Love BB.
For maximum park touring efficiency, can't stress enough getting there before park opening. We like to time it so we're there +/- 45 minutes early and among the first people queuing up at the gate. Yes that means some squatting/sitting around, but we're up and nothing else to do, so no harm. Bring a coffee and enjoy.
Exact timing can vary, but they will start scanning/letting people in the park before 10am to hold in the area between Lottawatta Lodge and the lockers. That's a good time to grab a locker if needed, buy anything you need from the store, apply sunscreen, generally get ready. Patio and umbrella rentals are in the first building on the right when you enter the park (Beach Haus) - I can't speak for walk-up umbrellas but they often have a walk-up patio or two despite what the website may say about availability, so if your focused on that umbrella it's worth stopping in to check.
When they open the park at 10am, move with a purpose to wherever you're going to put your things, then move with a purpose to start hitting rides. That first 60-90 minutes is golden time and we like to hit the rides HARD before lines build. Our first trip or two up the mountain is usually via the gondolas (that line really builds later in the day), but the rest we'll just walk to be efficient with time.
This can vary, but we'll usually do an order something like this:
- Teamboat Springs at least once, maybe twice
(If your party wants to do Summit Plummet or Slush Gusher, now's a good time for that but you have some flexibility for later as the thrill factor turns some off so the line is a little slower to build so can do it a little later too)
- Runoff rapids once or twice
- Downhill double dipper
- Snow Stormers
- Toboggan Racers (we love this silly ride and will do it over and over again unless the lines start building)
- Reassess anything else on the mountain based on lines a re-ride as able until lunch time
After lunch and water park beverages (when crowds are peaking) we'll then focus on the wave pool, lazy river, and I still have kids that can do the Ski Patrol area so they'll go there.
Sorry for the ramble, hope it helps. Have fun! TLDR: Get there early, move with a purpose for the first 60-90 minutes.
