Spend the October bank holiday weekend in PortAventura. Stay onsite in the 4-star Gold River Hotel and enjoy unlimited access to the park, plus a day in Ferrari Land!

Book a weekend in PortAventura and you are guaranteed to have lots of family fun. One of Europe’s largest theme parks, PortAventura has rides and attractions for all ages, and there will be plenty of spooky events planned to coincide with the Halloween break.
 

 
Ideally located in Salou, you can also enjoy some beach time, or take a trip to Barcelona if you choose to extend your stay. We enjoyed a wonderful few days in Port Aventura a few years ago, and stayed in this very same hotel.

The 4-star Gold River Hotel is a Wild West-themed hotel and boasts three pools as well as day and evening entertainment. There is a choice of dining options including a buffet and a la carte restaurants. We enjoyed some tasty food here and the supplement to upgrade to half board is only €185 for a family of four.
 

 
By staying on site in one of PortAventura’s hotels, you will have unlimited access to PortAventura throughout your stay as well as 1 day access to Ferrari Land. You will also enjoy the flexibility of being able to visit the parks in the evening time when there are less crowds.

Top Tip: Don’t miss the closing fireworks displays!

Read: 10 reasons to visit PortAventura

Read: My review of PortAventura World

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

Ryanair have extended their services to Barcelona Reus airport to coincide with the Halloween break this year, and prices for return flights for three nights from the 28th of October are €196 per person from Dublin and €254 from Cork.

Flights are also available from Cork for four nights on the 27th of October for only €147 per person.
 

 
Reus airport is only 12 minutes drive to PortAventura so I have chosen Reus for this weekend break. However, there are more flights available to Barcelona airport ( 1 hour drive from PortAvenura ), and they are lower in price.

PortAventura can also be reached from Girona airport ( 2 hours drive) – with flights from Knock to Girona for five nights on the 26th of October for only €82 per person.
 

 
Search flights here 28th – 31st October €196pp Barelona Reus
 
View hotel here €824
 

 
Prices for this weekend in PortAventura are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links where I will receive a small commission if a booking is made.

This super family break to PortAventura for Easter holidays includes flights, accommodation four four nights.

Take the kids to PortAventura for Easter holidays and they will thank you for it! Not only is it one of Europe’s largest theme parks, but it’s also one of the best. I visited twice and loved it and was amazed at how many rides and experiences are available for children of all ages.
 

 
I have a choice of accommodation  to choose from. Stay in a two-bedroom apartment at the popular Pierre & Vacances Salou, or stay at the PortAventura Hotel, where you can walk in and out of the park as many times as you like. You can also enjoy a complimentary family pass to Ferrari Land, which is located nearby.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit PortAventura

Read: The best tickets to buy for Port Aventura

If you happen to get enough of rollercoasters you can choose to relax on the beach if you get great weather, or take day-trips to the nearby cities of Barcelona and Tarragona.
 

 
I have chosen a five-night break from Dublin below, but flights are also available from Cork and Shannon airports. Note Barcelona Reus airport is the closest airport to Salou and PortAventura so I recommend choosing Reus to save on time and airport transfers. If you want a shorter or longer duration, simply edit the dates via the links provided below.

The 4-Star Hotel PortAventura offers free unlimited entry to PortAventura during your stay, as well as a one-day family pass to FerrariLand. The hotel has direct access to the Mediterranean area of the park and boasts two swimming pools and four restaurants. Price for a three-night stay is €854, based on a family of four sharing.
 

 
If you prefer a spacious apartment, the Pierre & Vacances apartments are good value, priced at only €348 for a three-night stay in a two bedroom apartment. They are well rated on TripAdvisor and they are an ideal choice if you want to stay in Salou, or if you have a larger family.

They are located in Salou, within walking distance of shops, bars and restaurants, just 700 metres from the beach and 2km from PortAventura. If you choose to go with this option, I have priced family passes to PortAventura and FerrariLand separately below.  If you have three or four children, simply add on extra flight tickets and attraction passes.
 

 
Search flights here €162pp Barcelona Reus 31st March – 4th April  

View Apartment €308

PortAventura tickets 2 Day tickets: Adult €66, Child €58
 

 
I have selected four nights in this deal, however, you can select whatever dates suit you best, simply edit the search on the links below. See lots more apartment and hotel options in this post:

Read: Salou holidays, best hotels, apartments and campsites in Salou 

 
Prices for this family break to PortAventura for Easter Holidays are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. Please note that some of the links in this post are affiliate links where I will receive a small commission if a booking is made.

