You make a big commitment of time (and money) to attend one of our nation's major amusement parks, so it's a great idea to make the most of your park days with the help of an app. There are a significant number of park destination apps available, but I've found that your best bets are the official company apps, when available. The official apps, for the most part, have excellent utility, and of course the best tie-ins with real-time ride wait times, up-to-date event schedules, and accurate and up to date restaurant and menu information. In the case of Disney and Universal, specifically the companies have invested significant resources into top-quality apps. Read on for the details, and the links to get your free apps.

1. Official Universal Orlando Resort App (Free)

This is Universal Orlando Resort's official app for park visitors.  The app includes "musts" for this category, including ride, show, and attraction wait times, and detailed map and photo navigation. Additional features include:

- Customized park experience planning including filtered activity list.
- Favorites list.
- In-park notifications.
- Custom ride and show wait alerts.
- Ride and show summary screens to give you an overview of the attraction. More »

2. My Disney Experience - Walt Disney World (Free)

My Disney Experience is Disney's official app for Disney World, and it's your best choice for this park. Essentials include real-time wait times, park hours, character greetings, and parade show times. Additional features include:

- GPS-enabled map showing the park in detail including dining options.
- Purchase tickets.
- Restaurant menus and reservations.
- Search, sort, and filter activities, including height requirements and wait times.
- Organize reservations and activities with My Plans.
- Share plans with others through a Family & Friends function.More »

3. Cedar Point Official App (Free)

Cedar Point is another example of the free, official app being your best bet for making the most of your amusement park visit. Cedar Point is known for its roller coasters, and you'll find detailed information about them in this app. Additional features include:

- Interactive park map with search.
- "Find Near Me."
- Customizable calendar of events and show times.
- Friend finder.
- Hotel info and reservations.
 More »

4. Hersheypark Official (Free)

Hersheypark has grown over the years into a world-class attraction, and it has an excellent companion app to go with it. Its maps are well-rendered and include handy info icons that give you a quick summary of each attraction.  Ride summaries include photos and "distance away" in feet - handy! Additional features include:

- Customize your GPS-enabled park map by showing and hiding attractions.
- Use the "take me there" function for turn-by-turn walking directions to attractions.
- Ride wait times.
- Filter rides by rider height requirement, distance.
- Food and beverage information.
- Lodging and booking.
- Watch videos of select rides.
- Locate restrooms, ATMs, lockers, and other services.
- Share rides, zoo animals, and characters on Facebook and Twitter.More »

5. Kings Dominion Official (Free)

Kings Dominion is another member of the Cedar Fair family of parks. This app is similar to the Cedar Point app, and users report it is kept up to date (unlike some other Cedar Fair destination apps). Included features:

- News and events.
- Buy tickets.
- Plan a visit.
- GPS-enable maps.
- Rider height guides.
- Social media connections.More »

6. Six Flags Magic Mountain (Free, Pro Version $1.99)

Six Flags parks are famous for their roller coasters, and Magic Mountain park in Valencia, California, especially so. Six Flags is one of the few major parks lacking a good quality official app. However Wait Times for Six Flags Magic Mountain by Will Oakley provides much of what you need to know, including user-input wait times, and a satellite view map of the park.More »