To make sure someone can contact you if she gets lost, write your name, hotel, and phone number on an index card and stick it in her pocket. Point out park personnel to your child if she's old enough to understand, and tell her that if you get separated, she should find one of these people. Because theme parks can be costly, you'll probably be tempted to pack in as many attractions as possible. But nobody has fun when the kids are tired or hungry. Even if you're not staying nearby, plan to take several breaks for snacks and rests to give everyone time to get a second wind.
Most folks have a strategy for avoiding lines.
Some parents prefer to arrive even before the park opens so they can be among the first to get in. Then they make a beeline for the most popular rides. Others prefer a more relaxed approach, arriving later and saving the high-volume attractions for mealtimes, when most people are off having lunch or dinner. To make sure your day goes smoothly, form a game plan that suits your child's needs and temperament. Whatever approach you decide on, though, rent a stroller if you have a young child.