If you’re treating the kids to a day at one of the UK’s most popular family spots - Thorpe Park - follow these tried and tested tips to make your trip one to remember, for all the right reasons.
1. Avoid the queues
On busy days, parents with small children can get a special pass - Parent Swap - which allows just one of the parents to queue. When the first parent has been on the ride, the second can go on without having to queue again.
2. Buy Fastrack Tickets
These provide reduced waiting times for an extra charge. Here are the prices for some of the most popular rides: Extreme Fastrack £10.50 (Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, X, Tidal Wave or Loggers Leap), Accelerator Fastrack £10.50 (Rush, Samurai, Slammer & Vortex), Hydration Fastrack £7.50 (Storm Surge, Tidal Wave, Loggers Leap & Rumba Rapids), Ultimate Fastrack £70 (SAW - The Ride, The Swarm, Colossus, Nemesis Inferno, Stealth, X, Tidal Wave, Loggers Leap, Rush, Samurai, Slammer, Storm Surge & Vortex)
3. Say Cheese
Ride photos are nice souvenir of your day so look out for the cameras and don't forget to smile. If you decide to buy any, ask for them to be taken to the collection point near the exit to save you carrying them around all day.
4. Don't leave the wet rides till last
It's best to avoid doing the wettest rides at the end of the day, otherwise you might not be able to dry out before the journey home.
5. Arrive early
To make the most of your day, set off early. It can get very busy around the park, and roads can get congested. Go early, get a good parking space for the car, and beat the queues for entrance tickets. Make sure you know the exact opening time for the day you are going on, and get there just a bit before that time to ensure a good first hour enjoying the smaller queues. The big 'coasters and water rides on hot days get especially busy after lunchtime.
6. Get your car park ticket at the start of your day
The charge for the car park is around £5, and is pretty unavoidable if travelling to the park by car. You will need a car parking ticket to get through the barriers when you leave, so avoid delays later on by grabbing your ticket at the ticket booths when you enter the park. It avoids hassle at the end of the day when everyone is trying to get out of the park at the same time and could save you minutes of sitting in car park queues.
7. Information points
Guest Services can be found on the Lower Level of Port Atlantis (the Dome). They can help with lots of things, including lost property and issuing wristbands. There is also a medical centre next door.
8. Use vouchers
Whoever pays full price for a visit to Thorpe Park is wasting their money. There are so many offers and vouchers around that can be used, so don't plan a trip to the park without researching what's available. Have a look at ticket deals and short break offers in the ticket section.
9. Book online
Save yourself some money by booking your tickets online in advance. As well as being cheaper, you will save time by not having to queue at the entrance.
10. Need a stroller?
There are a limited number of pushchairs available for hire, and they are available on a first come, first served basis and a charge applies. Speak to a member of staff when you enter the park.
Image via Pinterest.
