7 Things Wrong With Theme Parks
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

7 Things Wrong With Theme Parks

From someone who wishes her family would just go to the Bahamas instead.

33
7 Things Wrong With Theme Parks
theselfishyears.com

What's better than going to an extremely hot theme park in the middle of the summer with most of your extended family? Probably, literally, anything else. But as my family and I embarked on a trip to do just that, I couldn't help but be excited.

In my family, theme parks are everything. I have been to numerous parks over the year and have become quite the professional when it comes to sweating profusely in summer while waiting in line for a five-minute ride. Oh, the joy of family vacations in America!

Anyway, as I am in the middle of my umpteenth theme park experience, I thought it is about time that I offered my list of complaints to the establishments that control most of my summers. Instead of tropical getaway, this is where I'm made to spend my time, and by golly, y'all need to fix some things before I'm forced to visit again.

1. The location

Why in the world do you all insist on being located in the warmest of climates?! Look at your clientele! Most of the people that go to theme parks are families, with toddlers, who are very prone to getting sticky, hot, and throwing tantrums. So putting them in a place where it reaches one thousand degreesevery day is probably not the greatest idea. Honestly, it's a pretty terrible move on your part.

2. The music

I get it. You love to play the theme song for every character and show imaginable.The ride is enough. Instead, for the sake of every parent and everyone over the age of five, please play some decent music. One decent song every 20 minutes would stop the ringing in my ears.

3. The lines

The lines are inevitable, but that doesn't mean that you can't make them easier! Make it so people don't have to jump on the hand rails for a minute of relief, while also risking cracking their skulls on the pavement. Instead just install three benches per row. Is it really that hard? Maybe even mention how many rooms you'll have to wait in before reaching the actual ride so we're not getting our hopes up every corner we turn. False hope makes people unhappy at the theme park.

4. Cold water fountains

I understand you want people to pay an astronomical amount for water, but as most of us paid hundreds of dollars to come to the park in the first place, the least you could do is keep the water fountain up to par. If case you can't tell, people start sweating the second they step on to theme park soil, so some drinkable water would be best for everyone involved.

5. Free ponchos

Due to the mostly tropical climates (see #1) it is not unusual to be caught in a midday thunderstorm in the middle of a theme park. I prove this point with three pictures from theme park vacations showing me in a bright yellow, hideous poncho. As thunderstorms are a common occurrence, and no one wants to leave because they've spent overa thousand dollars to be there, the least you could do is to offer free rain gear.

6. Stop taking pictures

Cameras are something we all have. We have phones, that have cameras, thus we will get the vacation photos we need. Having a professional photographer approach us at every turn is just aggravating. We can take a photo, we've paid a lot of money to be here, please go away. My sweating in public is uncomfortable enough.

7. Keep killin' it

As much as I complain, hate the heat, and can't stand spending unnecessary money, I will never stop coming back. Why? Because at the end of the day, theme parks like Universal Studios and Disney, make our dreams a reality. They make our favorite characters, movies, and TV shows come to life. When I first stepped into Harry Potter world (nerd alert) I cried, because I couldn't believe I was seeing my entire childhood imagination laid out in front of me. In a world that could always use a little imagination, a sweaty and crowded theme park is honestly a dream come true.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70990
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132555
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments