Top tips for Port Aventura and Salou please.

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We are heading to Salou next week with 3 day passes for Port Aventura. It was supposed to be a chill out last week in the sun after a busy 6 months but circumstances have changed somewhat. Holiday was almost cancelled through sickness and then through just being too bloody knackered.
The end is in sight and a holiday is could be great fun. But I’ve put waaaaay too much pressure on it already. I’m a planner. I like to know they 10 best eateries nearby split by cost and cuisine. I like 3 options for every day and a worst case scenario option.
So please help, tell me what I can expect. What shouldnt we miss? What’s a nightmare? Where can we cut corners?
At the moment all I can plan is emergency help and masses of insurance cover.

I live a little way down the coast from Salou and go there on holiday quite a bit. I haven’t been to PortAventura though so I have no tips there.
Frankly, it’s all quite lovely and laid back - it’s not the frantic hideousness of Benidorm, for example. You could get a day pass to Sangulí camping resort and check out all their pools - it’s a lovely place which also has decent places to eat. Cambrils is also pretty for a wander around. What sort of stuff are you into? You can’t go far wrong with TripAdvisor recommendations for restaurants.

Thanks Girl usually I have had a good look at trip advisor and google earth by now.
Will it be slightly quieter by now or is Spain still on school holidays? There’s a pool at the hotel, usually I’d allow for 1 pool day but this time probably more. Maybe the beach will be nicer though. Definitely tucked up by evening, I know that’s not the Spanish way and if we were there for more than a week I’d take advantage.

Bump for the night crowd.

What hotel are you staying in OP?

Love Portaventura and Salou.

Yes it will be quieter now.

There is a Facebook group called Portaventura and Salou that is good.

There is a land train from Salou to Portadventura although if you are staying at the back of the resort it is possible to walk.

I have always been to Portadventura in the summer holidays when it was very busy, but it was less busy when the weather was rainy one day and also noticed around 5 o'clock it got quieter. Some of the big rollercoasters had no wait at all!

There are lots of shows as well as the rides. The paper leaflet shows the times. Some of them are very good. Definitely plan the day around the ones you want to see as some only have a few shows per day.

There is a parade & fireworks ending around midnight. We used to go later in the day on one day then stay until the end.

You can take drinks in but not food.

There is a water park next door which is also good.

Salou has a nice promenade with a fountain show in the evening (free) at the far end. The times were on a board, I think.

No idea about restaurants as we were half board. Food is quite expensive at Portadventura but not as ridiculous as Disneyland Paris.

There is a cheap bus to Cambrils, no need to book a trip.

There is train station in Salou & the train goes to Barcelona.

I think Ferrari land has opened since I have been. They were building it when I was last there. It is next door to Portadventura.

Have a great time!

Apart Hotel Sunclub. Cheap and cheerful hopefully. I’ll check out the Facebook group. What’s the park like? Like Disney? I don’t understand how the water park works.

thea thanks. That’s what I was hoping to hear. I was assuming it would be child friendly.
Good tip about the shows. I’ll hate it but ds will love it.

The park is like Alton Towers, you get in for the day and there's several eateries inside.

I've been to Portaventura twice and love it.

The park is like Disney - different areas like Wild West, Mexico, China, Sesame Street. But not as big as Disney. Still quite big though!

The water park is separate, the entrance is right by the theme park entrance.

There is a Sesame Street show if your DS is young. Get there early for that one as it's very popular. My children also loved the Bird Show.

There are lots of rides for smaller children in Sesame Street & China.

The park is fantastic. Check the opening times, I think it is only open till 7pm at the moment so there wont be any fireworks. It opens a bit later at the weekend I think. Make sure you watch all the shows. Dance Revolution is great as is Bang Bang West.

You are in Cap Salou which is lovely.

If you are in Salou try Olivers restaurant and The Roadhouse. The Little Hampton is lovely as well.

Plenty of places to eat in the park from self service to sit down restaurants.

About 8 euros for burger or hot dog meal.

The Iron Horse is nice for a sit down meal that is the Wild West part.

Ok. Seems all quite positive. I was worried it would be like a hot Blackpool.
Plenty of scope for sitting and eating ice cream?
I’m putting too much pressure on everyone to have the best holiday ever. Just need to calm down and actually start packing.

No it's not like Blackpool at all Salou is lovely. Chaplins is good for family entertainment if you fancy a night out they put on lots of good shows.

Yes lots of ice cream eating opportunities. Lots of lovely bars near the front to get a cocktail as well.

Have a lovely time, Salou and Portaventura are two of my favourite places.

There is a magic show what is really good as well they feed you as well.

It is called House of Illusion.

Phew. I’ve been to Salou when I was a teenager and all I remember is the beach and the bar (horrible British tourist). I’m sure when I booked I did plenty research and read a million reviews but that was probably a year ago.
This all seems really positive. I haven’t refreshed my Spanish, that’ll be a bit last minute.
Stupid questions now, best place to buy the stuff we forget (shampoo, flip flops) little shops or is there a supermarket? Take beach towels or buy them there?
Anyone want to just come with me and be the Mum so I can just abdicate all responsibility?

If I remember correctly there is a little supermarket right under the sun club apartments, there is also another one down the road.

Cambrils is a nice little fishing towm to escape to if you want to avoid the Brits.

I'd take the stuff with you as some of the gift shops can be pricey.

I'll happily come with you Flashing!

I'll happily come with you Flashing!
Forgot my own user name and was offended that you thought I was after a club 18-30 holiday

Ok. Written down the names of places and will pin them on my map and feel slightly more organised.
Got to take the obligatory photo in front of the fountains when we’re all a bit burnt too.

Just wanted to update this (cause I’m guessing you’re hanging on the edge of your seats).
Had a full day in port Aventura and a day at the beach today. Could not have been more straight forward and exactly as described. Busses are easy to manage and everything feels quite safe. Headed to our hotel when we saw a couple of stage parties heading our way.
Thanks again everyone for the positive support.

Glad you are having a lovely time!