Woman paid to test theme parks shares top tips including how to cut queue times

Unique:

Florida theme parks tester Alexandria has shared her high suggestions for the likes of Walt Disney World, Common Orlando and Legoland together with learn how to reduce down queue wait occasions

Think about spending your days exploring among the world’s finest theme parks together with the likes of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando – and being paid for the expertise.

Nicely, that is precisely the dream job which Alexandria Adamson from Glasgow bagged when she was picked to develop into Ocean Florida’s official Theme Park Tester again in 2020.

Because of the Covid pandemic she was unable to go to Orlando till this 12 months, however she’s now again after three action-packed weeks.

A few of her highlights included a visit to Busch Gardens which she claims “has among the finest rollercoasters in all of Florida”. Talking of rollercoasters, a few of her must-visit rides embrace Common’s new Jurassic World themed Velocicoaster, Disney’s Star Wars themed Rise of the Resistance, and the Iron Gwazi trip at Busch Gardens.

In fact, Alexandria’s picked up heaps of insider methods for navigating the theme parks – and now she’s shared some solely with The Mirror.

We’re speaking straightforward hacks for reducing queue wait occasions, necessities to pack for a theme park day trip, and among the must-knows should you’re heading to Walt Disney World and Common parks.

Take a look at her high suggestions beneath…

Signal as much as the Mirror’s travel newsletter for extra vacation suggestions and offers.

Plan forward

“These parks have rather a lot to supply and will be overwhelming particularly in busy intervals which for Orlando is many of the 12 months,” says Alexandria. “Know what you undoubtedly wish to do, take a look at any seasonal choices within the parks at the moment that will have an effect on your day. Ebook any eating reservations. Pre-planning and reserving as a lot as potential earlier than you even arrive will make your journey that a lot much less demanding.”

Oh, and if there’s one important you pack on your journey, make it a battery pack. “Nobody desires to spend a part of their day ready for his or her telephone to cost or having no battery to take photographs of your day!” she explains.

The way to reduce down queue wait occasions

Alexandria recommends utilizing the theme park apps to control when wait occasions get shorter, however typically it may well come all the way down to being intelligent together with your timing.

“If there are large evening reveals or parades taking place and you are not overly bothered about these, that is often when wait occasions are at their lowest,” she advises.

It is also value checking for any perks should you’re staying in a resort. She explains: “In the event you’re a resort visitor for particular parks use that additional time they provide you to enter the parks, it might imply an early morning or late evening, but it surely’s often value it.”

Use the apps

“Every park has its personal app that can enable you to take advantage of your day often with wait occasions, learn how to navigate the parks, and all of the leisure and foods and drinks choices,” she explains.

Heading to Walt Disney World particularly? Alexandria recommends taking a look via the app earlier than your journey. “Play about with the My Disney Expertise app earlier than you go,” she suggests. “It is going to be tremendous useful when you’re there.”

Prime suggestions for Walt Disney World

With 4 theme parks and two water parks, should you’re planning to take advantage of the Walt Disney World resort, you may want a sport plan.

Alexandria recommends beginning by pre-booking your eating reservations as “it may be actually troublesome to get the full-service eating places on the day”.

Oh, and whereas Florida is famend for its sunshine it does additionally get some rainfall – should you’re unfortunate with the climate, you will be tactical should you’re nonetheless going to hit the parks.

“Some parks are higher to be in throughout dangerous climate,” says Alexandria, noting that EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios have fewer points of interest that shut when there’s lightning, in comparison with Magic Kingdom.

Other than the theme parks and rides, there’s heaps to discover across the resort.

Foodies, take word: based on Alexandria, “among the finest bars and eating places on Disney Property are within the Disney resorts”.

Her high picks embrace Enchanted Rose on the Grand Floridian, Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk Inn, and Dealer Sam’s on the Polynesian, whereas Disney Springs additionally will get a shout out for its “superb foods and drinks” as nicely its purchasing, cinema, bowling alley and live performance venue.

Prime suggestions for Common Studios Orlando

Common consists of three theme parks, however should you’re solely planning to hit one or two, our theme park insider suggests contemplating an Categorical Go as “it can make such a distinction to your day”. The go cannot be used for sure rides akin to the brand new Jurassic World theme rollercoaster, the Velocicoaster.

In the meantime Harry Potter followers will not wish to miss the Wizarding World, which is unfold throughout Common Studios and Islands of Journey. “As a Harry Potter fan these parks are unmissable and unforgettable,” Alexandria says.

“The Diagon Alley space and the Hogsmeade space are actually like moving into the pages of the books or into the scenes of the flicks. It’s really easy to overlook you’re in the actual world with individuals operating round in robes and performing spells with their interactive wands, and let’s not overlook in regards to the dangerously scrumptious Butterbeer.

“The Hogwarts Categorical expertise between the 2 areas simply completely ties the entire magical expertise collectively. And as if the theming wasn’t sufficient the Hagrid’s story coaster is likely one of the finest points of interest throughout each parks.”

Once you want a break from the parks, Alexandria recommends heading to CityWalk.

“These eating places have significantly better meals than within the parks they usually’ll in all probability be quieter than the eating places truly within the parks,” she says. “CowFish on CityWalk is likely one of the finest eating places at Common Resort, the cheeseburger sushi was unimaginable, I went again twice. And the chocolate emporium does the BEST speciality milkshakes or you may have Voodoo doughnuts for unimaginable and typically uncommon flavoured doughnuts should you’re not a milkshake fan.”

Have you ever been to Orlando – and did you unearth any good theme park suggestions? We wish to hear them! Tell us within the feedback beneath.