Top Amusement Parks Rides in USA

Consider packing your own snacks. I saved a bunch by bringing snacks from home instead of buying food in the park, which can get pricey really fast!

Pro-tip: Look for character meet and greets at less busy times, like during parades. We got awesome photos without the huge crowds obstructing everything!

I suggest using the Disneyland app to check wait times in real-time. I found it super helpful for dodging long lines and planning our next moves on the fly!

I recommend hitting the less popular rides first thing, like the Matterhorn or the Alice in Wonderland ride. The lines build up quickly, but they’re way worth it.

Don't miss the nighttime shows! Find a good spot an hour before. We learned the hard way after getting stuck way at the back. Better to be early and up close!

Consider packing your own snacks. The food inside the park can get pretty pricey and the quality doesn't always match the price. I brought some granola bars and saved a bunch!

If you're planning to eat in the park, consider meal deals or dining plans. They save you money in the long run, and you'll have more options without breaking the bank

I found that the 'Quick Queue' pass was totally worth it for the popular rides. It saved us hours compared to standby lines, but be sure to check which rides it covers first.

Bring a refillable water bottle. There are refill stations, and this saved me a ton of cash instead of buying bottled water all day!

Don't skip the shows! They were surprisingly entertaining and give you a nice break from all the rides. The Sinbad show is a must-see, trust me!

I recommend getting to the park right before it opens at 10 AM. The first hour is great for hitting popular rides like SheiKra without long waits!

I think it's worth buying the quick queue pass if you're planning on hitting a lot of rides—it saved me so much time! Just don’t buy it last min, I learned that the hard way.

Do NOT underestimate the heat! I thought I'd be fine, but the sun can be brutal. Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it at the many stations around the park.

If you can, go on a weekday. I visited on a Thursday and the crowds were way lighter than the weekends, making it easier to enjoy everything!

If you’re planning to eat at one of the restaurants, definitely make a reservation. I went without one and ended up waiting over an hour for a table – such a waste of time.

Consider getting the Flash Pass. It helps skip the long lines, especially for popular rides. I did this and it totally changed my day!

Look for the scheduled showtimes. I almost missed an awesome show because I was too focused on rides. Make a mini-schedule!

Check the app for ride wait times. It was super helpful for planning which rides to hit next without wasting time standing around.

If you're planning to do the coasters, ride them on a cloudy day. We ended up waiting over an hour on a sunny day! So check the weather before you head out.

Check the ride schedule before you plan your day. Some of the most popular rides might be closed, so you might want to have a backup plan in case your faves aren’t running.

I highly recommend eating at Bubba Gump Shrimp. The food is delicious and service is top-notch, making it a great spot to recharge after a day of fun.

Bring a stroller if you're with little ones... Be prepared for some stairs if elevators are out of order, but it's handy for keeping tired kiddos comfortable while you explore

Definitely consider coming on a weekday or during off-peak hours, like right when it opens around 10 AM, to avoid long lines for rides and restaurants. It’ll make your experience a lot smoother!