Have him turned on and his nose pointing forward when you enter the parks
If he goes completely nuts, wiggling, giggling and making really odd noises.... he needs batteries

The 1st time mine needed batteries at a park it scared the daylights out of me! He wiggles and giggles when he has something to tell you but he seemed out of control that day at the park when he needed batteries. Keep in mind at AK, especially the area when you just enter, he DOES have a lot to say so he does wiggle and giggle there. But when you press his hand after he does his wiggling and giggling and he goes "GURP" he needs batteries

LOL
I think I might do a change of batteries once a trip but my pals are on at home so the batteries are in and being used so they rarely hit the parks with a full charge. So he's not a complete battery piggy but it's good to carry a spare set with you so you have them when you need them. Probably even more true when you have little kids.
If you get him in time before the trip a few of our Pals even hit the parks dressed. But that takes quite a bit of hunting and trial & error in finding things.
NLuvwithMickey, totally agree about his sweet little voice. After a rough day at work it can brighten the day
Have fun and I hope you enjoy your new Pal!!!!!