Thrilling, heart-racing rollercoasters, spectacular shows, character parades, and breath-taking firework displays await you in the best theme parks in Europe. 

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer the slow pace of a carousel, the best theme parks in Europe are full of options to suit all the family. The fun-filled atmosphere of a theme park is something many of us are craving right now, and luckily we have no shortage of parks to choose from – most just a short flight away. So, fasten your seatbelts while I take you on a whistle stop tour of what I think are some of the best theme parks in Europe, and give you tips on where to stay too.
 

1. Disneyland Paris, France

Undoubtably the most popular theme park in Europe, Disneyland Paris attracts an average of 12 million visitors annually. With two amazing parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, there is so much to discover that you will easily need to spend two or three days here. 

Read: My top tips for visiting theme parks
 

 
It goes without saying, there is a ride for every age, interest, and level of adrenaline you are seeking at these parks, from the tummy churning Tower of Terror to the gentle spinning of the Mad Hatters Tea Cups.

For the little Princesses in your house, be sure to visit the Princess Pavilion for a photo opportunity they’ll treasure. The famous Disneyland Parade takes place on Main Street usually at 5.30pm (check your timetable), it’s normally good to grab a spot at the beginning of the parade (opposite Belle Notte restaurant),  and then scoot off to the rides once it has passed. Finally, the nightly fireworks display is an absolute must to finish a magical day at Disneyland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

We visited at Christmas time and loved it. You can read all about our trip here:

Read: Top tips to visit Disneyland Paris at Christmas time
 

Where to Stay:

There are eight resort hotels in Disneyland Paris, each with a different theme.  We stayed in the Disneyland Hotel, and while it was magical, I felt it was overpriced. We also stayed in the New York Hotel previously and felt it was very similar, and a much better price point. This hotel is due to be reimagined this year as The Art of Marvel hotel.
 

 
Another popular choice is Newport Bay Hotel. One of the main benefits of staying in a Disney resort hotel is the extra magic hour you get to enter the park before the public, and in many cases you are able to walk to the parks.

Book Disney hotels & park tickets here
 

 
However, don’t overlook some of the nearby hotels, as they are much lower in price and most offer a free shuttle bus to the parks. Disney’s parter hotels range from two to four-star and you can find more about those here:

Read: The Best Disneyland Paris Hotels – Top Picks For Families, Luxury and Value

See Park tickets here
 

How to get to Disneyland Paris

The quickest and easiest way to get to Disneyland Paris is to take the TGV train from Charles de Gaulle Airport, you will arrive in Disneyland Paris in just 12 minutes. Disney’s Magic shuttle bus is also available, approx. 1 hour, or alternatively take a private taxi. 

Read: The best time to visit Disneyland Paris
 

2. PortAventura & Ferrari Land, Spain

For most families, a visit to PortAventura is an added bonus for an exciting day or two, during a summer holiday to the Costa Dorada region of Spain. However, we enjoyed a fabulous few days when we stayed on site a few years ago. Not only is PortAventura one of Europe’s largest theme parks, I firmly believe it is one of the best theme parks in Europe. I recommend visiting as a stand alone trip too, perhaps a long weekend away, or a getaway over the mid term break.
 

 
PortAventura features six distinct worlds with an exciting theme associated with each. The two most thrilling rides in the park are Shambhala, the parks tallest rollercoaster at 76m and reaching a speed of 134km/h, and Dragon Khan which will take you through 8 loops in 69 seconds! When we visited our children were too young to try these (that’s my excuse anyway!), but we loved the water rides.

Grand Canyon Rapids is perfect for kids of all ages while Silver River Plume is more like a coaster with one big drop, and you will need to factor in that you will get quite wet. PortAventura is also home to Caribe Aquatic Park. This is seasonal and usually opens from May to September.
 

 
Younger children are well catered for also with Sésamoaventura, the Sesame Street themed world that offers lots of gentle fun rides, and even the possibility of bumping into Bert and Ernie along the way. As well as the incredible selection of rollercoasters and rides, the park also offers impressive shows, a great fireworks display, and a huge variety of restaurants.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit PortAventura World
 

 
Opened in 2017, Ferrari Land is the newest addition to the PortAventura World resort. The main attraction here is the terrifying Red Force and at 112 metres high, you won’t have to search to find it. It’s not only the tallest rollercoaster in Europe but also the fastest, accelerating you from zero to 180km/h in just 5 seconds. I was brave or daft enough to try this, and to be honest, I’m still not over it!
 
