Shows
Go see the parades, walk through the mazes, meet your favorite characters and attend live performances. Many people skip this interactive part of their visit because they view it as a waste of time or juvenile. However, you’re here to have fun and get the total experience. I know I was initially hesitant to see “Waterworld” at Universal because my group had to plan a good chunk of our day around the showtime, but it is by far my favorite part of the park. I refuse to skip it anytime I go now.

Food
If you want to be fully immersed in the atmosphere of the park, using all five senses, this is the perfect opportunity to capture that. Eat the foods featured in beloved childhood movies, and get the iconic drinks you’re unable to find anywhere else. If there is a place that you know you want to eat at more than anything, ensure you make a reservation as much in advance as possible. I understand that the food can be intimidatingly pricey, but it is as important as the rides or other aspects of your visit, especially if it is a theme park. In addition, it can be the perfect way to get out of the heat or rest your feet.

Rides
Thrill rides, water rides, dark rides, try it all. If it is your first time, you’re not going to know what you like and dislike yet. If you’ve been to other parks, you may be able to get an idea of your preferences. For example, if you are prone to motion sickness, you might not like 3D or spinning rides and may want to take some medication like Dramamine before you arrive. However, the best thing you can do is be open to new (sometimes initially scary) experiences. Remember to pace yourself and vary up the type of ride you go on.

I’d recommend sticking to one area of the park and doing everything in that area before going to the next. For the best outcome, you should balance each of the three aspects throughout the day. My favorite is grabbing a snack while waiting in line. Although it may seem difficult to do everything in just one day, it is attainable if you plan accordingly.

Research
If you are even remotely interested in going to an amusement park, the biggest piece of knowledge I can pass on to you is to do research, research and more research. If you’re completely new to going to amusement parks, be sure to look up rules and etiquette. For instance, check if there is a clear bag policy, and don’t stop walking in the middle of the path. From there, it is important to look up all the different experiences the park has to offer and plan where you’re going to start your journey, as well as how you want it to end.

Find ways to stay entertained while waiting in line, such as by downloading “Heads Up!” or bringing other easy games. Decide when–wait until after peak times and go against the crowd–you want to take the time to rejuvenate by going to a restaurant or an air-conditioned gift shop. If you don’t, you will lose all motivation and energy, becoming aggravated by midday. Figure out who you want to go on this trip with, as they may have different interests. The little choices, when added up, can make a big impact.

Tickets
Hopefully, in your research, you were able to find out what day(s) are the least busy and that you want to visit. If you go during a special season like Christmas or Halloween, know your experience may be different than other times, and you have to weigh the pros/cons of that. Going to “rope drop,” which is when you get there before the park opens so you can be the first few in line, is a fun experience that everyone should have at least once. If you are only going for a day, I would do the rope drop to closing. If your trip spans multiple days, I would split it up by going early some days and staying late some days, so that you get both experiences.

Go to the park’s website and purchase your tickets in advance. Keep in mind how you will be getting to the park, such as carpooling, as parking close by can be expensive. If you are able, FastPasses are a nice option to avoid unnecessary ride lines and allow you to do more attractions. Download the park’s app so you can easily find locations and wait times.

Packing
Unfortunately, I can’t reach into the screen to tell you if you’re overpacking or underpricing, but I can provide you with some general non-negotiables. Print out your ticket in case there are online issues, and bring the usual wallet/ID, keys, medication/first aid kit, etc. Pack a sunscreen, water bottle, portable charger and hand sanitizer. I highly recommend bringing a poncho if you’re doing water rides or if it’s raining to avoid chafing in wet clothes.

Use a backpack for convenience, and keep in mind that you will have some unsupervised designated spaces to store, while other rides may not. It may seem simple, but make sure all loose items are secure before you lose your phone on a ride. You can wear a cute outfit, but make sure it’s comfortable and you have supportive shoes

Of course, you cannot control or predict everything that happens on your trip. In fact, some of that spontaneity is what makes the visit enjoyable. Even if you do not have the ability to expand your vacation across multiple days or go park hopping, you can still have a good time there. The key is to take people’s recommendations and tailor your trip to fit the experiences you prefer to have and the things you want to see.