Email Us 
This page is a complete guide to booking a 2023 Disney World and Universal Vacation package! And as you’ll see booking a split stay might be a bit more complicated than you originally think. The main reason is that both Disney World and Universal Orlando are owned and operated by two different companies. So guests looking to take advantage of a Disney World and Universal Orlando vacation package do have to decide if they would like to stay on-site at both Disney World and Universal Orlando separately and book two separate hotel rooms or book an off-site hotel for the entire stay. As you can imagine each Disney and Universal hotel have different amenities to offer so the decision may be tough.
You’ll also see below that you will also have to purchase your theme park tickets separately no matter which of the options you choose. And luckily by teaming up with a travel agency like The Park Prodigy, we can do all of the hard work for you and take care of all of the moving parts! That includes a personal vacation planner to help plan your days in the parks, dining reservations, transportation to and from the different Disney and Universal Orlando parks and so much more!
Request That a Disney Expert Follows Up With You!
What's the Difference Between Disney and Universal Orlando Packages
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World resort is by far one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world including four main theme parks which are Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. Disney World also includes two water parks, over thirty hotel options for every size and budget, and Disney Springs which is a dining and entertainment complex.
Although Disney World does have some amazing thrill rides, from our experience it is the perfect destination for families looking to take advantage of the classic Disney attractions, amazing character meet and greets, and over-the-top entertainment such as their daily parades and fireworks.
Universal Orlando
Disney World Parks
Universal Orlando Parks
Magic Kingdom Park
Fairytale dreams come true for children of all ages at Magic Kingdom park. Delight in classic and family-friendly thrilling attractions, musical cavalcades and beloved Disney Characters across 6 whimsical lands.
Universal Studios
At Universal Studios Florida, you’re the star— experiencing one jaw-dropping adventure after another. Dodge evil villains. Defend the earth. Face a fire-breathing dragon. Wander into animated worlds. Go beyond the screen, behind the scenes and jump into the action of your favorite films.
EPCOT
Epcot has always been an amazing place to celebrate the world and immerse ourselves in the wonder of attractions and events that excite the senses. And over the next few years, during the Park’s stunning transformation, it’s becoming so much more.
Islands of Adventure
In Universal’s Islands of Adventure you’ll walk side- by-side with super heroes, beasts and magical creatures to enter lands where imagination is real. Your adventure begins in the only park named the #1 Amusement Park In The World, five years in a row—by TripAdvisor® Travelers’ Choice.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, celebrate new attractions and lands that make a day here even more extraordinary. Get set for an immersive experience where you’re not merely watching the story but actually living it.
Volcano Bay
Universal’s Volcano Bay is an all-new kind of water theme park where thrills and relaxation flow in perfect harmony. Drop from the heights of a towering volcano. Splash along Waturi Beach. Feel the rush of the Krakatau Water Coaster and live the carefree island life as you slide, ride and play in a beautiful tropical paradise.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Encounter the magic of nature with rare creatures, authentic adventures and world-class entertainment at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, one of the largest animal theme parks in the world.
How Can You Book a Disney World and Universal Vacation Package
As discussed there are several ways to book a Disney World and Universal vacation package. The first and most popular way that we help our clients is to book a split stay where half of your vacation is at an on-site Disney World hotel and the other half is at a Universal Orlando hotel. In this scenario, we would help our clients book official Disney World and Universal Orlando vacation packages separately, with each package bundling the hotel and tickets together for each destination in which they would receive two separate reservations.
The second option for families looking to book Disney and Universal Orlando vacation packages would be to book one off-site hotel for the entire length of your stay. We would then help you pick out and purchase the best-fit Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets for your trip. It’s important to note that in this scenario we would help our clients book their hotel, Disney World tickets, and Universal Orlando tickets separately in which they would receive three different reservations.
How do you book a split stay at Disney and Universal Orlando?
The first step to booking a split Disney World and Universal Orlando vacation is to decide which theme parks you would like to visit at each destination. This will allow you to figure out how many nights you would like to stay at Disney World and how many nights you would like to stay at Universal Orlando. We have also found it helpful to focus on the Disney World parks when staying at your Disney hotel and the Universal parks when staying at Universal. This will allow guests to take advantage of the free transportation to and from the hotels and the parks during their trip.
