Disney and Universal theme-park tip: If it's too much for my kids, we see a movie on-site. It's a good reset.

14.10.2023 - 11:07 / insider.com

I've been visiting Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando with my kids for a decade, so I know how quickly little ones can become exhausted on theme-park days.

Central Florida theme parks can be a lot of fun, filled with rides, character interactions, and yummy snacks, but they can also be hot and crowded. Throw in long lines and plenty of walking, and it's no wonder that by dinner time each night, you see many kids in full-on meltdown mode.

Over the years, I've learned the importance of taking breaks during a day at Disney or Universal. Often, my family and I return to our hotel midday for a nap and some pool time. But there's another secret way I like to ensure we all get a break from the heat and a place to rest our tired feet: the movie theaters on the properties.

Inside Disney Springs, Walt Disney World's retail, dining, and entertainment district, lies an AMC theater that shows all the latest films on 24 screens. Of those 24 screens, six offer dine-in service, where you can have a meal and beverages delivered to your seat to enjoy while you watch.

The theater also participates in normal AMC specials, such as its Discount Tuesdays promotion, where customers can get discounted tickets and concessions. Taking a break from the theme parks to catch a movie can be a great way to rest and, if you time it right, an opportunity to save some money during your vacation.

Universal's movie theater is in Universal CityWalk, its shopping and dining district. There, you'll find a Cinemark theater that shows the latest films all day and evening. At Universal's Cinemark location, there are reclining seats and 20 screens showing movies.

Cinemark also has a Discount Tuesdays special, including at the Universal location. As with Disney Springs' AMC, planning a visit to this theater on the right day can end up being a pretty inexpensive way to cool off and rest.

On days when my family has run all over a theme park, it's not uncommon for us to hit the movie theater on the property in the afternoon to take a break. There's no reset quite like sitting in a cool, dark movie theater for a few hours, especially in Central Florida, where temperatures stay hot most of the year.

While it's easy to feel like you have to see and do everything in a theme park on your vacation, it's OK to know your kids' limits and give them a break. Chances are, they'll feel better after sitting down for a bit and relaxing, which makes the rest of your day inside a theme park go a little smoother.

Like hot temperatures and heavy crowds, an afternoon rainstorm is common during a Central Florida theme-park vacation. Sure, you can purchase a poncho and brave the storm, but ducking under awnings and seeking cover from the rain can be stressful for