You will get around Ferrari Land in just over half a day so I would definitely opt for a combination ticket to include both parks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

Read: My guide to Ferrari World, Spain
 

Where to Stay:

We stayed in PortAventura’s Gold River Hotel and loved it. It is located next to the park, boasts large family rooms and suites, and has a great restaurant on site. A stay here will include entry to PortAventura during your stay and a 1 Day entry to Ferrari Land.

Book PortAventura hotels here
 

 
You could also stay in the nearby holiday resorts of Salou, La Pineda or Cambrils. Depending on the time of year you visit, why not combine a sun holiday with some time in one of the best theme parks in Europe?

Book tickets here
 

How to get to PortAventura:

PortAventura is located 15 minutes from Reus Airport or just over an hour from Barcelona Airport.

3. Gardaland, Italy

Taking top spot for the largest and most visited theme park in Italy is Gardaland, sitting on the shores of beautiful Lake Garda. The park boasts 32 rides which includes 7 rollercoasters and 3 water rides, perfect to cool the family down on a hot Italian summer’s day.
 

 
Conveniently they have categorised each of the rides into three groups, so you know what you’re getting in advance! Fantasy is aimed at younger children with lots of colourful gentle rides, as well as exciting adventures such as driving a tractor through the park’s crazy farm. 

Adventure has rides to suit all ages, most of which you don’t have to be too brave to take on! Finally, there is Adrenaline which is made up of the highest, fastest, and most thrilling rides in the park. There is possibly a perception that Gardaland is a family day out for younger children, but take one look at these rollercoasters and you’ll soon realise older children and adults will be left pretty impressed.
 

 
We visited Gardaland about ten years ago, but it has changed so much since then, with lots of new attractions and parks added. Two of the newer additions to Gardaland are Peppa Pig Land, and excitingly for the first time in Europe, Legoland is due to open their Lego themed water park this year. With all these new additions, this must surely make Gardaland a contender for one of the best theme parks in Europe.
 

 
Also to note, Gardaland’s Magic Halloween experience runs from 8th October into early November and with flights operating throughout October to Verona, this is certainly a trip to consider.

Where to stay:

Gardaland Hotel is located just two minutes by complimentary shuttle from the park. Campsites are generally one of the more popular accommodation choices for families to Lake Garda, and Del Garda Village & Camping is one of the closer to Gardaland just 3km away. 

Book tickets here
 

How To get to Gardaland:

The closest airport is Verona, a 25-minute drive from Gardaland. Venice (Marco Polo Airport) is approx. 90 minutes drive.
 

4. Legoland Windsor, England

One of the UK’s most well-known theme parks is Legoland in Windsor. The park is designed mainly for children aged between 3 – 12 years featuring over 55 interactive rides, live shows, and spectacular LEGO creations. Some of the highlights include the new DUPLO brick Dinosaur rollercoaster, the thrilling LEGO Dragon ride, and the 3D behind the scenes animation of THE LEGO MOVIE set.
 

 
With its popularity with the young (and young at heart), for the last decade, Legoland Windsor may not be one of the best theme parks in Europe, but it is certainly one of the most popular. If you are planning a trip to Legoland, it is worth taking a look at the events organised throughout the year particularly the Halloween and Christmas themed weeks. This is either a destination on its own where you could easily spend two full days exploring the resort, or as an exciting day trip during a family city break to London.

Read: The top things to do in London with kids and where to stay
 

Where to stay:

Legoland Resort hotel has rooms that will sleep up to a family of five, and offers packages with park tickets included. Alternatively, the 4-star Castle Hotel is located in the heart of Windsor, less than a ten-minute drive from Legoland, a short stroll from plenty of shops and restaurants, and just a two-minute walk from Windsor Castle.
 

 
Book tickets here

How to get to Legoland:

Legoland is located 20km from London Heathrow Airport, and also accessible from other London airports.
 

5. Alton Towers, England

Spread over 500 acres, Alton Towers is the UK’s biggest theme park and impressively appeals to all age groups and levels of bravery, with its offering of over 50 rides and attractions. It won the theme park of the year at last years theme park awards, and is undoubtedly one of the best theme parks in Europe.
 

 
For thrillseekers, the infamous Oblivion and Nemesis rides are sure to leave you speechless. Or if that hasn’t scared you enough, you won’t know whether to laugh or cry as you make your way through the dark and terrifying Alton Towers Dungeon.
 