Biggest Differences Between Disney and Universal Orlando Packages
As you can imagine there are a ton of differences when it comes to booking Disney World and Universal packages with the most common being the hotel and ticket prices, hotel amenities, and theme park experiences. It’s important to note that both destinations do have some amazing pros and cons. And as a general rule of thumb we do find Universal Orlando hotel and ticket prices to be cheaper while Disney World does have more in park entertainment such as parades, fireworks, and character meet and greets.
Disney World Hotel Prices
Disney World Value Resorts: Standard rates start at $175.00 per night
Disney World Moderate Resorts: Standard rates start at $306.00 per night
Disney World Deluxe Resorts: Standard rates start at $486.00 per night
Universal Orlando Hotel Prices
Universal Value and Prime Value Resorts: Standard rates start at $96.00 per night
Universal Preferred Resorts: Standard rates start at $202.00 per night
Universal Premiere Resorts: Standard rates start at $312.00 per night
Disney World Hotel Amenities
All Disney Hotel Benefits Included:
- Early Theme Park Entry - Resort Guests are able to enter one of the four Disney World theme parks up to a half hour before regular park guests. Valid admission is required.
- Complimentary Transportation - to all four Disney World theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
- Disney World resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key or magic band
- Priority Access to Individual Lightning Lanes - On-site Disney resort guests have priority access to individual lightning lane rides at 7:00 AM.
Disney Deluxe Resort Benefits Included:
- Disney Deluxe Resort Extra Evening Hours - Enjoy extra evening hours at some of the Disney World parks when you stay at a Disney deluxe resort.
Universal Orlando Hotel Amenities
All Universal Orlando Hotel Benefits Included:
- Early Park Admission - to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Volcano Bay, one hour before the theme parks open for regular guests
- Complimentary Transportation - to Universal Studios, Island's of Adventure and Volcano Bay
- Universal resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key
- Complimentary delivery of merchandise - purchased throughout Universal property
Universal Premier Resort Benefits Included:
- Free Universal Express Unlimited Passes - Skip the regular lines in both theme parks
- Priority Seating at Select Restaurants - Enjoy first available seating at select Universal Orlando and CityWalk restaurants
Comparing the Hotel Options
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for the best deals on Disney World Orlando packages is the difference between all of the Disney hotels. However, one of the benefits of vacationing at Walt Disney World is that they have an on-site hotel to meet every family size and budget. These hotels can be broken into three categories as Value Resorts, Moderate Resorts, and Deluxe Resorts.
As you’ll see all Disney World vacation package hotels also come with some amazing benefits such as early park entry. Guests who stay at a Disney deluxe resort will even receive extended evening hours on certain days during their trip!
2023 Disney World Vacation Package Hotel Options
Disney Value Resorts
- Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
- Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
- Disney’s Pop Century Resort
Universal Value and Prime Value Resorts
- Endless Summer Resort Surfside Inn & Suites
- Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn & Suites
- Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
- Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Disney Moderate Resort
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
- Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Universal Preferred Resorts
- Loews Sapphire Falls Resort
Disney Deluxe Resorts
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort
- Disney’s Boardwalk Inn
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Universal Premier Resorts
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort
- Hard Rock Hotel
- Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Talk to a Disney expert now! Call 321-966-4300 or get a family Disney vacation package quote online using our chat or submit a quote above.
Picking the Right Disney World and Universal Orlando Hotel Package
Stay in the middle of the magic with a 2023 Disney World vacation package! All Disney World vacation packages include your on-site Disney World hotel room, discounted Disney World tickets, and all the benefits of staying on Disney World property.
All of the Disney added benefits make your Orlando vacation fun, relaxing and worry-free with a wide variety of hotel amenities and benefits.
Disney World and Universal Package Value Resorts
Disney Value Resort Pros
The Disney World value resorts are the perfect fit for families looking to take advantage of budget-friendly Walt Disney World packages! From our experience helping our clients book both Disney and Universal, we find the Disney value resorts to have more transportation options to and from the parks. This is specifically true for the Disney Pop Century and Art of Animation resorts which are connected to the brand new Disney Skyliner.
