Top 6 Tweaks for a More Enjoyable Waterpark Visit
Exhilarated, not exhausted, is what you want to feel when you go on a waterpark excursion. Unfortunately, if you don’t plan and strategize, you could end up spending more time dodging crowds, battling the heat, and waiting in line than actually enjoying attractions. The usual advice — arrive early, wear sunscreen, drink water — all those will help, but they only scratch the surface of a good all-around waterpark strategy.
You can have a much better experience with a few adjustments. You may not have the perks of an annual pass (you’d have a radically different experience if you did, though), but by following these tips, you can be more comfortable, save time, and have more fun at a waterpark.
1. Wear a rash guard and skip constant sunscreen applications.
Most people rely on sunscreen alone, forgetting that it washes off quickly in the water. Reapplying every hour is not only inconvenient but also easily forgettable. You can get distracted when you’re lining up or paddling around in the wave pool. The next thing you know, it’s been hours since you last refreshed your sunscreen protection.
A rash guard or long-sleeve swim shirt eliminates this (necessary) hassle. It provides all-day UV protection and can help prevent skin irritation from rough slide surfaces and chlorinated water. When you wear a rash guard in the waterpark, you get less sunburn and require a smaller sunscreen coverage area.
The kicker? No need to ask a friend to rub sunblock on your back and deal with the awkwardness of telling that friend about all the spots they missed.
2. Use a waterproof phone case with a lanyard.
Locking your phone away in a rental locker may seem like the safest and most practical option, but imagine having to walk across the park to retrieve your phone whenever you must check messages or snap a quick photo. That will quickly get you up to a 10,000-step count, but that’s about the only benefit. It is extremely inefficient, to say the least, and breaks the flow of your day.
Instead of going back and forth all the time, prepare a fully waterproof phone case with a lanyard so you can always keep your device with you. Make sure the phone case is rated for full submersion. Water-resistant is different from waterproof, and it’s a distinction you must make if you don’t want to end up with a dead phone.
3. Bring a small, portable fan to beat the heat.
Cooling off in the water is easy. Staying comfortable while waiting in line? Not so much.
Standing on the hot pavement under the midday sun will drain your energy fast. A pocket-sized, battery-powered fan makes a huge difference, especially in crowded areas with minimal airflow. Some even come with built-in misting functions for an extra cooling boost.
4.Ditch the flip-flops for water shoes.
Flip-flops are the obvious choice for a waterpark, but they’re impractical. They slip off on slides, offer zero traction on wet surfaces, and do nothing to protect feet from the sun-scorched pavement.
Water shoes, meanwhile, stay secure, dry quickly, and provide better grip on slick walkways. They also shield your feet from rough pool bottoms and hidden debris.
5. Eat breakfast before going to the park and pack energy-boosting snacks if allowed.
Have you heard of the Beatles’ The Long and Winding Road? It’s a beautiful song, but that’s not the point being made here. Lines at rides, slides, attractions, and food stands embody that song.
Never assume you’d have the time or luxury of eating at the waterpark. It would be nice if you could, but to be safe, eat before you leave your home or hotel so you’d have the energy to hit the best rides when you arrive.
“But it’s downtime when it’s early. We can be first if we line up at the food stands or get a sit-down meal as soon as we arrive.” That’s true, but would you really like to squander your precious first-to-arrive-at-the-park advantage on a line to get burritos?
Parks with strict food policies may still allow small, non-messy snacks like protein bars, dried fruit, or trail mix, but this can vary from one waterpark to another. If you’re allowed, bring them. If not, you’d have to buy food and drinks inside. However, you should have at least sufficient energy from a big breakfast to tide you through until after the lunch rush.
6. Take advantage of special events.
Seasonal events at waterparks can bring so much value. Are you planning on visiting Yas Waterworld in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi? If you time your visit so it coincides with Yas Waterworld events, you can enjoy extra activities and attractions. How about some spectacular fireworks displays to cap the day during Eid al-Fitr?
A downside is the crowds. If you can take it, though, it’s more than worth it. Check the waterpark’s event calendar before you go so you can visit during an event or avoid event dates, depending on your preference and crowd-tolerance levels.
Small Tweaks, Big Payoff
Planning for a waterpark visit is about making minor but impactful adjustments. Choosing water shoes over flip-flops, wearing a rash guard, packing a portable fan, and eating a big breakfast before you leave for the park may help make your time there more enjoyable and fun.