 
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alton Towers is also home to CBeebies Land which opened in 2014 and is hugely popular with children from 1- 6 years, where they have the opportunity to interact with their favourite characters. Daily shows include the Teletubbies Big Band Show, which is sure to have your little ones singing and dancing along.

In addition to the incredible selection of rides and rollercoasters, Alton Towers also has a water park located within their Splash Landings Hotel.

Downloading the Alton Towers Resort App in advance will help you get the most out of your visit, allowing you to check current waiting times, the option to purchase Fast track and the ability to set reminders for the shows taking place.
 

Where to stay:

Alton Towers’ Resort has a host of accommodation options, including rooms that will sleep up to six. Hilton Garden Inn, Stoke-on-Trent is 20km from Alton Towers, and with a central location it is within easy walking distance to explore the city.

If you are taking the ferry, a stopover in Chester might be worth considering. Check out the beautiful Crowne Plaza Chester with indoor pool located right in the heart of the historical walled city. 

Book tickets here
 

How to get to Alton Towers:

The closest airport to Alton Towers is East Midlands, approx. 45-minute drive. Car rental is the most convenient option.
Alternatively, it is also popular to take the ferry to Holyhead and drive 2 hours 45 minutes to Alton Towers. Consider an overnight stop in the lovely town of Chester and a visit to Cheshire Oakes outlet centre or a visit to Chester Zoo.
 

6. Phantasialand, Germany

Germany is probably not the first country you think of when you think of the best theme parks in Europe. It may surprise you that Germany has in fact two parks ranked among Europe’s top theme parks, Phantasialand being one of them.
 

 
During a visit you will be transported all around the world ,from the savannah plains in Africa to the Aztecs in ancient Mexico. Through the six themed areas, you will have the option to take in more than 40 attractions. A couple of the more noteworthy rides to mention are Black Mamba – the inverted design will see you travel at high speed through loops and corkscrews, and Mystery Castle – an award-winning terrifying bungee drop and Chiapas – taking you on the steepest log flume descent in the world.
 

 
The restaurants in each zone continue the theme of the region, for example, enjoy noodles and spring rolls in China Town or Churros and Nachos in Mexico. There are also a number of shows including the breath-taking Fantissima Dinner Show.
 

Where to stay:

Phantasialand have three ‘experience’ hotels on site, which you can see here. Alternatively, H+ Hotel Köln Brühl is located under 3km from Phantasialand and close to the centre of the pretty German town of Brühl. Search all hotels close to Phantasialand here.

How to get to Phantasialand:

Phantasialand is approx. 25-minute drive from Cologne Airport.
 

7. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens holds quite a few impressive accolades that most other theme parks cannot take claim to. The park dates back to 1843, with fairy tale writer Hans Christian Anderson being one of the first to visit.

Walt Disney also visited many times, and it was here he found the inspiration for Disney World. Also, the unique location in the heart of a Denmark’s capital city sees Tivoli Gardens surrounded on each side by the town hall square, the main train station, and Hans Christian Andersen’s house.
 

 
The beautiful layout of the park has led to plenty of open space with gorgeous, landscaped gardens, a lake, and a pantomime theatre. Although most of the rides are more gentle than thrilling, there are some attractions to get your pulse racing. Try out Vertigo where you take 360 degree turns at 100km/h, or ride through the 3 loops of The Demon at high speed.
 

 
Music is also a popular feature with the Tivoli Concert Hall offering many events throughout the summer. It is also a fabulous place to visit at Christmas time. The park is covered in over 1 million fairy lights, with numerous Christmas market stalls and carol singers, even Santa pays a visit. See more here.
 

 
You only need to check out the TripAdvisor reviews to see the love people have for the atmosphere, setting, and the nostalgia that Tivoli Gardens evokes, and why it is considered one of the best theme parks in Europe. I had the pleasure of visiting Copenhagen a few years ago and loved it. It is a small city that is very easy to navigate and ideal for a city break.

Read: My city guide to Copenhagen

Where to stay:

Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments are less than a 10-minute walk from Tivoli Gardens, and within easy walking distance of most of Copenhagen’s main attractions. 1 Bedroom Apartments will sleep up to 4- and 2-Bedroom Apartments up to 6. 

I would highly recommend buying a Copenhagen Card – this allows access to more than 70 of Copenhagen’s top attractions including Tivoli Gardens. 
 

How to get to Copenhagen:

Fly to Copenhagen Airport, journey time by taxi approx. 20 minutes. There is also a train station at the airport with a regular service into the city centre taking approx. 15 minutes.
 

