Okay, so if you’re a mom living in Orlando, you’ve probably been asked about a hundred times which theme park is the best. Trust me, I’ve been there—Rob, the twins (Jenny and Sam), and I have gone back and forth on this one a lot. It’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of Disney World’s magic, Universal’s thrill rides, or SeaWorld’s sea creatures. But when you’re a mom, you want to make sure your hard-earned money goes towards a park that’s actually worth the hype, right?

Let me be real for a second: Each park has its own vibe. And, spoiler alert, it’s not just the rides that make a difference. Sure, the adrenaline rush of roller coasters is amazing, but there’s also the question of whether your kids can handle the crowds, whether you’ll be able to find a decent snack (that’s not overpriced), and whether your feet will survive the miles of walking. So let’s break it down a bit—no fluff, just the real deal.

Disney World: Ah, Disney. The name alone conjures up visions of Mickey ears and castle selfies. It’s magical, right? And don’t get me wrong, I love it. But here’s the thing: It’s busy. The lines can feel like they last longer than your kids’ summer vacation, and if you don’t have a game plan, you might end up just staring at a sea of stroller-pushing families while your kids moan about how they’re “sooooo tired” (ahem, Jenny). But, oh, when you catch that moment of seeing your kids’ faces light up during the fireworks, or when you finally get a spot to snap that “We’re here!” family photo in front of the castle, it’s all worth it. Disney is like that perfect pair of shoes—it may take a while to break in, but once you do, it’s amazing. Just don’t expect to make it through the day without needing a nap… for everyone involved.

Universal Studios: Now, Universal is a whole different animal. If your kids are into thrill rides, Universal’s the place where the adrenaline junkies come to play. I’m talking roller coasters that make your stomach drop, and rides like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you get to walk through Hogsmeade (and yes, I may have nerded out a little the first time I saw the castle). But, here’s the kicker: Universal tends to cater to older kids and adults. Sam and Jenny love the rides, but I’ll be honest—there’s only so much “I’m not tall enough” I can hear before I get a little grumpy. Rob and I both agree, though, that Universal is awesome for those who want a more fast-paced day. However, be warned: your feet will be sore, your kids will beg for a snack every five minutes, and you may find yourself wondering why you didn’t plan the day better.

SeaWorld: Oh, SeaWorld. If you’re looking for something a little more chill (and a little less crowd-packed), SeaWorld might be a great option. It’s got a more relaxed vibe—thank goodness, because my poor mama heart can’t handle the chaos of Disney every single weekend. The animal exhibits are beautiful, and the kids can learn a lot about marine life while still having fun. It’s a solid family day, but let’s be honest: there are times when Jenny or Sam might start getting bored of watching sea lions do tricks. But then we see Shamu and suddenly all is right with the world again (don’t forget the whale show!). There are some thrill rides here, too, but nothing quite like the intensity of Universal. If you’re looking for a slower-paced, educational experience with a side of excitement, SeaWorld’s got your back.

So, is it worth the hype? That depends. If you’re chasing that perfect Disney experience, then yeah, it’s totally worth it. Universal is perfect for those families looking for more thrills, but just know it’s a bit intense for younger kids. And SeaWorld is the happy medium—where you can relax, enjoy the animals, and still have a little fun. We’ve done all three, and I’ll tell you this: they all have their moments.

For Rob and me, it’s all about the balance. A little bit of Disney magic, some thrills from Universal, and a calm day at SeaWorld. And, of course, we’re usually pulling it off while trying to juggle snacks, bathroom breaks, and my ever-present need for coffee. So yeah, they’re all worth it—each in their own way.

Joke of the day:

Why don’t skeletons fight each other?

They don’t have the guts! 😜