Amusement Park Etiquette 101

The time has come to celebrate the summer and go to the amusement park. Amusement parks are tons of fun. There are plenty of rides, food, and sights to see. However, you know where I am going with this... there is certain etiquette for the amusement park.

How many times have you been at an amusement park and you've seen some crazy behavior? How many times have you wondered what is wrong with that person? How many times have you turned away just because you could not take it anymore?

I'll bet this has happened to you in the past. Let's discuss proper amusement park etiquette.

Have you ever seen someone trying to get on a ride that is clearly not the right ride for them? When deciding to get on a ride, remember the height and weight requirements are there for a reason. If you are too big or too small, you are putting your life at risk getting on the ride. You are putting other people's lives at risk getting on the ride. Is there really any amusement park ride worth dying over? I really don't think so.

Furthermore, don't bring your baby on inappropriate rides. If you have to wonder what I mean by that, I feel so sorry for your child and the future of society in general. I saw a man take a baby on a roller coaster once. The ride operator argued with him until a supervisor told him the worst father on the planet could take his baby on the ride. I felt sorry for that child on so many levels.

Oh dear, this one seems obvious, but it has to be said. If you are the type of person that does not have a strong stomach (be honest, you know if this applies to you) and you get on a scary ride, you know there is a good chance you might get sick. If you just had a burger, fries, milkshake, and ice cream cone, your chances of throwing up probably just doubled. Why are you doing to chance it?

Do everyone a favor and play some Skeeball for a bit. Not only will you feel better, but everyone at the park thanks you.

Amusement parks with animals are so much fun! Maybe there is a zoo you can walk through or maybe you can even drive through the zoo area. So many animals are adorable. Surely, it would not hurt to pet one or feed one?

Actually, yes it would. Now back away from the kangaroo! These animals are at an amusement park, but they are not performers. Certainly they are not getting paid for their services, so leave them alone. There is a reason why the sign says, "Do not feed the animals." Don't feed the animals and do not try to upset them. Have you ever seen The Omen when the monkeys go crazy because Damian is in the car? No one wants to experience that personally. Quite bugging the poor animals.

So, it is getting late in the day and standing in line is a real drag. You start to think, "I could just pretend I know these people and cut in line." Wrong! Stop before I am forced to slap you to the back of the line. You've been taught since the first day of school to stand in line and wait your turn. Nothing has changed since then. So behave yourself and get to the back of the line.

If you have been standing in line for 30 minutes and you are looking for an activity to keep you busy, try planning out the seating arrangements at this time. There is no reason for you and your crew to get to the ride and then try to determine where everyone is going to sit.

If you are in line and you see the ride has two people per cab, start pairing up at that time. If you have an uneven number, see if you can make a new friend in line. If you do not make a new friend before you get to the ride, I am sure the ride operator will be kind enough to assign one to you. Let's just hope that person has not had a big meal before riding.

I hope you've enjoyed another etiquette hub. Remember to be safe this summer while visiting amusement parks. The rules at amusement parks were created for a reason... not to be a party pooper, but to help keep everyone safe. Also, these rules of etiquette are available so EVERYONE can have fun. You don't want to be the weirdo annoying everyone at the park, now do you? I did not think so! So now, go out there and have some fun!