8. Efteling Park, Netherlands

Four realms make up this unique fairytale-like theme park, which is the largest theme park in The Netherlands. Let’s start with Fairy Realm where fairy tales are brought to life – from the witch’s house in Hansel and Gretel, to Rapunzel’s tower. Next we have Adventure Realm, this is where the daredevils should head for.
 

 
Baron 1898 rollercoaster will plunge you free falling at 90km/h into a mineshaft, or how about Python, a steel rollercoaster with double loops and corkscrews. For more heart racing action, make your way to Alternative Realm where you should be prepared for plenty of screams at the Spookslot Haunted House.

And finally, journey around the world in 8 minutes in the Travel Realm at the Carnival Festival attraction. Check out the times for the park’s daily shows and don’t miss out the spectacular illuminated water show at Aquanura at the end of each day. You could easily spend 2 days exploring Efteling Park.
 

Where to stay:

Efteling Hotel is located a 5-minute walk away from the entrance of the park and includes unlimited access. A nice option if you wanted to extend your stay in the Netherlands would be to base yourself at Beekse Bergen Campsite, a four-star campsite with holiday homes and a safari park onsite. Beekse Bergen is located less than 20 minutes from Efteling Park.  

Book tickets here
 

How to get to Efteling:

The closest airport is Eindhoven, a 20-minute drive from Efteling Park. Amsterdam is 80 minutes away.
 

9. Futuroscope Theme Park, France

Not your usual theme park, Futuroscope’s main emphasis is on multimedia, and offers a totally immersive experience full of 3D and 4D special effects. The park offers 25 fun experiences including Dances with Robots – a dancing lesson you’ll take with giant robots who will send you waltzing 23 feet in the air!
 

 
Destination Mars – a train journey that will take you to outer space with stunning evening shows with a display of 3D aquatic effects and dancing lights. It’s not difficult to see why this is one of the most popular amusement parks in France.

For its size, the park offers a great selection of restaurants, and prices look quite reasonable by theme park standards with lots of meal plan options available. For a family visiting during a French camping holiday, parking is available for the day for €9.
 

Where to stay:

For a one- or two-night stopover near the Park, the Appart Hotel Futuroscope 2 is an 8-minute walk from the park. 1 Bedroom Apartments sleep up to 4. La Roche Posay campsite is a 40-minute drive from Futuroscope. 

Book tickets here
 

 
How to get to Futuroscope :

Depending on whether you fly or take a ferry, the closest airport is Poitiers, but many families will take the ferry to France, and drive to Futuroscope.
 

10. Europa Park, Germany

After Disneyland Paris, Europa park is the second most visited theme park in Europe, although probably not as popular on the Irish market as there are less direct flight routes to that part of Germany from Ireland. Nonetheless, the park attracts on average 5 million visitors per year, incredibly offering more than 100 attractions.
 

 
The park is made up of Europa Theme Park and Rulantica Water World. A couple of the main features of the theme park are Wodan Timburcoaster, which is a giant wooden ride reaching a speed of 100km/h, and Swiss Bobrun which is a take on a bobsleigh where you speed down a metal ice run at 50km/h – with no tracks!
 

 
These are just two of the thirteen rollercoasters at Europa Park, but not only are adrenaline seekers catered for, young children also have an abundance of suitable rides, shows and playgrounds to choose from. These are spread throughout 18 themed areas, each of which are named after a different country.

Ireland even has its own themed area for younger children where they can take a ride on Ba-a-a Express and visit Limerick Castle. The Rutlantica Water World opened in November 2019 and includes an indoor waterpark the size of five football fields!

Europa Park is considered one of the best theme parks in Europe, and with two parks, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained for 2 or 3 days.
 

Where to stay:

Europa Park have six themed hotels which you can see here. Alternatively Eurocamp have a campsite, Campingplatz Herbolzheim Campsite, located 10 km from Europa Park.

Book tickets here
 

How to get to Europa Park:

Strasbourg Airport is less than an hour away, but flights currently are indirect from Ireland. The closest airport with directly flights from Ireland is Zurich which is approx. 2-hour drive from Europa Park.  
 

 
I hope you enjoyed this post on the best theme parks in Europe and it inspires you to travel overseas again soon. Prices and attractions are taken from theme park and hotel websites, but are subject to change. Please check with individual park or hotel for clarification. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.

Sarah

I found this amazing family break to Salou for Easter, staying in the 4-star Sanguli Resort Salou, with tickets to PortAventura included. You need to check this one out!

