25Jun

How to Plan a Successful Trip to Six Flags

I know what you’re thinking. How complicated can a trip to Six Flags be to warrant an entire blog post from your fave blogger gal pal? Well listen, my sole purpose with this blog is to teach you something new and save you time, money, and sanity. I’m hoping that this post will touch on all of the above.

Gone are the days that I was able to find a sweet little merry-go-round that kept my little one happy at a carnival or amusement park. Now the kid wants the thrills. The big roller coasters, the tall water slides, all the things his parents are not so enthused to ride themselves. Much to my chagrin, our friends and I had to step our game up and take a trip to Six Flags with our seven-year-olds. Now let me say this, some of the things I’m about to share with you, I’m not saying them because I was smart enough to actually do it the first go-round. They’re being recommended because when I got to the park, I was thinking, why don’t I have this? Or why didn’t I buy that?

So let’s start off with the ticket purchase. Much of what I saw on the website when initially purchasing the tickets, I said I wasn’t buying, like a season pass. I knew dag on well that I would probably not go back after the first time. However, my girlfriend said she was buying the season pass for her family and my husband suggested that I just get what they purchase. I have to say, I’m glad I did because the kids really enjoyed themselves and next time when I bring all the crap I’m about to tell you about here, it will make for a more streamlined experience. Not to mention, if you visit at least twice, your season pass is worth the money. Any trips after that are really free admission because your visits are unlimited within the 2021 season.

Ok so off we go…

BUY THE ADD-ONS

We have already addressed the season pass and why you should get it but as you book online, there will be a lot of other add-ons thrown at you before you check out. If you’re like me, I bypassed most of it and opted to only get one unlimited drink and paid in advance for one meal. BIG MISTAKE! If you can, at least buy the basic season dining pass that accompanies the season pass, for $59.99 and get one free meal and a snack each time you visit for the season. I’ll tell you right now, that’s about what I paid for the remaining two meals we purchased and it was only a burger meal and veggie burger meal. I would also throw in the season drink bottles to get unlimited beverages, yes it’s $27.99, which looks ridiculous when you purchase it but you want to know what’s even more ridiculous? A $9 160z bottle of water. Get the cup! I didn’t purchase any other passes and I don’t think that I would. My family doesn’t need a picture or go-karts pass and the flash passes which allow you to skip the line were far too rich for my blood at $299 and $399. We are just going to have to stand in line, which is why the next few items are essential. Fortunately for us on our visit, the park was not crowded at all and we had little to no wait time for the rides. That’s likely because we went the day school let out in Georgia.

BRING A COLLAPSIBLE SPORTS CART

What I’m about to say only applies to those who follow the one man left behind theory. My husband and I didn’t ride all the rides together with our son. It was a you go, I go situation. Someone was always available to hold, “the stuff.” If your family can follow this procedure, this buds for you. Bring the sports cart and if you don’t have one, click the ones I have posted here and buy it. Some may feel like this is far too cumbersome to lug to an amusement park. I beg to differ. After making our rounds around the park, we acquired 3 refillable cups, one $9 water bottle, and 3 prizes won from games. Do you know who was left to carry all of that? Me. Simplify your life guys! Bring the cart. You won’t regret it and you won’t be the only one there with one. Also, if your older kids are small enough you can have them sit inside to give them a break from walking.

DON’T FORGET THE PORTABLE FAN!

It really is the heat that makes going to amusement parks unbearable. What I didn’t remember to bring was my portable fan. The funny thing is I have more than three of these fans at home and didn’t think to at least bring one. I have a portable fan that goes around the neck, another that I can hold in my hand and I also have a mister fan. Do not come to the park without these items. If you do not have these items please feel free to purchase them here. They will make your park-going experience that much better, and help you avoid spending big bucks in the park to get one. If you want to go the extra mile, get yourself the cooling towels linked below to keep you and the kids cool. Thank me later.

ADD THE MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

The small things will really make a difference as well. Items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, hand sanitizer, lotion, lip balm, bug spray, portable charger, waterproof cell phone case, waterproof bag, and even an umbrella to keep block out the sun. The goal is to not have to buy any everyday items in the park, PERIOD. The great thing is all of these items will conveniently fit in your collapsible sports cart.

SWIMSUIT AND/OR CHANGE OF CLOTHES

We didn’t realize that there was a waterpark within Six Flags. We thought that the actual water park was located elsewhere, so when we got there and didn’t have bathing suits the kids were a little crushed. Be sure to double-check with your Six Flags location to see if they also have the waterpark within the Six Flags park. Even if you don’t visit the water park, bringing extra items such as a change of clothes could be beneficial because once you get hot and sweaty, it makes your time less enjoyable. If you at least have a change of shirt you can be more comfortable should you get too hot. Dry-fit shorts and quick-dry towels also work great because they dry fast once you get out of the water or after a water ride. Also, a good waterproof shoe helps with walking after getting wet. Crocs make a pretty cool lightweight waterproof shoe for adults and kids. I have some cute bags for wet clothes when we go on vacation, that would be a good idea to bring as well. Lastly, bring along freshening wipes makes a difference as well for a quick pick me up while you’re out.

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Technically you can use this item list for any amusement park you attend. The items listed are not exactly rocket science but it’s nice to see things that can be helpful to me all in one place. I hope that you and your family have a great summer!