Hi and welcome!
You don't say how old your kids are; I'll assume they're fairly young.
I've never been to Universal or the water parks, and my one trip to Seaworld was when I was in college-- a good 30 years ago. So I'll concentrate on WDW.
Where are you staying? We've never felt the need to spend on the water parks because our resort had such a great pool (and the kids are already salivating over the pool for our next trip) My sister and her family loved Blizzard Beach, but we've never gone.
1) Have you made any dining reservations? (ADRs). You'll probably want to make at least a few, more if you're on the dining plan. Take a look at the menus. You may want to try for Chef Mickeys. If your daughter is a princess fan, take a look at the Aukerhaus castle in Epcot. 5 different princesses stop by for photos and autographs. (Last time, my youngest wore her Belle costume from Halloween, and was greeted with "your highness"-- she LOVED it.) We're also fans of the dinner at 1900 Park Fare-- Cinderella, the prince, and the stepsisters are there, and it's hysterical.
But make those ADRs as soon as possible-- they can be made 180 days out, so you may have to be flexible.
2) Understand what a fastpass is and how it works. Take advantage of fastpasses-- they cut down on the time you spend on line!!! The very first thing we do when we enter a park is get our first fastpass, then we go on some other ride immediately.
3) That brings me to a very important point: have some idea of your priorities. We don't follow a strict touring plan, but we do know at least our first 2 priorities-- that first fastpass and the first line we want to head to. I get all the park tickets, get the fastpasses, and meet the rest of the crew at the other attraction. That's two long lines we've avoided with just a little planning.
4) GET TO THE PARKS EARLY. The parks open with a "rope drop" show. Plan to see it every day. You'll get more done in the first two hours than you will the rest of the day. You can nap later. Do your touring early!
5) Plan to go back mid day for a swim &/or nap. The August heat will wipe you out. We're out of the parks by 1 pm (after having been there since they opened.) We enjoy the resort pool, then we're refreshed when we return for those dinner ADRs.
6) Hit amazon.com and get some mistymate misters. They're worth their weight in gold!
7) Hit the dollar store or
Walmart and invest in rain ponchos. You can expect some rain at that time of year-- sometimes it's daily. The ponchos in the park are expensive.
8) While you're there, think about some of the glow in the dark bracelets/ necklaces. They make your kids a bit easier to spot after dark, and the kids will love them!
9) consider placing an order with either
www.gardengrocer.com or
www.wegoshop.com . At the least, get water and snacks for the parks-- we always get breakfast foods too. Water in the parks is pretty expensive, and there's not always a water fountain where you are.
10) If your kids are young enough to be frightened by a ride, learn about the parent swap. Basically, you go on one ride with your son while your husband waits with your daughter. At the end of the ride, you swap-- your son can ride again, and your husband gets on with him. It lets you both get on the ride without waiting twice.
That should get you started! Have a fabulous trip!!
(her nickname has always been Boo as its been her favourite film from just a couple of months old!)