With holidays from school lasting two weeks, a family break to Salou for Easter is a great idea. I found a great deal staying in the superb Sanguli resort. This is one of Spain’s most popular campsites and is always booked out during the Summer months. Situated beside the beach, in the heart of Salou, and only minutes from Port Aventura Theme Park, the location just couldn’t be better. Sanguli is equipped with pool slides, an entertainment program and beautiful gardens, so it’s not surprising that it is one of the most sought after family properties in the area.

 
I included a two day pass to PortAventura in this deal too. I went there last year with my kids and they loved it. Read my review of PortAventura for all the highlights, tips and tricks. You can also take a day trip to Barcelona, the Roman city of Tarragona, or the harbour town of Cambrils – a food lovers paradise! Suffice to say you will be spoilt for things to do.  

 
A two bedroom Rossini mobile home at Sanguli Resort is only £226 (approx €260), for four nights – this is incredible value for such a busy time of year. If you have three or four children, a three bedroom mobile home is only £274 (approx €310). The flight cost for additional adults or children is only €168.
 

 
All mobiles come complete with decking, an outdoor table, parasol,  chairs, sun Loungers, & reclining chairs. You will need to pay extra for bed linen and towels. Don’t worry, a family pack that consists of 1 double linen pack, 2 single linen packs, 2 beach/bath towel packs and 2 bath mats is only £55! If travelling with a baby, you will receive a travel cot, high chair baby bath, socket covers and baby gate on the terrace all free of charge, just pre book it before you go.

 
Flights depart from Dublin to Reus every day at that time of year, but I selected a four-night stay, departing Easter Sunday, the 12th of April, returning Thursday the 16th of April. I have chosen Barcelona Reus airport as it is only 6 miles from Salou. Barcelona main airport is actually cheaper to fly to, but the transfer costs are much higher, and journey time from the airport is much longer.

View flights here €168pp

View accommodation here 2 bedroom home €260; 3 bedroom home €310

View PortAventura Tickets here 2 Day PortAventura & Ferrari Land Ticket, Adult €54pp, Child €47pp  

Prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to change. Please note that some of the links in this family break to Salou post are affiliate links, where I will receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.  

Sarah

I have visited many theme parks, thankfully without enduring massive queues or spending a fortune. Check out my top tips for visiting theme parks and maybe you can too.

1. Book your tickets in advance

This may sound obvious but booking tickets in advance is one of the top tips for visiting theme parks! Tickets are ALWAYS dearer at the entrance to a theme park, and you won’t have to queue. Attraction Tickets.com have the LOWEST theme park ticket rates on the web, with free delivery and no credit card fees 😎
 
Attraction Tickets.com also offer many combination tickets that are not available to buy at the gate. You may get 2 days for the price of 1, or get discounted tickets to multiple theme parks, that are only available on their website. 
 

2. Research, research research.

I can’t stress this enough. You WON’T be able to go on every ride, no matter how fit you are, or how small the theme park is. Check the height and or age restrictions before you go, so you can rule out rides that are not applicable for your children. Not only will this save you time, but by preparing your kids in advance you may avoid any upset, if they are too small to go on a top attraction.

Mark the attractions that are ‘must see’ and go for them first. Check the times of shows or parades and decide what you want to see. Rides are usually quieter during parades, so bear that in mind if the parade is repeated and take advantage.
 

3. Parking tips:

Before you decide to drive, check the price of the parking. In some cases it can be exorbitant. It may be quicker and cheaper to take a shuttle bus or UBER to the park. If you do decide to drive, take note of where you parked. You will probably arrive at the park early, when the car park may be somewhat empty. Leaving however is a different story, so if you don’t know you where you parked your car, you could be in for a long night…
 

4. Bring supplies.

If there are water rides, bring swim suits, and if you don’t want to get wet bring a poncho. A waterproof casing for your phone is also a good idea, as is a powerbank for your phone. You will probably take hundreds of pictures so you will want to re-charge it.
 

 
Bring snacks, they will come in handy when you are waiting in line for a long time, and will be a lot cheaper than buying snacks in the park. Most parks also have free water dispensers so I suggest bringing your own water bottle.
 

 
A lightweight back pack is ideal as sunglasses and phones are not allowed on some of the fast rollercoasters. Most parks have lockers available, take advantage of this rather than carrying a bag around all day. If travelling during the summer time – don’t forget your sunscreen!
 

5. Arrange a meeting place if you get lost.

Hopefully this won’t happen, but having a meeting place pre-arranged will alleviate some of the stress if you manage to get separated from your friends of family. Remember there will be rides that only some of the family will go on, and on some occasions the rides finish in a completely different place to where they started from. Having a meeting place is essential.
 

6. Plan your route

Don’t follow the herd. Most people tend to turn right when they go into a theme park. Why not go anti-clockwise, or go to the rear of the park and work your way towards the entrance. Another good option is to go straight for the rides that you really want to go on.
 

 
The most popular rides will have the longest queues, so go on them first when you have more energy and don’t mind queueing. Trust me, this is a much better than standing in line for an hour at 5pm with exhausted children.
 

7. Check out express passes / fast track

Express passes vary from park to park. Disneyland Paris for instance has a great ‘free’ fast pass system. You simply go to a ride and get a time slot for later that day, then come back to a shorter queue. Other theme parks are not so good, or indeed free.
 

 
Fast pass tickets in some parks can be a Godsend if you are travelling during peak season, and if you want to go on the most popular rollercoasters. If however, you happen to be travelling off peak and/or you have small children who are unable to go on the big rides, they may be a waste of money. Fast passes in many parks are not valid on the top attractions, make sure you check each park for their individual offering.
 

8. Use the single rider lanes

There may be one or two people in your group who want to try the fast coasters. Make use of the single lanes where there is usually little or no queue. It may mean that you wont be able to sit next to your partner, but you may be seated in the row behind them, and if that means saving a half hour in the queue, it might be worth it!
 

9. Use the baby swap.

The baby swap facility is not available in all theme parks, but if you see it – take advantage. They are used primarily for people who are travelling with a small child. You all queue together, one person stays with the baby in a room at the top of the queue, while the other goes on the ride. When your partner is finished the ride, you simply swap places.
 

10. Go at night time

Not only are queues way shorter at night-time, but many parks offer discounted tickets for evening visits. You may also catch a parade or fireworks display.
 

11. Bring ID

This is one of the top tips for visiting theme parks in America. You have to have picture identification if you want to buy alcohol, regardless of what age you are in America. A nice cold beer after an exhilarating (or terrifying) ride might be needed, so make sure you bring ID with you.
 

12. Consider staying in one of the theme park hotels for a few nights.

Many theme parks including Universal Studios, Disney World and Disneyland Paris have hotels on site. These can be handy if you are planning on spending a lot of time in these particular parks. You will usually have early access to the park before the general public, so you can go on top attractions without large queues.
 

 
It can also be handy at night time for dining options, and for easy access to the park for firework displays, parades or shows. Some of Universal’s top hotels include express passes in your stay.

Read: My top things to do in Universal Studios Orlando
 

13. Check the shows are in English

We got caught out in Disneyland Paris when we queued for 45 minutes for the French version of Frozen! Many shows in theme parks are shown in different languages. Make sure the show you are planning your day around, is the English version. Sometimes there is a small icon on the park guide showing which language the show is in, failing that, check in with the information centre beforehand.
 

14. Pre-purchase Disney’s Fast Pass+ and Memory Maker.

Disney’s Fast Pass+ allows you to pre-book your favourite rides and attractions online before you go. This is automatically included with Disney tickets purchased through Attraction Tickets.com. Similarly Disney’s ‘memory maker’ which normally costs $199 is free if you buy your Disney tickets through Attraction Tickets.com. This allows you to keep ALL photographs that are taken of you in the park.
 

15. Download the App

Many theme parks have their own free apps with tips for visiting theme parks, as well as wait times for rides, showtimes and availability in restaurants. Download the app before you go.
 

 
Remember to pre book your theme park tickets through Attraction Tickets.com , who have the LOWEST theme park ticket rates on the web, with free delivery and no credit card fees. If you prefer to book by phone or are confused about what tickets to buy, why not call the expert staff in Attraction Tickets Dublin office. They are open from 9am-9pm, 7 days a week, call free on 1800 936 640. All they sell is theme park tickets and hotels, so they know all the theme parks inside out.

I hope you enjoyed my top tips for visiting theme parks. If you have any to add, just comment in the box below I would love to hear them.  This post was sponsored by Attraction Tickets.com but all views, as always, are my own.

Like this post? You may like:

The best tickets to buy for PortAventura

The best tickets to buy in Orlando

10 things to know about Universal Orlando before you book

Sarah

Visiting the Costa Dorada this summer? Make sure to visit one of Europe’s largest theme parks. These are the best tickets to buy for PortAventura.

