5 Essential Tips for Surviving Central Florida Theme Parks

by Marlon and Monica Fernandes

Whether you go to Disney, Universal Studios, Seaworld or any other theme park in Central Florida, you always want to be prepared because, unfortunately, it’s the little things that can easily ruin your vacation. Here are 5 essential tips to make sure your vacation is the best it can be:

Bring Ponchos - The only thing that’s predictable about Florida weather is that it’s never predictable. As you can see on the photo to the right, my friend Adam and I learned that the hard way on a trip to Universal Studios a few years ago. It only takes one downpour to send you back to the hotel for a change of dry clothes, which can ruin your whole day. Taking a few ponchos in your bag is a game changer! Also, instead of buying them at the parks where they can cost you an arm and a leg, buy them from your local dollar store.

Wear Comfortable Shoes - Forget about style when it comes to footwear for theme parks. It’s all about comfort. If you’re visiting a theme park for a half or full day, plan on walking 10,000 steps or more. Make sure you wear the right footwear for your trip. Focus on support, water resistance, and stability. Calluses, blisters and foot and hip pain are an easy way to slow you down and ruin your day. Bonus tip: have cushioned band-aids of various sizes on hand, just in case, it can help protect blisters on your feet and heels.

Have a Good Data Plan - Although many parks have free WiFi, you can't always rely on it with thousands of people using it. With more and more theme parks requiring you to use their apps to make dining reservations, schedule virtual queues, check wait times, mobile order, and view maps of the parks, it is important to have a good data plan.  Bonus tip: Be sure to charge your smartphone overnight and pack a reliable portable charger as backup. Park apps drain your battery quickly and you can find yourself looking for a charging station before long if you’re not prepared.

Drink Plenty of Water - Dehydration is another way to ruin a perfectly good day at the parks. Early symptoms include thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion and get worse the longer you go without hydrating. Remember, most theme parks offer free cups of water at their concession stands and quick service locations. So don’t spend all your money on bottled water. Save it for the souvenirs! 

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen - Don’t be deceived by a cloudy Florida day because a sunburn on unprotected skin can and will still happen. Make sure to put sunscreen on in the morning and reapply throughout the day as needed. Also, just like with the ponchos, pick it up before you get to the park because it can cost a lot more getting it at the  parks. 

Have any tips of your own? Let us know and we would be happy to share them.