No one likes to wait—not even at an amusement park. Unfortunately, “lines” are part of the attraction. So “skipping” or “cutting in line” will be difficult, unless you’re lucky and no one else is waiting. Because, unfortunately, cutting in line isn’t allowed.
Still, there are a few “tips” and “tricks” to make waiting in line a little more bearable. Let’s go over them.
1) Information boards
Many amusement parks nowadays have digital information boards displaying wait times. These can be either general boards (showing an overview of all current wait times) or specific boards for each attraction.
2) The park app
Download the amusement park’s app (on your smartphone). Chances are you’ll find a map there showing the current wait times for each attraction.
3) Quick access
Sometimes amusement parks have a system that allows visitors to enter attractions more quickly: via a so-called “fast lane.” Think, for example, of Disney’s former “Fast Pass,” which is now called “Disney Premier Access.” In short: you pay to get in faster (via a separate entrance).
4) Virtual queue
With this free option, you’re essentially “pushing back” your wait time. While you’re spending time elsewhere in the park, you’re “virtually” waiting in line for a specific attraction. When it’s your turn (i.e., when your time slot arrives), you can enter the attraction through a separate entrance, which shortens your wait time.
5) Single Rider
Solo visitors who have to or want to ride an attraction by themselves have one advantage: they can join a “single rider” line, if the attraction offers one. There’s a reason for this. Attraction staff sometimes pick “singles” from this line to fill empty seats in a car. So, as a solo visitor, you might still have to wait a little while.
6) General
In addition to the tips above, there are also some more “general” points. They’re pretty self-explanatory, but I’ll list them here anyway.
– (when the park gates open) head straight to the back of the park, because that’s where there will be the fewest people at that moment
– Decide for yourself: should I go on this ride now, or do I have time for it later?
– Plan an outdoor activity if the weather is bad (and an indoor one if the weather is nice)
– Plan an activity during mealtimes (e.g., at lunchtime and in the evening)
If you have any other fun tips, let us know!
