10 Tips to Maximize Your UAE Waterpark Visits

A day at the water park in UAE can be pure bliss or waterlogged misery—and planning is the key to ensuring you get the former and not the latter. Chaotic lines, forgotten essentials, and hangry meltdowns are all it takes to flush a lovely day down the slide (pun intended).

How do you get the most fun out of your waterpark visit? An annual pass would help, certainly, but that’s not the only way. Read on and take notes.

Arrive Early or Wave Goodbye to Prime Spots

The early bird doesn’t just get the worm; it claims the best lounge chairs, shade, and prime locker locations.

Be that bird. If the park opens at 10 a.m., be at the park entrance by 9:00 a.m. This gives you a head start at the ticket counters and lets you be one of the first persons through to snag that perfect shaded spot where you can drop your bags and retreat between rides. Plus, hitting popular attractions before the crowd pours in means shorter wait times, more splashing, and less standing.

Pro tip: Buy your ticket online so you can go right in when the park opens.

Plan Like a Strategist

Grab a park map, download the app, and create a plan before your visit. Pinpoint must-ride slides to prioritize or plot your ride schedule according to the expected ebb and flow of the crowd.

Pro tip: Start with the big-ticket attractions early. These are the must-rides, the cannot-miss, the reason you’re in that particular waterpark and not another. Once you’ve done those, shift to chill activities like lazy rivers, wave pools, and splash pads.

Pack Smart

Hauling a suitcase-sized bag to the park? That’s such a rookie move. Best go with a backpack or a big tote bag. To fit everything you need, pare down your packing list to essentials. That would be waterproof sunscreen (make that a sunscreen spray), towels, reusable water bottles, swimwear, and a change of clothes. Also, consider a small waterproof pouch for your phone, keys, and cash.

Pro tip: Don’t bother with snacks. Waterparks have restaurants and food stands. Most waterparks prohibit guests from bringing in outside food and drinks (except water) anyway. Additionally, pay for a locker so you can secure your belongings. For currency, if the waterpark has those wristbands you can load with money for cashless in-park purchases, get them. That will be so much more convenient than returning to your locker every time you must spend on anything.

Use the Buddy System

Getting separated at a waterpark can turn a fun day into a nightmare. Pair everyone up (yes, even adults). Before everyone goes their merry way, identify a waypoint and agree to meet there at particular times throughout the day. A big sign, a shaded pavilion, or your own cabana works well. That way, you can regroup easily if someone gets distracted by the ice cream cart or lost in the wave pool.

Don’t Get Caught Off-Guard

Few things are more crushing than waiting an hour in line only to discover you or your children don’t meet the requirements for a slide. Check height, weight, and age restrictions in advance. Most rides for kids have minimum height requirements, but a few rides may have maximum height limits, too; case in point: inverted rollercoaster rides, such as the Bandit Bomber in Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Pro tip: Most parks have this information online or posted near ride entrances. Best get the information online so you can factor it in during your waterpark itinerary planning.

Rock Your Annual Pass Like a Pro

Do you love waterparks enough to make them a monthly or quarterly staple and a default destination during school breaks? Get an annual pass for your favorite waterpark.

An annual pass can pay for itself quickly if you use it often and wisely. It gives you flexibility because you don’t have to cram all your fun in a single day. Many passes also come with perks like early entry, shopping and dining discounts, free parking, and even quick passes that let you jump lines on rides and slides.

Don’t Be Hangry

During peak hours, restaurants and food stands are like in-demand attractions themselves, as lines and wait times can be extensive. Therefore, plan meal times for off-peak hours. Have brunch (10 a.m.) instead of lunch (12:00 p.m.) and a snack around 2:00 p.m. This way, you’ll be full and ready to have fun when other park-goers are hungry and irritable trapped in restaurant lines. You’ll also have more seating options if you dine during off-peak hours.

Pro-tip: Check the dining outlets’ menus before you come and have your orders written down before you fall in line. Make sure to have your no-cash payment wristband loaded and ready for payments.

Swimwear 101

Make sure your swimsuit is park-approved. Typical requirements include swimwear without zippers or metallic accents. Parents, pack swim diapers for your toddlers and trunks with drawstrings for the little ones. You don’t want to spend precious time shopping for gear at the gift shops when you can be lining up for a ride instead.

Pro tip: Apply your sunblock before you leave for the park. You can also wear your swimsuits under your clothes. These strategies will let you get in the water sooner rather than later.

Alternate Sun and Shade Like a Pro

Sunburn is not a souvenir you want. Take regular breaks from direct sunlight to cool down, recharge, and reapply sunblock.

Pro-tip: Save time with a spray sunscreen, and rent a cabana so you’ll have a designated space for breaks.

Know When to Call It a Day

You don’t want cranky kids and exhausted adults. Plan your exit time and stick to it. Don’t cram one last slide before you leave. Instead, go for a final float in the lazy river or a refreshing drink in your private cabana so you can leave feeling refreshed, not frazzled.

Ready? Go!

Armed with these tips, get ready to conquer the waterpark like a seasoned pro. Plan ahead, pack wisely, and make sure to stock up on optimism and patience so that whatever happens, you will have a lovely day.