‘Best dates’ to visit theme parks this Easter for shorter queues

School breaks around bank holidays are a perfect combination for families with many planning to head to newly reopened theme parks this Easter break.

However, with so many people thinking the same way it may leave them spending most of their family time stuck in traffic, queues or crowds. 

One expert, Oliver Brendon, believes he’s uncovered the perfect day for families to maximise their experience with minimal interference: April 8. 

For those heading to Disneyland in Paris, this entire week could be the perfect getaway as Parisian schools don’t close until the April 12th.

Looking at historic trends, school break dates and general human behaviour around holidays, Oliver explained how April 8 ticks all the boxes but noted that actual crowd levels could still vary. 

While April 8th might be the most optimal day for park visits, it’s not to say this is the only time queues will be down.

Heading out during the earliest days of the school break could give you a head start on most families still settling into holiday mode, according to the expert.

Getting to the parks during quieter hours, like right when it opens or mid-afternoon when families are taking lunch breaks, can give you a speedy experience for a few hours and potentially save a few quid on off-peak tickets too. 

Oliver also recommended heading out on Tuesdays in general, as this day historically has the lowest number of guests at theme parks. 

The AttractionTickets.com CEO explained: “Based on our research we would recommend Tuesdays over the Easter break as they are typically one of the quietest days of the week at theme parks. 

“This is because weekend visitors have already departed, long-weekenders are heading home, and those planning midweek breaks often choose Wednesdays or Thursdays.

Looking at specific parks in the UK, Oliver warned families that because Thorpe park only opened on March 28, there will likely still be larger crowds than normal in the first few weeks of April due to the opening rush.

On the other hand, Legoland Windsor and Alton Towers both reopened earlier this month so those excited crowds may have subsided by the time Easter break rolls around.