We also feel like the one area where Disney outshines Universal is with the theming of the Disney value resorts and amenities. Guests can enjoy their favorite Disney characters throughout each of the Disney value resort hotel buildings and pools.
Disney Value Resort Benefits Included:
- Early Theme Park Entry - Resort Guests are able to enter one of the four Disney World theme parks up to a half hour before regular park guests. Valid admission is required.
- Complimentary Transportation - to all four Disney World theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
- Disney World resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key or magic band
- Priority Access to Individual Lightning Lanes - On-site Disney resort guests have priority access to individual lightning lane rides at 7:00 AM.
Disney Value Resort Cons
From our experience staying at all of the Disney value resorts, the biggest con when compared to Universal Orlando is the starting price of the rooms. The Disney value resorts can tend to be $75 – $100 more per night on average which can add up quickly.
We also are not huge fans of the hotel rooms being located outside of the main building very similar to a motel. We feel like this can sometimes be noisy, especially if you have a room facing one of the pools.
Disney Value Resort Benefits Not Included:
- Disney Deluxe Resort Extra Evening Hours - Enjoy extra evening hours at some of the Disney World parks when you stay at a Disney deluxe resort.
Universal Value Resort Pros
The biggest benefit of staying at one of the Universal Orlando value resorts over a Disney value resort is the price. Universal Orlando value resorts start at around $96.00 per night, with the Disney value resorts starting at $175.00. This is not only true for the Endless Summer Resorts, however, but we have also seen Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Resort prices significantly lower than the Disney value resorts as well.
We also love that the Endless Summer Resorts and Aventura resort all have their hotel rooms inside of the main buildings which offer a bit more peace and quiet. On the flip side Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort does offer theme park views of Volcano Bay theme park which is unheard of at a Disney value resort!
Universal Value Resort Benefits Included:
- Early Park Admission - to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Volcano Bay, one hour before the theme parks open for regular guests
- Complimentary Transportation - to Universal Studios, Island's of Adventure and Volcano Bay
- Universal resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key
- Complimentary delivery of merchandise - purchased throughout Universal property
Universal Value Resort Cons
As discussed one of the biggest cons to the Universal Orlando value resorts compared to the Disney value resorts is the lack of theming found throughout the hotel and amenities such as pools.
Universal Value Resort Benefits Not Included:
- Free Universal Express Unlimited Passes - Skip the regular lines in both theme parks
- Priority Seating at Select Restaurants - Enjoy first available seating at select Universal Orlando and CityWalk restaurants
Talk to a Disney expert now! Call 321-966-4300 or get a vacation package quote online using our chat or submit a quote above.
Disney World and Universal Package Moderate & Preferred Resorts
Disney Moderate Resort Pros
The Disney World moderate resorts are very similar to the Universal Orlando preferred hotel in almost every category. All of the rooms at the Disney World moderate resorts have recently been upgraded, and they offer nicer ameneties when compared to the value resorts such as pools with slides, hot tubs, and multiple sit-down restaurants at each hotel.
The brand-new Grand Destino Tower at the Disney Coronado Resort is also the perfect choice for families who want that luxury hotel tower feel at moderate prices. The Disney Caribbean Beach resort is also one of the newest hotels to be connected to the Disney Skyliner making it a great choice for families looking for a convenient way to get to the parks along with their 2023 Disney World package.
Disney Moderate Resort Benefits Included:
- Early Theme Park Entry - Resort Guests are able to enter one of the four Disney World theme parks up to a half hour before regular park guests. Valid admission is required.
- Complimentary Transportation - to all four Disney World theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
- Disney World resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key or magic band
- Priority Access to Individual Lightning Lanes - On-site Disney resort guests have priority access to individual lightning lane rides at 7:00 AM.
Disney Moderate Resort Cons
As you’ll see the biggest con with all of the Disney World hotels compared to the Universal Orlando hotels is the pricing. The Disney World moderate resorts can be significantly more than the Universal Orlando Sapphire Falls resort on a nightly basis. We also feel like the Disney World moderate resorts are located a bit further from the parks when compared to Sapphire Falls Resort, and in general, each hotel is much larger in size which might not be ideal for all families.
