Travel Tips

Travel Tip: When is a Theme Park VIP Pass Worth It?

Come summer, theme parks and attractions are—well, zoos. But there are ways you can beat the crowds.

Avoiding long waits is why Disney has its FastPass option, which lets you come back at a specific time to skip the lines. It’s free, which means there are restrictions—like how many passes you can hold at one time.

Universal Studios Hollywood has a new VIP tour where you not only skip the lines, but meals are also included and you get behind-the-scenes access to the studios with your own guide. Now here’s the catch…it’s about $300 per person. So this one is only worth it if you’re a real Hollywood buff who will actually appreciate that type of insider access.

At the new Legoland Hotel in California, hotel guests actually get to enter the park before it officially opens. Translation? Hardly any lines.

Or just follow common sense rules and DON’T go when everyone else is going. If you’re not dealing with school-age kids, jump on the chance to go early in the morning, mid-week, and even waiting until autumn…and you’ll avoid the crowds altogether.

For more information, visit the theme park archives.

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