How to Avoid Queues at Thorpe Park. Thorpe Park is a beloved theme park, and its popularity means that long queues can be a part of the experience. However, with strategic planning and some on-the-day tactics, you can minimize your wait times and maximize your fun.
Method 1: Before You Go
Step 1: Pick the Best Day to Visit Thorpe Park
Selecting the right day for your visit can significantly reduce your time spent in queues:
- Off-Season Months: Aim for April, May, or September. These months tend to be less busy because the park has just opened or is about to close, schools are in session, and there are no major events.
- Weekdays: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are the best days to visit. On these days, most people are at work or school, resulting in shorter queues.
Step 2: Plan How You’ll Get to the Park
Efficient travel plans can help you arrive at the park early, avoiding long queues at the entrance:
- Public Transit: Take a train to Waterloo, then another train to Reading, getting off at Staines. From Staines, you can:
- Take the Thorpe Park Bus (faster but more expensive at £3.70 for a return).
- Take the local bus (cheaper at £2.40 for a return but slower).
- Walk the 4.8 km (3 miles) from Staines, which could take up to an hour.
Step 3: Consider Pre-Ordering a Fastrack Package Online
A Fastrack pass allows you to use shorter queues reserved for Fastrack holders. It’s wise to pre-order these passes online as they are limited and often sell out quickly.
Method 2: On the Day Of
Step 1: Arrive Early
Getting to the park at least half an hour before it opens can make a significant difference. Queues begin to form about 30 minutes before opening and remain long until around 3 PM.
Step 2: Ride Your Favorite Rides First
Identify 4-6 must-ride attractions and head to these first. This way, you can enjoy your top picks before the queues get too long. After these, you can be more flexible and strategic with your choices.
Step 3: Start at the Left Side of the Park
Most visitors tend to head to the right side of the park first, where rides like Stealth, The Swarm, and Nemesis Inferno are located. Instead, begin your day on the left side, starting with rides like Rush, Vortex, Quantum, Saw, Colossus, or Samurai. This can help you avoid early crowds.
Step 4: Eat Lunch Very Early or Very Late
Avoid the lunchtime rush by eating as soon as the restaurants open (around 11:30 AM) or waiting until about 2:30 PM. Not only will you face shorter queues for food, but you’ll also find shorter ride queues while others are eating.
Step 5: Ride the Bigger Rides Later in the Day
Monitor the ride wait times displayed on billboards around the park. When you see that popular rides have queues over 40 minutes, switch to attractions with shorter waits. Save the biggest rides for later in the day when the park starts to clear out and queues decrease.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to Thorpe Park, enjoying more rides and spending less time waiting in line. Happy thrill-seeking!
