Top Family Holiday Parks 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!

I highly recommend downloading the My Disney Experience app before you go! It helps you check wait times, make dining reservations, and even order food ahead. It saved me a ton of time waiting in line!

Don’t skip the parades and fireworks! They’re amazing. But arrive at least an hour early to find a good spot. It’s a great way to relax after a day of walking around!

I think going during the week is better than the weekend. I went on a Tuesday, and it felt less crowded, which made it easier to hop from ride to ride without waiting forever.

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!

Definitely get the Universal Orlando app before you go. It helped me find ride wait times and dining options, saving me a ton of time. I found some really awesome food places I would've missed otherwise!

My advice is to check for any Florida resident deals online. I randomly stumbled upon a discount on our tickets, and it saved us a decent chunk of change—about $50 per person!

If you can, stay at one of the Universal hotels. We splurged a bit, but that early park access was so worth it! We rode everything we wanted before the lines got nuts!

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!

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.

I suggest checking out the food court before settling on a meal. You can find better value eats, and don't miss the local specialties like Chicago-style pizza!

Don't forget to stroll along the pier and take in the views for free! I really loved the skyline and lake views, and it won't cost you a dime

Be prepared for weather changes. I made a mistake not checking the forecast and ended up buying an overpriced poncho. Bring a light jacket just in case!

My advice is to skip the expensive parking lots nearby. Look for street parking or use the rideshare apps; it'll save you some bucks!

I suggest eating during off-peak hours, like 2:00 pm for lunch. It meant way shorter lines and more available tables. Plus, the food was fresher!

Explore the shops before buying anything. I ended up finding some cool merch at the back of the stores that wasn’t visible up front. It’s like a hidden treasure hunt!

I found that arriving at the park by 8:00 am helped us beat the crowds. The first few hours were way less hectic and we got to enjoy popular rides without waiting ages.

Bring a refillable water bottle! You can fill it for free at various stations, which is a money-saver compared to buying a drink every time.