Disney Moderate Resort Benefits Not Included:
- Disney Deluxe Resort Extra Evening Hours - Enjoy extra evening hours at some of the Disney World parks when you stay at a Disney deluxe resort.
Universal Preferred Resort Pros
There is only one Universal Orlando preferred hotel at this time however it might be our favorite on the list. We love everything about the Universal Orlando Sapphire falls resort including the brand-new rooms, tropical-themed pool with water slide and hot tub, sit down restaurants and even in-room dining! And in our opinion the biggest advantage Universal Sapphire falls has over the Disney moderate resorts is the starting price of $202 per night compared to $306 at the Disney World moderate resorts.
Universal Preferred Resort Benefits Included:
- Early Park Admission - to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Volcano Bay, one hour before the theme parks open for regular guests
- Complimentary Transportation - to Universal Studios, Island's of Adventure and Volcano Bay
- Universal resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key
- Complimentary delivery of merchandise - purchased throughout Universal property
Universal Preferred Resort Cons
In our opinion there are not many cons to staying at the Universal preferred resorts over the Disney World moderate resorts outside of the sit-down restaurants. We feel like the restaurants found at the Disney World moderate resorts are better than the ones located at Sapphire Falls resort. We also love that the Disney Caribbean beach resort is so close to Disney’s Riviera resort which will allow guests to take advantage of their restaurants as well.
Universal Value Resort Benefits Not Included:
- Free Universal Express Unlimited Passes - Skip the regular lines in both theme parks
- Priority Seating at Select Restaurants - Enjoy first available seating at select Universal Orlando and CityWalk restaurants
Disney World Deluxe and Universal Premier Resorts
Disney Deluxe Resort Pros
From our experience, the Disney World deluxe resorts and Universal Orlando premier resorts are very close in a lot of categories. However, we feel like the Disney World deluxe resorts provide the ultimate luxury experience when it comes to amenities such as themed pools, on-site dining, and themed bars for adults visiting Disney. And although Universal offers early park admission in the morning to on-site hotel guests, we simply love the extended evening hours that come with all Disney World deluxe hotels.
Disney Deluxe Resort Benefits Included:
- Early Theme Park Entry - Resort Guests are able to enter one of the four Disney World theme parks up to a half hour before regular park guests. Valid admission is required.
- Complimentary Transportation - to all four Disney World theme parks, water parks, and Disney Springs.
- Disney World resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key or magic band
- Priority Access to Individual Lightning Lanes - On-site Disney resort guests have priority access to individual lightning lane rides at 7:00 AM.
- Disney Deluxe Resort Extra Evening Hours - Enjoy extra evening hours at some of the Disney World parks when you stay at a Disney deluxe resort.
Disney Deluxe Resort Cons
One of the only downsides to the Disney World deluxe resorts, when compared to the Universal Orlando premier resorts, is the price difference, with the Disney deluxe resorts being 20-30% more in many situations.
Universal Orlando Premier Resort Pros
By far our favorite benefit of staying at a Universal Orlando premier resort compared to a Disney World Deluxe resort is the fact that you receive free Universal Express passes with your stay! On top of that we do love that all of the rooms at the Universal Orlando premier resorts are larger and more spacious than over at the Disney World deluxe resorts. We also do believe that Universal does have a few great restaurants at the Hard Rock hotel and Loews Portofino Bay Resort, we just feel like Disney has more.
Universal Preferred Resort Benefits Included:
- Early Park Admission - to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Volcano Bay, one hour before the theme parks open for regular guests
- Complimentary Transportation - to Universal Studios, Island's of Adventure and Volcano Bay
- Universal resort wide charging privileges - available with your hotel room key
- Complimentary delivery of merchandise - purchased throughout Universal property
- Free Universal Express Unlimited Passes - Skip the regular lines in both theme parks
- Priority Seating at Select Restaurants - Enjoy first available seating at select Universal Orlando and CityWalk restaurants
Universal Premier Resort Cons
Overall one of the biggest cons of staying at a Universal Orlando premier resort is that id doesn’t come with extended evening hours like over at Disney. However, on the flip side, because you will receive free Universal express passes you should still absolutely be able to get onto all of the rides in the parks with no problems.
