10 Tips for playing Pokemon Go at Theme Parks #PokemonGo

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It's no secret that Pokémon Go is sweeping the nation. It's the only app that has ever brought kids outside, pulled geeks away from their game consoles, and brought families together for outdoor adventures. I've never been a Pokémon fan – there I said it – but this app makes me wish that I had jumped on the bandwagon back in high school. There are quite a few Pokémon Go tips articles, but I couldn't find a single one that mentioned theme parks, so here I go. 

Being the avid player that I am, I've taken full advantage of the Pokémon Go opportunities at amusement parks! I swear it feels like you've struck gold when you see the hundreds of Pokéstops, gyms, and elusive Pokémon on your screen. In the past week, I've played the Pokémon Go app at Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World, and at Disney Springs. I've picked up a few Pokemon Go tips along the way that I'd like to share with all of my geeky readers. 

1. Stop in shaded, air-conditioned areas

It's hot at amusement parks, especially in Florida! The sun is beating down and it always seems like the best Pokéstops and the rarest Pokémon are right in the middle of the sun, except they aren't. I know it's not some BIG mystery or a huge breakthrough, but you can stop in the shops and shadows. I learned that I get a lot more accomplished (because I'm not sweating to death) when I catch my Pokémon in an area that isn't hot. Even if it's in the shadow of a storefront, I make it a point to step a few feet over into the shade. I've never missed a stop or lost a Pokémon by doing so. I know it sounds like common sense, but let's face it, this app throws common sense out the window, crushes it on the sidewalk, and pushes it into a gutter. 

2. Step off to the side, away from a crowd

This goes right along with my last tip – step off to the side to catch your Pokémon. I know it's urgent, but be considerate. Don't be that person that stops right in front of someone. You're in a busy, crowded place. Unless you want to get trampled on, step to the side. 

3. Put as many eggs into incubators as you can

In case you aren't yet familiar, you collect eggs at some Poké stops and possibly when you level up. If you go to your Pokeémon screen and swipe left you will see all of your eggs. Click one to put it into the incubator. The egg slowly hatches as you walk. Which means, the more you walk the quicker it will hatch. Pop your eggs into as many incubators as you can before you get to the amusement park and keep the app open as you walk. Worried about your phone dying? Use my next tip. 

4. Use battery saver mode

Go to your settings by clicking the Poké ball on your home screen. Click settings in the top right and check mark battery saver. This is an awesome feature of this app because now, you can flip your phone upside down (you should see the screen darken) and keep it in your pocket as you walk around. This saves you some battery power, keeps the app up, and helps with your eggs! You're welcome. 

5. Bring Power Banks AKA Portable Chargers

I couldn't stress this more. Bring power banks with you to amusement parks, espcially when you're playing Pokeémon Go. As much as te batter saver mode helps, you're still using battery power – especially if you're using the park's app (like the Disney map app) and if you're taking photos. Your phone will die before your day is half over. There are some really great power banks out there that you could be using. I bring 2-3 with me to the parks, just to be safe BUT I am usually snapchatting, tweeting, taking photos, and more along with playing Pokeémon Go. Below are my top 2 power banks. All of them load your battery up and aren't too bulky.

• Plus Lifeguard Mini
• Juno Power Bank – this will recharge the iPhone 6+ at least twice in one day (read my review)

6. Check for Pokémon Go events

A lot of amusement parks on joining in on the fun and hosting Pokémon Go events that are free and open to the public. We just visited Universal's City Walk and heard a security guard mention that there would be an event that evening! This is a great opportunity to catch rare Pokémon by taking advantage of the lures and it's a chance to make some friends! 

7. Make friends

There are many perks to making friends in the Pokeémon community. I'm not saying friendship is only good for the perks, but it definitely can help with your advancement in the game. You can also meet some really incredible people that are just as nerdy as you are. Even the most introdoverted people can make friends easily when talking about Pokeémon. Below are a few things that you can take advantage of. 

• You can attack gyms together to either take them over or to help one another join them (if you're on the same team, of course). 
• If you're local, you can plan your own Pokémon events at local parks.
• You can exchange tips and tricks.
• They can tell you where they found rare Pokémon in the park. 

8. Check for rare Pokémon & pay attention to your surroundings

Keep your notifications on while you're walking around because there are a lot of rare Pokémon to be found in amusement parks! Plus, you want to pay attention to your surroundings. For example, if you're near a pond in the park, look for water Pokémon. Just pay attention and you'll be pleasantly surprised at what you can find. 

9. Don't waste your Lures 

I personally don't waste my lures at amusement parks. Why? Because there are so many people already dropping lures! If there's not one at one Poké stop there will definitely be one at the next! Just about every Poké stop in Disney had a lure on it. Save your lures for your local Poké stops. Take advantage of the generosity of others and if you need space in your items bag, then you can drop one. 

10. Be careful with gyms

You might think that going to an amusement park to take a gym sounds delightful, exciting, like the ultimate task… well, think again. The gyms in parks are constantly changing hands. Unless you have a really powerful Pokémon in the gym, you shouldn't waste your time, power, and potions. It will be taken from you within minutes. 

Ps. Team Valor ROCKS!