Top Tips To Enjoy Theme Parks This Summer
August 1st, 2024Many of us will be planning a day out to a theme park this summer so it’s worth taking advantage of some of our easy tips & tricks to save yourself time & money.
1. Theme Parks & Rainy Day Guarantees
Some theme parks allow you to hedge your bets against the great British weather with a range of rainy day guarantee. Not many people realise that a number of top visitor attractions & theme parks offer a FREE return visit should the weather hamper your day out. We’ve seen this rainy day perk available at Thorpe Park & Drayton Manor alongside other attractions such as The View from The Shard & Warwick Castle. Always worth checking the t&c’s as terms vary with these weather guarantees.
More details available over at Weather Guarantees at Visitor Attractions.
Thorpe Park, (photo; Phil Loach)
2. Theme Parks; Cheap Tickets & Vouchers
There are an array of promotions & online ticket offers available that can offer some easy savings for those that plan ahead. Walk up prices at theme parks are typically much higher than those found if you book in advance & online tickets will also guarantee you entry at popular dates during the season. Follow our Topdogdays cheap ticket guides that offer a round-up of current deals & discounts running for each UK theme park.
3. Theme Parks; Parent Swap Passes
A number of theme parks offer parent swap passes that offers parents with younger children a chance to ride the thrill rides without having to queue twice. This is particularly beneficial for families with children of differing needs where the second parent, (& child), can makes use of a preferential entrance for free. We’ve seen this in place at theme parks such as Alton Towers, LEGOLAND Windsor & Chessington World of Adventures. Check at guest services if this is available at the theme park of your choice.
4. Theme Parks; Unlimited Fastracks
For those looking to pack more into their day & have the budget to pay for additional extras, look out for unlimited fastrack tickets. These offer fastrack access to many of the top rides & attractions at the park throughout the day that can be particularly beneficial at peak times of the season. There are only a number of unlimited fastracks available each day, so if this is something you know you want to do, best to book in advance.
LOOK OUT FOR Thorpe Park Unlimited Fastrack from £100pp to access 18 rides, (excludes Hyperia).
LEGOLAND Resort Hotel, (photo; Phil Loach)
5. Theme Parks; Height Checking Service
For those on the cusp of significant height markers, it may be worth checking out if a height checking service is provided. Once measured, eligible children will then be given a wristband that will alleviate any potential difficulties at individual rides. Check with guest services to see if this is offered at the start of your visit.
6. Theme Parks; Pack A Picnic
Many theme parks, (sadly not Blackpool Pleasure Beach), allow you to take picnics into the park for some easy savings. Check in advance what the requirements are in place for bringing in food, for example at Thorpe Park only sealed food & drink items will be admitted into the park, and worth noting if on-site lockers are available. Often cars can be parked some distance away from the park, so others invest in a wheeled cool box that bypasses the need to return to the car later in the day.
7. Theme Parks; Early Ride Time
Look out for Early Ride Time being offered alongside theme park short breaks at attractions such as LEGOLAND Windsor, Alton Towers & Chessington World of Adventures. This exclusive early access to the park before the rides open to the public is a great way to get some of the popular rides under your belt before the queues begin to build. At LEGOLAND Windsor, their Early Ride Time is limited to those staying on-site at one of their hotels with access available on Coastguard HQ, LEGO City from 9.30am. Rides can vary so check what is available under this early access perks during your visit.
TO BOOK GO TO LEGOLAND Windsor Breaks including Early Ride Time.
LEGOLAND Windsor Drench Towers
8. Intersperse Non-Queue Attractions
Many theme parks now offer a range of non-queue attractions such as playgrounds, soft play areas, interactive water splash parks, themed shows & 4D cinema experiences. As queues begin to build during the day why not intersperse rides with a few non-queue attractions for some light relief and a well earned break for the grown ups!
9. Theme Parks; Avoid Parking Charges
Many theme parks now charge parking fees in addition to your theme park entrance charges. Nevertheless most do offer free drop off/collection points for those that arrange a transport with a friend/family member. Alternatively look out for free parking perks that come with select annual passes or short breaks that are worth taking advantage of.
10. Theme Parks; Deals & Discounts
There are plenty of promotional offers & discounted tickets available for theme parks this summer for those that know where to look. Follow our cheap ticket guides below put together to help you bag a deal;
Chessington World of Adventures Tickets
We’ve put together More Top Tips To Visit Theme Parks This Summer for ideas to help you save time & money!
