
Every Florida theme park featured on our page has a correlating app available through the app store. These apps can function to show you information such as a map of the park, park hours, current ride wait times, and menus for larger dining locations you hope to visit!
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