Try to avoid visiting the major theme parks when they’re at their busiest. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday tend to be the quieter days. Water parks are busiest on Wednesdays.

Try to avoid visiting the major theme parks when they’re at their busiest. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday tend to be the quieter days. Water parks are busiest on Wednesdays.

Look for Shamu & Crew characters from 9am to noon near the front gate. Be sure to bring a notepad for autographs! SeaWorld’s animal experts are also more than happy to sign autographs directly after shows.

Audition early if you want the chance to perform on stage in front of the audience at the American Idol Experience.

At the end of your holiday, find a change machine in one of the supermarkets and put all your coins in. It’s like winning at the casino!

In a hotel, ask for a fridge in your room – even if you have to pay a little extra. It’s invaluable for cold drinks, fresh food and milk.

As a general rule, kids between 3ft 6in/107cm and 4ft/122cm tall must be accompanied by a ‘supervising companion’ (a person 14 years of age or older).

Arrive early or late. For your safety and comfort, daily attendance may be temporarily suspended due to high capacity. If this happens, don’t despair! The park typically re-opens around 3pm, allowing you to enter after others have left.

Arrive early to make sure you get a deckchair and a locker for your valuables for the day.

It’s easy to get around by car but remember that American cars have small boots (‘trunks’). Make sure you pre-book the correct size of vehicle as upgrading on arrival can be expensive.