Talk to a Disney expert now! Call 321-966-4300 or get a family Disney vacation package quote online using our chat or submit a quote above.
Benefits of Booking a Disney World Package With The Park Prodigy
The Park Prodigy is an authorized Disney travel agent bringing you the best 2023 Disney World family vacation packages. Our vacation planners are up to date on all of the latest Disney World special offers.
Not only that but all clients who book with The Park Prodigy are automatically eligible for our Magic Rewards. This allows all of our clients to earn points towards gift cards which can be used to purchase discount 2023 Disney vacation packages!
Reasons why our clients love us:
- Free concierge service, which includes a personal travel planner to help with park plans, dining, price monitoring and so much more
- Always save money vs. booking directly with Disney
- Less stress with our free Disney World park plans and vacation planning tools
- Constant customer service support before, during, and after your trip
Talk to a Disney expert now! Call 321-966-4300 or get a family Disney vacation package quote online using our chat or submit a quote above.
Do I have to pay for my vacation package in full today?
No, in fact as long as your reservation is made 31 days or more for Walt Disney World and 45 days or more for Universal Orlando guests can book their vacation package for as little as $200 down for Disney World and $50 per person down for Universal Orlando.
Is my package guaranteed once I book through The Park Prodigy?
Reservations are not guaranteed/ accepted until payment is confirmed by The Walt Disney Travel company or Universal Parks and Resorts with a confirmation number. However we make it our goal to complete your booking as seamlessly and quickly as possible! All package orders are submitted within minutes during our normal operating hours and first thing the following morning for packages purchased at night.
Can I cancel my Disney vacation package?
There are several cancelation policies in place prior to guest arrival.
Disney World Cancelation policy procedures:
For cancellations made 30 days or more prior to guest arrival, amounts paid, minus cancellation fees assessed by third party hotels or other suppliers, non-refundable air transportation, non-refundable runDisney race registrations, travel insurance premiums, and other amounts owed, will be refunded.
For cancellations made 2 days to 29 days prior to guest arrival, amounts paid, minus a cancellation fee of $200 per package and minus any cancellation fees assessed by third party hotels or other suppliers, non-refundable air transportation, non-refundable runDisney race registrations, travel insurance premiums and other amounts owed, will be refunded. No refunds are given for cancellation of any personalized products or experiences.
For cancellations made 1 day or less prior to guest arrival or for no-shows, the full price of the package is non-refundable.
Guest will be responsible for any cancellation fees assessed by an airline. In the case of a non-refundable airline ticket, the cancellation fee is equal to the entire ticket price. Cancellation of a refundable airline ticket must be made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled airline departure time. No refunds for airline tickets will be made after travel has commenced or if a flight is missed/delayed.
No refunds will be made for early departure from hotel and for unused or partially used admission tickets, options or features, including meals.
Any refunds allowed by Disney in its sole discretion after arrival must be requested in writing within 90 days after departure and may be assessed a $25 processing fee.
Disney reserves the right to make refunds in accordance with the method that payment was received. All appropriate refunds will be made through the guest’s travel agent if payment was made by the travel agent. Disney is not responsible for the receipt of refund monies by guests from their travel agents.
Universal Orlando Cancelation policy:
45 Days or more: Full refund (Additional Terms & Conditions apply regarding transactions including air travel, Halloween Horror Nights, Blue Man Group, VIP Tours and other excluded products.)
44 – 6 Days: $100 fee per reservation, plus cancellation fees charged by supplier will be incurred.
5-0 Days: $200 fee per reservation, plus cancellation fees charged by supplier will be incurred.
Important Notice
A Disney Resort hotel stay does not guarantee access to a theme park. All Guests, including Disney Resort hotel Guests, must have both a valid ticket or pass and a theme park reservation to enter one of the parks. Please check reservation availability before purchasing. The Park Prodigy is happy to help all clients make their Disney theme park reservations. Availability of park reservations is limited and subject to change. See Current Park Reservation Availability
All theme park ticket and vacation package prices, package inclusions, options and magic rewards points are subject to availability and can change without notice and additional restrictions may apply. Errors will be corrected where discovered and The Park Prodigy reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, weather such error is on a website or any print or other advertisement relating to these products and special offers.
