AAA says 45 percent of summer vacationers plan a theme park visit; tips and deals

If you’re planning to visit a theme park this summer, you’re not the only one. Almost half of summer vacationers (45 percent) plan to visit a theme park this year, according to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse survey.

“Summer is peak season for theme parks,” said Belinda Dabrowski, managing director for AAA Partnership Development at The Auto Club Group. “Whether you’re a theme park novice or a connoisseur, be sure to take advantage of time and money-saving tips from a trusted source like AAA before you take your vacation.”

Check out these tips to help you plan your next theme park vacation:

• Plan for everything! Weather, long lines and height requirements are just a few of the things to consider when traveling to a theme park.

• Orlando is very rainy and hot in the summer, so be sure to pack a rain poncho and a change of clothes, just in case.

• Be prepared to wait in lines for attractions, as millions of people visit the theme parks every year. Beat the boredom by downloading a fun game on your phone to help both kids and adults from feeling impatient.

• Wear comfortable shoes and plan out which areas in the parks you’re visiting and at what times. This will help you pace your day and keep from getting too tired too quickly.

• Stay at an onsite hotel! At theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort, guests who stay on property can enter the park an hour before it opens to regular day guests. Walt Disney World allows you to book your FastPasses up to 60 days in advance if you are staying onsite, along with offering Extra Magic Hours in the morning or evening at participating parks.

• Many theme park hotels offer onsite babysitting services, which means a chance at a much-needed night out for Mom and Dad.
• You’re on vacation, don’t drive if you don’t have to! Most onsite hotels and resorts offer complimentary transportation to the parks. This means you can save money on parking fees and get direct access to the parks.
• Don’t buy “discounted” tickets from sites like eBay or Craigslist. The risk of buying counterfeit tickets is too great.
• Follow your favorite parks on social media, you never know when a special announcement or event might be revealed.
• Bring snacks and water to the parks to stay fueled during your stay. Check the theme park’s rules about what you can bring beforehand.

Florida residents who plan on visiting the parks this summer can take advantage of the following offers from AAA:

Walt Disney World

3- and 4-Day Discover Disney Ticket

AAA Member prices start at $157.99 plus tax

Universal Orlando Resort

2-Park Buy 1-Day, get 1-Day free

AAA Member Price at $166 plus tax

Legoland Florida Resort

AAA Members save up to $45 off gate ticket price

SeaWorld Orlando

AAA Members save up to $124 off gate ticket price

Stay tuned to our website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channel for more tips, tricks and updates from all the parks to help you plan your next vacation.