As a kid, all you’re worried about at the theme park is going on as many rides as possible.
But, the same trip when you’re a bit older is a bit more complicated. You are responsible for taking care of yourself and ensuring your safety, and if you’re bringing a child, the stakes are even higher.
Keep away the stress and tension of preparing for a theme park trip with this packing list.
Clothing and Accessories
If you’re one of those people who prefers to dress in more fancy clothing all the time, you have things to rethink. Your number one goal for an amusement park outfit should be dressing for comfort. Additionally, these are some of the items that you might want to pack:
• Poncho/ Rain Gear
The rain will be one of your biggest enemies outdoors. Even if the forecast has absolutely no prediction for rain, take a poncho anyway.
Otherwise, time that could’ve been spent on rides will need to be spent searching for shelter.
• Extra Clothes
Going on water rides sounds like a great idea until you’re stuck in wet clothes for the rest of your day. There are two ways to combat this; quick-dry outfits, or an extra set of clothing.
The issue with quick-dry clothing is that most of it won’t make for a stunning social media post. If that isn’t a priority for you, go the quick-dry route. But, if you want picture-perfect outfits, take an extra set of clothing.
Tech-Stuff
Phones and rollercoasters don’t mix. So, if you plan on bringing your phone along, you will need to take some extra precautions.
• Solar-Powered Battery Pack
Phones are notorious for running out of charge right when you need them the most. Hunting down wall sockets in the middle of an amusement park is pretty impossible, and even if you find one, you’ll have the irritating problem of being bound to one spot until your phone charges.
That’s where battery packs come in handy. Try to find a solar-powered battery pack. It can charge up even when you’re walking around the park.
If you are unable to find a solar-powered battery pack, you can look for a chargeable battery pack. Just make sure to charge it before you leave for the park.
• Waterproof Phone Case
Even above having an immeasurable amount of fun, keeping your phone protected should be a top priority. Unfortunately, water rides don’t typically have lockers where you can store your phone safely. Often, it has to come with you on the ride.
Using a Ziploc bag gets the job done on a budget. But, if you want to be more sophisticated, use a waterproof phone case.
Keeping Away Pain & Discomfort
Even if you are an active person, a whole day of walking at an amusement park will wipe you out. The crowds and the heat can be very fatiguing. Here are some methods you can use to alleviate the discomfort.
• Pain Meds
Over-the-counter pain medications are a must-have on your trip. Take a brand that you’re used to, because getting to the park and then experiencing side effects from medication will put a damper on your day.
If you’re traveling with children, take something along that’s safe for them. Allergy medication is another must-have.
• Anti-Chafing Gel
Blisters and sore skin do not make for good souvenirs. Anti-chafing gel will be your best friend on your adventure.
Apply it to your inner thigh and foot before you head for the park. Reapply liberally when you feel an inkling of discomfort.
• Gel Insoles
Gel insoles have to ability to make even uncomfortable heels pleasant to wear. For a day of walking around, these accessories are imperative.
Insert the gel soles into your shoes. They conform to your foot’s shape, making it easier to walk. It absorbs shock and disperses tension across your feet.
Some insoles are also cooling and massaging. This will help keep sweaty and stinky feet at bay.
• Band-Aids
When packing for any trip, make it a goal to be able to treat minor scrapes and bruises. Band-Aids come in handy for this. However, not just for cuts, Band-Aids can also be used to treat blisters.
Along with the band-aid, also carry betadine or similar disinfectant. Clean wounds with it before using the band aid.
• Hand Sanitizer & Wipes
Amusement parks are a breeding ground for germs. Every surface is touched by countless people, and infection transmission is easy.
Always take hand sanitizer with you to crowded places. Use it before eating and after getting off rides. When you can, wash your hands with soap and running water as well.
Wipes will be one of your biggest saviors at an amusement park. You can use them to clean spills, refresh your face at the end of your day, or wipe down the table before you eat.
Always carry wipes that are skin-safe. Baby wipes are a good option.
• Motion Sickness Medicine
This one doesn’t need much explanation. Rollercoasters often cause motion sickness, so you will need a remedy for this. Use them as per the box’s instruction and your primary care physician’s advice.
Of course, there is always the chance that a sudden spill, illness, or injury will require medical treatment. While most amusement parks have limited medical facilities on-site, they aren’t equipped to handle serious issues, and you can’t exactly run to your doctor’s office while visiting a foreign country.
For this reason, it is essential that you purchase travel medical insurance or travel insurance when planning your international theme park vacation. An international insurance plan can allow you to receive necessary medical treatment without being solely responsible for a massive healthcare bill. While it cannot prevent an illness or injury, it can certainly help you afford paying to treat it.
Getting Over Insufferable Lines
This is something that you cannot avoid at an amusement park. Even if you have a fast pass or another similar line-beating mechanism, they are capped by the number of times you can use them. As a result, you will stand in long lines, often in the heat. When this happens, you’re going to want a means to pass time.
• Books & Audio Books
Reading books is a great way to pass the time. Download a couple of books to your phone and read while you wait.
You can also download audiobooks so that you will be able to visually pay attention to your surroundings. Remember to also pack headphones.
• Sudoku & Other Brain Games
Keeping your brain busy will ensure you don’t get bored. Download a couple of brain game apps. Try to have at least three different apps so you have some variety.
• Toys For Children
Children suffer the most in these lines. They constantly need stimulation, and the waiting line before a rollercoaster is the last place they’ll get it.
Don’t carry toys that have multiple parts to them, and definitely don’t bring your child’s favorite toy. There’s a big chance they will lose it. It is best to pack action figures or toy cars that will help stimulate your kids’ imagination.
Surviving the Heat
Heat and amusement parks are synonymous. But, getting funky tan lines and overheating can be avoided. Here’s how:
• Sunscreen
This cannot be forgotten. Make sure you have a sunscreen that has at least SPF 50, and lather it on exposed skin.
Using waterproof sunscreen is a good idea even if you aren’t going on water rides so that you don’t sweat it off. Powdered sunscreens are also a good option if you have oily skin.
• Sun-Protective Clothing
Children are usually too excited and impatient to sit still and apply sunscreen properly. For ultimate UV protection, dress them in sun-proof clothing.
Wear UV-blocking sunglasses as well, preferably with big frames to protect more of your face.
• Hydration
It is imperative to constantly hydrate yourself when you’re out in the sun. Unfortunately, the cost of drinks at amusement parks is sky-high.
A budget tip is to take a cooler or vacuum mug with you to the park. This way, your drinks remain cool throughout the day for a fraction of the cost.
• Cooling Off
Even with hydration and hiding from the sun, the heat may get to you. When this happens, a cooling towel will be your best friend. These towels hasten the evaporation process, which helps you keep cooler.
You can also invest in a trusty handheld fan. The kind that spray water might be even better. It is perfect to cool off with while you’re waiting in lines.
These items will ensure you have fun while also remaining safe. Be diligent with your packing and you’ll have a blast.
