Summer approaches and Gnomie Dan H. (aka starbucks95905 in our chat room) writes in with these tips that may come in handy if you’re planning on visiting a theme park or two:

I just got back from Epcot at Disney World in Orlando and I would like to give a few great tips for visiting theme parks.

1. Before you go, you may want to check out the peak periods of time for crowds at that park, because you don’t want to go when the place is packed.

2. If you don’t have much of a choice for when you visit, try and make the best of longer lines. You may want to bring something to keep you entertained in line, like an iPod or a book.
3. Don’t trust the park-given wait time for rides too much, as they are usually off due to inaccurate methods of getting the times.
4. Put any valuables in bags you have with you or in storage compartments on certain rides.
5. Bring a lunch along. The food at a theme park is always overpriced — not to mention it isn’t great or healthy food either.

I’ve learned from past experiences, and I don’t want anyone to learn the hard way like I’ve been doing. This applies to most big theme parks out there. But there is one thing I would like to say: if you aren’t willing to get tired, don’t go!