Living in Orlando is like living inside a vacation dream—but with a side of reality. While it’s pretty great to have all the Disney magic, Legos, and rollercoasters just around the corner, it’s also a lot. It can be so easy for my kids, Ginny and Adam, to get lost in the excitement of it all and forget that there’s a world outside theme parks. And let me tell you, after a few years of living here, I’ve learned that managing their expectations is an art form.
If you’re in a tourist-heavy area (or, like me, are just surrounded by “vacation” all the time), balancing the magic with the grind of real life can feel a little… overwhelming. So here’s what I’ve picked up over the years about raising kids in a theme park capital while trying to stay sane.
1. Say No (Without Feeling Guilty)
We live near theme parks, which is a dream for the kids. But guess what? They don’t need to go every weekend. I repeat: They do not need to go every weekend. Just because you live near the Magic Kingdom doesn’t mean you’re required to be there 24/7. Ginny and Adam will try to tell me that their friends are at Disney right now (they’re 7 and 6—so the “everyone’s doing it” argument starts early). But we need balance.
Sometimes, you just have to say no. The constant theme park buzz? It’s draining. We’ve learned that when we do take them, it’s a big deal. Like, it’s special. And trust me, they can handle waiting. There are plenty of fun, affordable things to do right here in Orlando that don’t involve 3-hour lines and overpriced churros. Like playing in the park, hitting up the Orlando Science Center, or even just wandering around Winter Park and feeding the ducks. Kids have more imagination than we give them credit for!
2. Teach Them the Difference Between Magic and Reality
Look, my kids believe that Cinderella lives at Disney and that every hotel has a “secret” Mickey Mouse entrance. That’s fine! It’s part of the magic, and I love it. But sometimes, I have to remind them that real life looks a little different. After a trip to a theme park, I like to ask them, “What was the best part of today?” And sometimes, they’ll say, “Getting the Mickey pretzel!” and I’m like, “Yeah, but what about spending time with mom and dad?” Or “What about seeing that one show that was actually kind of amazing?”
Living in Orlando can easily make them think that every day is a vacation. But it’s important to talk about how fun and excitement fit into a balanced life, and how a trip to the park is a treat, not a right. It helps keep their expectations in check, especially when they see their friends posting about being at the parks on social media (yes, kids know how to use Instagram now, too).
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Plan “Normal” Days
I’ll be honest—I sometimes feel like a terrible mom when I admit that we’ve had days where we don’t do anything at all. I mean, everyone else is going to the park, so why aren’t we? But let me tell you, there’s a weird freedom in doing nothing and embracing a chill day at home. We build Lego cities (obviously), have a dance-off to Taylor Swift in the living room, and maybe even binge-watch a kid’s show together.
Real life doesn’t always have to be full of crazy adventures. And let me tell you, Nathaniel and I cherish these days. It’s a chance to reconnect with the kids without the rush of park schedules and tourist crowds. I’ve learned that our kids need days like this too. It gives them space to unwind and lets them know that our family time doesn’t have to be just about what we do, but how we spend it.
4. Set Expectations (And Stick to Them)
This might sound a little “duh,” but hear me out. When you live in a place that’s built for fun and excitement, you need to set boundaries. For example, when we’re getting ready for a trip to a theme park, I make sure Ginny and Adam know that there’s no whining, no “I want to go home” after an hour, and most importantly, no “I’m hungry for a $20 snack” on the way out. And you know what? They actually get it.
I’ve found that if we lay out clear expectations beforehand—like how many rides we’re doing, how much time we’ll spend there, and that we’re not buying every piece of overpriced memorabilia—they’re more on board. If they know what’s coming and feel prepared, there’s way less disappointment when we’re not spending the entire day in the park.
5. Embrace the “Staycation” Vibe
Sometimes, you don’t need to go to a theme park to have a blast. Living in Orlando has its perks, but it’s also an opportunity to show the kids how much fun you can have in your own backyard. So, we do “staycations”—which is just a fancy way of saying, “Let’s pretend we’re tourists in our own town for a day.” We’ll visit a random beach, hit up a weirdly cool museum, or just find a spot to grab some ice cream. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to make memories without the chaos of the major theme parks.
Ginny and Adam love this because it gives them that tourist feeling without the crowds. And Nathaniel and I? Well, we love not feeling like we have to fight for a good spot on the Orlando Eye. Plus, the “staycation” rule is perfect for when we need a breather from the constant rush of vacationers.
6. Don’t Feel the Pressure to Keep Up
Lastly, and probably most importantly, don’t feel pressured to keep up with all the other families who seem like they’re always at a theme park. Seriously, take a breath and remind yourself that you don’t have to keep up with everyone. It’s okay to slow down, to not go to the parks every weekend, and to make your own family traditions. No one will judge you for it.
Some days, Nathaniel and I just need a quiet moment away from the theme park noise (and the tourists). If we’re not at the park, that doesn’t mean our family is missing out. It means we’re making space for ourselves, and that’s worth celebrating.
Raising kids in Orlando is a little like being on a never-ending vacation. The magic is all around us—but so are the piles of laundry and the need for a little reality check. Finding a balance between the sparkle of theme parks and the humdrum of everyday life isn’t always easy. But with a little creativity, clear expectations, and an occasional nap on a lazy Saturday, I think we’re doing alright. The key is remembering that the best memories aren’t always made in the most glamorous places—they’re made in the moments we share, whether that’s on a ride at Disney or building a pillow fort on a rainy day.