Landlubbers and scallywags alike can live like Captain Jack in a pirate-themed guest room specially created for Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Photo: Disney.

8 Insider's Tips to
Orlando Theme Parks

Theme park vacations—or even single-day getaways—can be loads of fun…if you plan ahead and follow some basic tips.

By Sandy Klim

1. Know where to go
Love roller coasters, but hate shows? Want a "watery" experience to cool off during the dog days of summer? Have little ones that want the prince or princess experience? Knowing what interests you and your family will help you select the perfect theme park destination. Universal is known for its abundance of fabulous coasters (you'll also find great coasters in most of the parks today) and the Harry Potter experience. Disney has four parks (plus two water parks) with lots of cool stuff for kids and some great shows. SeaWorld is the perfect destination for the eco-minded and marine life lovers. There also are lots of great attractions and entertainment venues to explore in Orlando.

2. Buy tickets in Advance
You can get great deals on select single or multi-day tickets at AAA. Purchase tickets before you go, because if you wait until you get to the gate, you'll pay top dollar.

3. Plan when to go
Try to visit off-season or during the week. Holidays, weekends and school vacations are the busiest times of the year.

Kids of all ages enjoy Shamu. Photo: SeaWorld.

4. Get there early
This is a must for a truly great experience. If you hit the parks midmorning or midday, you'll experience the busiest time for everything—from rides to dining and shows. Go early instead.

5. Start at the back—And your favorite ride
Most people naturally move left to right and front to back. Go in the opposite flow and hit your favorite (or most popular) rides early. Also remember to take advantage of "fast" or "front-of-line" passes, which allow you to bypass the main (long-line) entrance.

6. Consider on-site hotels
Many on-site hotels offer perks to their guests. Universal hotel guests can use their room key for front-of-line entrance to select rides. Disney has early park hours exclusively for their guests. Plus, the convenience of being able to hop the free transportation back to your room for a midday respite is a great benefit.

7. Plan ahead & don't try to do everything
Pick up a map of the park before you go and plan out your "must-sees." A well thought out plan of attack will save you time and headaches. (We've all seen the people within feet of the entrance with their maps spread trying to figure out what to do and where to go first.)

Entrance to Universal Studios. Photo: © 2011 Universal Orlando Resort.

8. Stay hydrated and take breaks
You've probably noticed red-faced kids and exhausted parents as they try to find a short timeout under the shade of a tree or canopy. Before you get to this stage, take a break. Don't forget to drink lots of water throughout the day. Plan specific break times and opportunities for some real rest. If you hit the parks early, plan to go back to your hotel for a two- or three-hour break during the heat of the day. Take a quick nap or simply relax in the comfort of your air conditioned room. (You'll also save on dining by eating off-site.) You'll return refreshed to tackle more adventure in the afternoon and have the energy to stay for evening entertainment.

Visitors travel from around the globe to experience these world-class theme parks. With a little planning, you can get the most for your theme park dollar.