Comprising of three theme parks, with over 60 attractions, PortAventura is a place you can’t afford to miss. I visited twice and loved it. There are rides for adults and kids of all ages, as well as 40 daily performances! I have teamed up with Attraction Tickets .Com, the UK & Ireland’s largest provider of theme park tickets, to tell you the best tickets to buy for PortAventura.

They have the LOWEST rates available, they are even cheaper than buying direct from the PortAventura website. The best part –  no need to queue for tickets, just sail through the entrance doors. 

What are the best tickets to buy for PortAventura?

There are numerous ticket options available and each one has relevance, depending on how long you plan to visit, what time of year you are visiting and if travelling with children. Don’t panic, that’s where I come in, I have done all the hard work for you 😎.

Whether you want a one day ticket, or are holidaying nearby and want to visit the parks on a few occasions, I have listed the best tickets to buy for PortAventura below.
 

The quick visit: 1 Day PortAventura Ticket

There are three parks in PortAventura World, so if you only have one day, you won’t get to see them all. I suggest visiting PortAventura Park and spending the day there. I was really impressed PortAventura. There are six different lands, each with their own unique feel. We loved the water rides as well as some of the less intense rollercoasters!
 

 
There are plenty of rides for adrenaline junkies too, Shambhala, Dragon Khan and Tutuki Splash, being the most popular. Little ones are well catered for with Sesamo Aventura land, offering 11 rides as well as sesame street characters wandering around.
 

 
Read my review of PortAventura World here. Make sure you stay until closing time and see the parade and fireworks display. Caribe Aquatic Park and Ferrari Land will have to wait for another time….

Open dated, go straight to the gate and skip the queue.

Adult €52, Child ( 4- 10 ) €46

Book tickets here
 

The summer holiday visit: 3 Day, 3 Park Ticket  

If you are holidaying in Salou, or any of the resorts on the Costa Dorada, you will definitely want to visit PortAventura. I would recommend visiting Caribe Aquatic Park too.

There are 14 rides plus a Caribbean style swimming pool, it is a great way to cool down during the summer months. Note: Caribe Aquatic Park is seasonal and usually opens from early June until mid September.
 

 
Entrance to Ferrari Land is also included in this ticket. Ferrari Land is a smaller theme park, but you can also visit PortAventura (a second time), on the same day as Ferrari Land if you wish.

I advise visiting Ferrari Land in the morning and going to PortAventura in the evening time, to catch the fireworks display.
 

 
Ferrari Land is a park for car enthusiasts where you can feel like a formula 1 driver, as you ride an authentic simulator. It is also home to the tallest and fastest vertical accelerator ride in Europe and the Ferrari Experience building, which delves into the history and technology of this prolific car.

Read my blog on the definitive guide to Ferrari Land for more info.
 

 
The ticket is valid for three consecutive days from your first entry. Enjoy one day at PortAventura, 1 day at Costa Caribe Aquatic Park and 1 day at Ferrari Land, all for one great ticket price! 

Valid for 3 days from first use, go straight to the gate and skip the queue.

Adult €73, Child (4- 10) €63

Book tickets here
 

The Ultimate Rush: 7 Day, 3 Park Ticket 

Thrill seekers will want to visit the theme parks every day and this ticket lets you do just that! This 7 day, 3 park ticket allows you four days admission to Port Aventura Park, one day admission to Ferrari Land and two days entry Caribe Aquatic Park. Note Caribe Aquatic Park closes mid September.

Valid for 7 days from first use, go straight to the gate and skip the queue.

Adult €126, Child (4- 10) €110

Book tickets here
 

The Winter Break: 2 Day PortAventura & Ferrari Land Ticket

PortAventura is a great place to visit during the winter. During Halloween break, the park is filled with spooky characters and there is a Halloween parade at closing time.

At Christmas the park is magical, with festive lights and decorations throughout, you can even meet Santa Claus! Caribe Aquatic park is not open at this time, but FerrariLand is.
 

 
This ticket allows you visit PortAventura Park and Ferrari Land on the same day and gives you an extra day’s admission to Port Aventura Park. PortAventura Park & Ferrari Land are usually open daily from from April to October and on weekends during the winter season.

Valid for 2 days from first use, go straight to the gate and skip the queue.

Adult €63, Child ( 4-10) €55

Book tickets here
 

 
So now that you know the best tickets to buy for PortAventura, check out my top 10 reasons to visit PortAventura, and get planning!

This post was sponsored by Attraction Tickets Direct but all views, as always, are my own 😎