There’s a question everyone asks when they plan to visit a theme park. “Should we visit on public holidays, or do we go on an ordinary day instead?”

Reason would tell you the latter is the right answer because you would spend less time in queues. However, theme parks organize extra activities during peak seasons. For instance, Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi puts on unique attractions to coincide with Abu Dhabi upcoming events and holidays. The following are examples:

● Spooktober: Several weeks from October to November leading up to Halloween

● Winter Spectacular: Several weeks from December to January of the following year to coincide with the holidays and winter break

● Chinese New Year: Several days in February to celebrate the lunar new year

● Eid Al Fitr: A few days leading up to Eid Al Fitr

During these times, there are shows you can witness and activities you can participate in that are available only during the season. Additionally, you’re likely to see more TV, movie, and game characters than at any other time in the year.

The logic is simple. There are more people free to visit a theme park during public holidays because people are on work or school break. Therefore, it’s cost-efficient for the theme park to stage more shows and arrange more activities.

Of course, this is also why you’re told to avoid theme parks during peak season. More people on break means more people at the park means more people waiting to try the rides means extensive queues.

However, there’s a workaround. If you have no problem squeezing your way in through a throng of people and sharing spaces with a crowd, visiting a theme park during peak season can offer the best value.

Here are a few tips you can follow to help you make the most of your time at a theme park, even during seasonal breaks.

1. Carefully choose your visit dates.

By all means, visit during winter break, but maybe (just maybe) don’t go during the weekends and Christmas Eve? There are levels of busy even during peak seasons, so visit on the least busy days.

At Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, for instance, Winter Spectacular typically starts from the first weekend of December to the weekend after the new year. You have many dates to choose from, so perhaps pick a weekday in the early part of the season.

2. Arrive early and head to the popular rides first.

Get to the park at least 30 minutes before opening. Want to skew the odds in your favor even more? Come at least one hour before the gates open.

Once you’re in, head to the most popular attractions first—while crowds are still light. The trendiest rides would have the longest lines, naturally, so prioritizing them will give you a bit of a head start and save you some precious time for later.

3. Download a map of the park and plan your itinerary.

This strategy enables tip number two above. If the theme park has a mobile app, download it. Barring that, make sure to get a copy of the theme park’s map that clearly marks out all the rides.

Don’t stop there. Create a list of the attractions and experiences you wish to try. Include the restaurants and shops you wish to visit.

After that, rearrange your list in order of priority and come up with your theme park day itinerary. Again, like tip number two above says, start with the most in-demand rides and go from there.

4. Use the park’s mobile app to monitor wait times.

Many theme parks have mobile apps that show, in real-time, the ride’s wait times. Use that to see what the queues are like in the rides you’re lining up for next, and make spot changes to your planned itinerary.

5. Leverage skip-the-line passes.

Fast passes, quick passes, flash passes – they’re known by many names. They’re passes that will let you skip the lines in some rides. They can be expensive, but they can provide excellent value during busy days – and what better time to take advantage of them than during peak season?

At Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, there are two ways you can get a skip-the-line pass. One is to get a Diamond-level annual pass. It comes with an unlimited quick-access pass you can redeem at the guest services desk upon arrival.

The alternative is to get a VIP theme park ticket. It comes with a first-class, five-hour guided experience and a flash pass that gives you immediate access to all attractions. Also included are valet parking, snacks, customized souvenirs, and exclusive dining experiences – say, the opportunity to dine at the VIP viewing area for an excellent view of a live show.

Note: Skip-the-line passes’ terms and conditions vary from park to park, so be sure to read yours carefully to understand what it entails. For instance, some passes may exclude immediate access to a few attractions.

Planning Pays Off

The peak season in theme parks is busy for a reason. People are on break. With rigorous planning, hopefully a flash pass, some flexibility and the smart use of your time, you can make the most out of your theme park visit and do not need to miss out on the festivities and seasonal fun.