In this post I am going to explain some similarities and differences between two great theme park resorts in Florida—Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World. Then I’ll share the three reasons why I prefer Universal Hotels over Disney Wold Hotels
“Both are multi-day affairs and destinations in themselves.
7 Similarities of Disney & Universal Orlando
- Both have multiple resorts with multiple theme parks.
- Each has its own outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
- Resort perks – this is where I definitely think Universal is better– read on for more detailed explanation.
- Whether you pick Disney or Universal, both are pricey trips. But also both offer savings on tickets for extended days, multi-parks or Florida residents.
- Both have a variety of transportation options that make it easy to get to and from the hotels, theme parks and restaurants.
- Both offer a mix of thrill rides, slower rides, and water rides.
- The Nostalgic feeling can be evoked at both depending on what movies and characters bring about emotions from your childhood.
Both Universal and Disney are located in central Florida—in fact, they are just down the highway from each other. It’s very easy to visit both as part of one vacation, however I wouldn’t recommend that as it would require a lot of time (and be very exhausting) to truly experience all of both in a single trip.
3 Differences between Disney & Universal Orlando
- The sheer size of each is very different. Disney World requires a longer amount of time to see everything. You could spend anywhere between one and seven days at either resort and have a great time, but realistically at least four full days at Disney World and two full days at Universal Orlando are going to be minimal lengths to experience the parks. Now if you want to enjoy the hotels and all the extra activities available then you need much longer at both.
**A big bonus of being a Floridian is that we’re fortunate to get to visit these destinations often so we don’t have to cram everything in one trip. - Disney World has more for younger kids. And Universal has more thrill rides. Most rides at Universal have height requirements.
- Disney has much more live entertainment. So if you love shows, you will be impressed with the lineup in each park. Universal has some cool street shows but it doesn’t compare to Disney shows like the Festival of the Lion King!
3 Reasons Why I Prefer Universal Resorts Over Disney
- Hotel Pool Hopping is allowed and Encouraged at Universal. At Disney World it is a big No, No!
Read how we enjoyed 5 Universal Resort Pools in 4 days! - Universal Resorts is much more walkable.
- The hotels are just as nice and more affordable. We have stayed at 4 of the Universal Hotels.
Check out my detail posts:
Cabana Bay: The Orlando Hotel We Keep Going Back To
Loews Portofino Bay at Universal Orlando
Staying on Island Time at Sapphire Falls in Universal Orlando
If you enjoyed these Florida travel tips, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter below so that you don’t miss out on another way to make the most out of your next Orlando trip!
Do you prefer Disney or Universal?
I’d love to hear from you!
Feel free to comment below or email me at Mandy @ acupful .com
Want to connect on a more personal level!?
You can find me & Acupful.com on
Facebook, Instagram, & Pinterest!
Your detailed breakdown of the resorts’ amenities and attractions has given me a lot to consider. I appreciate your honest perspective, and I’m looking forward to exploring both options further before making our decision!
I guess it really depends on what you’re after too but I’ll always be a Disney gal at heart! So interesting to see the differences 😀
This post provides a fantastic comparison between Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World, two iconic theme park resorts in Florida! It’s great to see the similarities and differences outlined, and I’m intrigued to learn about your preference for Universal Hotels over Disney World Hotels. Can’t wait to read more!
I’ve never been to either, but would love to go. For us it would probably be a one time trip so I’d want to do as much as possible in one trip, but it seems like we’d need quite a lot of time to see it all x
I would have loved to have done Disney when my kids were younger but Universal has so much more appeal with the ages that they are now. I would love to see the Harry Potter part so much.
To be honest, I was confused on what the differences between the places were! I would prefer Universal it sounds like, due to the thrill rides.
Wow! This is very important information. To really think where you can enjoy your time and the financial capabilities.
I live not too far from the House of the Mouse and I have to say that I much more enjoy Universal. Seems, to me, their rides are more fun. It’s usually just adults that go with us and that seems to please us more. I loved the Jaws ride when they had it.
I had always wanted to know which was better: Disney or Universal. So I decided to visit both parks and compare them. I ended up having so much fun at both places that I couldn’t decide, and I realized that it didn’t matter as long as I enjoyed myself.
From just reading the title, I already going with universal because their rides are better. But both are good either way. For me, I love going more to universal.
I had no idea these were different theme parks, I thought they were all within the one! I’ve only ever been to the park in Paris, though, which is all within the one location and much, much smaller!
It’s been quite a few years since my last visit. As a child, I used to go to Disney World every year, and I’ve only been to Universal Studios once when it was still relatively new. I believe Disney would hold more nostalgia for me.
I would love to visit both one day! I think I would like to visit Disney first, but do believe I will enjoy myself at both parks! This was so detailed for those who want to compare both. Thank you so much!
Universal is more thrill-focused. I think most people say “Universal is better for teenagers.”
Thsi is such a helpful guide on how to decide between these two great destinations!
There are some similarities and differences between two great theme parks but I still prefer Universal, personally speaking.
We’ve stayed at both and have been in both parks. However, with kids, we’ve only done Disney so far so it’s a hard pick!
Very informative article. Should we get a chance to visit Florida, we now know what to expect from these theme parks. After reading your post, I think we’d choose Universal.
Hhhhmmm…I have read a lot about Disney. I think it’s high time I gave Universal a try and bit of focus. I should start saving as soon as possible for this adventure.
As someone who has lived in Orlando nearly 90% of my life, I definitely prefer universal as a ride goer. Unfortunately I’ve never stayed at a universal resort, but now I’m very eager to. I think I prefer Disney Springs shopping though over City Walk as there just seem to be more options.
I agree about Disney Springs, much better shopping there than City Walk!
We were just discussing a trip to Disney next Spring break. Glad I found this article regarding the differences between Universal and Disney hotels! The pool hopping and walkability would be important for us.
This is a great read, very helpful! I’ve always wondered this question! Thank you for sharing!
My kids love Universal more now that they are older.